Food Manufacturing

Products

Autodesk PLM 360 is now available as Software as a Service

Autodesk PLM 360 is now available. This next-generation, cloud-based alternative approach to PLM (product lifecycle management) is described as powerful, affordable and easy-to-implement, costing just a fraction of the cost of traditional PLM systems. Indeed, delivery in the form of Software as a Service (SaaS) means that Autodesk PLM 360 offers major advantages in terms of affordability and IT management.

1st March 2012

New 304 and 316 stainless steel floor standing enclosures

Eldon's new stainless steel floor standing enclosures are suitable for a broad spectrum of applications in the food and beverage sector and pharmaceuticals - or in aggressive environments such as petrochemical plants and offshore locations. The range incorporates stainless steel 304 grade wall-mounting and floor-standing enclosures, as well as consoles.

29th February 2012

Esband and Werner GRAF endless flat belts from Transdev

Transmission Developments (Transdev) has signed a UK distribution agreement with Max Schlatterer GmbH to supply Esband and Werner GRAF endless flat belts. These drive and conveyor belts are manufactured using a genuinely endless woven technique in a wide range of carcass materials and are finished with special coatings that are matched to the friction coefficient, durability, speed and accuracy requirements for high-precision/high-performance power transmission and conveying applications. The range is characterised by advantages such as low and uniform elongation, long operational life, excellent flexibility for small bending radii, high tear resistance and extremely consistent tensile strength. The truly endless belt design also enables the belt thickness to be controlled tightly over its entire length, thereby avoiding the step problem found in jointed alternatives; and with no splice or seam, they are also extremely quiet in operation.

27th February 2012

Zemic BM24R series high-capacity load cells from Variohm

Variohm EuroSensor is introducing the new low-profile Zemic BM24R series high-capacity load cells. The range has C3, C4, and C5 OIML R60 approval categories for legal-for-trade accuracy covering loads from 60kg to 60t in seven sizes - spanning 63mm to 140mm nominal diameter. The hermetically sealed load cells are finished in stainless steel with laser-welded diaphragms and a glass-to-metal sealed cable entry. With IP66 or optional IP68 protection, the BM24R is well suited for use on platform, tank or hopper weighing systems in washdown and harsh environments across the food and beverage, chemical and process industries.

27th February 2012

AirLINE Quick simplifies assembly of pneumatic control panels

Burkert's new AirLINE Quick is described as a reliable, compact and time-saving means of mounting Burkert type 8640 valve islands and AirLINE 8644 automation systems into control cabinets, thereby eliminating the need for bulkhead connections and internal piping. Benefiting from features such as integrated exhaust check valves, the AirLINE Quick adapter enables system designers to specify smaller control cabinets. An option of stainless steel construction makes the unit suitable for use in hygienic process actuation applications in the food, beverage or pharmaceutical industries.

27th January 2012

Evolving ergonomics with multi-touch technology

In the area of consumer electronics, multi-touch has not only changed the ergonomics of devices, it has changed user habits as well. In industrial automation, this technology has the potential to make machine operation more intuitive, faster and safer - in essence, to bring about a revolution in ergonomics for machine and system visualisation units.

22nd January 2012

Holistic approach to machine safety

On New Year's Eve as we said farewell to 2011 and the standard EN 954-1, we welcomed in the "Machinery Safety Alliance" - a new collaboration between Festo, Fortress Interlocks, Pilz Automation Technology, Troax, UK Engineering, and Werma, each providing expertise from its own field to help machine builders and users make sense of safety, and to safeguard their productivity.

22nd January 2012

W8 Inox photoelectric proximity sensors boast fast response

Sick is launching the W8 Inox photoelectric proximity sensors that are claimed to offer the highest standards of rugged environmental protection for a wide range of duties. Comprising five models, including proximity (with and without background suppression), reflex and through-beam types, the W8 Inox miniature sensors are said to deliver the fastest response speed on the market for improved precision at a very competitive price.

20th January 2012

Heavy-duty, low-maintenance Viking Universal Seal Pumps

Michael Smith Engineers is now supplying the Viking Universal Seal Pumps that are designed to meet the demands of heavy-duty, industrial pumping applications and incorporate essential features for reliable, low-maintenance pumping, even in challenging environments.

15th January 2012

B&R unveils multi-touch industrial control panels

In the field of consumer electronics, multi-touch has changed the ergonomics of devices and user habits as well. In industrial automation, this technology has the potential to make machine operation more intuitive, faster and safer - in essence, to bring about a revolution in ergonomics for machine and system visualisation units. At the 2011 SPS/IPC/Drives exhibition in Nuremberg, B&R introduced industrial multi-touch devices.

15th January 2012