High-speed GigE cameras suit 3D machine vision

Stemmer Imaging is now offering the C4 series of GigE 3D high-speed cameras from Automation Technology GmbH (AT). The AT C4 series will be exhibited on Stand 626 at VTX 2009 (25-26 March at teh NEC, Birmingham) and features what is claimed to be the fastest high-resolution 3D sensor in the world. With a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels it delivers more than 104million 3D points per second - which is twice that of previous models.

New stationary 1D/2D code readers from the Siemens Industry Automation Division are characterised by their high reading reliability and speed as well as by diverse communication and connection possibilities. A primary use of the compact Simatic MV440 code-reading systems, which feature high protection rating IP67, is for reading data matrix codes such as direct part marks (DPMs) on objects under difficult ambient conditions in an industrial environment. Thanks to its flexible lighting options, the system can be adapted to the respective application. Typical uses are product tracing, process control and checking the quality of marking in a variety of applications in the automotive, packaging, pharmaceutical, tobacco, cosmetics, electronics and food & beverages industries.

NSK tailors bearings to the needs of the beverage industry

To enable customers to meet the demands of a broad range of applications in water, alkali and strong acid environments, NSK has developed the Aqua-Bearing, a special, highly corrosion resistant bearing for light load applications in the operating temperature range up to 40°C. The use of a special fluorine plastic for the inner and outer rings and a fluorine plastic cage, enables the Aqua-Bearing to achieve corrosion resistance equal to ceramic bearings and better than that of previous generations of plastic rolling bearings made of PE (Polyethylene) or PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide). 

Burkert has extended its 8070/8071 range of positive displacement flow meters for the measurement of high-viscosity fluids, such as glue, honey and oil. The range now extends from 1/8-4inch, providing metering with high levels of accuracy (0.5 per cent full scale or better) for difficult-to-measure fluids with viscosities up to 1000centipoise.

40mm aluminium profiles suit food industry applications

The newest version of the Schuco Design MS 40 profile system for food and beverage automation equipment is now available from Autarky Automation, the UK designer and manufacturer of modular automation systems. The new MS 40+ system features a comprehensive range of components that combine to provide a simple, safe and flexible system for constructing machine frames, housings and protective guarding, for filling, capping, packaging or labelling systems.

Flow controller offers two-stage batch control

Low-cost batch control, blending or tank-filling of chemicals, food ingredients, beverages, fuels and solvents by the rugged Titan Metra-Batch plant- or panel-mounted controller offers two-stage batch control and automatic over-run compensation. The eight-digit batch display is selectable to count either up or down, in engineering units, or can show the current flow rate, or total product consumption on a password-protected accumulator, as well as the number of batches delivered. The unit can transmit totaliser and flow rate data for remote monitoring.

Strain gauge displacement transducers offer benefits over LVDTs

Applied Measurements is introducing a range of strain gauge displacement transducers that offers expanded stroke lengths from as low as 0-5mm up to 0-100mm. The transducers are said to be fully interchangeable with alternative strain gauge displacement transducer models currently on the market and offer long service life and excellent mechanical reliability.

Rolling bearings suit the needs of beverage production

Rolling bearings are key components in all areas of beverage production: blowing, filling-capping, labelling, conveying and palletising. Their performance, reliability and operating life have a significant effect in ensuring that operating costs are minimised and production efficiencies increased. In addition, as bearing technology accelerates, opportunities for technology transfer mean that bearings can play a wider role in reducing the life costs of machines. This is achieved by applying new materials, sealing and lubrication technology to improve the machine design and reduce its maintenance costs.