Food Manufacturing

FieldPower offers decentralised power distribution

FieldPower is being described by Weidmüller as a new connection concept for decentralised power distribution in mechanical and systems engineering, airports, automotive industry - or anywhere there is a need to distribute power across extended distances. The product family comprises PowerBox distributor boxes rated to IP65, maintenance switches, plug-in connectors - optionally available with fuse function - cables, prefabricated cables harnesses, tools and an extensive range of accessories.

11th May 2008

Robust inspection system keeps sausages safe

Pre-packed meat and sausage company, Aldenhoven, wanted the highest possible quality standards, exceeding IFS requirements. But finding suitable metal detection and separation equipment that was both easy to use and reliable proved to be far from easy. A major problem was the inspection of sausage meat filling for very small particles of metal from the production process without wasting an unacceptable quantity of the product. The strong and variable product effect combined with high vibration levels and wet operating conditions demanded a very high specification inspection system. The solution came in the form of a Liquiscan metal detection system with the Genius control unit from S+S Inspection.

11th May 2008

Piston-operated valves designed for harsh environments

Asco Numatics is introducing the series 298-398 process valve, a new range of robust, piston-operated valves for steam, superheated water, hot and cold liquids, and inert gases. Available for use on positive pressure or vacuum service, the valves are designed to withstand the most aggressive of manufacturing processes.

2nd May 2008

3D Sentinel Vision system gives real-time measurements

A 3D vision system that can instantly detect when bakery and confectionery products exceed dimensional tolerances prior to packaging is claimed to be achieving new performance levels of quality inspection, linked to real-time production correction and rapid return on investment.

23rd April 2008

Solid-state level sensor is compact, low-cost and rugged

Gems Sensors & Controls is launching a new miniature, low-cost electro-optic level sensor, the ELS-950. The compact size, durability, high-temperature capability and low cost make the ELS-950 suitable for monitoring coolants, lubricants, hydraulic fluids and overflow reservoirs in industries as diverse as off-highway vehicles, medicine, oil and gas, water, HVAC, marine, transport, food and beverage.

23rd April 2008

Universal module suits cramped robot applications

Plastic corrugated tubes used in robotic applications can bend and tear because they cannot absorb torsional movements very well. The energy chain experts at Igus have already developed the Triflex R, a multi-dimensional energy chain system with complete freedom of movement in the X, Y and Z axes. And now there is a new universal module available called Triflex RS, which has been designed especially for robotic applications in cramped conditions. The system guides the energy chain close to the robot arm, and avoids any looping.

16th April 2008

Stainless motors boost opportunities with new options

New options for Marlin Stainless motors are a range of stainless steel gearboxes, a choice of mountings and a pharmaceutical quality polished finish. These options, which can be supplied in any permutation, are intended to extend the scope of applications in the industries that can be satisfied by Marlin motors, including food and drink, and pharmaceutical.

3rd April 2008

Sweet maker reduces machine downtime with change in bearing inserts

NSK's ability to provide cost saving solutions to bearing problems across all types of industries was demonstrated recently by an application in the confectionery industry. NSK deployed its Asset Improvement Programme (AIP) on behalf of a manufacturer of sugar coated sweets. The result has been a savings on annual bearings and maintenance costs of £130,000 per annum, and the consequent benefits of improved reliability and increased productivity.

3rd April 2008

SafetyBUS p safety input module is sealed to IP67

Pilz Automation Technology is launching a new IP67 digital input module for use with SafetyBUS p, the safe, open industrial fieldbus system. This will help to save costs for machine builders and system integrators as it can be installed directly on the machine, thereby avoiding the need for the inputs to be connected inside a control cabinet. Not only can this eliminate the cost of a cabinet, but it also reduces the work involved in planning and installation, which helps to save valuable engineering time.

19th March 2008

Low-cost, high-performance transmitter for Pt100 sensors

Hawco Controls is launching Inor's accurate and stable analogue transmitter for use with Pt100 RTD resistive temperature detector (RTD) sensors. The C201 takes a resistive signal from the Pt100 sensor element, amplifies the signal and transmits it to a remote PLC or control panel location within a radius of up to a few hundred metres. Moreover, this low-cost device is PC-programmable, so the calibration process is achieved in seconds. Its low profile and 3g weight also simplify installation.

11th March 2008

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