Food Manufacturing

ERD Stainless Steel Linear Actuators designed for washdown

Recently introduced by Motion Control Products Ltd, the new ERD22 electric rod linear actuator from Tolomatic is a low-cost, versatile replacement for pneumatic cylinders and an alternative to manual processes. With force capabilities up to 7000N (1700 lbf), the all-300 series stainless-steel ERD22 is a standard catalogue item featuring hygienic design and IP69k rating. Suitable for medium-force washdown applications, the ERD22 linear actuator is USDA-approved for meat, poultry and dairy applications such as pumping, fluid dispensing, volumetric filling, slicing, cutting and chopping.

10th July 2015

Pinch valves give reliable shut off and smooth media flow

Festo is launching a new pneumatic pinch valve - the VZQA - which provides reliable control and shut off in food and drink production processes. The valves are durable, energy efficient, easy to service, and flexible, thanks to their simple construction, and as a result provide a cost-effective alternative to conventional valves such as diaphragm and ball valves.

2nd July 2015

Robots are on the march

There have not been that many robots used in food processing industries to date but we are on the cusp of a sea change, says Chris Evans, Marketing & Operations Group Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. Automation Systems Division. Five years from now they will be very much the norm.

30th June 2015

Unlocking the potential of robotic automation

Mike Wilson, general industry sales and marketing manager at ABB Robotics UK and Ireland, comments on how starting small could be the key to unlocking the potential of robotic automation in the UK.

30th June 2015

Comau unveils newest robot: Racer 3

With more than 40 years of innovation and experience behind it, Racer3 is a powerful, high-speed, 6-axis articulated robot featuring a payload of 3kg and a reach of just 630mm. Built from high-strength aluminium, the newest innovation in Comau robotics is lightweight and can be easily mounted on benches, walls, ceilings or on inclined supports. It is also very fast, and may become the fastest in its class. The third robot within the award-winning Racer family, Racer3 is Comau's response to the growing demand for fast, cost-effective robotic automation within small to medium-sized enterprises and emerging countries.

24th June 2015

Industrial connector series is optimised for hygienic safety

The new Han F+B connector series from Harting features a design that is optimised to meet the hygienic requirements of the food, packaging and beverage industries.

12th June 2015

Industrial connector series is optimised for hygienic safety

Harting's new Han F+B connector series features a design that is optimised to meet the hygienic requirements of the food, packaging and beverage industries.

3rd June 2015

Busting the myths around robotics

Fact or fabrication? Paul Wilkinson of Pacepacker Services addresses the most common preconceptions about the use of robot systems in the food and drink industry and tackles some of the most persistent myths.

3rd June 2015

igus dryspin lead screw drives for high efficiency and low noise

igus has released a short video demonstrating some of the features and benefits of its dryspin lead screw drives that enable engineers to achieve higher efficiency, quieter operation and longer lifetime. Typical applications for this drive technology include laboratory automation, automotive manufacturing, packaging and handling equipment.

27th May 2015

New whitepaper on "Industry 4.0" now available from Rittal

Manufacturing can become faster and much more flexible with consistent, IT-assisted value chains. A newly published whitepaper from Rittal shows the key role IT plays in what is termed Industry 4.0 and explains how companies can establish the infrastructure that is required to bring the concept to fruition.

27th May 2015