Advances in drives technology

Back in 1968 when Danfoss launched the world's first production drives, dc drives were the workhorse of industry but used for fewer and simpler applications than drives are today. Advances in technology have completely swung this around and dc drives are very much the minority product with ac drives being more widely applied than ever before. The sale of AC variable speed drives is now measured in hundreds of thousands and back in the early days a real breakthrough would be the sale of one or two pieces.

Solutions for the food industry

The food industry is one of the biggest growth markets of the automation sector. Regardless of whether manufacturing of food, primary or secondary packaging, automation is the trend. At AUTOMATICA from June 3 to 6, exhibitors are going to present the latest developments and pioneering solutions for efficient and controlled, safe production methods for food.

"Farming intelligence" creates greater value

Service robots are revolutionizing the agricultural sector. They sew, weed, fertilize and feed animals with increasing autonomy. Field robots account for a 33-percent share of all service robots sold in 2012. More efficient processes in harvest logistics are increasing productivity and farmers' ability to compete, and driverless vehicles are relieving farmers who, until now, spent up to half of the time they spent working on transportation alone. For the first time ever, AUTOMATICA from June 3-6 will give marketable service robotics its own platform in the new exhibition sector for professional service robotics. 

Service Robots - intelligent and autonomous

Service robots are extremely gifted; they can detect and interpret their surroundings, have the ability to learn and are easy to teach. Flexible and autonomous, they are suitable for high-quality, individual services, including in a supporting function with people. AUTOMATICA, held in Munich from June 3 to 6, will present a separate exhibition area for the topic of professional service robotics for the first time.

Multi-point lubricator for rolling bearings

At MAINTEC 2014, Schaeffler unveiled its unique multi-point lubricator for rolling bearings. The system can be adjusted to provide four different lubrication volumes to cater for bearings with varying lubrication requirements - which the company says is an industry first. FAG CONCEPT8 is an innovative, cost effective lubrication system for rolling bearings that ensures a constant, optimum supply of grease to the bearings without the need for manual intervention, particularly if machines are located in difficult-to-access areas or are deemed as critical to the production process.

Servo inverters provide impetus for label converter innovation

The future of machine programming is FAST, as ABG reduces design time and costs with Application Templates from Lenze.

New SICK PBSH pressure switch reduces hygiene costs for food processors

The new PBSH pressure switch from SICK's Industrial Instrumentation Division is designed specifically for pressure control applications in food and beverage processes, achieving stringent hygiene standards and high production availability cost-effectively. The SICK PBSH combines hygienic stainless steel wetted parts with a heavy duty plastic housing featuring a bright, highly visible display to provide direct indication of process pressure.  In addition, industry standard electrical output signals provide constant feedback to the process PLC.  A seal free construction ensures that the PBSH resists the aggressive and high-temperature CIP/SIP cleaning and sterilising regimes employed in the food and beverage industry.

CONNECTIVITY - Murrelektronik's new approach to machine and system installations

Murrelektronik is delighted to announce the launch of CONNECTIVITY its system consulting brand. CONNECTIVITY is where our specialized knowledge and innovative technologies connect with your machine and plant installation to develop an individual system solution - consistently and from a single source. 

PBSH pressure switch reduces hygiene costs for food processors

The new PBSH pressure switch from SICK's Industrial Instrumentation Division is designed specifically for pressure control applications in food and beverage processes, achieving stringent hygiene standards and high production availability cost effectively.

Intelligent valve reduces pipework by switching multiple flows

The ideal valve for use in a hygienic processing environment is easy to clean using CIP, contains a low internal volume and a minimum number of connections as well as offer super precise flow control abilities. These criteria were used to design the Robolux valve from Bürkert, which, now compatible with its ELEMENT control heads, offers a cost-saving, space-saving, intelligent field device which is suited for use in pharmaceutical, chemical, food and beverage processing applications.