Food Manufacturing

Gems offers new capacitive, non-contact level sensor CAP-100

Gems Sensors and Controls is launching the CAP-100, a compact, capacitive level sensor that is easy to mount and calibrate, offering an efficient and convenient level-sensing option.

27th June 2013

igus food-grade bearings comply with EU 10/2011 and FDA specs

igus UK has developed two new food-grade polymer bearing materials - iglidur A181 and iglidur A160 - that are compliant with both the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) specification for repeated contact with food and the EU 10/2011 Directive. As a result, food manufacturers can produce food to the highest standards while increasing the reliability of their process.

27th June 2013

Drive automation doubles beer production

A new cask racking plant at the St Austell brewery can produce 300 firkins, that is 9 gallon casks, per hour. The increased efficiency allows the brewery to switch from two-shift to one-shift operation and still have double the capacity. The plant uses drives and automation equipment throughout, ranging from controllers to efficient geared motors. The networking of the system is the key to the efficient operation of the plant.

26th June 2013

Food for thought

The food manufacturers who are successful in today's fast paced, ever changing industry are the ones who can capitalise on fast moving trends, optimise their efficiency and productivity, best manage their supply chain logistics, and minimise waste. Chris Evans of Mitsubishi Electric looks at how advanced automation technologies can help.

24th June 2013

Grip chains now resist corrosion

Chain manufacturer Iwis presents grip chains with wear- and corrosion-resistant clamping elements. The special-purpose conveyor chains are used for gripping, collecting and transporting thin-walled, large-surface materials, for example in the packaging, food and beverages and electronics industries, in circuit-board production and in metal processing.

24th June 2013

Easy set-up, low-cost, entry-level infrared machine vision

Flir is launching the A5 fixed mounted thermal imaging camera as the entry-level product in the Flir A-Series but it is still very capable. In common with all models in this range it is compatible with popular third-party software that enables it to be set-up optimally to suit the application.

20th June 2013

Bürkert launches new range of intelligent valve control heads

Thanks in part to the popularity of Bürkert's original 8681 control head that was designed specifically to bring control and connectivity to 3rd party hygienic process valves, Bürkert has now launched three new models in the range. The 8691, 8685 and 8695 all offer the same connectivity and functionality as the original, but now fit (with model specific adapter kits) a much wider range of valves, including some popular ranges from Bürkert's own catalogue.

18th June 2013

Floor standing enclosures with transparent door

Eldon has created single-item codes for its floor standing cabinets with transparent doors to help customers save time and money through simplified specification and order administration. This is another example of Eldon's aim to be "˜easy to do business with'.

18th June 2013

Fortress' mGard Interlock range receives TÜV SÜD safety approval

Fortress Interlocks' range of mGard safety interlocks has achieved approval from TÜV SÜD, the international Notified Body for the certification of safety components. Fortress is said to be the only trapped key manufacturer to carry independent third party approval on its trapped key range of interlocks, for use up to SIL3/PLe, reinforcing its position as a market leader. TÜV SÜD has certified that the mGard range meets the interlocking requirements of the latest European safety standards, so customers can install mGard with peace of mind.

14th June 2013

INOX and hygienic sensing systems meet strictest standards

Sensors, fixings and accessories can be the 'weakest link' in stringent hygienic food and beverage processing or pharmaceutical production. However, by extending its range with new products launched at TOTAL 2013, Sick says its Inox and hygienic sensors and mountings deliver seamless protection against contamination in demanding environments.

13th June 2013

Products