Food Manufacturing

QC of alcoholic beverages relies on Watson-Marlow OEM pumps

Zeutec Opto-Elektronik of Rendsburg, Germany has adopted 114 series OEM peristaltic pumps from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group in technology that partners the company's latest SpectraAlyzer 2.0, a near-infrared (NIR) analyser for alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and spirits. Zeutec, a supplier of spectrometer systems, now relies on the peristaltic pumps for use in an auto-sampler, which is used to prepare samples ready for analysis by the SpectraAlyzer.

30th March 2015

Safety and automation system selected for packaging line upgrade

Zweifel Pomy-Chips AG has used Pilz PSS 4000 automation systems to monitor and control the automation and safety functions on nine upgraded packaging lines for potato crisps, benefiting from simplicity, a drastic reduction in cabling, clear communications, clear responsibilities and, ultimately, an excellent price-performance ratio.

26th March 2015

Miniature VHS solenoid valves play role in 3D bio-printing

The rapid development of viable inkjet technology for highly specialised applications, such as printing human cells, continues to generate significant interest. If successful, the realisation of this technology for specialised biological applications, generally known as "˜biofabrication', has the potential to replace the long established (and often controversial) process of using animals for testing new drugs.

4th March 2015

All-in-one controllers used for packaging and labelling machines

Kolman has used Unitronics Vision570 and Vision560 all-in-one PLC, HMI and I/O devices in its latest generation of packaging and labelling machinery.

4th March 2015

RMIG's bridge slot screens optimise woodchip drying process

RMIG has recently supplied its perforated steel bridge slot screens to PWR Bioheat for use as flooring in on-site woodchip drying chambers.

24th February 2015

NORD geared motors have surface treatment for salty environment

Krijn Verwijs is one of Europe's foremost suppliers of shellfish products including oysters, lobster and in particular fresh blue or common mussels. In its Yerseke, Netherlands-based shellfish production centre, rapid drive corrosion due to the seawater-infused atmosphere has long been a major concern. NORD aluminium geared motors with a special surface conversion treatment now provides an economical solution to resolve this issue.

20th February 2015

robolink helps robots break free

For reasons of safety, industrial robots tend to be segregated from humans, which can restrict the types of tasks that robots perform. This has led robot technologists to search for ways to set robots free from their cages. If this can be achieved, the combination of dexterity and problem-solving skills of humans along with precision and strength of robots can be fully harnessed.

19th February 2015

Innovative inspection system for food and beverage industry

RNA Automation was recently approached with a request for a fully automated quality control and inspection system to handle and inspect plastic moulded components. The request related to a UK-based production requirement for a global leader in the food and beverage industry.

16th February 2015

Remote access support and diagnostics minimise downtime

By installing eWON VPN routers and using the Talk2M Internet-based remote access system, food packaging company Proseal UK can now securely access, diagnose and quickly resolve issues on its tray sealing machines located anywhere in the world, via secure broadband connections.

10th February 2015

Infra-red heating systems helps maintain chocolate quality

A precisely controllable, two-zone carbon infra-red heating system from Heraeus Noblelight is helping to ensure consistent chocolate quality at Ashbury Chocolates Ltd, of Corby, by pre-heating chocolate moulds prior to filling. The quartz infra-red system also saves considerable space over the metal element heating system which was previously employed.

23rd January 2015

Applications