Two product releases from Softing’s smartLink family offer enhanced functionalities for Plant Asset Management and the implementation of Industry 4.0 connectivity in industrial networks.smartLink products enable Plant Asset Management and Industry 4.0 connectivity in industrial networks. The smartLink product family from Softing enables end customers to make efficient use of connectivity at the interface between OT and IT. The products allow simple and scalable integration of device data (…)

As a pioneer for bus-compatible position indicators for monitored size changeover, SIKO is presenting the AP05 as the most compact version in this segment, now with an integrated IO-Link interface. As the core element of monitored size changeover, networked position indicators have become an indispensable part of mechanical engineering. Their ability to display the setpoint and actual value on the adjusting spindle to the machine operator greatly increases comfort for the setter. This (…)

Production areas are expensive, especially when they have to be air-conditioned for high-precision production applications. Therefore, production areas should primarily be used for machines. Due to the growing trend towards Industry 4.0 and automation, however, production areas are increasingly being lost for handling workpieces or tools. In order to reduce space consumption caused by automation in production, Röders is presenting the extremely narrow linear multi-machine automation (…)

Laser depaneling is constantly gaining ground on conventional technologies. LPKF now supplements the market-leading Cutting-Master series with a compact, fast automation system for even higher performance. In electronics manufacturing, quality, reliability, and speed are what counts. The recently presented automation system from LPKF sets new standards in speed. It can place PCBs into boxes or blisters and disposes of the remaining tabs. The system works in part fully autono-mously without (…)

NSK linear guides and rolling bearings find use in many advanced automation systems for plastic injection moulding processes, including the industrial robots manufactured by Campetella Robotic Center. Campetella Robotic Center is an Italian company specialising in the production and application of industrial robots and automation systems for plastic injection moulding. Its history goes back centuries - the business was founded back in 1897 as a manufacturer of special agricultural equipment (…)

Rotary Power, part of the British Engines Group, has invested over £3 million in an automated DMG Mori machining cell which has been installed at the company´s manufacturing facility in the United KingdomDMG Mori robotic machining cell at Rotary Power´s facility in South Shields. The automated capability of the new cell has improved Rotary Power´s manufacturing efficiency by reducing the set up time by 87.5%. The average cycle time has also been reduced by 33% thanks to the machine´s (…)

Keyence has once again demonstrated its commitment to quality and innovation through the introduction of a new range of safety interlock switches suitable for a broad spectrum of machine safety applications. Available in mechanical locking and non-contact versions, the GS series combines ultra-compact size with innovative design and robust build which makes it easy to design into or retrofit to any machine. The locking type negates the possibility of unintended or unauthorised access to (…)

Wyzo – the world’s first high-speed pick-and-place sidebot – is now available for companies making their first steps into automation, as well as for large manufacturers looking for unrivalled versatility. Compact and agile, Wyzo works safely side-by-side with humans without protective barriers or performance compromises. This new approach to collaborative production is ideal for lightweight applications in the food & beverage, consumer goods, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, automotive, (…)

Wickert Maschinenbau has developed an extremely compact, setup-free multifunctional gripper for the handling of multilayer-stacked or chaotically deposited components with layer separation. The system is available with two different gripper types: A group of two to six fingers picks up workpieces and lifts them out of the transport container. As soon as one layer has been completely emptied, the separation sheet is removed by three close-fitting, extendable vacuum suction elements on the (…)

Starting on 30 March 2021, FANUC will conduct a webinar series with a focus on factory automation. Webinars will be held on a monthly basis and feature many useful, flexible and safety enhancing functions of FANUC’s CNCs. Examples are the Quick and Simple Start Up (QSSR) for easy connection of robots and machines as well as other functions like G-Code Guidance, PROFINET functionality and tools like the Dual Check Safety Acceptance Test Assist Tool. Machine Tool Builders, end customers and (…)