B&R Product of the Month B&R keypad module with E-stop
B&R’s illuminated ring keypad modules with IP65 protection are designed for in- stallation directly on the machine. First introduced in early 2012, the latest addi- tion to this series is a model that in- cludes an integrated E-stop button. With both the button and the electronics inte- grated in a low profile housing and stan-
dard M8/M12 connectors, installation and wiring is easy. These keypads can be mounted anywhere on the machine at intervals of up to 100m. Installed using only two screws, they require no additional accessories and can easily be connected to any common bus system. The signals for the E- stop button can be connected directly to a safety circuit or incorporated via SafeIO modules into an integrated safety network such as openSAFETY. B&R E-stop keypad modules meet the most stringent requirements for ergonomics and are extremely easy to clean. With no surface edges, indentations or grooves, these modules are well suited for use in hygienic applications as well. In addition to providing tactile feedback, the illuminated ring keys ensure an even distribution of light for clear signalling and can also be labelled individually. B&R Industrial Automation
www.br-automation.com T: 01733 371 320
ON THE FIRST morning of its annual Automation Fair, this year held in Houston, Texas, Rockwell Automation announced that it has agreed to purchase vMonitor. VMonitor specialises in digital oil field implementation and remote operations worldwide. It delivers monitoring and con- trol solutions for wellhead and upstream applications that combine wireless instru- mentation and communication with visuali- sation software to help customers make more informed decisions and improve production.
In brief...
Scotland’s largest independent manufacturer of card- board boxes, The Boxshop, has installed two addi- tional Mosca strappers following expansion at its facility in East Kilbride. The first machine is an MCB 2 which has been in-
stalled at the end of a TCY 9PA case maker, the sec- ond new Mosca is an ROATRS which has been supplied to follow a Bobst VisionFold gluer machine. Managing director at The Boxshop, David Protheroe, said, “We know what we are getting with a Mosca machine - they perform exactly as expected and are great quality and very reliable.”
www.moscadirect.com
A new report from independent economic think tank, Bruegel, has laid out the reasons for which manufacturing in the EU still matters, and pro- poses improvements to the European Commis- sion’s current approach to industrial policy. The report, entitled ‘Manufacturing Europe’s future,’ was launched in October and relies on both micro- economic and macro-economic data to show that the decline of manufacturing in Europe has slowed down, despite the loss of jobs in the sector. The report can be downloaded at:
www.bruegel.org/publications
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Acquisition promotes Middle East presence
VMonitor has the world’s largest installed base of wireless wellhead monitoring systems for natu- ral and artificially lifted wells, with more than 6,000 well sites for major oil and gas companies around the world. “Strategically, vMonitor’s world class dig- ital oilfield technology and services, com- bined with our comprehensive portfolio of solutions, strengthen our ability to deliver end to end projects for the oil and gas sector,” said Terry Gebert, vice president and general manager, Rockwell Automation Global Solutions.
“Equally important, vMonitor’s capabili- ties will accelerate our development of simi- lar process solutions and remote monitoring services for water/wastewater, mining and other industries globally,” said Gebert. “Our customers will benefit from the
Rockwell Automation global solutions capa- bilities and complementary product lines to ensure we can collectively provide a seamless integrated solution,” said Rashed Saif Al Suwaidi, chairman of vMonitor. “Our employ- ees will also join an innovative, fast growing technology leader serving the worldwide oil and gas industry.” VMonitor has about 120 employees at offices located in Houston, Mumbai, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and other Middle East locations. The company’s technologies include an all-wireless portfolio of wellhead sensors and transmitters, remote terminal units, gate- ways and modems, as well as turnkey moni- toring and control systems and services. These offerings cover a range of applications from oil and gas wells, pipelines, pumping and lift stations, to refineries and tank farms.
www.rockwellautomation.com
A team of specialist engineers from SMC has been working with Italian machine manufacturer, Cosvic, on the development of a 24m long assembly line to produce and test brushless motors. The fully automotive ‘smart’ machine comprises three interconnected lines and 23 stations, with the capabil- ity of assembling up to 400 engines an hour. This flexible system is able to produce motors of vary- ing sizes, without halting production thanks to a bar- code reader and the fact that the machine doesn’t need to be empty when you change components.
www.smcpneumatics.co.uk
European Automation, the supplier of industrial automation parts, has opened a new 10,000ft2 warehouse in Fenton, one of the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent. The new site will provide faster de- livery of components such as inverters, motors and PLCs to a growing range of clients worldwide. The new warehouse facility allows European Au- tomation to acquire and stock a larger number of spare parts, particularly old generation or obso- lete automation components. This, in turn, means the company’s consultants will save time when lo- cating a part for their customers. The central loca- tion of the warehouse is also convenient, particularly for UK deliveries.
www.euautomation.com
CC-Link recently held a seminar to explore the enormous potential in Asia of open networks for au- tomation and control systems, including forecasts for technical development, economic growth and geographic coverage. The event took place in Hatfield and was organised by the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA). Speakers included senior managers from some key automation vendors, such as Balluff, Renesas, Festo and Mit- subishi Electric. One of the key themes of the day was establishing business links with China and other grow- ing markets of Asia.
www.the-non-stop-open-network.com
A Staffordshire manufacturing firm is running a compe- tition to boost the quality of its apprentice intake. KMF Precision Sheet Metal Manufacturing, based in Newcastle under Lyme, has tasked local schools to design, build and race Formula 24 cars - to identify potential future engineers. It builds on the success of last year’s competition, when 1,700 pupils competed to design and create a prototype mechanical clock. The prize is an opportunity for work experience at
KMF with the option to apply for a rigorous ad- vanced apprenticeship, supported by nationally recognised EAL qualifications.
www.eal.org.uk
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 Automation
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