News

Kistler has unveiled its newly overhauled website, which now gives easy access to the most suitable product solution for a huge range of applications. Initially, customers from Germany can order measurement technology products online in a new web shop, with international customers set to follow.

Kistler offers measurement technology for a wide range of user groups and applications, from single sensors to complete measurement solutions. Potential applications include quality assurance in production, weight control of trucks, and aerospace testing. Kistler’s focus on the user-friendliness of the new website makes it easy to locate the right product in this extensive portfolio. Users from different industries and sectors can quickly find the product category relevant to them via the “Industries and Applications” tab. Illustrations and videos make complex measurement solutions easy to understand and suitable equipment for any application easy to find. Using the filter function, the product range can be narrowed down to the most relevant options. 3D models, data sheets and operating instructions further facilitate product selection.

Pilot phase of web shop started

In Germany, the large product selection is now available online for the first time via the redesigned website. During the pilot phase, German customers can order standard sensors and corresponding accessories directly by logging into the “myKistler” user area. Products requiring further advice such as custom-made items can also be added to the virtual shopping basket. The check-out function then sends the request to the relevant experts at Kistler, who will get in touch straight away.

“It is important to us that we offer easy access to our products to customers from all over the world, from different industries and with a different knowledge of measurement technology,” says David Stucki, Head of E-Business, who is responsible for the launch of the new website. “This is why we have adapted the site to local needs in some regions. Users will, for example, primarily see references from their own country of residence,” adds Christoph Keller, Corporate Program & Project Manager. While online shopping is initially only possible in Germany, preselecting products via the shopping basket is available worldwide. The sale is then concluded with the help of Kistler employees. Step by step, Kistler is set to make the other functions of the web store available worldwide. “Experienced experts, who work very closely with our customers, continue to be an important part of Kistler’s success. With the launch of the new website and the “myKistler” customer portal, we want to provide our customers and our team with a powerful tool that allows quick access to relevant information such as prices, availability and order history,” says David Stucki.

Farnell has strengthened its semiconductor portfolio with the signing of a new global distribution agreement with Analog Devices, Inc.

Farnell will offer fast delivery on the Analog Devices portfolio, including the latest new-to-market products. The increased range will benefit design engineers creating new solutions for the aerospace and defence, automotive, communications, consumer, datacentres, energy, industrial automation, instrumentation and digital healthcare markets.

The broad portfolio of high-performance analogue, mixed-signal and digital signal processing integrated circuits by Analog Devices is suitable for many types of electronic equipment used in 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), cyber security, radar systems and RF solutions, as well as sensor interfaces and precision technology applications.

Farnell is adding inventory from Analog Devices to enhance the following product categories:

• Mixed signal: Amplifiers, ADC and DAC converters, analogue switches, comparators and analogue functions
• Power management: Battery management, DC/DC converters, voltage regulators, LDO, LED drivers, controllers, and power management integrated circuits (PMICs)
• Interface: Transceivers, receivers, interface, drivers and special function products
• Radio frequency (RF): RF amplifiers and modules
• Sensors: Temperature and optical sensors
• Embedded: Microcontrollers and digital signal processors

Analog Devices is known in the market for quality and reliability of its products that also offer differentiated performance and features. Combined with Farnell’s digital marketing reach and best-in-class ecommerce platform, the partnership brings the right mix of product excellence and distribution expertise to meet market requirements and drive success for customers.

Bryan Tallman, Vice President of Revenue, Strategy and Operations at Analog Devices says: “Our new distribution agreement with Farnell will not only provide our existing customers with increased availability but will also make our products more accessible to engineers around the world. The power of Farnell’s element14 Community, regional technical and customer support services, as well as robust distribution network were key drivers in establishing this new global partnership.”

The legacy brands of Maxim Integrated and Trinamic are stocked by Farnell with more than 21,500 devices available to order. Customers can now consolidate their purchasing needs from one reliable source, ensuring they have access to a broad range of new technologies, products and services to meet their design requirements.

Simon Meadmore, Vice President of Product and Supplier Management at Farnell says: “We are committed to strengthening our global product portfolio and Analog Devices is uniquely positioned to drive innovation across our key markets with high quality, integrated solutions. In addition to this, the inclusion of legacy products from Maxim Integrated and Trinamic assist design engineers in extending the life expectancy of existing products, helping to reduce the risk of early obsolescence. Together, Analog Devices and Farnell can offer customers the capability and integrated services to help drive success across a wide range of technologies, projects and applications.”

Analog Devices is a global semiconductor leader that bridges the physical and digital worlds to enable breakthroughs at the Intelligent Edge. Analog Devices combines analog, digital, and software technologies into solutions that help drive advancements in digitised factories, mobility, and digital healthcare, combat climate change, and reliably connect humans and the world. With more than 24,000 people globally working alongside 125,000 global customers, Analog Devices ensures today’s innovators stay Ahead of What’s Possible.

Farnell offers an extensive range of products in its comprehensive semiconductor portfolio to support design engineers. Customers also have free access to online resources, datasheets, application notes, videos, webinars, 24/5 technical support and accurate traceability.

Analog Devices’ selected range of market leading products is now available for fast delivery from Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.

SME manufacturers in the North West are using data and system integration technology as the driving force behind their digital transformation and growth ambitions, new analysis from Made Smarter reveals.

More than half (159) of the 275 technology projects supported by Made Smarter’s North West adoption programme focussed on digital technologies which connect disparate systems and unify data residing in different sources.

As a result of integrating systems and consolidating data sources, business leaders have achieved real-time visualisation of their processes, been able to spot trends in production and labour, correct maintenance and quality issues, and minimise safety, business risk and operational downtime throughout their production. 

One in five are adopting robotics and process control automation, while seven per cent are investing in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), using sensors to collect critical production data to gain valuable insights about the efficiency of operations. Others are adopting additive manufacturing to reduce waste and fast track prototyping, while some are using immersive technologies to add value to their services. 

Meanwhile, early adopters who have already captured data are now focussed on analytics and artificial intelligence to get more insight and value from their manufacturing operations.

Among those reaping the benefits are The Cumbria Clock Company in Penrith, which maintains 1,000 church and public clocks. It introduced a bespoke digital management system to give the business complete oversight over its operation, increase productivity and efficiency, cut costs and reduce carbon footprint.

Precision Card Services (PCS), a Macclesfield-based manufacturer of recyclable and eco-degradable plastic cards for household names including Harrods and Cineworld, invested in a bespoke solution that can read a card, check against a data file in real time, and then encode it. The investment resulted in a £1.5m contract and a raft of new customers.

Nutree Life, a Burscough-based manufacturer of vegan and free-from protein bars, integrated its systems, end to end from warehouse to despatch, enabling real-time visibility of its processes and the ability to respond to and improve its performance. As a result, the business has quadrupled its turnover and doubled its workforce.

Organica UK, a Birkenhead-based manufacturer of environmentally friendly household cleaning products for leading supermarket brands, invested in data-driven technology projects which introduced real-time monitoring and analytics. As a result, it was able to increase productivity by 20% and reduce energy consumption and waste.

Mini Gears, a Stockport-based manufacturer of machined parts, gears and gear racks, has embarked on a project to create a fully digitally integrated factory to drive growth and productivity, and penetrate new markets.

Alain Dilworth, Programme Manager for the Made Smarter’s North West adoption programme, said: “Data and analytics are central to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, so it is encouraging that so many of this region’s makers are embracing the opportunities that these tools offer.

“Capturing the data from across their processes and bringing it all together in one place is a vital first step for many manufacturers looking to solve problems and recognise opportunities. It also becomes a platform for the next step, one which some are already taking, is to analyse the data using artificial intelligence.

“Over the last four years Made Smarter has supported 2,500 businesses with grant funding, skills training and leadership advice. We are keen to start more conversations with SME manufacturers about how we can help them.”

For further information visit madsmarter.uk

PCS Instruments, a leader in the design and manufacture of equipment for testing fuels and lubricants, is leveraging the benefits of IEF Werner domiLINE linear motion systems from RARUK Automation Ltd for its latest innovation. The domiLINE supports a camera and spectrometer system with three axes of motion as part of PCS’s new-generation EHD instrument, giving users complete adjustment capabilities.

Established in 1987, PCS produces tribology instruments that give researchers the tools to benchmark their products against market-leading brands, thus playing a pivotal role in the development of world-class lubricants, materials and formulations. The company, based in West London, has a worldwide client base of users performing to ISO and ASTM test methods, as well as specialised tribology research in a wide range of industries.

There are many prerequisites that set instruments from PCS apart from competitor solutions, not least compact size, ease-of-use and, of course, extremely repeatable accuracy. For these reasons, the company turned to the performance of the IEF Werner domiLINE linear motion system from RARUK Automation for its new EHD instrument.

“The EHD measures the film thickness of lubricants in concentrated contacts using optical interferometry,” explains Dr Matt Smeeth of PCS Instruments. “This is a very important parameter in the industry and is widely used by lubricant manufacturers, additive makers and OEMs. The instrument is very precise and able to measure down to a film thickness value of 1nm.”

He adds: The domiLINE supports a camera and spectrometer system with three axes of motion, providing the user with complete adjustment capabilities. We chose it because of its ease-of-use and straightforward assembly: the domiLINE fits very well with the instrument. Its high-quality feel and reliability were further reasons behind our purchase decision.” 

Manufactured from hard anodised aluminium (with a stainless-steel option), the compact domiLINE offers high load ratings and low backlash. Offering every conceivable axis configuration, 30, 50, 80 and 120mm slide widths available as standard sizes. The adjusting accuracy is ±0.05mm to suit a wide range of applications, including 3D measurement, fine sensor adjustment, centric adjustment of lateral guides and pilot light focusing, to list but a few. 

At PCS, the company anticipates manufacturing up to 10 EHD instruments every year, every one of which will feature the domiLINE. 

“It was very important to source a readily available solution from RARUK Automation, even more so due to current global supply issues,” reports Dr Smeeth.

PCS has been a customer of RARUK Automation for many years and was already a user of the compact IEF Werner domiLINE before developing the EHD instrument. The slides can be found on the company’s Mini Traction Machine and EHL ultra-thin film measurement system. In the former, the domiLINE is responsible for the linear motion and focus adjustment of an RGB colour camera and microscope system, while in the latter it focuses a spectrometer and monochrome camera.

“In all the years we have been using domiLINE it hasn’t presented us with a single problem,” concludes Dr Smeeth.

ABB has introduced its energy management system ABB Ability OPTIMAX to the green hydrogen market, to help reduce costs of production by enabling real-time visibility of energy consumption across operations.

Green hydrogen made via electrolysis – a process of using electricity from renewable sources to split water into hydrogen and oxygen – is widely considered an important energy vector for achieving a low carbon future. It does, however, pose significant challenges in the way of high production costs and energy intensive processes.   

According to the Green Hydrogen Catapult, a global initiative made up of leading energy companies, to scale up production capacity to the 50 times needed, the cost to produce green hydrogen needs to drop by 50 percent to less than $2/kg by 2026.  

ABB’s OPTIMAX supports this by serving every aspect of a hydrogen plant lifecycle, from simulation at design and engineering phases to real-time visualisation and monitoring when in operation. The software measures bi-directional power flows and carbon dioxide emissions providing contextual data which operators can use to determine optimal energy consumption levels required to support plant processes and minimise waste.   

The transparency offered by the solution can also be applied to increase the efficiency and safety of each electrolyzer module being operated within the plant, regulating each module’s speed, and ensuring it is only used as and when required. 

 “Scaling up green hydrogen production requires significant capital investment as well as high operating costs,” said Sleman Saliba, Global Product Manager Energy Management for ABB Process Automation. “Nearly 70 percent of the total operating costs to run a hydrogen plant comes from the electricity needed to split the water molecule in the electrolysis process. With OPTIMAX, for between 1-3 percent technology investment, operators can run their industrial processes in the most energy efficient way and gain up to 20 percent reduction in electricity-based costs.”  

Incorporating intra-day planning, operators can also utilise OPTIMAX to plan ahead to trade competitively with the grid, developing a circular energy system that is based on forecasts of renewable energy availability against demand, also considering market electricity prices.  

The solution can also be used to optimise green hydrogen integration with existing hydrogen networks and any future infrastructure that may developed. 

Applying SNMP to the OT level is now a reality – here’s why…

Engineers can gain a unique insight into the health and performance of their networks and devices thanks to Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). Its use is key to advance industrial automation and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications, and it is now closer to becoming a reality, thanks to one future-oriented network technology.

John Browett, General Manager at the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA), looks at SNMP, its benefits as well as how, when combined with the right network, it can support industrial automation and control applications.

SNMP has been widely used throughout all information technology (IT) domains since its foundation, in the 1980s. It sits on the application layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model to support the management and monitoring of devices connected over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. These include Ethernet switches, as well as any device that supports IP or Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) communication, such as bridges, routers, access servers, computer hosts, hubs, printers and cameras. In effect, all these devices come with bundled SNMP agents.

The technology is used extensively as it collects key data that can help IT professionals be aware of the status of all their managed devices and applications. In effect, every network component can be queried in real time to look at their performance metrics through management information base (MIB) files.

Also, if thresholds for certain values are exceeded, system administrators can be promptly alerted, supporting quick troubleshooting and advanced productivity. Due to the recent advances in SNMP cybersecurity, the solution can also be used to streamline the configuration and modification of devices within a network.

Applying the benefits of SNMP to OT

While the IT world has been leveraging SNMP for decades, the operational technology (OT) domain has been lagging behind in the adoption of this solution, despite its capabilities and the opportunities it presents. As IIoT applications become increasingly crucial to drive a business’ competitiveness, the paradigm must shift. In effect, future-oriented communications need to rely on converged architectures, where IT and OT data are transferred by the same infrastructure.

By being able to apply the SNMP protocol to converged networks, companies can therefore continue to benefit from advanced management capabilities and rapid diagnostics for IT systems as well as provide these to OT communications too. This means that the ideal network should be able to support the protocol.

More and more automation devices are beginning to offer SNMP ports, however industrial communications solutions for the shop floor typically do not offer this function. The main reason behind this is the historic potential for disruption of security, stability and determinism on these networks, the avoidance of which is paramount.

The latest advances in the field are able to resolve these issues. Firstly, the newest SNMPv3 introduces key elements that address the vulnerabilities of previous versions, e.g. by means of an enhanced security system that authenticates messages and ensures their privacy. Simultaneously, Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) is improving standard industrial Ethernet by enabling the transfer of multiple types of data traffic on one single cable while maintaining deterministic performance for time-critical OT communications.

Driving convergence and network management

Therefore, there are tools at hand that can be used to create converged, SNMP supported communications. As a network technology developed to enable the creation of forward-looking IIoT frameworks, CC-Link IE TSN is designed to offer convergence and SNMP functions.
In effect, this innovative solution is the first open industrial Ethernet to feature gigabit bandwidth and TSN functions, driving the setup of data-driven, interconnected factories. In addition, the compatibility with SNMP empowers users to collect device status information on industrial automation products, as well as other nodes. As a result, it is possible to improve network diagnostic capabilities, reducing system start-up times as well as the amount of time and effort spent on system administration and maintenance.

By selecting CC-Link IE TSN and its continuously expanding range of certified products, companies can get the most out of enabling network technologies. This, in turn, helps them bring their communications to the next level, driving up their productivity and competitiveness now and in the future.

Samotics, a leading provider of real-time actionable insights to eliminate industrial energy waste and unplanned downtime, is starting the roll out of edge analytics for remote and offshore customers. By performing analytics on the edge, Samotics’ SAM4 Health solution benefits from reduced bandwidth requirements to process and transfer data, which makes it easily accessible in remote and offshore locations.

SAM4 Health is a proven system which supports global industries to monitor the performance and efficiency of critical assets. Underpinned by a technique called electrical signature analysis (ESA), it analyses the current and voltage signals of electric-driven equipment such as motors, pumps and conveyors. The system’s sensors install in the motor control cabinet, rather than on the machine being monitored, enabling reliable, remote capture of asset health data. Now with the addition of edge analytics, SAM4 Health can provide insight into equipment health with greater speed and accuracy without network restrictions, providing greater access for remote and offshore organisations.

For many organisations with industrial assets located in remote geographies with limited and unreliable network connectivity, the immense amount of asset health data generated by connected devices can easily overwhelm their centralised data infrastructure. Edge analytics helps solve this challenge by collecting, storing, processing and analysing data at the location where it is created, on the devices at the edge.

In addition to remote monitoring, remote and offshore customers can now achieve greater control over data movement and storage by creating, hosting, and processing data in one place. With data regulation increasing, this centralised approach can help organisations meet stringent data privacy and data sovereignty requirements.

Thijs Bootsma, Head of Asset Health at Samotics said: “We’re always looking to improve and enhance our services and we’ve seen the potential of edge analytics to help our customers unlock the power of their data. Therefore, we’ve invested in enhancing our data processing capabilities on the edge to reduce our data communication while being able to generate failure indicators near real-time. This allows us to offer a complete solution to customers in remote, low-bandwidth locations. We look forward to selectively rolling out this feature in the coming months to our customers, who experience network restrictions.”

Optical Surfaces is a leading international manufacturer of large diameter, ultra-smooth off-axis parabolic mirrors for demanding applications.

Looking to develop their next generation of ultra-high resolution holographic diffraction gratings – Wasatch Photonics (Logan, Utah, USA) commissioned Optical Surfaces Ltd. to manufacture two large diameter off-axis parabolic mirrors – key components in their production process.

Widely used as optical components to separate light into its component wavelengths, Wasatch Photonics’ holographic diffraction gratings are key components in spectrometers, hyperspectral imaging systems, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and other photonics technologies. Holographic gratings are typically generated by imaging a series of closely spaced parallel lines into a light-sensitive material using an interferometric set-up. Producing holographic diffraction gratings of spectroscopic quality requires a stable optical bench and laser as well as the highest quality optical components (mirrors, collimating optics).

Dr. Aris Kouris, Sales Director at Optical Surfaces Ltd said, “In order to produce diffraction gratings using a holographic method, you need to produce a reference collimated beam at a relative angle to another collimated beam. The two collimated beams interact to produce an interference pattern, which is recorded on the holographic recording medium. If an ultra-high-resolution grating is required, it is important that the two beams are extremely well collimated with little wavefront error. However, another parameter that is also important is the slope error, which is a measure of the ‘smoothness’ achieved on the surface form. This quality parameter is critical to produce very high resolution, low noise gratings using the holographic method.”

He added, “Originally Wasatch Photonics contacted us to manufacture two 152mm diameter off-axis parabolic mirrors to a high specification (better than Lambda/10 P-V at 633nm) and we did so. These optical components were required as part of a test project to produce ultra-high resolution holographic gratings of 140mm diameter. In early tests it became apparent that the Lambda/10 P-V surface accuracy alone was not sufficient to produce holographic gratings of sufficient quality. After consultation on the matter, we suggested that improving the slope errors on the mirrors might be beneficial. After Wasatch Photonics shipped back the two 152mm diameter mirrors, we re-worked them to the improved slope error targets. The improved off-axis parabolic mirrors resulted in the customer being able to produce great quality ultra-high-resolution holographic gratings”.

Dr Kouris concluded, “As a result of this successful trial – Wasatch Photonics recently placed a follow-up order with Optical Surfaces Ltd. to produce two new 420mm diameter off-axis parabolic mirrors of similar quality to enable them to produce even larger ultra-high resolution holographic gratings”.

These projects are an example of the collaborative development approach taken by Optical Surfaces in collaborating with key customers, a process which continues beyond delivery of the quoted product. According to Process Engineering Manager Andrew Clawson of Wasatch Photonics, “Validation of any component or tool that comes into our facility is an important part of our quality program and allows us to maintain high standards of quality from start to end of our manufacturing process. Working with a supplier like Optical Surfaces who shares our philosophy of ‘getting it right’ and continuous improvement makes this so much easier and gives us the confidence that we have the right partners to deliver on newer, bigger projects.”

For further information on large off-axis parabolic mirrors with diffraction-limited surface quality please visit https://www.optisurf.com/index.php/products/off-axis-paraboloids/

The number of highly knowledgeable and experienced electrical installation test technicians in the UK has seen a significant decline in recent years. Factors such as the industry experts approaching retirement age and being replaced by technicians learning their trade, as well as the increased deployment of temporary workers, training and skills development are more important than ever before. That’s the view of Fluke, a global technology leader in the manufacture of compact, professional electronic test and measurement tools and software.

According to Fluke – which has introduced a new installation and appliance test training course to address the issue – many of today’s electrical installation test technicians miss the hands-on training that would enable them to work safely and truly understand and interpret the measurements they are making.

Working in partnership with CNET Training to deliver the course, Fluke believes it is vital to meet these challenges so that companies can:

• keep operators safe – inadequately trained installation testers can make mistakes that can lead to equipment damage, injuries and even fatalities
• prove that an installation is safe – being able to document that an installation complies with the relevant standards, BS7671 in the UK, reassures all parties and demonstrates quality
• boost productivity – better trained and more knowledgeable installation testers will execute jobs right first time, minimise downtime and as a result cut costs.

Whether delivered on-site at customers’ premises or at CNET’s dedicated training facilities, the one-day course with average class sizes of 10 will focus on how to test electrical installations and/or appliances and how to document the results. The key is that participants are able to carry out practical exercises on various pieces of equipment in a hands-on environment so that they can apply this new knowledge immediately when they return to work.

Says Robert Luijten, Field Marketing Manager at Fluke EMEA: “Many highly experienced workers are leaving the world of electrical testing as they reach retirement age and there is a drive to encourage young people to enter the market. However, although testing equipment is easy to use, many testers aren’t able to question or interpret what they see because they haven’t had the level of training that’s required to do so.”

He adds: “Testing and troubleshooting in the electrical sector are absolutely essential but recruiting technical people can be difficult. That’s why here at Fluke we are keen to support companies in their onboarding and employee development activities. Whether for compliance, safety or efficiency reasons, we believe this electrical installation test training course will put companies in a stronger position to face the increasing demands of testing in today’s world.”

For more information on this training, go to https://flukeacademy.wildapricot.org/uk-Installation-Test/.

Congratulations To Kamil Niewiadomski of Powelectrics Digital Transformation Development Team on being awarded his degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Staffordshire University.

He graduated a few months ago and was joined last week by his family for a formal graduation award ceremony. Kamil told us: “I did wonder whether this event would ever take place, after doing so much of my degree online, during lockdowns!

“It was great to be formally recognised for my achievements and to have my parents there to share the moment!

“I’m really enjoying my work at Powelectrics and I’m learning a lot from the highly experienced development team here. I am also considering progressing my academic career, perhaps with a Masters. Exciting times!”

Dave Oakes. Powelectrics MD added: “Powelectrics enjoys a longstanding relationship with Staffs Uni and has benefitted from a number of academic/industrial digital transformation collaborations.

“Kamil has proven himself as a valuable addition to our Digital Transformation Development Team. We wish him every success in both his practical and academic career aspirations!”

Powelectrics don’t just talk the talk! 30 years of expertise & practical experience in instrumentation & digitalisation. Proprietary IIoT devices & platform, Solution design, manufacture, testing & installation.

What can Powelectrics do for you?

Please browse the Powelectrics website and get in touch with any queries you have or applications you would like to discuss. Call +44 1827 310 666, email sales@powelectrics.co.uk or use this contact form.