News

Essentra Components has opened a new European distribution hub in Łódź, Poland to enhance service and lay the foundations for future growth.

The new location is part of an ongoing investment by Essentra Components to enhance its European distribution footprint by merging its legacy Łódź warehouse and Bratislava warehouse into a purpose-built hub.

With the new hub, products previously held across multiple locations will now be centralised, enabling Essentra Components to distribute complete orders from a single source, improving service through improved lead times and reducing carbon footprint.

The new facility sits on a 9,300sqm footprint, built to Essentra’s design, including a new office complex and a warehouse facility servicing 20,000 product lines.

Opened on the 8th of September, the new hub serves five countries as part of a soft launch, with further countries being added in due course. It is estimated that the 26-strong logistics team will process over 1,000 shipments per day.

Rob Baker, Global Supply Chain Director at Essentra Components, said the new site will further strengthen customer relationships and give scope for future growth: “Moving our facility into a new, purpose-built location in Łódź means that we can capitalise on the great experience and ethos of our current Łódź team, whilst maintaining access to key freight links that Łódź provides, including the rail network.”

“In addition, with a larger office footprint, our Customer teams will have new, modern facilities to enhance our hassle-free service allowing room to grow as we continue to expand market presence.”

For more information on Essentra Components’ new hub, visit: https://www.essentracomponents.com/en-gb/news/news-articles/essentra-components-opens-new-eastern-europe-hub-to-strengthen-service

An affordable solution was required to unload bulk cargo from a shipping container and so an attachment for a forklift truck was developed by a material handling company. The attachment uses Contrinex’s uniquely robust ‘700 Series’ inductive sensors to detect the position of the forks, because of their vibration, impact and shock resistance, as well as their high performance.

Application

Shipping containers offer a low-cost way of moving goods and so to use them for transporting bulk cargo such as wood chips and biomass, a manufacturer of material handling systems developed an innovative unloading system for a forklift truck to tip the contents out of the top of the container.

The forklift attachment has two sets of forks, a lower pair which support the weight of the container as it is unloaded from a freight wagon or truck and another pair mounted vertically above the lower pair which lifts the container’s lid.

During emptying, the upper forks lift the lid a short distance before tilting it vertically, leaving the top of the container completely unobstructed. Once an inductive sensor has detected the lid is fully open, the lower forks then rotate about a horizontal axis, tilting the container end-over-end and tipping the contents out.

The aim to eliminate the cost of specialist handling equipment requires a solution that is as capable and reliable as the specialist machinery. Therefore, as the sensor is a key element of the system, it must be robust and reliable. An extended sensing distance is also desirable to be able to mount the sensor as far away as possible from the risk of mechanical damage.

Solution

Contrinex’s innovative 700-Series inductive sensors, available from PLUS Automation, are robust, reliable and offer extended sensing distances. The body of the M30-diameter sensor is machined from a single piece of stainless steel and its unique resistance to damage from impact, abrasion and vibration makes it ideal for this mechanically demanding environment. A 20mm sensing distance enables it to be mounted away from the forks it is sensing, eliminating any possibility of damage from accidental collision with the forks.

A metal bracket is mounted externally on the actuating mechanism for the upper forks. The embeddable sensor is not influenced by the large amount of metal surrounding it and detects the position of the actuating arm as it drives the fork into the vertical position. The one-piece, AISI 303/V2A stainless-steel housing and sensing face are corrosion-resistant and impervious to water ingress, being IP68 and IP69K-rated.

The sensor connects to the forklift’s lower-fork tilt-control systems via a flexible PUR-sheathed cable. A sealed cable entry ensures fit-and-forget capability during extended periods of operation in an outdoor environment.

The ‘700 Series’ inductive sensors detects the vertical position of the forklift’s upper forks effectively and repeatably, ensuring the safe, reliable operation of the unloading system. Contrinex inductive sensors deliver a cost-effective solution that meets the customer’s requirements for extreme robustness and extended sensing distance.

Farnell, an Avnet Company and global distributor of electronic components, products and solutions, has today released the first episode in Series 2 of the global podcast: The Innovation Experts. Exploring the latest innovations in the world of electronics, Series 2 – Industry 4.0 and the Future of Manufacturing investigates how some of the world’s leading electronic component and solution manufacturers are enabling technological innovation in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).                         

The new podcast series will feature exclusive interviews with Omega Engineering, Advantech, Eaton, ABB, Red Lion Controls and Schneider Electric. The valuable insights shared will help companies of all sizes to take advantage of the concepts behind Industry 4.0 and implement a wide variety of real-world IIoT applications now and in the future.

Simon Meadmore, Vice President, Product and Supplier Management at Farnell said: “Although Industry 4.0 can be complex and difficult to implement in brownfield sites, it is possible to use many of its concepts and approaches to dramatically improve factory efficiency. By drawing on the expertise of our global network of suppliers, and the customers they have helped, this new podcast series shows how any company can introduce new technology into their manufacturing facilities to improve performance and generate positive ROI. The breadth of technical insights in the podcast series supports Farnell’s position as a market-leading distributor of IP&E products and complements our philosophy of providing customers with direct access to innovation, driven by some of the most influential people in the industry.”

Series 2 of The Innovation Experts will cover critical topics such as the new wave of Industry 4.0 and intelligent factory trends, the industrial revolution’s synergy with electrification, power of automation in the IIoT and much more. The podcast will be a valuable resource for buyers and professional design, development and systems integration engineers as well as amateur electronics enthusiasts wanting to stay up to date with new trends, challenges, products, software and applications.

The debut episode of the series focuses on how process and manufacturing companies can adopt Industry 4.0 principles by embracing digitisation. Kevin Goohs, Director of IoT Implementation Strategy from Omega Engineering, discusses innovative ways to upgrade existing facility systems with critical solutions, such as sensors and new digital smart probes, to capture real-time information on the factory floor.

Today, all device data can reside on an internal network, a cloud account or both to meet demanding application requirements. This episode will help end users to confidently transform to an Industry 4.0 facility by providing an understanding of edge monitoring and control, how to identify new mechanisms to deliver and analyse big data, and how to run pilot project evaluations before committing to full system installation.

Dave Beck, Global Director E-mech & Passives at Farnell said: “In our latest podcast series, we wanted to hear from leading experts driving cutting-edge technological innovation in the world of IIoT. I am pleased to be able to share the views of some of the largest industrial equipment manufacturers from around the globe to find out how they deliver optimal solutions for Industry 4.0 and empower customers to revolutionise operations in the process and manufacturing industry. We hope the engineering community will find their insights enlightening and informative, and perhaps even serve as inspiration for the next great innovation.”

Farnell has made significant investments over the last 18-24 months in response to the growing demand for high quality industrial solutions, expanding its comprehensive interconnect, passives and electromechanical range to include the latest solutions from trusted global brands. Farnell provides specialist 24/5 technical support for pneumatics, industrial automation and control technology. Customers also have access to free online resources, data sheets, application notes, videos and webinars on the Farnell website.

The Innovation Experts is freely available from major podcast providers including Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music and more.

The first episode featuring Omega Engineering titled: Upgrading to Industry 4.0 using new and existing measurements, is available now on Farnell’s Technical Resources Hub. 

Following Brexit, Exeter-based electronics specialist Mantracourt will expand its operations by establishing a Dutch subsidiary to support the needs of its European customers. The company continues to manufacture from its Devon factory but will import products into the EU via its subsidiary, absorbing the time and cost associated with lengthy liability paperwork.

Mantracourt Electronics, which is headquartered in the UK, specialises in cost-effective test and measurement products for a variety of industry segments, like automotive, construction, industrial processing and civil engineering. European customers in these sectors will soon be able to buy from Mantracourt through a local distribution presence, reducing the time and costs associated with new import protocols.

“By incorporating a Dutch subsidiary, we can hold stock in the Netherlands and take on the importer’s liabilities that many of our European customers face,” explains Robert Badcock, managing director of Mantracourt. “Before Brexit, there was no import paperwork, product liability or duty incumbent to the purchaser. However, now the product liability that is inherent to the manufacturer, such as VAT and duties costs, is also passed on to the purchaser.

“To add to the complexity, these liabilities are different for each of the 27 EU member states, who all have different import laws on payable VAT. Due to the additional admin costs associated with buying British, European electronics customers face delays in receiving their orders, and suffer economically as a result. Our Dutch entity will enable customers on the continent to receive their order quickly, ensuring their own operations can run as smoothly as possible.”

Mantracourt is a previous recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade and, as part of its strategy to streamline product imports into Europe, recently hired a new sales and marketing manager, Matthew Youngs. Youngs previously worked as export manager for a company in the tool and machinery industry and is well placed to offer the necessary support to Mantracourt’s European customers.

With this Dutch subsidiary, the process of purchasing from a British manufacturer will be made easy, efficient and cost-effective. It will also give the company an avenue to expand business and increase company visibility across the continent, something Youngs will be responsible for overseeing in his new role.

For more information on Mantracourt’s product range, visit the website at www.mantracourt.com, or contact the sales and support office on +44 (0) 1395 232 020.

To meet the needs of process industry customers throughout the country, Electroserv has launched a new service hub, which comprises a wet flow calibration rig and electrical, temperature and pressure calibration facilities, as well as meeting and office space.    

The new facility is Electroserv’s second dedicated calibration centre in the UK. Simon Fisher, Electroserv Managing Director commented: “The new hub houses our flagship flowrig which is part of our collaboration with Endress+Hauser. The flagship rig is the most accurate calibration system in the UK, and the state-of-the-art facility will ensure compliance with marginal process interruption for our customers.  

“We’re committed to integrating sustainable, agile processes to our operations. Expanding into the south of England will mean our customers’ instruments will spend less time in transit, and therefore reduce the amount of travel and ultimately the associated carbon footprint.”  

Simon continued: “In just half an hour, instruments can be fitted, tested and removed. The system is also fully programmable to accommodate the vast range of requirements our customers expect from a flagship facility,” which includes:  

• Flowmeter sizes up to 3-inch diameter    
• Flow rates from 0.001m3/hr to 80m3/hr   
• Measurement uncertainty of ±0.1% o.r.   
• Pressure ranges from -1bar to 100bar   
• Temperature ranges from -30oC to 1600oC   
• UKAS accreditation to ISO 17025               
• Certificate of calibration supplied   

The Bramley calibration facility has also provided opportunities for employment in Basingstoke and beyond, with 6 jobs created, covering a variety of roles including technicians, engineers, marketing and sales.  

For more information about calibration and service at the new Bramley facility, call Electroserv on 01256 961772, or visit www.electroserv.co.uk/calibration 

Heilind Electronics Europe, a leading global distributor of connectors and electromechanical components, is to open a new state-of-the-art distribution centre early in September 2022 in Upper Silesia, Poland.

Heilind has made the investment with a firm strategy to further strengthen and grow its supply chain capabilities. By adding this new warehouse and office complex to its existing infrastructure, Heilind is better able to support growing market requirements, especially across Poland, bordering Czechia and Slovakia, as well as Hungary and Romania.

Located at Poland’s industrial heartland in Mysłowice, the new structure spans 4,000 sq. m. It is inaugurated as a response to increasing customer demand across various industries such as commercial electronics, mil/aero, transport and mechanical.

CEO for Heilind Electronics Europe, Robert Clapp, said: “This distribution centre is a testimony to Heilind’s commitment to our customers and is a major milestone for us.

“We all know distribution is a fast-paced world. The need for availability, short lead times and agility in the market is higher than ever before. So, whilst we have designed a distribution centre to meet our customers’ needs, the new facility will be more than just a warehouse space: it will also boast a showroom where our customers can meet with our suppliers and industry specialists to find out more about our technologies.

“We remain committed to delivering quality electromechanical components adapted to rapidly developing technologies. Heilind associates with over 150 suppliers from around the world, including TE Connectivity, Molex, Amphenol and PennEngineering and we are constantly widening our portfolio. We have recently established cooperations with world-class military connectors manufacturers and engineered access solutions providers Cambion, ITT Cannon and Southco.”

The official opening is planned for 12 September 2022.

Princeps, the accredited specialist distributor of obsolete and difficult-to-source electronic, electrical and e-mech components for advanced industries, announces that it has signed an authorised distribution agreement with Hammond Manufacturing.  Princeps is supplying Hammond’s complete portfolio of electrical enclosures, which can also be modified and customised in-house to suit specific customer requirements. 

Hammond manufactures a huge range of electrical enclosures in metallic and non-metallic materials – mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, ABS, polyester, GRP – as well as various ranges of small electronics enclosures and accessories.  There are enclosures in many sizes and styles suitable for the vast majority of applications to protect delicate electrical and electronic installations, including (depending on IP and IK rating) models that are waterproof, resistant to particle ingress such as dust or chemical sprays and robust enough to withstand other hazards found in commercial and industrial environments.

Hammond has the in-house capability to modify any of the thousands of its enclosures to suit challenging designs where a standard solution is not suitable.  Services include non-standard sizes, alternative materials, cut-outs, punched holes, louvres, pre-installed accessories, hinge changes, special paint colours, silk screening and more.  

David Nash, Sales Director, Princeps, comments: “Hammond enclosures are renowned for their variety and quality and we are delighted to have been appointed as a Hammond authorised distributor, which further enhances our capability to provide complete customer solutions.  Hammond’s in-house customisation service saves time and effort: instead of having to carry out modifications or sub-contract thus work out themselves, we work with our customers to understand their requirements, assist with modification drawings if necessary and supply the Hammond enclosure with everything done.  This totally streamlines processes for customers and saves time, effort and cost.  Recently, for example, we were able to save one customer in the rail industry 60% compared with the cost of buying a standard enclosure and having modifications carried out by a third party.”

BASF Leuna GmbH, a refiner of polyamide plastic, has chosen to use a colorSENSOR CFO200 non-contact colour recognition sensor and from Micro-Epsilon on its extruder line to detect the fluctuating colour values of plastic pellets.

The process of refining plastic at BASF Leuna involves extrusion and strand palletising. Different product groups are created, which must comply with a specific colour value depending on their specifications. In the event of a technical malfunction in the process, the colour values of the plastic pellets may change. The result is a product that does not meet specifications, which wastes money and energy.

The colorSENSOR CF200 controller and CFS2-M11 circular sensor are used to detect the fluctuating colour values of the pellets. The sensor measures the colour of the pellets through a sight glass in the suction box of the finished product conveyor and reliably detects the smallest colour deviations (ΔE < 0.6) from the programmed reference value. The recorded values can then be forwarded directly from the sensor to a higher level control system via a signal output.

As Michael Bergner, Asset Management Assistant at BASF Leuna GmbH comments: “Compared to a camera system for colour detection that was also tested, the CFO200 colour sensor is easier to implement and much more flexible in terms of configuration.”

True colour measurement solution

The colorSENSOR CFO200 colour recognition sensor from Micro-Epsilon is designed for high precision true colour measurement. The sensor stands out due to its high colour accuracy, good reproducibility, high measuring rate and modern communications interfaces for easier network integration. With a robust aluminium housing, the CFO200 operates in temperatures from -10°C to +55°C and is protected to IP65.

Using a modulated high power white light LED, the CFO200 colour sensor projects a white light spot via optical fibre onto the target surface to be inspected. Part of this light is back-scattered and directed onto a perceptive True Colour detector via the same optical fibre. This light is then refracted into long-, medium- and short-wavelength light components (X=long, Y=medium, Z=short) and transformed into L*a*b* colour values.

High colour accuracy (colour difference ΔE ≥ 0.6), good reproducibility (ΔE ≥ 0.3), high light power (>220 lm) and a fast measuring rate (up to 20kHz) enable the sensor to reliably detect the finest of colour graduations, even in high speed measurement tasks and on low reflecting surfaces. Equipped with optical fibres and focus lenses, the sensor can also be used in tasks where space is restricted, as the sensor head requires minimal space.

Gray-scale detection and high colour accuracy are combined with modern communications interfaces (Ethernet and RS232), as well as user-friendly operation and configuration via pushbuttons and a display. A multi-teach function enables up to 320 colours in 254 colour groups to be saved, as well as the teaching of reference colours and tolerances. Illumination, averaging and signal amplification are automatically adapted to the current measurement task.

The colorSENSOR CFO200 is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications including colour sorting tasks in food and beverage processing, colour inspection of interior parts in the automotive industry, recognition of colour marks in the printing industry, quality control in packaging, cosmetics, medicine and plastic products.

Ring illumination benefits

With the CFS2-M11 circular sensor, the light emitted by the controller is sent as an illuminated ring at an angle (either 11° or 34°) to the surface of the object to be tested. The diffuse back reflection (surface colour) of the sample is detected by the sensor at 0° (parallel) to the surface and transmitted to the controller via an optical fibre. The ring illumination makes it possible to detect the diffuse colour reflex regardless of structure or reflection. The sensors are available with different illumination angles and different spot sizes. Therefore, it is possible to measure colours with a repeatability of ΔE ≤ 0.3 in relative terms up to a working distance of 100 mm. Other sheaths and cable lengths are optionally available. Combined with the high performance of the colorSENSOR CFO series, the ring illumination provides even more precision due to uniform illumination. This compact combination can be used universally but is also suitable for special, customer-specific solutions. The homogeneous illumination offers advantages on strongly structured or shiny-metallic surfaces, while providing the highest precision when distinguishing the colour of different shades of white.

For more information on the colorSENSOR CFO200 colour sensor from Micro-Epsilon, please visit www.micro-epsilon.co.uk or call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on +44 (0)151 355 6070 or email mailto:info@micro-epsilon.co.uk

The AMA Association for Sensors and Measurement opens the call for papers for the international congress: Sensor and Measurement Science International (SMSI) 2023. The congress will be held in Nuremberg, Germany, May 8-11, 2023, in parallel with the SENSOR+TEST 2023 trade fair. The submission deadline for presentations and posters is November 15, 2022.

SMSI 2023 under the scientific leadership of Ulrich Schmid (TU Vienna), Michael Heizmann (KIT) and Klaus-Dieter Sommer (TU Ilmenau), networks representatives from research, science and industry. The conference builds on three thematic pillars: sensor technology, measurement technology and metrology. The Sensor Technology congress pillar focuses on sensor principles, sensor materials and process technologies, electronic sensor interfaces, a wide variety of application areas and integrates the IRS² 2023 satellite conference in the field of infrared sensor technology. The Measurement congress pillar focuses on IoT-relevant and networked measurement systems, advanced measurement approaches, AI approaches in measurement, and the science of measurement and its applications. The Metrology section will address, among other topics, the revised SI (international system of units), metrology in the digital age, advanced calibration approaches and testing methods, and metrology in regulation and standards.

The parallel leading trade fair of the industry SENSOR+TEST 2023, as platform for sensor, measurement and testing technology, promotes the extended innovation dialogue of the SMSI 2023 conference participants.

Interested parties from research, science and industry are invited to submit a short description of the presentation or a poster contribution in English no later than November 15, 2022.

Information about SMSI 2023, the conference columns and the conditions of participation at:  SMSI 2023 – Call for Papers