News

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

Anritsu is attending the European Microwave Exhibition, the largest trade show dedicated to Microwaves and RF in Europe, showing its most advanced testing solutions for signal generation and signal analysis. Microwave technologies are used by a growing number of applications, encouraging developers to adopt higher frequency bands while also optimising the cost of these technologies. Anritsu’s strong culture of innovation is leading to new measurement methods that help developers achieve both these goals.

Broadband Device Modelling

Anritsu will place a spotlight on its overall VNA market leadership, showcasing the advanced ME7838G 70 kHz to 220 GHz single sweep, 2-port VectorStar system together with a MPI TS200 probe station that is unique for its ability to make precise and repeatable on-wafer measurements. The system provides high performance in a compact mmWave module. This allows the 220 GHz probe to connect directly to the mmWave module for accurate, stable on-wafer measurements, avoiding the limitations of threaded connectors.

The VectorStar ME7838G VNA addresses the market need to conduct on-wafer measurements that span into the sub-Terahertz region for more accurate device characterisation. It is the only broadband system with positive raw directivity in multiple bands, offering improved calibration and measurement stability with a significantly longer time between calibrations to ensure accurate measurements and improved productivity.

Modular VNA and Antenna Measurements

Additionally, the ShockLine ME7868A 2-port distributed modular VNA enabled with PhaseLync technology, paired with the Millibox hardware, is the world’s first 2-port VNA solution to provide guaranteed performance from 1 MHz to 43.5 GHz. This solution simplifies long-distance S-parameter measurements (2m/5m/25m up to 200m), such as OTA measurements in large chambers, large vehicle cable/antenna testing, and outdoor antenna test range measurements.

Enabling Quantum Computing: from Design to Test

Anritsu EMEA has partnered with Anapico AG to create a comprehensive offering of RF and microwave solutions dedicated to Quantum Computing – from qubits design to final deployment. At EuMW22, we will showcase our solution to allow manipulation and readout of qubit states, based on the Anapico APMS Multichannel Phase-Coherent Signal Generator and the Field Master Pro MS2090A Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer and the MS2720xA Remote Spectrum Monitor.

With a complete set of RF and microwave Quantum Computing solutions, Anritsu allows scientists to maximise Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) by enhancing spectral purity and minimising phase-noise, shortening measurement times by reducing latency and switching.

Ultimate Low Phase Noise with the Rubidium Signal Generator

The Rubidium high-performance analog signal generator offers exceptional overall utility and long-term value in a broad range of commercial and military/aerospace measurement applications. It delivers unmatched spectral purity, the best phase noise in the market (-140 dBc/Hz at 10 GHz, 10 kHz offset), superior atomic grade stability compared to conventional OCXOs, and a broad frequency coverage between 9 kHz and 43.5 GHz. The Anapico APPH high-performance Phase Noise Analyzer will be used to showcase the Rubidium’s exceptional signal purity.

Drone based spectrum monitoring

Potential breaches of regulations, wrong calibration/settings of transmitting equipment, illegal transmitters and jammers in the spectrum field can now all be monitored and measured using an airborne solution. Our booth will show a solution that combines the Colibrex AMU drone with the Anritsu Spectrum Master MS2760A, allowing up to 15 minutes continuous airborne based measurements up to 50 GHz.

Come to Milano and see Anritsu at booth B22 on September 27th to 29th 2022.

Process Instrument Solutions, the leading process industry solution provider, based in Suffolk, UK, is holding its first ever Exhibition to celebrate its global and local reach of customers and clients.

The Process Instruments Solutions Exhibition 2022 is taking place on Wednesday 14^th September, 9am-4pm, at All Saints Hotel in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. 

This free Exhibition has been designed to demonstrate the array of innovative solutions the company has to offer, whilst allowing valued clients to meet its global leading brands from the instrumentation industry.  Furthermore there are exclusive presentations and Q&A sessions from its global partners Siemens and Labom. 

This event is ticketed but there is no fee as attendees are welcome to come and enjoy this informative and unmissable exhibition. Simply visit the Evenbrite page (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/process-instrument-solutions-exhibition-registration-328088721197) and register to get your free ticket or visit the company’s Facebook page for more details. 

Jon Tayler, director, says: “We have navigated our business successfully over the years and have firmly positioned ourselves as industry leaders and we want to showcase our achievements in creating longstanding and positive partnerships with global businesses. This Exhibition will do just that; highlight our successes as an industry and celebrate what’s to come, looking ahead to technology, digitialisation and IoT.”

Florian Simpson, Head of International Sales at Labom, based in Germany, says: “We have a longstanding relationship with Process Instrument Solutions in the UK and so it’s always good to see the team face-face, especially given what a challenge it has been to travel over the past couple of years. It’s great to be attending the Exhibition and I am looking forward to presenting our new REconnect quick coupling device as it’s the first time it’s been presented in the UK.”

Recently the company rebranded following immense growth with an increase of 300% in its sales in the past four years. Furthermore, with the appointment of six people during the last 18 months and an impressive investment of £100,000 on state-of-the-art equipment for its site team, the rebrand has come at a pivotal time for the local company. 

For more information visit processinstrumentsolutions.co.uk 

Mouser Electronics continues to provide a range of resources to support embedded systems engineers. As an authorised global distributor of solutions from Microchip Technology, Mouser offers the company’s most recent microcontrollers, mixed-signal, analogue and flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for a broad range of applications. Mouser also supports engineers with a variety of new Microchip resources to assist in the design process, including a new webcast series and eBook.

• WEBCAST SERIES: Mouser and Microchip have teamed up to present a series of webcasts aimed at helping engineers accelerate the development cycle and reduce time to market. The second webcast, “Use the Core Independent Peripherals (CIP) and PIC® and AVR® MCUs to Create Custom Control Functions,” takes place on Tuesday 13 September 2022, and will show how Microchip CIPs allow designers to create customised control functions for their applications while reducing CPU intervention and overhead. The first webcast is available on demand now.

https://eu.mouser.com/newsroom/publicrelations-microchip-webcasts-2022final/

• eBOOK: Mouser and Microchip recently collaborated to produce the Effortless Embedded Solutions eBook, which offers unique perspectives from industry thought leaders on how Microchip microcontrollers can simplify device design. Through informative videos and articles, the eBook explains the vital role these products play in applications ranging from testing medical solutions to deploying Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

https://eu.mouser.com/newsroom/publicrelations-microchip-effortless-embedded-solutions-2022final/

• NEW PRODUCTS: The Microchip PIC16F18015/25/44/45 and the PIC16F18126/46 families of microcontrollers support sensor signal conditioning and real-time control functionality at an affordable price. Specifically designed to accompany sensor designs, the PIC16F18015/25/44/45 microcontrollers provide a balance of flash memory from 7 Kbytes to 14 Kbytes, robust control and peripheral capabilities, and speeds up to 32 MHz. The PIC16F18126/46 microcontrollers offer 28 Kbytes of program flash memory, a 12-bit differential ADCC, two 8-bit DACs, a 16-bit PWM peripheral and a complementary waveform generator.

https://eu.mouser.com/newsroom/publicrelations-microchip-pic16f180xx-pic16f181x6-mcus-2022final/

• NEW PRODUCTS: Ideal for safety-critical industrial and automotive applications, the AVR DD family of microcontrollers use the AVR CPU with hardware multiplier running at clock speeds up to 24 MHz. The devices include optional memories of 16/32/64 Kbytes of flash, 2/4/8 Kbytes of SRAM, and 256 bytes of EEPROM.

https://eu.mouser.com/newsroom/microchip-avr-dd-mcus/

For the latest in-depth articles, videos and more about sensor technology, visit https://resources.mouser.com/sensor.

In its 40th year, the 2022 Global Flow Measurement Workshop is sponsored by the Energy Industries Council. This year’s conference theme is “technical innovation on the road to Net Zero” and focuses on meeting the flow measurement challenges of greenhouse emissions obligations as part of the global energy transition.

The three-day conference is the single most important event in the global flow measurement calendar, drawing in delegates from across the globe:

• 25 – 27 October 2022
• P&J Live, Aberdeen
• Website: https://www.tuvsud.com/en-gb/gfmw
• Email: events.uk@tuvsud.com

Hosted by TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory, the conference will feature innovative technical content from industry experts around the world, including the University of Oxford, Petrobras and Aramco. Workshops will explore the challenges faced by the energy sector as stakeholders throughout the supply chain address the energy transition.

Dr. Bruno Pinguet, Workshop Technical Committee Chair, said: “In today’s economic climate, if companies are not innovating then they quickly become outdated, as can be seen from the recent diversification of some major global businesses into the clean fuels sector. The Global Flow Measurement Workshop reflects the ongoing changes in the industry, as we focus on the energy transition and meeting the measurement challenges of net-zero greenhouse emissions obligations. Innovation drives growth and it is vitally important for industry to stay ahead of developments in technology, regulation and practice to deliver competitive advantage.”

Fluke Networks, a worldwide leader in certification, troubleshooting and installation tools for professionals who install and maintain critical network cabling infrastructure, has today announced a new limited time discount promotion on a range of bestselling copper and fibre testing solutions, with savings of up to £4,000.

The ‘No fuss. Just savings’ offer was developed in celebration of Fluke Network’s 30-year anniversary, following the launch of the company’s first cable tester in December 1992. Customers are invited to take advantage of exclusive savings on a wide range of products, with discounts of £800 offered on the DSX-602 PRO CableAnalyser through to £4,000 on the DSX2-5000QI-G-INT CableAnalyser.

The substantial discounts are available to all customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent states (EMEACIS). The offer is available for a limited time between September and December 2022 and is valid with purchases of qualifying products only made from Fluke Network’s authorised distributors.

Robert Luijten, Fluke’s Training Manager and Test & Measurement Expert said: “We are pleased to provide our customers with a limited-time discount on some of the most powerful and sophisticated copper and fiber testing solutions available in the market. Historically, Fluke Networks has provided loyal customers with great opportunities to move up to the next generation of testers with our popular trade-in programmes. Many customers have taken advantage of this over the years. However, our new ‘No fuss. Just savings’ offer no longer requires trade-ins. Customers can now enjoy no returns, registrations, or hassles – all they must do is contact their local distributor to take advantage of these great discounts.”

Resolve and prevent network connectivity faults

Fluke Networks range of testers for twisted pair copper cabling can locate connectivity faults quickly to minimise downtime and lost productivity. The testers provide accurate, error-free certification even in the most complex projects that may involve several teams, different media types and multiple testing requirements. The range can be used to test up to Cat.8 cabling that can support the transmission of data up to 40Gbps over balanced twisted-pair copper cabling.

The DSX is built on Fluke Networks’ modular Versiv™ cabling certification system that can cut cabling installation and maintenance costs by up to 65%. Cornerstones of the Versiv system are the intuitive Taptive™ Graphical User Interface for ease of use and error-free operation and the ProjX™ management system which ensure that all testing is carried out efficiently and correctly. The Versiv system was recently upgraded with a high dynamic range Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) and an MPO fibre inspection camera.

Accelerate fibre testing and certification

Fluke Networks’ fibre testing tools are the preferred option for network cabling installers, architects, technicians, and engineers due to their rugged design, accuracy and ease of use. While fibre optics has become the preferred option for reliable connectivity within smart buildings, data centres and other networked environments, locating faults can be a lengthy and costly process. The Versiv-based OptiFiber Pro OTDR makes this easy. Thanks to the EventMap function, the tool automatically identifies events including connectors, splices, bends and splitters.

The CertiFiber Pro, another feature of Fluke Networks’ Versiv system, offers an optical loss test set with the fastest time to certify. This means two fibres at two wavelengths can be measured in just under three seconds, providing automatic pass/fail analysis to meet critical industry standards or custom test limits.

Depending on the modules that are inserted in the Versiv mainframes, the system transforms itself into a copper cable tester (DSX), fiber loss and length tester (CertiFiber Pro), an OTDR (OptiFiber Pro) or into a fiber inspection instrument with a camera (Fiber Inspector Pro or Fiber Inspector Ultra). All products feature the same user-friendly interface. Being able to operate and program different testers with a common user interface is unique in the industry. Moreover, the measurement data gathered by the different testers can be easily consolidated in a single report by a LinkWare-supported personal computer or a LinkWare Live cloud-based service. LinkWare Live enables Project Managers to manage jobs and testers from any smart device.

For more information about the ‘No Fuss. Just savings’ campaign by Fluke Networks, go to: www.flukenetworks.com/nfjspromoUK.

A Yorkshire engineering specialist is using digital technology to help deliver a 12% weight saving for crucial aerospace parts.

MetLase, which employs 30 people at its state-of-the-art facility in Rotherham, has worked with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to complete a series of research trials that are applying the use of smart positioning to ‘lightweight’ structural airframe components.

Using the power of its MetElements hardware and software framework, the company has implemented a series of specialised distance senor units to existing fixturing within a machine tool.

The eight sensor modules used low-cost ‘smartphone grade’ sensors and were also designed so that they did not interfere with the cutter path.

“The 7000-grade aluminium used in these types of airframe components is renowned for its internal residual stresses and its habit of warping during machining; especially if the component is thin walled, as this lowers the geometric stiffness of the final component,” explained Richard Gould, Business Development Manager at MetLase.

“We have a strong relationship with the AMRC, so used this collaborative partnership to work with its engineers to explore how sensors could be used in adjusting the machining process in real time, compensating for any warping as the part is being cut, and delivering better geometric accuracy in the final component.”

He continued: “Leveraging the power of MetElements, we were able to give live feedback about the component’s geometric condition during the milling process, with a 3D display created that showed how the component was distorting in near real-time (60Hz).

“The results of the trials delivered a 12% reduction in the final part weight due to the reduction in wall thickness.”

Daniel Smith, Technical Fellow in the Aerostructure and Landing Gear Team at the AMRC, added his support: “The project successfully demonstrated the power of adding sensing equipment to existing industrial processes, and the positive impact harvesting live in-process data can have when validating model data and ultimately improving the quality of the output component geometry.

“MetLase has been instrumental in the implementation of sensor technology throughout this project, working with us from the start and then supporting us with its own design, engineering, and digital manufacturing expertise.

“It has delivered several tangible results, but importantly has given us a solid use case on how industry could retrofit low-cost smart i4.0 sensing to existing off-the-shelf-machining equipment.”

MetLase has been embracing digital manufacturing since its inception in 2015 and now boasts a client base of tier 1s, primes and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from the automotive, aerospace, Formula One, maritime and power generation worlds.

Stewart Lowth, Product Development and Innovation Manager at MetLase, concluded:

“MetElements gives us an adaptable platform for any connected technologies to communicate with each other, whether they are traditional industrial automation sensors or modern small-factor smartphone style sensors.

“Just like on the AMRC project, this digital flexibility allows the right sensing solution to be used for the right job; saving money for SMEs and large organisations alike.”

For further information, please visit www.metlase.com

Ian Bourke, has been in his role as Powelectrics Finance and Operations Manager for three years. We asked him to tell us a little about the changes he has seen during that time and his hopes for the future.

“So much has happened in 3 years! It’s hard to believe we’ve been through Brexit, Covid and war in the Ukraine, with all the challenges they have brought to businesses!

“Equally, that we have benefitted from massive investment and we have a fantastic team, which has enabled us to thrive through everything!

“Powelectrics is an incredibly robust and dynamic enterprise!

“My first year was mostly spent creating and refining finance and operational procedures to prepare us for planned growth. This is a continuous process, but the timing of that initial effort was perfect, hugely strengthening our ability to work remotely through Covid … though I’m delighted to back in the office now!

“A major investment by Quinn Venture Investments, in March 2021, brought us commercial insight and inspiration from Directors Peter Quinn and John Higham and enabled us to capitalise on increased awareness of the benefits of remote monitoring in our post-Covid environment.

“It has also funded a major expansion in human resource across all departments. I have taken great pleasure in recruiting and nurturing the careers of my Finance and Operations team members.

“These efforts have included helping young people get on the career ladder via the Kickstart apprenticeship scheme and making roles available to our local community of Ukrainian refugees, which has been particularly fulfilling.

“Simultaneous expansions in both the Sales and Development Teams have meant that Powelectrics are better placed than ever to develop bespoke digital transformation solutions, which has been a fascinating process for me. This isn’t my first role with Operational responsibilities, but it is by far the most technical and I am constantly learning.

“I really appreciate the way this joint role offers a truly holistic view of the business and that has helped me create the operational framework to deliver these sophisticated projects, from ensuring component supply in uncertain global markets, to having fantastic internal controls and records and guaranteeing an excellent customer experience.

“As part of this, I was proud to help Powelectrics complete our ISO9001 audit and gain ISO27001 for the first time.

“These are exciting times to be part of Powelectrics! We are enjoying a period of unparalleled success and expansion. My current project is to further expand the Manufacturing team in readiness for the larger scale roll-out of our new developments.

“I believe Powelectrics success has come from really listening to our customers and developing the IIoT solutions they need to cut costs, increase production, improve safety and security and meet strategic goals in extremely challenging times.

“Much of the bespoke development that has taken place can be adapted to other applications, so I am extremely confident that we will continue to grow and offer our customers the very best digital transformation solutions along with the very highest levels of quality and service.”

What can Powelectrics do for you? 

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