News

Vision Engineering, a 64 year old British leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality visual instrumentation and a significant supplier of machined components/sub assembly services to other industrial sectors, has today announced the acquisition of Milturn Precision Engineering, of Hinckley, Leicestershire, a precision engineering specialist.

The acquisition of Milturn fulfils a strategic objective to significantly improve Vision Engineering’s position global position as a leading designer and manufacturer, by adding scale and capability to the company’s existing UK and USA manufacturing base.

Established in 2001 and one of the first UK firms to achieve ISO 9001 2015, Milturn Precision Engineering has 21 highly skilled machinists and anodisers specialising in high quality components, including high performance lens cases for the optical /movie/ camera industries, marine and automotive engineering and high end shop/hotel fitting, Milturn also has an anodising facility to improve the quality and durability of finished components.

Mark Curtis, Vision Engineering CEO said “The strategic acquisition of Milturn Precision Engineering strengthens Vision Engineering’s global manufacturing capability, and improves our ability to deliver high quality precision manufactured parts, assemblies and finished products to our combined existing and new customers. It also consolidates our Manufacturing Services division with substantial high end milling, turning and anodising skills and experience.

Ian Mustard, Milturn Owner and Director said “Milturn has worked with Vision Engineering for years and I know their commitment to highly skilled operators, whether machinists or anodisers, producing quality components. We have built up a demanding, high end customer base in specialised sectors. I am confident that Vision Engineering will implement strategy and investment to take Milturn Engineering and Bowfran, our anodising division, forward and continue the success built on the capabilities of our staff.”

For more information: www.visioneng.com

Urban Air Mobility is the latest industry to harness the power of aerodynamics to create efficient and sustainable aircraft.

Whilst the technology has been around for some time, industry is focussing on sustainability and this means producing the most energy efficient aircraft possible considering both powertrain and aerodynamic efficiency for drag reduction.

EvoScann miniature pressure scanners are a perfect fit for this type of aircraft testing. Small and compact, they can be built to fit into a wing section or placed around the body of the aircraft to achieve measurements from previously unreachable areas.

Digital data is then transmitted in direct engineering units, so aerodynamicists can see where improvements can be achieved.

On-vehicle pressure scanning is used in a wide range of industries and is particularly popular in motorsports as it verifies the calculations made in CFD simulation and wind tunnel testing has been transferred to real world experiences.

Combining the pressure scanners with flow probes, provides greater data which gives detailed insight into how the air flow react with aircraft on take-off or landing, when the power consumption is at a maximum.

For more details on how EvoScann miniature pressure scanners can help your development of Urban Air Mobility please contact enquiries@evoltuionmeasurement.com

www.EvoScann.com

A dynamic website to help the science and engineering industry discover more about acoustic and ultrasound measurement products and services has been launched.

The fresh-looking, easy-to-navigate online platform by Precision Acoustics – a leading manufacturer of acoustic measurement products – is part of an exciting re-branding project by the company, which also includes a new, co-ordinated logo.

The rich, highly-informative online resource provides news and information about the company and industry at large for engineers and customers, as well as easy access to their impressive portfolio of products and services. There is also a library of wide-ranging reference and educational material, including white papers, webinars and presentations.

It also provides information on interesting training opportunities, for those who want to discover more – and experience first-hand – the company’s new and innovative designs and technology.

The website has also been designed to ensure it’s easy to navigate via both desktop and smartphone.

With simple lines and uncluttered pages, areas of interest for visitors are easily identifiable so they can access information fast and easily.

Gary Livingstone, Precision Acoustics’ Managing Director, said: “In addition to adding more relevant content to the website, we have streamlined navigation for customers to quickly access all parts of our wide portfolio. At the same time, we have created a dynamic website that can be accessed via a desktop or a smartphone.”

He added: “The company has changed a lot in the last seven years, growing from a staff of 11 to 24 people today. The website reflects the changes in the industry in general and Precision Acoustics in particular but is above all intended as an accessible resource for engineers and our customers.”

Users can access all the company’s products, from Acoustic and Piezo-Electric Materials to Ultrasonic Transducers, Scanning Tanks, Power or Pressure Measurement to Amplifiers and Third Party equipment, via the “products” tab.

The “services” page has information on all specialist areas, from custom sensor development to training Courses and equipment rental and more.

Another invaluable resource is the collection of short tutorial videos, presented by Andrew Hurrell PhD, Principal Research Physicist at Precision Acoustics.

The range of video topics includes tutorials on Hydrophones, Ultrasonic Transducers, Instrumentation and Measurement and a series of Fundamental Science tutorials introducing Fourier Transforms, Transmission Lines, Electrical Impedance and many more.

The Online Shop is an e-commerce site where a few of Precision Acoustics’ more common products are available to purchase both off-the-shelf and shipped around the world. Most of these products e.g. some materials, mounts and selected transducers are available with a very quick turnaround time.

For more information please visit the Precision Acoustics website: www.acoustics.co.uk

Bowers Group is celebrating the success of Control 2022 following a 3-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic. The Bowers team very much enjoyed catching up with contacts old and new, including a number of our valued distributors, at the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre from 3rd – 6th May.

Bowers Group were proud to display a range of connective metrology solutions in Hall 7, Booth 7102, and delighted to welcome distributors, customers and valued contacts to the stand. Visitors enjoyed live demonstrations of effective data transfer between measurement equipment and applications, as well as being introduced to Bowers’ brand-new digital external micrometer, DigiMic.

Richard Grocott, Bowers Export Sales Director said: “It was great to be back at Control for 2022. Not only has it been a great opportunity to meet many of our distributors face to face, we were also delighted with visitors’ reactions to the DigiMic, and the opportunity to demonstrate how our range of bore gauges, micrometers, and indicators can participate in data exchange. The new rotary axis option on the Baty Venture XT was also extremely well received and generated a lot of interest and demonstrations.

It was a pleasure to be able to showcase our extensive selection of bespoke measurement solutions for a variety of gauging applications. Visitors were particularly interested in our application heads which can be fitted directly onto our XT range of digital bore gauges to create a flexible, modular measuring system whether you’re measuring threads, grooves, splines, or deep holes.”

Semiconductors have changed the way we live and continue to play a key role in our future. As the number of production facilities increase, so the potential for harmful emissions also rises. Sensor technology supports the semiconductor industry by enabling consistency and uniformity, while at the same time protecting those working directly on the fabrication process, and off-site emissions that can potentially impact local communities.

With product standards and safety requirements so crucial, the highest quality standard of sensors and monitoring is imperative. ION Science, leaders in PID (photoionisation detection) technology are experienced in delivering those solutions.

Demand for semiconductors is at an all-time high with a wide spectrum of usage including smartphones on a small scale, electric cars on the medium scale and within smart factories on an industrial scale. Whatever their end application, they require extremely precise fabrication.

Different types of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and gases are used in the development of integrated circuits on silicon wafers. Determining and ensuring the exact amount of VOC exposure is crucial, both for consistency and for personal health. Unaccounted-for VOCs have the potential to interfere with the creation of a wafer and ruin a circuit, potentially even a whole batch.

Ensuring consistent performance on a product line cannot be underestimated. By incorrectly monitoring VOCs and gases, businesses run the risk of wasting vital resources and damaging the health of those employed to manufacture them.

Workers are at risk of being exposed to VOCs used and highly toxic VOCs generated as by-products during the fabrication process. Devices are produced in clean rooms that are strictly controlled to avoid the generation and deposition of particles on wafers. Fabrication facilities are generally equipped with local associated ventilation systems to help manage VOCs. However, in some facilities, the air exposed to the photolithography process is only recirculated with 20 – 30 % outdoor air therefore allowing low concentrations of VOCs to potentially persist.

In addition to personal safety and product consistency, other major factors behind the importance of accurate sensor monitoring are the environmental and financial elements. A whole batch of semiconductors ruined due to over-exposure to VOCs can mean a large wastage of products, which can cause both environmental and sustainability issues. With such a shortage of semiconductors globally, preventing product loss through VOC detection is an easy way to maintain supply chains.

When accurately monitored by high precision sensors, VOCs and gases used in the semiconductor industry do not need to be detrimental to human health. However, without consistent and accurate measurement, such as that provided by ION Science sensors, worker risk is significantly increased due to potential exposures to a variety of chemicals above safe concentrations for extended periods.

The types of VOCs that workers could potentially be exposed to include ethylene glycol, trichloroethylene, and xylene. There is also a potential risk of benzene and formaldehyde exposure because of certain processes. Even in lower concentrations these can pose significant health risks. Monitoring for VOCs and protecting the health of workers takes a high priority and is why clear guidelines for exposure are laid out and need to be accurately analysed by sensors.

ION Science is renowned throughout the industry as the PID sensor of choice for VOC monitoring by OEMs, and were recently awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its range of MiniPID sensors.

ION Science’s guide to better understanding the processes and ways of protecting sites and workers is available to download free here.

element14, an Avnet Community, is co-hosting a webinar with OMRON to educate its members on new options for energy management. The webinar will explore OMRON’s new 200A high-power PCB relay G9KA series, which offers low contact resistance to increase the safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of energy management product design.

The webinar, “PCB Relay Solutions for Energy Management,” will take place on Wednesday, June 1, at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT.

“With the energy industry working towards self-generated solar power as a primary source of electricity, engineers and designers need affordable, reliable products for their energy management solutions,” said Dianne Kibbey, Global Head of Community and Social Media for element14. “We’re proud to be partnering with OMRON to share this new offering with our community and dive deeper into some of the sustainable energy design options we provide.”

Members of the element14 Community can join the webinar to understand more about:

• OMRON’s power relay portfolio
• The new product introduction of G9KA
•  Performance in actual applications
• >200A reference PCB designs
• Reference soldering conditions

The webinar will feature Steve Drumm, Strategic Marketing Manager at OMRON Electronics Components. Drumm provides application support for component and module-based solutions in energy management products, including Solar PV Inverters (PVI), Energy Storage Systems (ESS), EV chargers (AC & DC), fuel cells and smart metering. With a tenure of nearly 30 years at OMROM, he can provide both technical and commercial application guidance for webinar participants.

To register and learn more about the webinar, please visit https://community.element14.com/learn/events/c/e/1602.

Glenn Wedgbrow, Business Development Manager at Micro-Epsilon UK, provides an overview of 7 challenging measurement applications that use the latest laser profile scanning technology to help improve quality control and production performance.

2D/3D laser profile scanners are used to detect, measure and evaluate profiles on a wide range of object surfaces with high precision. Their versatility allows the scanners to measure the profile of angles, steps, distances, extreme values and 3D measurements.

Compact, lightweight sensors with built-in controllers can better serve manufacturing and robotic applications where absolute precision is imperative in the measurement of extremely small structures and gaps. The integration of all the electronics inside a compact sensor body makes the installation of laser scanners much easier, a key advantage in factory automation and machine building applications that provide a very small installation space.

The measuring principle

The sensors with integrated signal processors and optical components project a wide laser line onto the target surface. A compact size combined with higher resolution allows the scanCONTROL 30xx family of scanners to attain new performance levels in quality control.

With dimensions of 96mm x 112mm x 40mm, scanCONTROL 30xx sensors can be easily integrated into various environments. The compact, lightweight sensors provide several interfaces to output measured data directly or via a gateway module, for example, Ethernet, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP and EtherCAT. The freely downloadable scanCONTROL Configuration Tools software from Micro-Epsilon enables engineers to configure and deliver measurement results direct to other plant control systems without having an additional PC or controller permanently connected.

The scanCONTROL 30xx sensors operate according to the international GigE Vision standard, which allows them to be integrated into industrial image processing systems. In addition, the sensors can autonomously execute several measuring programs in parallel while delivering different measurement results per profile.

Example 1: easy integration due to compact size and integral controller

Common laser scanners that use external controllers carry an overhead in terms of both space and weight, which can be a serious limitation when the sensors operate on tight measuring locations. However, a compact laser profile scanner with integral evaluations without requiring an external controller or PC, can be directly integrated to a PLC or other production control system. Equipped with powerful processors and highly sensitive optical components, these scanners ensure precise measurements on almost any surface type. The lightweight scanCONTROL scanners provide the ideal integration solution for robotics applications, inline production monitoring and mobile machines.

Example 2: Blue laser technology for red-hot glowing surfaces

Profile measurements on red-hot glowing targets such as milled steel push traditional sensor technologies to their limits. This is where scanCONTROL Blue Laser technology offers the ideal measurement solution. Blue Laser scanners work at a shorter wavelength of 405nm, which is far from the red part of the visible spectrum. This means it is unaffected by the emitted light from a surface, which is blocked by using a simple optical filter. This method ensures very stable signals. For this reason, scanCONTROL laser scanners achieve excellent signal stability and therefore precise measurement results on red-hot glowing surfaces. Applications involving Micro-Epsilon scanCONTROL Blue Laser scanners measuring on red-hot glowing measurement objects exceeding 700°C are protected by patent law.

Example 3: Blue laser technology for transparent objects

The scanCONTROL Blue Laser scanners also demonstrate their advantages on transparent objects such as plastics, glass, adhesives, silicones, paints, varnishes, coatings, Plexiglas and gaskets. The scanners achieve excellent signal stability on these surfaces and thus precise measurement results. The shorter wavelength of blue light reduces the penetration into the material surface that is seen with traditional red lasers. The advantages of these scanners are also used for measurement on organic objects and reflective metals. Measurement tasks involving blue laser scanners measuring on transparent objects such as glass and plastics are protected by patent law.

Example 4: 3D measurements in the production line

scanCONTROL laser line scanners use the laser triangulation measuring principle for two-dimensional profile detection on different target surfaces. Line optics project a laser line onto the target surface. A high quality optical system images the diffusely reflected light from this laser line onto a sensor matrix. From this camera image, the controller calculates the distance information (z-axis) and the position alongside the laser line (x-axis) and outputs both in a two-dimensional coordinate system. In the case of moving objects or traversing the sensor, a 3D point cloud is obtained from the juxtaposition of the profiles.

Micro-Epsilon laser scanners are used for precise inline 3D measurements in numerous applications. To generate 3D scans, the scanners are moved over the measurement object or vice versa. The scanCONTROL 3000 series offers a comprehensive 3D scanner portfolio with many different measuring ranges, as well as a choice of red or blue laser technologies and an extensive range of accessories. The laser scanners are characterised by high dynamics, precision and their compact size. Due to the low sensor weight, they are also suitable for use in robotics. Via the Ethernet/GigE Vision interface, scanCONTROL scanners can be optimally integrated into image processing software systems.

Example 5: Path planning in welding automation In modern spot welding, additive welding processes and robot welding, all process steps are clocked and carried out with the highest precision. In this respect, high precision sensors from Micro-Epsilon impress in numerous measurement tasks and are used, for example, for control, intensity control and weld path planning. The scanners are used for profile measurements and provide precise profile information of the weld seam, even on difficult surfaces. The calculated paths eliminate deviations from the component tolerance in such a way that the welding head is positioned over the desired seam at all times.

Example 6: Burr measurement in slitting lines

The cutting process causes burrs to form on the cut surfaces of the metal strips. For inline monitoring of the burr, scanCONTROL laser scanners are used, which permanently monitor the sheet edges. Due to the Blue Laser technology, precise measurement values with high signal stability are determined. Limit value transgressions are transferred directly to the control system, allowing the slitting process to be adjusted, for example, by servicing the knives or adjusting the path control.

Example 7: 3D measurement of components prior to plasma cutting

In order to process huge domes quickly, fully automatically and at extreme precision, it is necessary to determine the shape of the domes and their exact position within the production line. As the pure CAD data of the dome often differs by several centimetres from the actual dimensions, the 3D profile of the covers is measured before processing using scanCONTROL laser scanners. The exact dimensions are then determined from the 2D data generated by the scanner which is connected to a 6D position system.

scanCONTROL advanced laser scanner technology

• Compact size and integrated evaluation without an external controller or PC
• Multiple measuring ranges and laser types (red, blue, classes 2/3)
• High profile resolution for detection of the finest of details
• High profile rate for dynamic measurement tasks
• Factory calibration for metals
• Proven operational safety in 24/7 operation over many years

For more information on 2D/3D laser profile scanners, please call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on +44 (0)151 355 6070 or email info@micro-epsilon.co.uk

A recent study by Ericsson found that almost two thirds of manufacturers believe their company will be at least 80 per cent automated in the next ten years. This transformation will not be possible without industrial control systems, which are the mechanism behind automated machine independence and motion. Here, Richard Mount, Director of Sales at ASIC design and supply company Swindon Silicon Systems, explains how Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) can help your industrial control system stand out from the crowd.

The devices used in industrial control system technology benefit virtually every industrial sector, including manufacturing, transportation, energy and water treatment. Despite their apparent diversity, industrial control systems share many common aspects — they measure physical quantities using sensors, they condition and process the resulting signals and they take actions that depend on the results.

One example of an industrial control system is the network of pressure and flow sensors employed by water and waste-water utility companies. These companies are embracing the Industry 4.0 concept of ‘Smart Water’, whereby extensive automation, data gathering and analysis helps identify pipes for repair and maintains the quality of treatment processes.

Why use custom ICs in control systems?

In any industrial setting, the variable a plant manager wishes to monitor is typically analogue, such as temperature or pressure. In any industrial setting, the physical quantity under control will be measured by an electronic transducer. This transducer will likely produce an analogue signal, which can be taken by a mixed-signal ASIC, converted into a digital quantity and processed. Using a custom IC design allows manufacturers to optimise the performance of their system, producing unique functionality that differentiates their product from the competition.

Industrial sensors are often located in confined and difficult environments where they must remain in operation for many years. Needless to say, reliability is a key attribute. ASICs can be a highly rugged solution and are designed with non-obsolescence in mind. With a Swindon ASIC, component supply is co-ordinated for the lifetime of the product, averting potential future system redesigns.

A custom IC can replace both discrete components and standard ICs, which reduces component count, resulting in higher reliability and a reduction in PCB space.

Motor controllers

Mixed signal ASICs have long been used in motor controllers, supporting the development of low cost variable speed drive systems (VSDs). VSDs sense electrical current, shaft position and rotational speed, in order to supply appropriate control signals to the motor whilst communicating with the wider system.  Using a custom IC for this application allows the VSD to be optimised providing unique performance in comparison to off-the-shelf alternatives.

Linear and rotary encoders

Many industrial control systems use linear and rotary encoders. A linear encoder is a sensor, transducer or read-head paired with a scale that encodes position. It can also be used to determine motion, as a change in position over time. Linear encoders found in diverse devices from metrology instruments to high precision machine tools include digital callipers and CNC mills.

A rotary encoder converts the angular position or motion of a shaft to an analogue or digital signal. A variety of applications that require precise shaft rotation employ rotary encoders — industrial controls, robotics, rotating radar platforms and even special purpose photographic lenses.

While serving different purposes, both linear and rotary encoders include a sensing element that converts a physical stimulus into a weak electronic signal. An ASIC is used to receive, condition and digitise this signal, passing this data onto the central processing unit (CPU) where position can be calculated.

A custom IC can offer better accuracy than can be obtained using standard components’. The unique design of an ASIC allows investment in performance where it matters, for example a non-linearity specification.

Industrial control system is a very broad term, used to describe different types of control system in a variety of applications. However, using an ASIC can be beneficial, providing bespoke performance and functionality and resulting in a smaller solution using less power. Mixed signal ASICs are a proven method of differentiating yourself, both technically and commercially, from the crowd.

If you want to find out more about how an ASIC could benefit your industrial control system, talk to a member of the Swindon Silicon Systems team on +44 (0) 1793 649400 or visit www.swindonsilicon.com/contact-us.

Three members of staff from Precision Acoustics visited Sunninghill Preparatory School in Dorchester, as part of the school’s Science Week.

The week is designed to introduce school children to all areas of science, make it an engaging subject and, for older students, help them to understand what career pathways are possible.

Precision Acoustics’ Measurement Manager and STEM ambassador, David Bell, Measurement Scientist, Marina Bakaric and Systems Engineer, Timothy Tan spent the day with pupils from different year groups, introducing them to the wonder of acoustics and its applications in real life.

Practical demonstrations included a pyroelectric sensor, which turns heat into electricity for ultrasound to show how to measure sound. The lab experiment was a wonderful platform to explain how the sensor transfers heat to electricity and how this can be used to the group of Year 7 pupils.

There was also a discussion about high-intensity therapeutic ultrasound, the effects and dangers of the technology and how it is used in cancer therapy.

In another demonstration, pupils learned how a thermochromic tile uses heat and how this is used in commercial physiotherapy equipment (as well as children forehead thermometers).

Trombonist David Bell showed Year 5 and 6 pupils the different ways to produce sound using wind instruments like a flute and a clarinet. He also ‘played’ a hosepipe using a trumpet mouthpiece and the group discussed the different sounds produced from different lengths of pipe.

In the playground, a group of pupils were able to demonstrate how sound is transferred with each student acting as a molecule in a chain.

“A STEM ambassador can inspire children to look at science,” says David Bell. “We can explain why STEM subjects are fun, provide a good career path, and it is good to show applications of science in real life applications.”

Projects like this also support gender representation in school. “A key aspect is to encourage girls to study physics, adds Bell.

Following the day at Sunninghill, Marina Bakaric, applied to be a STEM ambassador, to continue the good work of introducing children of all ages to the opportunities presented by STEM subjects.

Commenting on the day and value for the pupils, Margaret Evans, Head of Science said: “Students in years 5 to 8 at Sunninghill Prep school had a great day . . . . [learning] about sound and acoustics . . . how sounds are formed and travel and about ultrasound which linked to the practical activities the pupils experienced.

“Pupils were shown a focussed transducer which vapourised the water at the surface and [they] learned how devices like this could be used for cancer treatment.

“Pupils loved using the pyroelectric sensors which transferred heat to electrical energy. They really enjoyed getting hands-on with the equipment!

“It was also really interesting for the Key Stage Three pupils to have careers input – David, Marina and Tim’s route to their jobs; the education and training they needed, as well as the different roles there are within one company,” she said.

As chip supply chains consist of a series of different subcontractors each independently doing a specific task, disconnects can easily happen between them. Sondrel calls these Communication Chasms and warns that they can cause issues that ripple through the rest of the chain adding delays and unexpected costs as stages have to be rescheduled.

Ian Walsh, Sondrel’s VP ASIC Business Development, explained; “Unless the handover between each stage is overseen by someone who really understand the whole process, it is all too easy for there to be a breakdown in communications as assumptions can be made by one or both subcontractors in the chain as to exactly what the status is at handover. In such a Communication Chasm, each will blame the other and the project stalls. With so many stages in a chip supply chain where this could happen many times, the whole project is subject to the risk of serious delays. And, as chips become ever more complex, this risk just increases.

“The overall budget of a new chip project of the type of complex, state-of-the-art SoCs that we specialise in can run into many millions of dollars so customers want to mitigate the risks as much as possible. That is why we offer a complete turnkey service from concept to shipping silicon so that there is no possibility of any Communication Chasms because we take total responsibility for the smooth running of every stage and every subcontractor in the chain. Any issues are spotted and corrective actions taken such as rescheduling tasks or even running some in parallel to keep the project on time which is easy to do when all the stages are being controlled by one company. We have perfected the skills of highly detailed, project management with our own sophisticated, interconnected work flows from all the hundreds of advanced chips that we have designed for customers and we now use these skills for the chip manufacturing chain.”

Sondrel often starts the chip project right at the concept planning stage, where the Power Performance Area (PPA), market requirements and final price point form the foundation for the project. The final price per unit is a key data point as it determines how to produce the chip, i.e., which process and technology node to use and the number of die per wafer that are required to obtain the per die cost. For example, there is no point using latest node to achieve a lower power consumption if the end price cannot support the higher cost of this technology.

Similarly, planning is done for stages further downstream such as the number, size and location of testing pads, the number of pins and what kind of packaging will be required. All too often the Design for Test and Design for Manufacture are not thought of by a pure Design Services company and, as a result, the largest Communication Chasm opens up between the Design company who hands over the GDSII to whoever is doing the actual chip testing and manufacture. For example, with testing, who better to design the test regime for the chip than the engineers who designed it and who better to fix any bugs that testing reveals. Having this the responsibility of one company such as Sondrel with a holistic overview, ensures smooth communication up and down the entire chain, mitigating risk for the customer for on budget and on time delivery.