News

In a move that could significantly boost the UK’s renewable energy growth, contracts have been awarded to Thales, QinetiQ, Saab, TWI and Plextek DTS to fast-track their ideas for technologies that could mitigate the impact of windfarms on the UK’s air defence radar system.

By guaranteeing essential defence communications are not affected, more wind farms can be built, creating a greener and more technologically sustainable Britain in record time.

The MOD’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is spearheading the innovation competition on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Royal Air Force (RAF), and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said: “We want more offshore wind farms to help deliver our ambitious environmental agenda while retaining the protection that radar provides.

“This is a great step forward in achieving this goal and shows Defence’s determination to support sustainability and deliver our green goals for Britain.

“The innovation contracts are part of the MOD’s commitment to the Government’s 2019 Offshore Wind Sector Deal, which expects wind power to fuel 30 percent of the UK’s electricity need by 2030.”

Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, Kwasi Kwarteng said: “The continued growth of offshore wind is a national success story and this funding will ensure we continue to build bigger and more advanced projects vital to tackling climate change.

“The UK’s innovative spirit is second to none, which is why we are drawing from all areas of the country’s expertise to drive forward our incredible renewable energy fleet.”

DASA launched the Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence competition in March, to find innovative solutions that lessen the impact off-shore wind turbines could have on military and civilian radar systems.

Wing Commander Helena Ramsden, Air Capability Strategy, Air Command, said: “This is a positive first step in getting cutting-edge innovation off the ground to harness the best technology from the brightest minds in the country.

“We are committed to keeping the skies above the UK safe from aerial threats whilst accelerating crucial work to allow the nation to do more to combat climate change.”

The successful bidders in DASA’s competition offered wide-ranging and complex ideas to tackle radar interference.

Thales, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham and SMEs, will develop surveillance to mitigate windfarm ‘clutter’, whereas Saab is developing a radar mitigation system using Artificial Intelligence and Doppler filtering.

QinetiQ is developing two proposals – the first approach uses new materials to stop the radar from being distorted. Their second proposal will develop radar-absorbing materials that can be put on off-shore wind turbines to limit interference.

TWI will develop novel methods for creating conductive coating for turbine blades that adsorb radar in partnership with the University of Exeter’s Centre for Metamaterial Research and Innovation. Finally, Plextek DTS is developing techniques to remove the effects windfarms have on radar data.

Robert Hammond-Smith, DASA delivery manager, said: “Crucial innovation like this is vital if we are to meet our renewable energy targets.

“This competition will not only help us meet our green energy needs but it will also help boost UK prosperity, entrepreneurs and innovators by investing in their potentially game-changing technology.

“DASA is proud to be working closely with BEIS, the RAF and Dstl to lead this important work which could transform the UK’s approach to offshore wind power generation.”

The UK is investing more in offshore wind than any other country and is home to the world’s largest windfarms: Walney and Hornsea 1 in the North Sea. Walney wind farm generates power for more than 600,000 homes across Cumbria, while the impressive Hornsea 1 supports power for over one million households across the UK.

Offshore wind will play a key role in delivering net-zero emissions by 2050, with a Government commitment to scale it up to 40GW by the end of the decade.

BEIS has already invested £1.3 million into the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub and the Knowledge Transfer Network to encourage industry to come up with ways to accelerate wind farm development. This would mean a huge increase in the number of wind farms being built off the UK’s shores, needing effective connection to the grid.

Acrovision, a UK-based systems integrator of factory and warehouse automation, vision inspection systems and direct part marking and identification technologies, has chosen the thermoIMAGER TIM QVGA-HD-T100 thermal imaging camera from Micro-Epsilon as part of its infrared thermal detection system, the AFS-100. The system provides end users with a reliable, versatile, high accuracy fever screening system to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The thermal imaging camera was selected due to its high accuracy and ease of integration, set up and configuration.

The AFS-100 is an infrared thermal detection system which is used to detect a person’s elevated body temperature. The system meets the ISO 80601-2-59:2017 standards for “Basic Safety and Essential Performance of Screening for Human Febrile Temperature”. The built-in thermoIMAGER TIM QVGA-HD-T100 camera allows for individuals to be scanned at points of entry to buildings such as factories, airports, offices, warehouses and hospitals, or generally positioned onsite for screening purposes, providing a safe non-contact solution for temperature checks.

Paul Cunningham, Managing Director of Acrovision comments: “In current times, more than ever, we need to be vigilant of fevers or viruses and in turn the wellbeing of employees and customers in public areas. We also need to increase everyone’s confidence in knowing they are entering a safe environment. The AFS-100 fever screening system is designed to be extremely easy to install and use, yet remain ultra-accurate in its measurement results. We are also pleased to say that 10 per cent of sales of the AFS-100 will be donated to the NHS.”

As well as the thermoIMAGER TIM QVGA-HD-T100 camera, the AFS-100 consists of a Feedback Monitor and the all-important “Reference Box” that ensures the accuracy of ±0.5°C. As an option, the AFS-100 offers a Data Collection bolt-on, which allows the use of Personnel ID cards to both trigger the camera and to log individuals’ temperature measurements for further analysis or tailoring of results.

Cunningham continues: “As a business, we were already familiar with Micro-Epsilon and its products, including its 2D/3D laser measurement sensors. During lockdown, I attended a Micro-Epsilon webinar about its thermal imaging camera and so was confident that it would meet our strict requirements in terms of accuracy, quality and reliability. We also thought Micro-Epsilon would be a ‘good fit’ for Acrovision in terms of the high-end, high quality, German-made products they supply, but also because they sell products based on technology and technical advantages.”

A key element to the AFS-100’s method of individual screening is the accurate measurement taken from the Medial Canthus (tear duct in the inner eye area) which provides the strongest indication of an elevated body temperature. The system analyses every pixel (approximately 1.3mm) of this area and highlights the hottest region. This method removes the inaccuracies/issues of an incorrect measurement due to environmental and physiological factors that many other systems are susceptible to.

The thermoIMAGER TIM QVGA-HD-T100 infrared camera from Micro-Epsilon is supplied with a certificate of calibration that validates temperature measurements made against a traceable 35°C temperature reference source (black body). The camera is accurate to
± 0.5°C when used with the TM-BR20AR-TIM black body source, which means it can provide reliable skin temperature measurements for fever detection systems. It is ideal for integration into automated monitoring systems such as the AFS-100.

Absolute temperature measurement accuracy

Most infrared cameras with 8-14µm spectral response are specified with an accuracy of ± 2°C or 2% of the reading, whichever is greater based on deployments in industrial environments in a wide variety of ambient conditions from 0°C to +50°C. This means that many thermal imagers are unable to achieve the accuracy required to detect a fever and so give false positive readings.

Many infrared cameras are being promoted today that claim to offer accuracies of ± 0.5°C or better. However, these accuracies cannot be achieved without the use of a black body reference source. This source needs to be stable, have high emissivity and should be positioned in close proximity to the person to be scanned. It is vital to select a black body source with a very high stability, as not all black body sources are stable enough to provide a ± 0.5°C system accuracy.

The TM-BR20AR-TIM ambient black body reference source from Micro-Epsilon can be combined with the thermoIMAGER TIM QVGA-HD-T100 camera. The black body is equipped with a 16-bit digital temperature sensor with ± 0.1°C accuracy. By integrating this highly accurate reference signal to the TIM Connect software (freely provided with the camera), Micro-Epsilon can reduce camera uncertainties resulting from device adjustment, ambient temperature drift and short term stability down to a system accuracy of ± 0.5°C with a confidence interval of 95%.

“As well as the high resolution of the Micro-Epsilon camera, the other key benefits for us are its back-end software program that is easy to use and which simplified the set up and configuration of the camera, as well as simplifying the integration of the camera to our own hardware and software systems,” adds Cunningham.

“Right from the start and all the way through product development, the Micro-Epsilon team has been extremely helpful, including demonstrations of the camera, answering our questions and providing technical support, training us on how to use the camera and its software. We look forward to continuing this relationship in the future,” Cunningham concludes.

As some global manufacturing sectors face unprecedented pressure, there has never been a more opportune time to implement game-changing automation technologies. Those businesses that have been adopting technologies able to provide greater transparency, higher productivity and better process management will be better placed to move forward and adapt to the new manufacturing landscape. John Browett, general manager of CLPA Europe, looks at how manufacturers can invest in key solutions that support current needs while also futureproofing their activities.

Current production challenges mean that there is not just demand for factory automation solutions that can ensure continued manufacture and supply of goods, but that provide the transparency and productivity benefits promised by Industry 4.0 too. Bearing in mind that the lifecycle times for automation hardware are as long as 20 years, there are many plants operating with aged production systems that could benefit from an update. This is where industry-leading open communication technologies can step in to deliver these necessary improvements in process transparency and productivity.

The case for Time-Sensitive Networking

As automation plant lifecycles typically last many years, it is essential to know what technologies show the most promise of longevity, rapid return on investment (ROI) and clear technical benefits. It is clear to most automation specialists that one of these will be Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). This is a set of Ethernet sub-standards for the OSI-Layer 2 defined by IEEE 802.1. These aim to improve determinism and reliability in industrial Ethernet-based communications. by creating accurate time synchronisation across a network, in addition to traffic prioritisation.

Therefore, businesses can combine multiple types of traffic on a single network, with no loss of performance for critical control-related tasks. The end result is an industrial Ethernet infrastructure that permits all kinds of traffic to coexist, regardless of whether it is critical safety or motion control-related data, general control information, video frames from inspection systems, periodic shift logs or even emails.

This consequently delivers several technical benefits: networks are able to fully leverage the benefits of gigabit bandwidth, their infrastructure is simpler and therefore less costly to design, implement and maintain. Ultimately, systems can be rolled out and start their operations in a shorter time.

By removing the need for physical separation of critical and non-critical networks, TSN also creates a convergence between information technology (IT) and industrial operational technology (OT). This convergence directly addresses the competitive pressure of Industry 4.0 in order to deliver corresponding business benefits. Key results include better transparency and management of processes, product quality improvements, increase in output as well as reduced downtime. In addition, the enterprise can become more responsive to customer demands and better able to support its business.

An evolving solution

While many of the IEEE 802.1 standards are now complete, some are still under development. Moreover, the IEC/IEEE 60802 working group is still standardising TSN profiles for industrial automation. Hence, TSN is still evolving.

The counterpoint to this is that projects have to be done now, and TSN’s maturity level is such that vendors have already started to market solutions. As with most technologies, TSN will continue to evolve over time. However, any risk of moving forward now is mitigated by the fact that the organisations involved have a strong track record of ensuring backwards compatibility. So while TSN will continue to evolve, future iterations will be compatible with what is available today. TSN, as it stands today, can deliver all the benefits outlined earlier, and hence this creates a compelling case for using it to maintain a competitive advantage now.

Specific examples of applications that can benefit from TSN include those that would profit from combining several types of control on one network. For example, a converting application such as a printing press could combine high precision motion control for registration with visual inspection of the process, along with systems related to operator safety. TSN allows them all to coexist on a single network, simplifying system design, reducing cost and increasing uptime.

The time to implement TSN is now

Plant lifecycles are typically measured in decades. With this in mind, current TSN solutions are a safe bet. The technology is already able to address the demands of Industry 4.0 that are emerging now by maximising the use of the increasingly common gigabit bandwidth. In addition, it holds the promise of being able to evolve accordingly to meet future demands while protecting existing investments.

Its base technology, Ethernet, was first conceived in the early 1970s and has already proved its ability to remain relevant over time. Hence, TSN will likely continue to benefit from this ability and offer advantages during the current plant lifecycles and beyond.

TSN can act as a powerful ally to support businesses to address current manufacturing challenges. Technologies that offer TSN functionalities now while also providing migration capabilities for the future are therefore ideal. The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) has supported businesses with state-of-the art open automation network technologies for 20 years and, as one of the key players in the sector, is in a position to continue to do so for the next 20 years.

To support advanced industrial communications, the organisation has recently developed CC-Link IE TSN, the first open industrial Ethernet to combine 1Gbit bandwidth with TSN functionalities. Thanks to these key features, it offers an ideal migration solution that can address current manufacturing needs while acting as a gateway to the future of connected industries. By implementing this technology businesses are enabled to handle the large volume of traffic associated with Industry 4.0 data-driven manufacturing. As a result, they will not only optimise their current operations, but also futureproof them.

Automated Precision Europe (API) has announced a new partnership with MeetConsult, offering closer customer proximity in the Netherlands and better solutions for 3D metrology tasks. Both companies are long-standing solution providers of laser-based metrology and measurement services for a wide range of industrial applications.

“As an API partner, we offer our customers the ability to perform industrial measurements faster and more accurately than before,” says Eelco Visser of MeetConsult B.V.. “Together with MeetConsult, API can now supply Dutch customers with innovative mobile 3D metrology, on-site measurement services, Laser Tracker calibration, and our attractive rental program, using more than 30 years of expertise in international markets and development,” adds Jens Pursche, Sales Manager of API. “Together, we will be able to reach interested parties in the Netherlands better than ever for optimal support of customer tasks through on-site visits or online demos from the API’s Virtual Showroom.”

For on-site or online demo appointments and further information, please contact: info@meetconsult.nl or info.eu@apimetrology.com.

MTS will provide two state-of-the-art tyre testing systems to a global tyre manufacturer to help optimise designs for electric and fuel-efficient vehicles. The contract is valued at $7 million and is the company’s largest customer order in India, underscoring MTS’ continued focus to expand its presence in key global markets.

“Environmental sustainability initiatives are driving rapid changes across all industries, and MTS is committed to supporting the development of more energy-efficient products and solutions,” says Randy J. Martinez, MTS Interim President and CEO. “MTS is pleased to provide test systems that will help this customer meet new testing standards and tyre fuel-efficiency rating requirements. As the automotive industry sharpens its focus on fuel-efficiency, MTS’ innovative test systems and technologies will continue to help manufacturers accelerate electric vehicle development and improve the energy-efficiency of all vehicles.”

Optimising Tyres for Electric & High-Performance Vehicles

Battery weight makes electric vehicles heavier than internal combustion engine vehicles, and this extra weight puts more loading forces on the tyres. The MTS Flat-Trac CT Plus Tire Testing System will test a tyre’s performance up to its limits and can replicate the increased cornering loads and higher braking forces of electric vehicles. Unlike other tyre test systems, the CT Plus can provide the forces needed to accurately evaluate tyre performance for electric as well as conventional vehicles.

Improving Vehicle Fuel Efficiency

Due to an increased interest in developing fuel-efficient vehicles, the automotive industry is looking for ways to mitigate energy loss from tyres. For both gas-powered and electric vehicles, the optimal tyre design can significantly lower energy consumption and operating costs. Better tyres will also reduce battery wear and increase electric vehicle range. The MTS Tyre Rolling Resistance Measurement System will help this tire manufacturer minimise tyre rolling resistance to improve vehicle fuel economy.

STMicroelectronics is to collaborate with A*STAR’s IME, a research institute in Singapore, and ULVAC, a leading Japanese manufacturing-tool vendor, to jointly setup and operate an 8-inch (200mm) R&D line focused on Piezo MEMS technology within ST’s existing manufacturing facility in Singapore. The first of its kind in the world, this “Lab-in-Fab” R&D line brings together three partners with leading-edge and complementary competencies in Piezo materials, Piezo MEMS technologies, and wafer-fab tools to boost innovation and accelerate development of new materials, process technologies, and ultimately, products for industry customers.

The Lab-in-Fab consists of a new cleanroom area within ST’s Ang Mo Kio campus and will host tools and dedicated resources from the three parties, which include MEMS R&D and process scientists and engineers. IME’s knowledge base and industrial drive in piezo-MEMS device design, process integration, and system integration will add value to the development of the line. IME will also contribute state-of-the-art tools to help ensure a smooth product flow through to production, all within the same location. The new R&D line will also leverage existing ST resources, benefiting from the economies of scale of ST’s wafer fabs on the same campus. The “Lab-in-Fab” facility is forecast to be ready and operational with first wafers in Q2 2021 and volume production at the end of 2022.

“We want to build the world’s leading R&D center for Piezo MEMS materials, technologies, and products with IME and ULVAC, with whom we have been working for a long time. This world first will be hosted in our Singapore site, a strategic location for ST,” said Benedetto Vigna, President, Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group, STMicroelectronics. “The Lab-in-Fab will offer our customers the capability to more easily go from a feasibility study to product development and high-volume manufacturing.”

This collaboration enhances the existing manufacturing-process portfolio of ST Singapore and will accelerate the adoption of Piezo MEMS actuators in promising new fields of application, including MEMS Mirrors for Smart Glasses, AR Headsets and LIDAR systems, Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers (PMUT) for emerging medical applications, and Piezo Heads for Commercial and industrial 3-D Printing.

“The public-private partnership between IME, ST and ULVAC has led to the creation of a unique R&D line, which will bring about novel products using piezo materials, and boost the competitiveness of our partners. These efforts will continue to anchor high-value R&D activities in Singapore and demonstrate that Singapore continues to be an attractive environment for industry leaders to innovate and grow their businesses. A*STAR is also committed to helping local SMEs tap into our technologies. We welcome companies to collaborate with IME and leverage our Lab-in-Fab facilities for proof of concept,” said Prof. Dim-Lee Kwong, Executive Director of IME.

“We are proud of being a “Lab-in-Fab” partner of ST and IME in developing advanced Piezo-MEMS for numerous promising future applications. This is also a strong proof of ULVAC’s leadership in providing manufacturing technology solutions to the Piezo-MEMS industry. We are looking forward to working closely with our partners for a successful collaboration,” said Dr. Koukou SUU, Executive Officer and Senior Fellow of ULVAC.

From prototype to full scale production, technical moulder Broanmain Plastics has assisted lab testing spectrometer innovator to develop a unique puck and slide concept that prevents cross contamination of food & drink, microbiological, chemical and forensic liquid laboratory samples.

Specac, a global provider of spectroscopic accessories used in the laboratory analysis of specimens in a wide range of scientific and industrial settings, – from life science research to polymers and plastics –  recently unveiled its revolutionary ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection) consumable puck and slide innovation. The unique Arrow concept comprises a puck and silicon wafer ATR consumable polypropylene slides featuring overmoulded lids, allowing lab scientists to batch test, save and cross-compare chemical changes in samples over a period of time.

Removing the need to clean the spectrometry puck between each individual lab sample has been hailed by Specac and industry experts as a major scientific breakthrough, as it safeguards against sample cross contamination as well as speeding up analysis.

Technical tool developer and injection moulding specialist Broanmain previously assisted Specac with its development of a new ATR accessory for the company’s high-spec offering to the spectroscopy market.. This project’s success instilled so much confidence in Specac’s team, they invited Broanmain’s tooling and production professionals – Kamil Stec and Thomas Catinat – to input into the full development of this completely new ATR concept.

Taking ATR in a new direction

Specac’s original concept was to create a disposable puck for high volume hazardous applications. Yet, through the company’s collaborations with Broanmain, the idea progressed to the development of an aluminum holding puck and disposable recyclable silicon ATR slides, which used less material, so was less wasteful.

At the very first meeting, suggestions for tooling and material mouldability were made. Within a week Broanmain had commissioned a specialist to build the prototype Arrow aluminium tooling for the slide with a built-in silicon wafer ATR crystal. As the slide must create a liquid tight seal between the well and ATR element whilst also aligning the optical components accurately, design precision was critical. The Broanmain team also pooled their expertise in overmoulding and material selection for the development of the innovative disposable Arrow slide, opting for an acid resistant 100% recyclable polypropylene combined with elastomer. The result was a single component, cleverly constructed to reduce part count and manufacturing complexity.

Specac’s Strategic Buyer Anthony Gomme comments: “It’s always our experience that collaboration with a production partner like Broanmain at the earliest stage results in the best product development and speeds up time to market.”

Eliminating contamination risks

Just like a regular Quest diamond puck, the Arrow’s ultra-thin silicon wafer ATR can be used to analyse forensic, microbiological, food and drink and paint coatings samples. Yet more cost efficiently. Rather than placing samples directly onto the puck, samples can be prepared in batches away from the spectrometry unit and analysed consecutively.

To avoid the risk of cross contaminating samples or evaporation, a cap can be pressed down over the well. This enables scientists to archive samples or perform long running tests using different solution concentrations to observe chemical changes in the samples. Additionally, an overmoulded seal clips down to ensure long term storage without risk of the sample leaking past the silicon wafer.

Specac’s project leader Michael Ramsay explains more and why the Arrow ATR warranted a patent: “The method of overmoulding the clipping mechanism on the slide and the process of removing slides from the spectrometry unit is very novel. From a productivity perspective, labs can now batch prepare and analyse over 25 samples in less than 10 minutes, with no cleaning of the puck between tests.”

Citing the importance of analysing the composition of food and drink commodities and ensuring samples are not cross contaminated, Michael expands: “In the food supply chain, brand integrity, authencity and traceability is critical. Correct labelling of calorific and nutritional content help consumers stay within recommended limits. This requires accurate quantification of the composition of food and drink to ensure full compliance with local labelling regulations. Quality control is stringent. These food analysis tests are typically performed in large batches, where speed and accuracy is critical.”

Launched in July 2020, Broanmain has now scaled up into full production of the Arrow puck and slides at its state-of-the-art Dorking facility. Operations Manager Thomas Catinat comments: “It’s always exciting to be involved in such a revolutionary market development that has the potential to reshape how scientific communities will perform sample analysis in the future. As these processes become increasingly automated, innovations like the Arrow ATR will yield more accurate and reproducible results.”

Compatible with Specac’s flagship Quest ATR accessory, for more information watch this launch video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KcNYzklfok

According to Make UK’s September 2020 Manufacturing Monitor, only 46 per cent of manufacturers achieved 75 to 100 per cent of their pre-Covid-19 operating levels in August 2020. 54 per cent now expect it will take less than twelve months to return to normal trading conditions. Here Mike John, managing director at industrial metrology provider The Sempre Group, emphasises why British manufacturing needs a cultural shift to get back on its feet.

We are seeing a slow, but promising increase in manufacturing output, as British manufacturers work hard to get back on track. Many manufacturers are looking for ways to operate more efficiently and more productively, although, with many businesses cash-poor, it is vital that businesses consider return on investment (ROI).

When investing in equipment to drive productivity, we typically think about investing in big machine tools or shiny new robots. We rarely think about measurement equipment, usually dismissing it as just a way to police part quality, but there are many ways that metrology can drive real value. 

Metrology for a productive process

There are clear benefits of embracing digital Industry 4.0 technologies, such as increasing throughput, reducing bottlenecks and increasing precision. Metrology ties in closely — its Quality 4.0 equivalent offers manufacturers a path to full control over their measurement data, and a way to use it as a vehicle for improvement.

Consider this example. A machinery manufacturer is checking that parts are within specification on a co-ordinate measurement machine (CMM). The CMM, although thorough, can be expensive, slow to take measurements and often create bottlenecks in the process. Every part is manually loaded, and the data copied from the machine to an Excel spreadsheet. Manually entering the data is time consuming for staff, and prone to human error. Accessing the data retrospectively, for example if there is a customer complaint, is a complex task that takes time and effort, as there is no software to connect individual data points. Similarly, reporting for compliance purposes is an arduous task.

The Sempre Group has a range of advanced measurement systems that offer efficient, accurate and appropriate types of measurement for your components, such as optical CMMs, optical shaft measurement systems and 2D scanning systems. The vast range of options available allow The Sempre Group to tailor you the right solution for your metrology challenges.

Combining these fast advanced technology systems with an electronic quality management system (QMS), gives a much more efficient solution, collecting data automatically from individual machines, pooling the data in a way that can alert the manufacturer to how machines are performing, while giving detailed insights on part quality. Manufacturers can even automate the quality processes, such as by adding a collaborative robot to load and unload the component onto the fixture, so that processes can run accurately and without the need for breaks. This can also improve productivity by increasing throughput, as well as the added benefits in accuracy.

The granular level of data enables root cause analysis, where manufacturers can diagnose a problem and make improvements to their line, driving up yield and increasing the number of saleable products that come off the line.

The level of traceability afforded by a Quality 4.0 approach also brings reporting and compliance benefits, which is particularly appealing in industries like medical and aerospace where expectations are high. This brings confidence in the product and process, something it is difficult to put a price on.

Investing to suit your budget

Now is a difficult time to take a leap of faith, but without embracing digital technology, our productivity woes are here to stay. When investing in equipment, consider first whether there is an option to rent or lease purchase it, so you can try before you buy, as well as build a strong business case for the investment.

Also, consider your suppliers, can they provide a bespoke solution to your specific requirements? Are they tied into supplying one main product type, that may leave them blind to what the best solution for you is? How will you maintain and service the equipment so it can continue to drive value long term?

The future of British productivity

If we stop seeing technology as a way to keep up and start seeing it as a way to take the lead, we can empower our workforces, manufacture better products and drive productivity and value. We need to encourage collaboration between production engineers and quality managers, identify areas of improvement and use data as our guiding light. Just think, if we could get businesses operating at a productivity level far beyond their pre-Covid levels, wouldn’t that make for a great industry report?

NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, Mars Perseverance Rover was launched on 30 July 2020 and will touch down on Mars on 18 February 2021.  Designed to be the most sophisticated rover NASA has built, the Mars Perseverance Rover will use advanced systems to explore the diverse geological landscape, discover ancient habitats, gather rock and soil samples that will be returned to Earth and demonstrate cutting-edge technology for future human exploration.

Mars Perseverance Rover is loaded with state-of-the-art scientific instruments, advanced computational capabilities for landing, upgraded sensors, computers and algorithms. It will enable the Rover to quickly and autonomously realise its location on Mars and modify its course during descent. This technology will be able to provide invaluable assistance for both robotic and crewed missions landing on future planets and essential for future robotics and missions to Mars.

Smiths Interconnect provides the Mars Perseverance Rover with high performance ruggedised cPCI 2mm connectors addressing NASA’s need for a high reliability connector solution to meet the mechanical, electrical and environmental performance requirements. Rigorous testing was performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for extreme environmental conditions, including thermal excursions, corrosive atmospheres, excessive shock and vibration, contact engagement/separation cycling, and other key NASA requirements.

“Smiths Interconnect is proud to support the Mars Perseverance Rover with a connectivity solution specifically engineered and optimised to mitigate the effects of heat and shock and vibration, while  maintaining exceptional levels of signal integrity” said Paul Harris, VP Sales and Marketing, Smiths Interconnect.

The cPCI 2mm connectors is based on Smiths Interconnect’s unique Hypertac hyperboloid contact technology, renowned for its immunity to shock, vibration and fretting.  Tested to high level space and aerospace standards, the series delivers high performance in mission critical applications such as military land systems, shipboard, spacecraft, and defence applications.

The cPCI series is qualified to NASA GSFC: S-311-P-822 and assigned NASA Goddard part numbers.  It provides:

• High speed signal integrity up to 3.125 Gbps
• High-temp LCP insulators that meets NASA outgassing requirements
• Keying features to ensure proper and secure mating
• An integrated shield to maximise EMI/RFI leakage
• Compatibility with reflow soldering processes
• Low insertion and extraction forces for reduced board strain and improved serviceability.

Variohm Holdings has recently added Phoenix America, the leading magnetic encoder and magnetic sensor solutions specialist, to its group of companies. Based in Fort Wayne – IN, the pioneer designer, developer and manufacturer of high-resolution magnetic encoder and sensor technologies offers a comprehensive range of cost-effective absolute and incremental encoders, speed and proximity sensors, custom moulded magnets and more. The acquisition provides significant opportunities for both parties: a European marketing platform for Phoenix America and for the five European-based members of the Variohm Group, a USA sales and support channel for its various sensor, measurement and motion control solutions businesses.

Phoenix America was founded in 2000 after purchasing selected assets from the then leader in bonded magnet technologies for the disk drive industry, Xolox Inc. Consolidating its position as a USA market leader for non-contacting, highly robust magnetic sensors over these past twenty years through research and design innovation, the product range now spans several types of rotary encoder and sensor technologies including Hall Effect, GMR, AMR, Magnetoresisitive, reed switch and more. With its expertise centred on the magnetic compounds and magnetic targets as well as the final product design, the range offers specific cost and performance benefits for a wide variety of position feedback and measurement applications including servo motion control, flow sensing, renewable energy systems, textiles and paper processing, robotics and more.

In addition to the non-contacting nature of its magnetic sensor technologies, Phoenix America’s high resolution and high accuracy encoders rely only on the proximity of separate magnet and sensor electronics components – and so do not require bearings or drive shafts as do traditional encoders or other feedback devices. These fully sealed, encapsulated modular parts also provide durability advantages over fragile optical encoder technologies and so offer extremely long life, exceptional robustness and compact installation as well as cost-competitive pricing.

The designer and manufacturer also supplies other magnetic technology products including proximity sensors, speed sensors, angle sensors, gear tooth sensors, servo motor hall commutation sensors, magnet assemblies as well as a custom design services for specialised magnetic sensor applications. Phoenix America is one of the few magnet manufactures outside of Asia using their own developed compounds, internally designed and manufactured tooling and custom magnetising processes.

Phoenix America become the sixth business in the Variohm Holdings Group of Companies which is part of the LSE-listed discoverIE Group plc (LSE: DSCV). The ISO 9001-2015 designer and manufacturer joins Variohm EuroSensor (sensor and transducer supplier and manufacturer), Herga Technology (switching and sensing solutions), Ixthus Instrumentation (specialist measurement systems), Heason Technology (motion control components and systems) and Positek Limited (specialised linear and rotary voltage displacement sensor technologies).

The Variohm Group’s managing director, Graham Pattison, is very excited with this latest acquisition. “Phoenix America is a well-established technology leader in the USA market, providing a real foothold for marketing and supporting the Group’s products ‘across the pond’, whilst our UK and German sales teams, with their in-depth knowledge of sensors, measurement systems and motion controls are thrilled to have a new and very market-driven product range on board. Scott Mentzer, COO of Phoenix America comments, “The acquisition and the synergy of Group’s product range substantially boosts our offer to existing and new customers in the USA, and with the support of the Variohm Group’s European sales and applications engineering capability, will provide the potential for our future global growth.”