Abstract
China Leads Global Linear and Torque Motors Markets
According to a new study entitled ‘The World Market for Linear and Torque Motors’ by IHS Technology, China leads the global linear and torque motors market. The reason for this is the country’s continuing growth in the electronics, electronic assembly, semiconductor, machine tools and flat-panel display industries.
This analysis shows that the torque and linear motors market is growing, primarily because of increased penetration of applications in key industries, as well as improvements in lithium-ion battery production, large-format digital printing, photovoltaic (PV) panel production and other new applications.
Replacement gear motors, and hydraulic systems in industrial machinery that demands increased functionality and greater energy efficiency, have also contributed to growth in this market.
Direct-drive torque motor modules reduce the need for gearboxes, couplings, linkages, and other power transmission components, so reducing the efficiency losses in machinery that are generated by these components. These motor types can operate with higher speeds and greater precision than can be achieved by established fluid or electromechanical-drive technologies.
The study also notes that following 2011’s soaring demand, there was a slowdown in the industrial machinery market, but growth returned in 2013 and 2014, driven by a growing number of applications.
High-end industrial machinery that places the greatest value on highly precise motion has been the largest buyer of torque and linear motors – especially in the machine-tool, semiconductor equipment, electronic assembly and flat-panel production sectors. In 2014, those three sectors accounted for over 55% of the global market.
These sectors are also some of the most cyclical equipment sectors, however, with periods between boom and bust cycles that continuously change, because of the unprecedented uncertainty of today’s global marketplace.
While other sectors – like food and beverage, packaging and medical equipment – are stable, these also depend on investment, so also become cyclical after large initial investments.
China has become the world’s largest producer and consumer of electronics and electronic-assemblies. The country is also the major battlefield for consumer electronic products displays.
China’s central government will also finance the domestic semiconductor industry, providing nearly £13 billion to boost further development in the semiconductor-manufacturing segment. This funding, which exceeds the industry’s aggregated investment over the past 10 years, is considered to be the first step in reducing the country’s reliance on imported chips.
Take a Look Inside Sulphur Mist-Removing Probe
In a new demo from Applied Analytics’ design department, the company answers some common questions about one of its most innovative products – the sulphur mist-removing DEMISTER Probe.
This device solves a very specific and persistent problem in sulphur recovery optimisation – how to obtain a sample from Claus process tail gas without sulphur mist plugging up the instrument?
This demo, says the company, will demonstrate how this in situ probe uses steam to selectively condense elemental sulphur right at the tapping point, eradicating the problem of sulphur mist.
Other solutions, says Applied Analytics, are bulky and restrictive in how they can be installed, and require electricity/sample lines. The DEMISTER Probe, however, is less than half the weight of its leading competitor, requires only steam for demisting, and allows for 6 m of fibre optic distance to the analyser.
To learn more, go to http://www.a-a-inc.com, or see the video using your smart phone with the printed QR Code.
Six Robotics Projects Chosen for ‘Call for Startups’ Final
Innoecho, which organises Innorobo, said to be Europe’s leading event dedicated to robotics technologies and innovations, has just revealed the names of the six finalists for its ‘Call for Startups 2015’.
Innorobo (http://www.innorobo.com) is believed to be Europe’s leading event dedicated entirely to the robotics sector and its innovations. The organisation brings together established robotics companies from around the world, as well as research laboratories, start-ups, inventors, institutional players, strategy and innovation decision makers from major international groups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the media.
Originally, there were only supposed to be just five finalists. However, the international jury of investors ended up choosing six to present their projects at a plenary conference of the ecosystem gathered at Innorobo 2015, from 1 to 3 July 2015 at the Cité Internationale in Lyon.
Held every year since the first edition of Innorobo, the Call for Startups gives young robotics companies from around the world a helping hand.
The six finalists that will present their projects are as follows:
Reach Robotics. Creators of Mecha Monsters, the world’s first gaming robots.
OptoForce. This company aims to enable robots to sense things the same way as humans do with their hands, but more precisely. The company offers affordable-to-produce force sensors compatible with many robotics and non-robotics applications.
Robotbase. The personal robot designed to live with people, recognise their faces, understand their moods and learn how they speak.
Flyability SA. Developer of Gimball, the world’s first collision-proof drone that is easy to pilot and safe to use near people.
Empire Robotics. Manufactures flexible robotic end-effectors for highly agile industrial automation. Its self-inflating ball shape gives it functions that were impossible previously.
MagnebotiX. Latest-generation micro-robotic systems, with nano robots for research and development.
A total of 59 applications were sent in this year, 55 of which were chosen to take part in the selection process. To be eligible, participants had to have been in business for at least 5 years, have a maximum of €2 million in funding and not be affiliated with a large group.
The six finalists will be given a free stand at Innorobo 2015 and will pitch their project to the plenary session audience and international panel of investors on 2 July 2015.
RFID Tags Now for ATEX Areas
RFID Journal reports that vendors are now certifying their tags so that companies that operate in potentially explosive environments can track and manage assets and items.
There are many radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags available that can withstand extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, pounding pressure, dust, rain, shock and other challenging conditions.
However, in some hazardous environments, tags must comply with the ATEX (ATmospheres EXplosives) Directive, which mandates that all electrical and mechanical equipment used near explosives or explosive fuels or gases must be certified as safe. Products must be tested to ensure they cannot produce a spark that could ignite an explosion or fire.
The directive covers a range of equipment. It does not specifically mention RFID tags, but since active tags contain a battery, they would fall under the mandate.
Tectus, Confidex and HID Global are among a handful of vendors providing ATEX-compliant tags, which enables them to serve challenging industrial applications and the oil and gas industry.
Maintenance-Free Linear Motors Give High Power Densities
INMOCO has extended its range of direct drives with the introduction of the Kollmorgen ICH series of maintenance-free iron-core linear motors.
With their high power density and absence of mechanical components, these high reliability drives enable the development of smaller, lighter machines with increased energy efficiency.
These devices are frameless, permanent magnet, three-phase brushless servomotors, offering the highest force per frame size. Available in four sizes, they deliver feed forces between 175 and 5341 N in continuous operation, with maximum peak force of more than 12,000 N. Furthermore, the non-contact operation, with no limitations of a mechanical transmission, means that these linear motors can operate over a wide speed range.
Application speeds of less than 1 µm/s and greater than 5 m/s are achievable, with accelerations of between 3G and 10G, depending on size. This is, says the company, a significantly wider speed and acceleration range than can be achieved, for example, with mechanical transmissions such as ballscrews.
Furthermore, for applications where smoothness and speed accuracy are important, ICH series linear motors deliver excellent constant velocity characteristics, with minimal force and velocity ripple using the cogging compensation feature implemented in S700. The speed variation is typically better than ±0.01%, while a special anti-cogging design yields extremely smooth operation.
The Kollmorgen ICH series of maintenance-free iron-core linear motors are available through INMOCO
Positioning accuracies are limited only by the feedback resolution, and sub-micron resolutions are readily achievable. The ICH series linear motors are suited to tasks such as laser and plasma cutting, drilling centres and packaging technology, where fast and accurate positioning of axes is required.
Study Finds Transition to Welding Robotics ‘Inevitable’
A new report by Frost & Sullivan (http://www.frost.com) has found that the need for automated welding in heavy machinery and metal processing will bolster the unit shipment of welding robots.
Modernisation needs in the competitive global market and the rising emphasis on energy efficiency are steering industries towards automation. This trend is driving the uptake of welding robots over manual welding methods. Robotic welding offers consistency and repeatability, which is vital in many user industries.
While the demand from the automotive and transportation industry will be robust, the electronics, heavy machinery and construction industries are also contributing to market growth.
The new analysis, entitled, ‘Global Welding Robotics Fact Book’, finds that the market earned revenues of £1.65 billion in 2014 and estimates this to reach £2.57 billion in 2020. For complementary access to more information on this research, go to: http://ow.ly/KbFFn
The study says that the significant improvement in energy efficiency that robotic welding brings to the table has ‘spiked market demand in developed economies like North America and Europe’.
Guru Mahesh, Frost & Sullivan Industrial Automation and Process Control Research Analyst, commented, Strong demand from industries in Europe will drive the demand for arc and resistance welding robots.
He said, The introduction of new materials such as composites and carbon fibres in industrial processes will further widen the scope for use of robots in handling, cutting and welding.
While welding robotics have an established presence in developed economies, lack of awareness among end users and preference for low-cost solutions hinder adoption in Asian countries such as India and China. In addition to the limited understanding of the long-term benefits of these solutions, the availability of cheap manual labour restricts the demand for welding robotics in these regions.
Brüel & Kjær Founder, Per Brüel, Dies at 100
Less than a month after celebrating his 100th birthday, Per V. Brüel – one half of the visionary duo that created leading sound and vibration company Brüel & Kjær – has passed away.
Per Brüel was an inspired engineer and inventor, responsible for engineering breakthroughs in the late 1930s and early 1940s with the development of the world’s first acoustic analyser and the first commercial piezoelectric accelerometer (Type 4303).
It is little (or no) exaggeration to say that the entire discipline of sound and vibration can be traced to innovations developed by Per Brüel and his partner Viggo Kjær. These laid the foundation for sound and vibration measurement and analysis technologies that contribute to the smart phones we use, the cars we drive, the aircraft we fly in – even the environment in which we all live.
Per Brüel was born in Copenhagen on 6 March 1915. He showed an early knack for technology and ended up studying engineering at the Danish Technical University, where he met Viggo Kjær. Graduating in 1939, in 1942 they decided to follow their shared dream of starting an engineering firm.
At this time, sound and vibration was not an industrial agenda, so from the beginning Per was a driving force behind setting international standards and establishing the importance of sound and vibration in product development, to measure and reduce vibration and noise levels: Even then we could see that noise is one of the biggest problems of our time – it affects millions of people every day.
Per said, Our instruments could not only measure noise but also help customers identify and eliminate noise problems.
From the onset, he had a vision of creating a global enterprise and he travelled the world to meet customers and understand their challenges.
Through the second half of the 20th century, Brüel & Kjær grew to become the world’s largest specialist in sound and vibration solutions, but in 1992, Per Brüel and Viggo Kjær sold Brüel & Kjær, and went on to pursue other ventures.
Over the course of his life, Per received many honorary titles from renowned universities and organisations around the world in recognition of his contribution to the field of sound and vibration.
Right to the end, Per was active and energetic. He celebrated his 100th birthday in March in style, with nearly 100 guests at his home north of Copenhagen.
Per V. Brüel, 6 March 1915–2 April 2015
Laser Sensors Give Better Performance in Challenging Applications
Banner Engineering has expanded its L-GAGE LE family of laser sensors with the LE250 and LE550 Dual Discrete laser sensors. Designed with the same robust housing, intuitive interface and linear array technology as the company’s analogue models, the dual discrete laser sensors provide high performance for difficult detection duties.
The sensors feature two, independently configurable discrete outputs, which can be set up as switch points or sensing windows for simple part detection and feedback on position. For example, by using two overlapping windows, operators can indicate if the target is correctly positioned, too close, too far away or not present.
These sensors provide cost-effective and easy-to-use solutions for applications that may otherwise require two sensors or an analogue output. With the same reliable technology and very high repeatability as Banner Engineering’s analogue models, the dual discrete laser sensors ensure reliable detection on a wide variety of materials, reflective surfaces and colours.
With a wide 100- to 1000-mm operating range and larger spot size, the LE550 is an ideal detection solution for diverse measurement applications, including roll diameter, loop control, thickness measurement and positioning.
The LE250, on the other hand, is optimised for superior measurement precision and provides a sub-millimetre inspection solution for measurements ranging from 100 to 400 mm.
Building 360° Network Reliability for Smart Factories
Stepping into the Industrial IoT (Internet of Things) era, network reliability remains the first objective for factory control and automation systems, says Industrial Ethernet specialist Moxa.
This is because a modern factory network infrastructure includes many networking devices, and network reliability depends on device durability, connection redundancy and cyber defence capability.
Moxa provides 360° edge-to-core full-scale network reliability solutions that sustain smart factory communication for maximum uptime and optimal connectivity. To learn about this, download an 8-page flyer by using your smart phone with the printed QR Code.
To learn more, go to http://www.a-a-inc.com, or see the video using your smart phone with the printed QR Code.
Cost Saving Backstops Launched at Hannover 2015
Stieber Clutch used Hannover Fair 2015 to launch an expansion to its range of load sharing and releasable backstops. The product range features a compact design with increased torque capacity that helps avoid over-specification of gearboxes. The latest additions are self-contained designs, which are suitable for both high speed and low speed rotating shafts.
When first launched in 2013, the compact backstop design offered 3.5 times more torque capacity than conventional designs of a similar size, with up to 15 times more energy dissipation. By enabling operators to specify backstops with a smaller design envelope, it also enabled them to specify smaller gearboxes – leading to reduced specification costs and improved overall efficiency. Reliability is reported to be higher too.
Based on the original platform, the company has extended the range to offer the same benefits to a greater number of applications.
The newest designs are externally mounted, self-contained on a shaft extension with a torque arm. This compares with the original design, which was flange mounted onto the high speed shaft of the gear drive. The external versions are available for both high speed and low speed rotating shafts; the RDBK-E, lift-off design for the former and the RDBR-E, roller ramp design for the latter.
Currently, the torque capacity for the externally mounted backstops is a maximum of 350,000 N m, although this will later be extended to 700,000 N m.
Signal Conditioner Ideal for Triaxial Accelerometers
DJB Instruments UK has launched its nine channel integrated electronic piezoelectric (IEPE)/Charge signal conditioner, ideal for use with three triaxial accelerometers. Claimed to be unique, this CV9 range offers nine channels of conditioning, packaged in a 1U high, 19-inch rack mountable chassis with BNC inputs and outputs mounted on the front panel for ease of access.
There are three versions: CV9-V offers IEPE signal conditioning for all integrated circuit piezoelectric (ICP)/IEPE accelerometers and other sensors, with 1×, 10× and 100× gain, selectable/channel and with variable current source internally selectable via jumpers from 2 to 20 mA.
The CV9-C offers Charge signal conditioning with 1×, 10×, 100× gain via front panel switches, and each channel can be selected independently for gain. The CV9-CV provides both Charge and IEPE/ICP available/channel, each independently selectable enabling the unit to operate with a mix of IEPE and Charge channels.
This first release will be followed shortly with a DC powered version and then a software controllable option. Email:
Handheld Device for Fibreoptic Measurement
Robust and compact are the properties allow the FOTEMP1 handheld thermometer to work in environments that require user mobility and fast results.
This device comes with a powerful rechargeable battery, which keeps the system activated up to 30 h, so it is ideal for mobile work assignments without the hassle of power supplies and connecting cables.
An advanced measurement method using a gallium arsenide–crystal guarantees an accurate and instant temperature measurement. Starting at a light wavelength of 850 nm, GaAs (gallium arsenide) becomes optically translucent. Since the position of the band gap is temperature dependent, it shifts about 0.4 nm/°K. The fibre optic measuring device determines, by using a light source and a device for the spectral detection of the band gap, the change of the temperature.
The outer jacket is in Teflon, and at the sensor tip a GaAs-crystal is attached. The probe sensor is completely non-conductive.
A range of interfaces (RS232, RS485, Ethernet, Micro-USB, Micro-SD) is provided, and FOTEMP’s ‘Assistant software allows reliable real-time data acquisition and monitoring of the measurement results.’
Temperatures can be measured in high electromagnetic interfered environment, in microwave fields and other environments, where measurement with electric temperature sensors is not possible.
Test System Meets New Immunity Testing Requirements
From Teseq comes a testing system that meets the new requirements for immunity testing to low frequency disturbances in the range 15 Hz–150 kHz.
The NSG 4060, which combines a signal generator and integrated power amplifier, complies with current testing standards including EN 61326-3-1, IEC 61850-3, IEC 60255-22-7, IEC 60533/IEC 60945, IEC 61000-4-16 and IEC 61000-4-19.
Ideal for use by manufacturers of smart electrical meters, industrial circuit breakers, industrial Ethernet and shipboard equipment, the NSG 4060 is a robust system with extensive features and what is claimed to be a ‘best in class user interface’. This has an intuitive front panel that enables the unit to run fully compliant tests without a PC. It accurately tests low frequency immunity in common and differential mode.
The new test system features a full range of verification accessories and ensures compatibility of components at a competitive price. These accessories allow in-house confidence checking of differential CDN (CDND).
Disturbances are coupled onto cables in common mode (IEC/EN 61000-4-16) with continuous levels up to 33 V or differential mode (IEC/EN 61000-4-19) with levels to 22 V/4.5 A.
Teseq’s new NSG 4060 testing system meets the new requirements for immunity testing to low frequency disturbances in the range 15 Hz–150 kHz
There is also an extension unit that expands the test range to DC and the amplitude to 330 V for short-term tests.
To learn more, go to http://www.teseq.com
Bürkert Builds on Knowhow in Indian Hygiene Sectors
Deutsche Messe AG in Hannover (the Hannover Fair) hosted the world’s most important industrial exhibition in April, and the partner country this year was India. The fluid technology specialist Bürkert is convinced of the country’s potential and has operated a subsidiary in India since 2005.
Mohandoss Manikant, General Manager Bürkert India, commented, The market potential for Bürkert in India is very high. With a focus on our target markets we have been able to achieve excellent growth rates in the past years.
He continued, Industrial applications in hygienic environments, such as the food and beverage industry or pharmaceutical products, are especially important for Bürkert India.
Mohandoss Manikant concluded, Many industrial production processes require maximum hygiene. Further specialisation in this area and state subsidy programmes will allow not only growth of the entire industry, but also further development of the Bürkert location in India.
The corporate consulting company McKinsey is predicting a sixfold increase of India’s production sector to 1 trillion by 2025. The pharmaceutical industry will play a special role in this development. By 2020, India should be among the world’s top three markets for pharmaceutical products. Indeed, today, India is already considered the biggest manufacturer of medicinal products.
Bürkert products and solutions such as custom valve block for demineralised water and for water for injection (WFI) storage and distribution have been supplied to various equipment manufacturers and end users around the country.
The company’s Indian subsidiary is located in the metropolitan region of Chennai, the country’s fourth largest conurbation. To provide service to customers from the entire sub-continent of India, Bürkert is currently working together with 14 distributors, based strategically around India.
How to Choose Operator Training Simulator Software
A Selection Guide by ARC Advisory Group will allow companies going through an Operator Training Simulator (OTS) supplier selection process to make quicker and better decision.
ARC Return on Investment (ROI) research has demonstrated that OTS solutions need to be easily integrated with automation systems and capable of being maintained easily for state of the art training.
Many plants are experiencing an ageing workforce, which is driving the OTS market. OTS solutions, says ARC, are helping to address demographic changes, improving manufacturing performance, meeting regulations, reducing risks and improving safety.
Part of the success of an OTS is in enabling operators to improve performance, ease of use, and ability to match or visualise the process with the technology.
There are many different types of training and operator training simulator solutions available today with various features or functionality, including generic, high fidelity generic, and immersive training solutions. Furthermore, different suppliers have developed special domain expertise in specific industries. The potential business benefits and associated payback periods reflect these facts.
ARC has conducted extensive research on the OTS market and understands the issues. For more information, go to: http://www.arcweb.com/pages/info-request.aspx
News in Brief
Highest measurement accuracy for engine testing
Kistler (http://www.kistler.com) is expanding its portfolio of uncooled piezoelectric cylinder pressure sensors for combustion engines by adding the Type 6045B with M8 media connection. The completely revised, compact successor of the proven Type 6045A features extremely high temperature stability and low linearity deviation. This makes the Type 6045B suitable for combustion analyses on the test bench, where highest accuracy is needed. With the Kistler KiBox combustion analysis system for mobile vehicle applications or a modular signal conditioning platform (SCP), the firm facilitates the flexible transmission of measurement results to other systems in order to optimise the power, efficiency, emissions, friction and comfort of engines.
Eight port unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet switch launched
Red Lion Controls has added the N-Tron series 1008TX unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet switch to its industrial networking solutions portfolio. This new device, which offers eight 10/100/1000Base-T(X) ports with support for jumbo frames, features an extended operating temperature and wider power input range than most competitive offerings. The switch is a plug-and-play, unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet switch housed in a hardened, metal DIN-rail mountable enclosure designed to provide cost-effective, reliable performance in the harshest industrial environments. Ideal for use in mission-critical data acquisition, security and surveillance, control and Ethernet input/output (I/O) applications, the 1008TX delivers low latency and high bandwidth to industrial networks.
Graphic terminals boast faster boot-up time
Rockwell Automation’s (
Micro-valve is fast, quiet and small
In the 21st century, the requirements for fluid control systems in medical technologies, as in other areas, have changed significantly. The goal is to minimise liquid consumption, the size, the dosing and wash cycles, and above all, minimise the distance to the application. Tailored to meet these requirements, Bürkert has developed a new micro-valve. With a width of just 7 mm and a height of 26 mm, the new micro-valve fits in miniature apparatus. The 7-mm width makes it ideal for 9-mm titre plates, but it can also be installed in smaller spaces. For applications on dispensing arms, pipetting arms and dosing robots, the low overall weight of the valve is also an advantage. https://www.burkert.co.uk
RFID eliminates overhead wiring for trams
From Harting comes an RFID system that allows electric trams or buses to operate without overhead electric wiring in areas where it would be unacceptably obtrusive (e.g. in historic town centres), or where it might cause interference to sensitive equipment. It works by enabling a vehicle to detect the location of a charging station in advance or to determine which operating mode it is permitted to drive in – so inner cities free of overhead wires can now become a reality. The Ha-VIS RFID systems are reliable wireless devices that allow approach detection to a charging station with positioning accuracy of better than 50 cm. http://www.harting.co.uk/harting-rfid/
Video introduces OceanOptics’ next generation spectrometer
Whether you are an educator looking for an instrument to teach students the basic principles of spectroscopy, a research lab looking to make a breakthrough, or an engineer working to integrate a spectrometer into an OEM system, the Flame by OceanOptics will provide, says the company, the performance and features required to make your UV-Vis spectroscopy application successful. There is a video on the topic – go to: http://oceanoptics.com/video-news-the-flame-spectrometer/
T&M Industry’s first graphical sampling DMM
Recently introduced by Keithley Instruments is its DMM7510 7½ digit Graphical Sampling Multimeter, the first of a new class of digital multimeters (DMMs). It integrates a high accuracy DMM, a digitiser for waveform capture, and a capacitive touchscreen user interface. The DMM7510 will give users confidence in the accuracy of their results, the ability to explore measurements further, and intuitive touchscreen operation. Its user interface is the company’s ‘Touch, Test, Invent’ design that lets users learn faster, work smarter and invent easier. Go to http://www.keithley.com/dmm7510