March 2019

65 www.drivesncontrols.com March 2019 NEW PRODUCTS n DESIGN DATA AND MULTIMEDIA n Bosch Rexroth has launched an online configurator that guides users through the process of configuring ball, roller and cam roller rails. Users can configure the ball and roller rails with an integrated measuring system (IMS) that is not affected by contamination, vibration or electromagnetic fields. With a few mouse clicks, they can decide on the design, material, mounting and accuracy class for the profiled rails, with or without the IMS. For multi-piece rails, the configurator suggests the lengths of the parts needed to create a longer system. The configurator provides additional contextual information via an Info button. Once the rail has been configured, its CAD data can be downloaded. The next version of the configurator will allow users to configure additional front-side and vertical processing. https://goo.gl/pXCf9X AR app allows users to interact virtually with machines The Italian Scada producer Progea has developed an augmented reality (AR) app that provides HMI displays on smart glasses. By superimposing digital information onto physical objects, the NExT AR app allows users to interact virtually with machines and manufacturing processes. The app uses the Movicon.NExT Scada/HMI platform to provide feedback and control while integrating with other management systems and software layers. The app aligns real and digital objects with each other in real-time. When used with a heads-up display, it allows hands-free interaction with a mixed-reality environment. Users can access any dashboards, alerts, pages, screens, and real-time and historical data in the Scada system. The app is compatible with Microsoft’s HoloLens and Android smart glasses, including Google Glass. It is available in the UK from Products 4 Automation. www.products4automation.co.uk Graphical 3D configurator simplifies the planning of control cabinets Siemens has launched an online graphical configurator for its modular Sivacon 8MF1 system cubicles, which include 90 different framework sizes and 2,000 flexibly combinable elements. The free-to-use configurator allows users to configure cubicles directly on the 3D model and to order them electronically. After choosing either an already configured enclosure or a preferred frame, you can add outside parts, side and rear walls, roofs or trim trips, along with interior parts and accessories. The modules are rendered in 3D and custom adjustments, such as special colours or cut- outs, can be visualised. To prevent errors, the software checks all combinations automatically according to defined rules. The data generated can be exported as 2D and 3D models in various formats for processing in standard CAD tools. Parts lists, prices and product details are generated automatically and the order is handled digitally. www.siemens.com/sivacon-8mf Online store offers apps for open control platform Phoenix Contact has launched an online store that offers apps that add technical functions to its PLCnext open control platform. The PLCnext Store offers downloads ranging from software libraries for accelerated programming, to apps that can be used to create applications without needing any programming knowledge. Third-party developers can also use the store to sell the apps that they have developed. www.plcnextstore.com White Paper identifies Brexit risks to production lines The industrial supplies specialist Brammer Buck & Hickman has published a White Paper which identifies seven key threats that, it argues, Brexit poses to production line continuity and to maintaining stocks. The Paper, Brexit: The Seven Major Risks To The Continuity Of Your Production Line That You Haven’t Considered , is based on a survey of the company’s suppliers. It includes recommendations and plans for the various impacts that Brexit might bring. One example is in supply chains, where increased complexity and cross-border duties and regulations will lead to increased costs and inventory management challenges for UK businesses. www.brammerbuckandhickman.com/pdfs/brexit.pdf Comedy podcasts will explore topics such as AI, robotics and big data RS Components is producing a second series of comedy podcasts, following lasst year’s History Makers series. The DesignSpark Podcast will feature fun facts, comedy sketches and songs, giving a comedic look at hot topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, space exploration, augmented reality and big data. Robot Wars judge Dr Lucy Rogers, and comedians Bec Hill and Harriet Braine, will explore the ludicrous side of modern technology in six 25-minute episodes to be released in the spring. The format is influenced both by BBC radio and by podcasts, with a mix of conversation, scripted comedy and spontaneous banter. The podcasts will be released on iTunes, Podbean and Spotify. www.designspark.podbean.com Online tool simplifies the configuration of profiled rails