November/December 2019

56 November/December 2019 www.drivesncontrols.com n NEW PRODUCTS D SIGN DATA Werma has issued its 2020/2021 catalogue containing information on its ranges of modular signal towers, optical and acoustic signalling devices, and systems for optimising manufacturing and logistics processes. Running to more than 270 pages, the catalogue includes background information, helpful tools, and Quick Finders that make it easier to locate products. Items in the catalogue are evaluated using a“signalling index” that takes into account subjective effects. For example, moving light is perceived more strongly than static light, and certain tone sequences attract more attention than other tones. The catalogue can be viewed online or printed copies requested by email. www.werma.com marketing@werma.com Power transmission products are covered in two publications The MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) supplier Brammer Buck & Hickman has released a Catalogue and a separate Quick Guide covering its Mecaline range of motors, gearboxes, chain drives, belts and couplings. The 20-page Quick Guide explains the main advantages and specifications of each product group, while the more detailed 176-page Catalogue offers an in-depth source of information, including technical specifications and diagrams. Brammer Buck & Hickman is part of the Rubix group, Europe’s largest supplier of industrial MRO products and services, with turnover of more than €2.2bn in 2017. Copies of the newMecaline catalogues are available from Brammer Buck & Hickman branches, or can be downloaded from itsWeb site. www.bbh-rubix.com Industry 4.0 could boost productivity in the furniture sector The Furniture Industry Research Association has published a guide to help the industry to understand the potential for Industry 4.0 to improve productivity. The 44- page guide, called ImprovingUK Productivity and Industry 4.0 , has been written by Fira consultant Bruce Lovell, who points out that productivity is relatively low in the UK furniture sector and that Industry 4.0 could help to make a difference to this. The publication is intended to offer guidance and ideas and covers topics including Industry 4.0 technologies and the“smart”furniture factory of the future. Fira members can access the guide via the Association’sWeb site, while non-members can buy copies for £125 (plus VAT). www.fira.co.uk/industry40 Guide offers advice on how countries can move to high-efficiency motors United4Efficiency (U4E) , a global initiative that helps developing countries to move to energy-efficient technologies, has published a set of guidelines on regulating the transition from low-efficiency three-phase induction motors in the range 0.75–375kW, to best- practice efficiency levels. Called Accelerating the Global Adoption of Energy-Efficient Electric Motors , the free 30-page publication includes information on performance requirements and test methods for motors. The eventual aim is for countries to adopt IE4 super-premium efficiency motors. http://b.link/stream95 Signalling catalogue runs to more than 270 pages n MULTIMEDIA NSK has collaborated with other members of the World Bearing Association (WBA) – including Koyo, NTN, Schaeffler, SKF and Timken – to develop an app designed to help combat counterfeit bearings. CalledWBA Bearing Authenticator (WBA Check), the app allows users to check the authenticity of bearings by scanning a 2D barcode on their bearings boxes. If the app detects an unregistered bearing, it will notify NSK automatically. The app is available for iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded via the WBAWeb site. NSK also has a similar app, called NSK Verify, which checks the authenticity of its own products. The company warns that counterfeit bearings can fail prematurely, sometimes catastrophically. www.stopfakebearings.com Videos explain Time-Sensitive Networking and its importance The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) has launched a series of videos on the theme of Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). The online seminar, split into four parts, helps both device users and vendors to learn what the technology is and how they can use it to optimise performance, connectivity and intelligence in their businesses. In the videos, John Browett, general manager of CLPA Europe, gives an overview of recent advances in industrial communications and the challenges that the industry is facing. He examines what TSN is, and outlines why it is important. He suggests choosing an open technology that will provide a path to future TSN technology. https://bit.ly/2MkWwYr Simulation software simplifies bearing designs SKF has adapted software which it uses in-house to design complex bearing arrangements, and produced a user-friendly version for customers. Called SimPro Expert, the single-shaft bearing simulation tool can be used to evaluate the design of bearing arrangements and their field performance. It ties in with SKF’s new online roller bearing catalogue, ensuring that any product selected will be available and up-to-date. The software can model entire gearboxes to see the influence of one shaft on another, to determine the supporting properties of the housing, and to understand bearing behaviour. Users can import their own CAD designs into SimPro Quick. To obtain the software, ask an SKF contact for a licence, or register via SKF’sWeb site. www.skf.com/skfsimpro Online tool configures shafts in seconds igus has developed a free online tool to help design shafts in a choice of seven materials. In just three steps, the drylin shaft configurator helps users to select shafts with diameters from 6–50mm, machine the body and ends with elements such as chamfers and grooves, and order the configuration. Step files of the configuration and dimension drawings can be downloaded. The software provides an overview of the configuration, including its price and delivery time. Any resulting orders are sent digitally to igus’ factory, where they will be manufactured and dispatched within 3-6 days. www.igus.co.uk/shaft-configurator Bearings-makers launch app to spot counterfeits