April 2020

60 April 2020 www.drivesncontrols.com n DESIGN DATA AND MULTIMEDIA Analysts at ABI Research have produced a downloadable White Paper in which they share their thoughts on the impacts that the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic is likely to have on various technologies and sectors. In the publication, called Taking Stock of COVID-19: The Short- and Long-Term Ramifications on Technology and End Markets , the analysts also offer recommendations and strategies to help companies weather the storm and to rebound once the pandemic has slowed. They argue that the outbreak, and the worldwide reaction to it, will force companies to rethink radically how they operate and invest in technologies. https://go.abiresearch.com/lp-taking-stock-of-covid-19 Online tool simplifies the configuration of electric actuators To coincide with the launch of its Elion rod-style and rodless electric actuators, IMI Precision Engineering has released an online configuration tool for the actuators. Previously, users had to input functional requirements such as the force, speed and torque of the motor, often resulting in costly delays, multiple options and complex configurations. With the new tool, they can input application criteria such as distance, load and time, and the tool will suggest actuators that best meet these needs. As part of the specification process, users can also include information such as size, communication protocols and mounting. www.imi-precision.com/uk/en/config.aspx Channel offers machinery safety Webinars Pilz Automation Technology has launched a Webinar channel hosting a collection of machinery safety presentations. The channel allows visitors to brush up on their safety knowledge in their own time, and to be reminded of standards and technologies. Topics covered include: understanding ISO 13855 and safe distances; distributed safety systems; packaging machine safety; and understanding ISO 13849. The one-hour presentations were originally broadcast as part of Pilz’s monthly programme of Webinars that include question-and- answer facilities. http://b.link/gotowebinar68 Components Web site ‘thinks like an engineer’ The engineering components and parts supplier WDS Component Parts has launched a Web site designed to be “slicker” than its previous version, and incorporating a search engine with an intuitive feel that is “almost as if the Web site thinks like an engineer”. Some products can be searched by several different names – even nicknames such as ball detent pins, ball pins, locking pins or securing pins. There is also more technical information for each product, including specification options and alternative products. Regular users can access accounts, save preferences and view their order history. Thousands of 3D CAD models can be downloaded in all major formats. www.wdscomponents.com 60,000-component catalogue does the splits For the 2020 edition of its Big Green Book catalogue, the component supplier Norelem has split the publication into two volumes for the first time. Together, the two parts contain more than 2,200 pages of data and reference guides on more than 60,000 components,.“With a clear structure and better handling, we know it will help our customers,”says Norelem CEO, Marcus Schneck. New products include duplex and triplex sprockets and roller chains, plastic spur gears, oil level gauges, indexing plungers and modular roller rails. Most (98%) of the components are available from stock. The catalogue is available in printed or downloadable PDF versions. www.norelem.co.uk Guide explains automation cybersecurity standards The ISA (International Society of Automation) and the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance have released a downloadable guide to consensus-based automation cybersecurity standards. Called Quick Start Guide: AnOverviewof the ISA/IEC 62443 Series of Standards , the publication covers the objectives and benefits of these standards, and explains how to navigate them. The guide explores how and why IT and OT/ICS need unique types of protection against cyberthreats and offers recommendations on patch management. The guide also answers common questions about the standards, including a look at how IT and ICS systems differ, and a summary of best practices for patch management. https://isa.org/cyberguide Study evaluates the use of CAE for Industry 4.0 The European 4.0 Transformation Cente r (E4TC) at Aachen University in Germany has investigated the digitisation of design and control engineering and the layout of machines and plant systems. The study evaluates the use of CAE (computer-aided engineering) software for implementing Engineering 4.0 and concludes that engineering companies can achieve time savings of up to 25% by partially automating their engineering processes. Eplan, which produces software of the type covered in the study, is offering the report as a free download. https://discover.eplan.co.uk/engineering-4.0 5,000 machine components are added to catalogue The machine components supplier, Elesa has released its latest catalogue, with more than 5,000 new product codes and three new product groups. The new groups, which have been added“for clarity and differentiation”, include industrial magnets, vibration damping elements and toggle clamps. Elesa has also added to its series of“high performing”lines. A new e- commerce facility on the company’s Web site allows customers to register accounts, forward quote requests, talk to experts, save product sheets and shopping baskets, manage orders, and link to their accounts for enquiries, quotes, discounts and delivery information. 01526 322670 www.elesa.com/en/elesab2bstoreuk/catalog-request Paper looks at how Covid-19 will change the way we work