September 2021

56 n PPMA PREVIEW September 2021 www.drivesncontrols.com accumulation (ZPA) conveyors with individually-driven conveyor zones. Interroll will also present compact, ultra-hygienic drum motors for conveyor systems. The motors are installed in the frame of the conveyor to save space, and offer a wide speed range. Sensor specialist ifmelectronic will be showcasing its edgeGateway which provides a simple way to send sensor data to the cloud. It is said to be easy to integrate into existing systems and supports Miscrosoft Azure, Google, AWS and Cumulocity. Set-up of the IP65-protected device is either via a built-in 12’’ touchscreen or aWeb front-end. Ifmwill also be showing sensing products for food processing applications, including its LDL201 conductivity sensors, which have a 77mm- long sensing tip, making them easy to install in a variety of hygienic process applications. BeckhoffUK will be exhibiting its range of drive technologies, automation systems and open automation software, highlighting how machine-builders and control engineers can introduce modular, flexible layouts to their packaging machinery and setups. It will be promoting its“automation without cabinets” concept, which it launched last year based in the EtherCat P technology, which allows data and power to share a single standard Ethernet cable, cutting cabling, and providing new freedoms for machine-builders and plant engineers. Combined with Beckhoff’s compact AMP8000 distributed servosystemwhich can power several systems from a single module, the system can effectively eliminate the need for bulky control cabinets and complex cabling. Members of the Carlo Gavazzi teamwill be at PPMA to discuss the latest innovations in IO-Link sensors, solid-state relays, motor soft- starters and energy management systems. They will be demonstrating how users can resolve common factory automation dilemmas by providing insight into systems to reduce unscheduled downtime, whie improving productivity and reducing energy consumption. Rollon has expanded its seventh axis products for light and collaborative robots, as well as enhancing its range for larger robots. A new range of three single-axis and two double-axis systems introduces belt drives with zero-backlash pulleys, simplified handling and improved efficiencies by positioning a motor on board the machine, reducing the total weight and avoiding the need to manage cables. The precision bearing manufacturer IKO NipponThompson will be promoting a selection of its products at PPMA, with the main focus being on its precision positioning tables and needle bearings. Since becoming Japan’s first producer of needle roller bearings in 1959, Nippon Thompson has established a reputation as an producer of high-quality, precision bearing products. It has also developed a line of rolling guides that combine carraiges and track rails. Nippon Thompson holds about £4m of stock in the UK annd handles around 3,000 transactions every year. PPMA visitors will be able to discuss potential applications with IKONippon’s technical sales team. Also exhibiting at PPMA are: n Brillopak , which will showcase its new UniPaker robotic crate-packing platform, said to be its most compact and energy-efficient to date. n Fortress Technology (Europe) , which will debut its new zero-contaminant pandemic- recovery Raptor Series. n Endoline Robotics , which will highlight its entry-level, plug-and-play robotic palletising system. n Olympus Technologies , which is launching an upgraded Universal Robot palletising system. n The UK barcode labelling automation manufacturer, Cobalt Systems , which will display its industrial automation products. n Engilico , which will be presenting a new tray inspection system that uses hyperspectral imaging to detect contamination in tray seals with a much higher contrast than standard vision cameras. n Travtec , which is introducing additions to its range of conveyor accessories. Other exhibitors include ABB, Acorn Industrial Services, Alrad Imaging, AMP Automation, Apex Dynamics, Clearview Imaging, Harting, HepcoMotion, Idem Safety, Lafert, Lamonde, Mayr, Minebea Intec, Moore International, Multipix Imaging Components, SMACMoving Coil Actuators, Stemmer Imaging,Wittenstein and Wood Automated Systems . n One of the more unusual machines on show at PPMA will which one that can produce up to 30 cannabis joints every minute. The machine will be demonstrated by the Somerset-based automation and packaging machinery specialist CME (Colin Mear Engineering), which believes it has spotted a gap in the market opened up by legalising the sale of cannabis in some parts of the world. It says that there is now an opportunity for large-scale growers and manufacturers of cannabis to start processing on an industrial scale and to market their products in a variety of formats, including pre- rolled and packaged joints. CME has designed a machine that can produce these delicate, difficult-to-handle products with consistency and at scale. The AutoCone machine, which is making its debut at PPMA, is said to achieve industry and application- specific tolerances across a wide range of product weights and cannabis strains, each with its own characteristics. CME will also be demonstrating a robotic pre-roll packaging system capable of up to 60 picks per minute and handling multiple picks and sizes to ensure high levels of flexibility. It can adjust quickly to handle different packaging quantities and formats, and can deal with multiple cone sizes. High hopes for joint-rolling machine SHOW FACTS Where: NEC, Birmingham When: Tuesday 28 September, 09.30–17.00 Wednesday 29 September, 09.30–17.00 Thursday 30 September, 09.30–16.00 Website: www.ppmashow.co.uk Register: Free registration is now open via the show’s Web site Twitter: @ppmaltd Facebook: PPMAGroup LinkedIn: ppma-group