November 2017

Process, Controls & Plant 30 | Plant &Works Engineering | November 2017 Following on from two successful process automation projects, TF AUTOMATION says it was commissioned to provide a solution to automate a time consuming parts-handling manual process for a leading manufacturer of fasteners supplying the aerospace industry. Having already commissioned and installed two machines, the manufacturer wanted to work with TF to automate a further process within the overall production process. The key was to design and engineer an automated process to improve output efficiency and maintain consistent quality which is crucial in the aerospace industry. TF says its in-house team designed and manufactured a bespoke machine using a robot to carry out the product handling task. t| 01274 308005 e| karen.pedersen@tfautomation.co.uk w| www.tfautomation.co.uk DAWSON SHANAHAN a leading precision engineering specialist and automotive components supplier has announced it has been unveiled as the newest member of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The Welshpool-based firm, which has been supplying precision engineering components to automotive manufacturers around the world for the better part of a century, is now part of the Innovation and Engineering Group. The company says its unrivalled expertise in precision cold forming and machining of components for engines, chassis and drivetrains makes it a welcome addition to the long list of automotive companies currently represented by SMMT. Moving forward, SMMT and Dawson say they will be working collaboratively to ensure automotive manufacturers are better informed on the best methods for designing and manufacturing components to achieve better performance. w| www.dawson-shanahan.co.uk Traditionally, limit switch boxes with mechanical, magnetic or inductive contacts are used to detect the position of the valve in valve actuators. However, open solutions are reportedly also gaining in popularity on the market due to their compact design and easy installation. PEPPERL+FUCHS says the F31K2 dual inductive sensor with“outdoor”functionality completes its range of open solutions and this sensor series was designed for uncompromising outdoor applications. The company says the“house-in housing”design of the sensor provides double the mechanical protection and impermeability. The sensor and control electronics are integrated in a single module enclosed in a tough, translucent housing together with the terminal compartment. The materials used for the housing are resistant to high temperatures, UV and corrosion. w| www.pepperl-fuchs.co.uk The Gas Appliances Directive (GAD) is changing. From 21st April 2018 all products in the market will have to comply with the new Gas Appliance Regulation (GAR). Nick Winton (pictured), divisional manager for NORTEK GLOBAL HVAC UK explains more about the changes and the absence of any transition period: The change moves away from having several country-specific requirements and replaces them with one consistent set of rules across the entire European Union and associated free trade areas. After two decades in use, review is desirable to ensure the regulations are fit for purpose. In a modern world the GAD has some particular shortcomings in terms of how it deals with standards, regulations and the role of Notified Bodies. Please visit www.pwemag.co.uk to read the full release t| 01384 489700 w| www.nortekhvac.com Are you ready? Enclosure climate control performance HART says the two Speedors pictured are high-speed environmental doors, and are the latest to be installed at the Bakhresa Group’s Buguruni flour mill, Dar es Salaam,Tanzania, Africa’s largest flour mill. Hart says the Speedors were installed with internal and external wind bars to cater for wind pressures from both sides of the opening and they are the result of continued successful operation of four Speedors installed in the Kurasini grain intake areas also in Tanzania. “This is our third visit to Tanzania and we must thank our friends at Bakhresa for their assistance and cooperation during the installation,”says John Loftus, a member of Hart’s export team. Hart says Africa has also been a very successful export market in particular at international airports. t| 0191 214 0404 w| www.hartdoors.com High-speed environmental doors Valve position sensing New SMMT member RITTAL has announced that users of its enclosure cooling technology are being offered free on-site inspection surveys to ensure that their production and process critical equipment is being adequately protected. The company says the offer is available for a limited period and extends to any business with Rittal climate control installations, ranging from top therm, roof mounted fans, to Blue e or Blue e+ cooling units, all of which manage the temperature inside their enclosures. Marketing director Simon Kelemen says,“The costs of downtime, loss of production and system shut-down due to equipment running over temperature can easily exceed £10,000 per hour. I don’t know any businesses that would be happy to right that off, particularly as it’s entirely avoidable.”To book a survey - information@rittal.co.uk or 01709 704105. w| www.rittal.co.uk / www.friedhelm-loh-group.com Robotic assembly