January 2021

42 n DESIGN DATA AND MULTIMEDIA January 2021 www.drivesncontrols.com The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) has released a White Paper providing an in-depth analysis of Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and its role in creating connected factories. Called Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) –The Case For Action Now!, the paper discusses the potential of TSN, its standards and how they are evolving, and what it means for potential users. TSN merges the worlds of IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology) The document details the benefits to end-users and automation vendors of adopting the technology. It also provides an insight into technologies that can help the transition to TSN-based communications. https://eu.cc-link.org Drives site brings it all together Nord has redesigned its Web site, making it more user-friendly, and integrating an e-commerce facility. The site has been developed into a centralised digital platform, with the myNord customer portal, Web shop and other facilities merged into a single visual and functional entity. The relaunch is part of Nord’s Connect 360 programme that aims to make purchasing and procurement more efficient, and to establish integrated digitalisation for the age of Industry 4.0. www.nord.com App compares the performance of machines Siemens has announced a Mindsphere application to complement its Analyze MyMachine/Condition edge application that uses high-frequency CNC data to create mechanical fingerprints of machine tools. The new app allows cross-machine comparisons and evaluations. Warning and service thresholds can be visualised for each machine, and the states of several machines can be monitored and visualised over time, allowing users to detect deviations and anomalies. Siemens says that the new app demonstrates how edge computing and cloud computing can be combined intelligently. www.siemens.com/sinumerik-edge Analysts identify 68 tech trends that will shape the market in 2021 The technology advisory firm, ABI Research has published a White Paper identifying 37 trends that it believes will shape the market in 2021 – and 31 others that, although attracting publicity, are less likely to have a big effect. The paper, 68 Technology Trends That Will Shape 2021 , is based on hundreds of interviews and millions of data points. Among other things, ABI predicts that: smart manufacturing will continue to build its momentum in 2021, but not until factory owners embrace 5G; simulation will provide firms with an overview of their operations and to stress-test them; and additive manufacturing will open up to third- party developers. But ABI also predicts that industrial blockchain will not revolutionise the manufacturing sector as many have predicted. https://go.abiresearch.com/lp-68-tech-trends-that-will-shape-2021 White paper explores how TSN can enhance manufacturing Automated handling site and brochure focus on conveyors LB Foster Automation & Materials Handling has launched a Web site and a 52-page brochure for designers and users of integrated conveyor systems. The site includes details of the company’s overhead, floor and specialist conveyors, as well as its maintenance, repair and after-sales services. There are also case studies demonstrating examples of conveyor applications. Foster wants the site to act as a reference portal for automated handling systems across a wide range of industries. The brochure is called Keeping our world moving through continuous automatic production . www.conveyors.co.uk Guide offers advice on choosing enclosure components Essentra Components has produced a guide to the hardware that panel-builders might need when assembling cabinets. The downloadable guide highlights components such as fasteners and hinges, levelling feet and gaskets, cable glands and card slides, and offers advice on using them. For example, it looks at what attaches where, how to choose cabinet door handles and hinges, and how to secure cabling and castors to help move cabinets. There is also guidance on PCB support pillars, standoffs, mounting blocks and grommets. The guide includes links to download CAD drawings and request free samples. https://drivesncontrols.news/p2349 Paper explains how OPC UA is being extended to field level The OPC Foundation has produced a technical paper explaining the concepts involved in extending OPC UA to the field level. The Foundation’s Field Level Communications (FLC) Initiative has recently issued an initial release candidate focusing on controller-to-controller (C2C) applications. It will be used to build prototypes and to create specifications and test cases for an OPC UA certification tool. It also lays the foundation for enhancements to cover controller-to-device (C2D) and device-to-device (D2D) applications. The 40-page technical paper outlines the concepts behind the initiative. https://opcfoundation.org/flc/ Redesigned site makes it easier to find cabinets and racks nVent Electric has announced that its Schroff brand’s Web site has been redesigned to make it easier to select products from its range of more than 6,000 items, including cabinets, 19-inch and networking racks and components, and cable and power management systems. The site offers design tools including drag-and-drop 3D graphical configurators to create models of cabinets, sub-racks and front panels. It can also generate dynamic bills of materials (BOMs) and CAD files in more than 30 formats. Also included are White Papers, case studies, videos, brochures and user manuals. http://schroff.nvent.com