8 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS March 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk NEWS The UK Automation Forum has recently been launched to invigorate the industry’s embrace of automation. This initiative aims to unite industry experts, end-users, policymakers, and technology suppliers under one banner. At its core, the UK Automation Forum seeks to elevate the nation’s manufacturing sector to global prominence by advocating for widespread adoption of automation technologies. With a view to rectifying the comparatively low uptake of robotics in the UK, the Forum aspires to position the country as a leader in automation. Backed by prominent trade associations, including Automate UK (formerly the PPMA Group), the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), Make UK, and GAMBICA, the Forum pledges to foster collaboration, emphasise the advantages of automation, dismantle barriers to adoption, and influence decision-making processes. Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and Chairman of the UK Automation Forum, emphasises the importance of creating a unified voice within the industry: “We are establishing a community of leading experts and businesses to ensure that every stakeholder has a platform. “Through this collective voice, we aim to drive advancements that benefit all.” Automate UK launched to champion the uptake of automation across manufacturing Tom Parker Ltd, an authorised distributor of CEJN products to the UK fluid power market for over 50 years, has announced the release of the 208 Detect FDA-approved blow gun. This latest addition to its product line is designed to address concerns surrounding accidental contamination, product rejections, recalls, and waste, particularly within the food and beverage industry. Recognising the evolving landscape of food safety standards, CEJN’s introduction of the 208 Detect aims to tackle the prevalent issue of foreign body contamination during production processes. Metal and plastic, commonly found in food products, pose significant risks, prompting the need for innovative solutions. The 208 Detect blow gun stands out as the first X-raydetectable plastic blow gun on the global market. Constructed from 100% food-grade plastic and compliant with relevant regulations, including Reg. (EC) No. 1935/2004 and FDA CFR 21.170-199, it offers enhanced detectability by metal detectors and X-ray systems, thus bolstering contamination prevention efforts. With its food-grade seals on valves, the 208 Detect ensures minimal risk of contamination even in accidental encounters with food. Its detectable plastic composition allows for the identification of tiny plastic fragments as small as 2x2 mm*, aligning with various global food regulations and standards, including HACCP, IFS, BRC, and GFSI standards like FSSC 22000. By incorporating metal and X-ray detection capabilities, the 208 Detect significantly reduces the risk of product contamination and waste in production processes. This feature, combined with its resilience to frequent cleaning and disinfection chemicals, underscores its potential as a valuable asset in maintaining stringent hygiene standards within food processing facilities. The CEJN 208 Detect blow gun features stainless steel AISI 303 (1.4305) valves that resist corrosion, high temperatures, and chemicals. In the food and beverage industry, cleaning production equipment several times a day is crucial to maintaining stringent levels of hygiene. CEJN has designed the 208 Detect blow gun with plastic that can withstand frequent cleaning and disinfection chemicals typically used in food processing and manufacturing plants. In addition to being detectable, the 208 Detect blow gun boasts the same features as the standard CEJN 208 blow gun, including high blowing force, precise flow control and a lightweight and ergonomic design. In addition, the CEJN detect blow gun includes a maximum working pressure of 232 psi, a minimum burst pressure of 928 psi, a temperature range of -20°C to 60°C, a flow capacity measured at 87 psi inlet pressure, and a pressure drop of 7 psi. To showcase these advancements, Tom Parker Ltd will present its latest products at the Fluid Power & Systems exhibition in Birmingham from June 5–6, 2024. As Premier Partners, the company aims to highlight its commitment to promoting innovation and best practices within the industry. The release of the 208 Detect blow gun marks a significant development in addressing food safety challenges, presenting a balanced blend of technological innovation and regulatory compliance to safeguard food integrity. *Dependent on the metal detector itself and how the sensor is calibrated. New food-safe compressed air blow gun offers potential breakthrough in industry standards
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