June 2021

SICK says its innovative non-contact radar sensing technology is opening up the prospect of robust and reliable real-time monitoring of the levels of liquids and bulk solids in challenging industrial applications. The SICK SicWave uses higher-frequency 80 gigahertz free-space radar to overcome the limitations of lower- frequency radar sensors or mechanical devices to achieve precision continuous level measurement in demanding environments. Where previously operators have settled for switch point level indication or have been defeated by the challenges of using non-contact sensors in harsh environments, the narrowly focused, highly effective microwave pulses of the SICK SicWave sensors penetrate through dust, vapour and material build-up to output highly accurate results. t | 01727 831121 e | andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk. w | www.sick.co.uk Soluva Air W air disinfection units are helping to provide protection from Covid-19 for employees of HERAEUS NOBLELIGHT at its factory on the Cambridge Science Park. The units have been installed in the company’s office and works canteens and, complemented by the observation of social distancing, hand washing and mask wearing, they now make the working environment even safer. The Cambridge facility employs over 100 people manufacturing photonics- based solutions. Soluva Air W devices destroy the corona virus, its mutations, and additional viruses (including cold and ‘flu pathogens) by utilising UV-C light. UV-C light easily inactivates the SARS-Cov-2 virus and its mutationsThe Heraeus Soluva family of UV products provides air- disinfection in modules, which can be ceiling-or wall- mounted or fitted within ventilation and air-conditioning systems for rooms or laboratories. t | 07464546006 e | Martin Taylor - m.taylor@heraeus.com w | www.heraeus-noblelight.com/ OMRON ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS EUROPE has announced it has launched a new, exceptionally compact reflective photomicrosensor (PMS) with a sensing distance of 3- 4mm, plugging a gap in the market for an SMD device addressing applications such as 3D printers, mini printers, e-locks and factory automation equipment. Gabriele Fulco, product marketing manager for Sensors at Omron, said, “With increasing pressure on system size, there is a definite market trend to move from leaded PMS solutions to SMD, but there is a real need for a miniature device with a mid-range 3-4mm sensing distance. Our new device achieves a comparatively long sensing distance within a compact form factor as a result of its built in lens.” The new Omron EE-SY1201 reflective PMS is just 3mm x 4mm x 2mm – yet offers a peak sensing distance of 3mm. t | +31 235 681 296 e | info-components-eu@omron.com w | http://components.omron.eu ABB says its new RobotStudio now offers unprecedented accuracy for calculating robot stopping distances to optimise operator safety The company says its RobotStudio offline programming and simulation software has been upgraded with a new virtual robot braking distance function designed to create an exact simulation of the real-world stopping distance of a robot. Enabling the robot’s braking distance to be accurately calculated, the function overcomes the need to add safety margins into cell designs, enabling space savings of up to 25%. Predicting exactly where a robot will stop depends on a range of variables including speed, payload and the robot’s own inertia. These factors, individually or combined, can result in the robot coming to a halt outside of its safety zone. w | https://new.abb.com/products/ robotics/robotstudio/downloads/ www.abb.com New braking distance simulator HYDROSCAND has announced it is launching specially designed service plugs in carefully selected materials, that enable both reuse and recycling. Service plugs are important tools for minimising the risk of environmentally harmful leakage. For example, during oil changes, service, assembly and hose changes. Leakage can also lead to high remediation costs. To help customers reduce the environmental impact, the service plugs are made of oil-resistant TPV, a thermoplastic elastomer. Unlike plugs that are made of rubber, Hydroscand’s plugs can be recycled instead of burned. The material also has properties that allow the plug to sit firmly in place and can be reused for a longer period of time. The plug can withstand a temperature range of -40°C to 130°C. Hydroscand’s new plug is available in many different sizes and are suitable for those who working in areas such as hydraulics, plumbing, workshop service, shipping and more w | www.hydroscand.co.uk/uk_en/product/service-plug-5530-08-1x New smart service plugs Continuous level measurement Covid protection for Cambridge factory ABB ROBOTICS says it is driving automation in the construction industry with new robotic automation solutions to address key challenges, including the need for more affordable and environmentally friendly housing and to reduce the environmental impact of construction, amidst a labour and skills shortage. The company says robotic automation offers huge potential to enhance productivity, efficiency and manufacturing flexibility throughout the construction industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes and building components off-site, robotic welding and material handling on building sites and robot 3D printing of houses and customised structures. As well as making the industry safer and more cost effective, robots are improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact by enhancing quality and cutting waste. w: | www.abb.com/robotics 30 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk June 2021 Process, Controls & Plant Safer and sustainable building New miniature SMD PMS