Static electricity refers to the presence of a non-neutral electric charge. Static electricity can be created when two objects of different material come into frictional contact with each other, resulting in the migration of electrons, known as the triboelectric effect.

The difference in charge between the two objects is referred to as the potential difference or voltage. The more negatively charged object will want to disperse its excess electrons to a more positively charged object and thus equalise the charge between the objects.

Challenge

The production of specialized medical instruments such as otoscopes often involves only small to medium batch sizes that frequently incorporate a large number of optional variations. The fabrication is often performed at contract welding companies. These contract shops therefore require machines that are particularly flexible with short set-up times and that support a wide range of welds – from µm to mm welds.

TF Automation were commissioned by Kostal to design and build two plasma treat machines to address the increase in demand for cleaning new automotive switch products.

Kostal commissioned TF Automation to design two identical plasma treat machines to clean the surfaces of a switch assembly. Under the touch sensitive switch or button there is a capacitive foil and to ensure good performance the bonding between the switch and foil is critical with no moisture or air bubbles. To prepare the switch for capacitive foil bonding, the plastic elements required to be plasma-cleaned to remove any moisture and impurities.

Tinytag data loggers are used across the manufacturing sector to put valuable process, quality and energy data at the fingertips of manufacturers.

Tinytags combine simple and robust design with high accuracy to provide manufacturers with a cost-effective, reliable and straightforward measuring device, which is trusted to monitor critical processes, enhance quality testing and help save energy.

Responding to the need for technologies to slow the spread of Covid-19, SICK has developed PeopleCounter and DistanceGuard SensorApps which help to ensure that people keep to the recommended distance apart in working and public spaces.

GEMÜ offers a compact and fast acting workhorse for CIP, SIP, condensate and water applications. The GEMÜ 550 actuated angle seat globe valve has a stainless steel actuator, proven to be reliable throughout a long service life. In a successful application of steam sterilization of solids that deactivate unwanted micro-organisms using a combined effect of steam and pressure, GEMÜ 550 valves are installed in the condensate line, airline and in the refrigerant circuit.

Protective Packaging Ltd manufacture a range of Aluminium Barrier Foil bags and liners to suit any application where deterioration of the packaged product may take place due to attack from moisture, oxygen ingress, UV light, temperature extremes, odours, mould and fungi growth, grease and oils and chemicals.

• Tin whisker mitigation
• Alloy Conversion
• Security and Authenticity

Emerson offers ASCO™ low power solenoid valves that enable lower operating costs, support remote operations, and minimize drain on power sources. With wattages as low as 0.48 watts, these valves deliver precise actuation, unrivaled reliability and energy efficiency for a variety of applications in the process, industrial, and commercial industries. Our ASCO low power valves minimize power generation and power storage equipment size, resulting in considerable savings. From plant control systems to isolated installations – turn to Emerson for low power solutions.

Bulgin helps Aqua Control Inc. find a reliable solution for challenging underwater conditions

Man-made water features are a pleasant sight in any environment. They range from small cascading ponds with tinkling fountains to large water features that pump powerful streams of water into the air to the accompaniment of coloured lighting. Whether they are installed in public places as an attraction for all to behold or purely for personal enjoyment at home, water features offer a range of subtle benefits to health and wellness.

With a high rate of automation in its two Dutch cheese factories in Bodegraven and Oudewater (close to Gouda), Vepo Cheese prides itself on production efficiency. Slicing, grating, cubing, portioning and packaging millions of kilos of hard cheese a year, the third generation family business recently upgraded all of its production lines with a new incline layout comprising seven highly sensitive Interceptor Metal Detectors from Fortress Technology.

Paramount Waste have recently collaborated with Capital Compactors and National Paper Recycling to install a paper and dust extraction system into Printforce in Biggleswade for their new Kolbus KM200 binder, Horizon 3 knife trimmer, Kolbus HD/HD 3 knife and guillotine.

Bee Valve Inc. manufactures a complete line of versatile Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) cam couplers and adapters. This material is partially applicable where ultra high purity or UL94-VO listing is required. PVDF is also resistant to chemicals such as halogens and strong acids, even at higher temperatures. PVDF couplers/adapters are the preferred choice for corrosive chemical, ozone and high radiation applications. PVDF couplers/adapters also offer lubricity and durability.

Innovation to aid suppliers and operators: future-proof dynamic test rigs thanks to flexible application

GTM Testing and Metrology GmbH, the internationally leading metrology supplier, presents its latest patented invention: a combination force-acceleration transducer that allows compensating for acceleration forces in dynamic measurements on test rigs. “Our innovation provides extra flexibility because you can use it for varying testing scenarios,” says Christoph Seipel, who handles development of dynamic force transducers at GTM and invented the new solution. The invention, which will benefit test rig suppliers and operators, was granted protection under patent by the European Patent Office on 20 September 2019.

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products today introduced the Robust Feed Pro portable wire feeder, the first product in its category with an IP44 protection class rating, which means it is protected against water splashes from all directions, as well as solid objects larger than 1 mm.

Having a reliable and highly sensitive metal detection system within a production line is important, especially in the current climate. It allows manufacturers to fulfil their basic regulatory requirements by providing a fully tested solution for detecting metal contaminants, increasing consumer safety and quality assurance.

The VPG Transducers brand of Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (NYSE: VPG), global designers and manufacturers of standard and custom force, pressure, torque, load, tension and weight sensors, today announced the introduction of its Agribar™ load cell (model 5330). The Agribar is a heavy-duty, single-ended bending beam load cell, which has been specifically designed for use in the agricultural industry with the capability to have a CAN bus option.

As milk and dairy products are dried for supply chain convenience, powder aeration typically results in poor densification during bulk bag filling, creating instability of bags in storage. In recognising this, bulk materials handling specialists, Spiroflow, has developed their Cone Table Elite (CTE) bulk bag filler solution – one of the most versatile and capable bulk bag fillers in the industry.

Designed specificially with critical cleaning in mind, Sontara® offers performance you can trust.

Superb mechanical strength, excellent absorbency and extremely low lint are just some of the features that make Sontara wipes so well renowned.

A team of engineers at the University of Sunderland’s Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice (AMAP) have come up with some clever products designed to help prevent the spread of Covid 19.

The laser cut gadgets allow people to open doors without having to touch handles with their hands. The designs have been created initially to support a local care home provider for which AMAP are making 600 pieces using the University’s Trotec Speedy 400 laser cutter.

Established in Japan in 1950, TLV has grown to become a world authority in steam engineering products and services. TLV now counts companies in 12 different countries and offers products through over 100 distributors worldwide.

Employing approximately 58,000 people globally, Parker Hannifin is the world leader in Motion and Control technology. The company’s products and services cover areas including, aerospace, climate control, electromechanical, fluid and gas handling, hydraulics, pneumatics, process control and filtration.

The Huck Penta-Lok structural fastener has come to the market driven by the need for a fastener specifically designed for the lightweight panel market; a material used increasingly in the manufacturing sector. Thanks to its high pull-out strength, Penta-Lok is suited for use within thin materials or delicate composites.

Our company has been supplying new and refurbished process equipment for 3 decades into many industries, all of which prefer to use exotic steels, 316L Stainless Steel or higher grade Super Duplex, some even corrosion resistant coatings like Halar, PFA, and Vulcanite Rubber.

MiniTec UK is no stranger to manufacturing technologies and making systems work as simply and effectively as possible. The MiniTec modular aluminium profile system, with its unique Powerlock® fastening method, allows effortless implementation that can minimise design time and speed up installation.

The TopWorx GOTM Switch Hybrid sensor Model 52M from Emerson is a rugged solution for harsh environments with a stainless steel enclosure and metal sensing face. As part of sophisticated system solutions the product helps to verify proper connection of single use components in life sciences, and many other industries..

Foam Engineers is a technical foam fabricator that provides a range of solutions for its diverse global customer base. Having recognised the potential for operational improvements, the company worked with SGS to successfully transition from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015, and is now benefiting from improved quality standards including enhanced levels of effectiveness, efficiency and profitability.

RAPIDLY REACHING THE GOAL:
Simply open, attach, close! The Quick Connect® pull-ring makes the replacement of pipe parts a snap. Perfect for bulk materials, dust extraction and ventilation systems.

Liftket has developed the first electronically controlled chain hoist with quick stop function. The Star VFD stops without ramp-down immediately after the control button is released. Therefore, loads can be lifted or lowered to the desired level in one go.

In January 2017, a Director of an international size OEM engineering company of specialist fasteners, became embroiled in a dispute with a major customer, who accused them of selling shoddy products.

Collapsible tube manufacturers now have the ability to fully automate their end-of-line processes with integrated pack and test solutions from Cerulean and PCE GROUP Ltd.

Growing product range and enhanced online resources will benefit customer journey

As part of its ongoing commitment to further enhance customer experience, TR Fastenings (TR) has invested heavily in its range of fasteners for sheet metal. The company – a global specialist in the design, engineering, manufacture and distribution of high quality industrial fasteners – has extended its range of products, updated its sales brochures and increased the number of useful resources on its website, in a move designed to provide clients with more information and greater clarity.

MACH 2020 is almost upon us and MiniTec UK is raring to get there. Visit them on stand 7-626 to see their flexible aluminium profile system at its best. MiniTec is exhibiting in four major areas which illustrate how adaptable the MiniTec system is and how it can benefit an enormous range of manufacturing processes and lines.

The Adel System range of Flex Power Supply are based on Semi-resonant Switching Technology: high performance efficiency of up to 93% and with highly dynamic output power.

By changing to NSK Molded-Oil mounted-unit inserts, an international drinks producer has overcome repeated problems of premature insert failures on the drive system of four vital sorting conveyors. The move has improved service life notably, leading to an annual saving of more than €5000.

Metrel has automated electrical testing, making their equipment far more productive than ordinary testers” said Brendan Beaver, Manager of Metrel UK, the provider of innovative testing solutions. “A good example is the testing of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), or vehicle chargers.