Automation Parts

Active Andon System Reduces Downtime Gemba has launched the Active Andon system, providing a fully flexible and user-configurable LCD display, real-time alerts via text/email, and a historical reporting function. A user-programmable LCD display shows whatever data is required, and can be changed at any time. Off-the-shelf delivery of LCD displays of all sizes means no long waits for equipment to arrive. If there is a problem, messages and alerts are displayed on the Andon board, and it is automatically escalated to senior staff via email or text. Alerts based on any aspect of the production process are automatically triggered. A closed-loop process ensures problems are resolved quickly and effectively, so that downtime and maintenance stoppages are minimised. All data is available for review and analysis on a PC. The wireless system allows the user to put button boxes in any location; supervisors can move around the shop floor and take a button box with them. Minimal cabling mean...

Boge Screw Compressor Reduces Energy Costs RSL Steeper has reduced its compressed-air energy costs by 45 per cent through replacing an ageing compressor with a Boge S15 screw compressor at its manufacturing facility in Leeds. RSL Steeper is a supplier of prosthetic and orthotic patient care services in the UK. At its Leeds site, RSL manufactures a range of upper extremity prosthetic systems and components including cosmetic products, as well as mechanical and electric-powered systems from simple passive hands with silicone cosmetic gloves to multi-function Myo electric hands and powered elbows. Compressed air is used in the manufacturing process to power a number of air tools as well as a bio-reactor. The bio-reactor performs an important health and safety role in the production process. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are generated in the manufacturing process from applications such as gluing. The bio-reactor purifies such air pollutants. The company has recently realised redu...

Combined Starter-Alternator Reduces Petrol Use Dow Corning is helping auto manufacturers and suppliers boost gas mileage and reduce emissions. Dow Corning's technical centres are delivering process engineering, testing and even prototyping to help customers accelerate product development and reduce time to market. Among recent fuel-saving advances is a design for a combination starter-alternator that outperforms the conventional starter and alternator as separate components. The device is at the heart of the 'start-stop' system, which conserves fuel and reduces pollution by automatically shutting off the engine when a vehicle is stationary. The system immediately and silently restarts the motor as soon as a gear is engaged; or in the case of a car with automatic transmission, whenever the driver releases the brake. In starter mode, the belt drive and low inertia of the device mean it starts three-times faster than a conventional starter and with a fraction of the noise....

Trelleborg Automotive has developed a damping plate that allows PSA Peugeot Citroen to reduce noise and vibration caused by diesel-engine knocking. Trelleborg Automotive used its NVH experience to produce a specially-cut shear plate, engineered using the company's Duru-LAM material. Resistant to both heat and oil, Duru-LAM is a proven material for damping sound and vibrations in internal engine applications and, in the shear plate design, it comprises a layer of rubber sandwiched between two layers of steel. The shear plate is then positioned according to the packaging requirements of different core engine designs and can be used in gasoline, as well as diesel variants. Arvid Norberg, research and development NVH manager at Trelleborg Automotive, said: 'The conventional solution to reduce vibration is to increase engine block stiffness, but in many cases this only shifts the noise to higher frequencies. 'The introduction of the shear plate enables us to reduce vibratio...