280 results found
    1. Halogen-free electronics enclosures

      Halogen-free electronics enclosures

      The enclosure components of the innovative Bocube series are manufactured only with materials which comply with the UL safety standards and are halogen-free. This also applies to the PU foam seal, and means that all of BOPLA’s plastic enclosures meet the sector’s highest standards. In addition, Bocube polycarbonate enclosures satisfy the strict EN 45545 fire protection standard for rail vehicles and outdoor capability according to UL 746 C f1. BOPLA enclosures are almost entirely made of UL-listed materials. Of course, the Bocube industrial enclosure with its ABS and polycarbonate variants are no exception. After successful material certification according to UL50, this also applies to the injected polyurethane foam seal. Bocube models made of polycarbonate are now the leaders when it comes to safety and sturdiness. Their material is classified in accordance with the most authoritative standard worldwide for assessing the flame retardancy of plastics – UL 94 – as flame retardant and self-extinguishing with flammability rating UL94 V-0. Matthias Bünte, product manager at BOPLA, explains: “In addition, it even meets the especially strict requirements of fire protection standard for rail vehicles EN 45545 for use in hazard class HL3.” And the Bocube variants made of PC can do even more! They also proved their special suitability for outdoor use according to UL 746 C f1. This means that their material passed all the relevant flame protection and mechanical tests with flying colours even after exposure to artificial weathering (1000 hours of exposure to UV light and seven days of immersion in 70°C hot water). Bocube enclosures – innovative and with plenty of variants The sturdy industrial enclosures in the Bocube range stand out thanks to their well thought out mechanical construction and their elegant design with colour-contrasting hinged catches.

    2. Harnessing process data in medical injection molding to enhance quality assurance and efficiency

      Harnessing process data in medical injection molding to enhance quality assurance and efficiency

      The medical devices industry looked quite different from today when graduate engineer Daniel Kormann first started working there in 2009. While quality assurance had been established for safe and reliable products, manufacturers were still hesitant to try methods such as cavity pressure measurement. Over the last ten years, measuring this parameter throughout production has become industry standard because it provides reliable information about the quality of both process and product. Equally, digitalization and automation of process monitoring have come a long way. Daniel Kormann, head of business development for Plastics at Kistler, discusses the state of process monitoring and process control in the light of current developments such as AI and new regulations.

    3. HepcoMotion Expands with Three New Sites To Support Global Growth

      HepcoMotion Expands with Three New Sites To Support Global Growth

      Located near the company’s headquarters at Tiverton Business Park, the investment also reinforces Hepco’s continued commitment to the local community, where it is one of the town’s largest employers. Two of the facilities, set to be operational by year-end, will increase the company’s footprint by 25–30%, while the third – currently in the planning phase – will provide further capacity to support future growth.

    4. HepcoMotion Opens New Stockholding Factory in Netherlands

      HepcoMotion Opens New Stockholding Factory in Netherlands

      The new facility, named ‘HepcoMotion Europe’, will hold extensive stocks of HepcoMotion’s products and provide a rapid and cost-effective delivery service to Hepco’s many customers within the EU Single Market. This new factory is a substantial new venture for HepcoMotion, and will expedite and simplify distribution of products to customers in the EU. There will be a €multi-million investment in stocks of HepcoMotion GV3 Linear Guides, SL2 Stainless Steel Linear Guides, PRT2 Ring Slides and Track Systems, Bishop-Wisecarver DualVee single edge slides and UtiliTrak linear components. There will also be a comprehensive range of HLG Linear Ball Guides, and GFX guidance systems to work with the Beckhoff XTS eXtended Track System. HepcoMotion is also investing in state-of-the-art production facilities, handling equipment and information systems. A new logistics team will complement its existing and extensive networks of sales offices, field sales engineers and distribution partners. The new facility is expected to begin operating in January 2022, taking over the import of all goods from HepcoMotion’s factory in the UK for forward distribution throughout the EU. Significant improvements in transit times and a much easier import procedure are expected with immediate effect. HepcoMotion Europe is borne from HepcoMotion’s commitment to providing excellent service and improving lead times in Europe and signifies the company’s continuing growth with the whole of the EU.

    5. Herausforderngen für Instandhaltungsleiter

      Herausforderngen für Instandhaltungsleiter

      Neue Technologien, Digitalisierung, wachsende Absatzmärkte, immer funktionellere Produkte erfordern flexiblere Produktionsstrecken, Industrie 4.0, Fachkräftemangel mit dem verbundenen mangelnden Know how und komplexere Anforderungen im Dokumentenmanagement haben die Anforderungen an Wartung und Instandhaltung gewandelt. Was früher das passende Werkzeug war, ist heute die Auswahl der passenden Technologien und Konzepte, um diesen Anforderungen effizient gerecht zu werden.

    6. HIWIN launches sales of the new UR roller guide

      HIWIN launches sales of the new UR roller guide

      The UR series is an upgrade of the proven RG roller guide and was developed for applications where every detail counts: from tool and special machine construction to automated production lines, precise guide units for large components, and heavy-duty handling solutions. With the UR roller guide, HIWIN sets new standards in precision and load-bearing capacity. Thanks to its optimized rolling element geometry, the UR heavy-duty guide ensures maximum load ratings and stiffness, as well as consistent running behavior. It offers up to 34% higher static load capacity, up to 19% higher dynamic load capacity, and up to 70% longer service life. For users, this means higher machining performance, dimensional accuracy, and improved surface finish – even under heavy loads. The patented 360° lubricant distribution ensures that each individual rolling element is optimally supplied with lubricant, even in wall-mounted, oil-lubricated applications. This increases process reliability, reduces lubricant consumption, and ensures stable and long-lasting operation even under extreme operating conditions. Dirt-resistant sealing systems provide additional protection for the roller guide. Integrated linear encoders open up further automation possibilities, and a wide range of sizes, designs, and carriage lengths guarantees maximum adaptability and flexibility. Whether as a flanged carriage or a low-profile or high-profile block carriage, in heavy-duty or super-heavy-duty versions: the UR series can be precisely tailored to specific requirements. With this comprehensive package, the UR roller guide becomes a true performance booster for demanding applications, elevating machines to the future level of performance today.

    7. HIWIN presents new electric cylinder – developed and produced in Offenburg

      HIWIN presents new electric cylinder – developed and produced in Offenburg

      An innovative drive element specifically designed for industrial automation applications. The electric cylinder was entirely developed and manufactured in Offenburg, Germany – a clear commitment to "Made in Germany" quality. This ensures not only the highest manufacturing standards but also short delivery times and reliable technical support. The latest drive is available in four sizes (40, 50, 60, and 80 mm), with the stroke freely selectable in millimeter increments. Inside, a high-performance ball screw drive handles higher forces and enables faster travel speeds than conventional solutions. Optionally, and this is what currently makes the electric cylinder unique on the market, the slide guides can be flexibly mounted after installation (up to two per acting force). Combined with lifetime lubrication, the drive guarantees long-lasting, low-maintenance operation – ideal for demanding pick-and-place, positioning, or pressing applications. “With our electric cylinder, we are setting a clear example for greater efficiency, precision, and flexibility in industrial automation,” says the development team at HIWIN GmbH. The new electric cylinder is aimed at machine builders, integrators, and users who value high quality and rapid implementation.

    8. Humanoid Robotics demands dexterity in motion

      Humanoid Robotics demands dexterity in motion

      The hand is perhaps the most utilized human tool. Its dexterity, fine motor skills and sensory feedback make it the interface between the body and the environment. Reproducing this fascinating functionality in an artificial hand is one of the greatest challenges in robotics, and at the same time one of its most difficult tasks. Whether in automation or medical robotics, industrial applications or modern prosthetics - robotic hands are expected to do what the human hand has perfected over thousands of years: coordinate complex movements, use different gripping techniques, react to external stimuli and precisely use force. It's not just about shape and mobility, but also about miniature motors, intelligent control and the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

    9. ibaCapture 5.6 integrates Optris thermography cameras

      ibaCapture 5.6 integrates Optris thermography cameras

      High temperatures are part of everyday operations in metal production, yet reliably capturing them is anything but trivial. Non-contact temperature measurement plays a key role in this context. With version 5.6, ibaCapture expands iba Austria GmbH industrial video and image data acquisition system to include direct support for infrared cameras from Optris GmbH. This enables thermal information to be captured, stored, and jointly visualized in a consistent manner alongside process and machine data within the iba system. ibaCapture records the false-color thermal images generated by Optris cameras and stores them centrally on the ibaCapture server. The temperature data can then be transferred to ibaPDA and further processed there as analog input signals. This allows thermal information to be directly correlated with machine states, process parameters, or product characteristics within the iba system—without the need for additional specialized software. In energy-intensive processes such as rolling, casting, or heat treatment, this provides a solid foundation for root-cause analysis, process optimization, and ensuring product quality. In addition to various improvements and security fixes, ibaCapture v5.6.0 also introduces the option to encrypt communication with Axis and ONVIF cameras via HTTPS.

    10. ibaMAQS - Modular measurement system

      ibaMAQS - Modular measurement system

      The ibaM-4AI-UI module is designed for voltage and current measurements and can sample at up to 100 kHz. Different measuring ranges can be switched for each channel. Overview of the most important features: ■ Input module with 4 analog inputs for voltage and current measurement ■ Measuring ranges switchable per channel ■ Voltage measuring ranges: ±2.5 V / ±10 V / ±24 V / ±60 V ■ Current measuring ranges: ±20 mA / 0…20 mA DC / 4…20 mA DC ■ Measurement category / CAT protection class: CAT III 100 V; pollution degree 2 ■ Power frequency measurement ■ Galvanically isolated analog inputs ■ 24 bit resolution ■ Sampling rate A/D converter 100 kHz ■ Timebase min. 10 µs, freely adjustable ■ Analog and digital filters per channel ■ Rugged housing, easy installation

    11. Individual electronics enclosures

      Individual electronics enclosures

      Individual enclosure solutions for which BOPLA deals with every stage of processing, from the initial idea to series production, are becoming increasingly popular. In creating intelligent products and tailor-made product solutions, the enclosure technology specialists combine their interdisciplinary expertise in the design, construction, HMI and electronics sectors to create an all-round carefree package for their customers. Industrial designer Sebastian Hein has recently started to provide his knowhow to the development team. “Enclosures are a product’s visiting card. They demonstrate a company’s brand values and make them visible. Also, they present an opportunity for products to stand out from the competition. Consequently, the demands made of the individual design of electronics enclosures are increasing all the time,” says Sebastian Hein. The tasks of this graduate product designer and trained production model maker include both the development of design concepts for individual enclosure solutions and also the designing of BOPLA’s attractive future products. This ensures that Sebastian Hein, who also brings with him his experience as a CAD designer in the automotive sector, is a valued member of the BOPLA team which uses interdisciplinary cooperation to develop intelligent products. As early as during the first phase of product development, his rapid and individual draft designs form the basis for discussions with customers.

    12. Individuality as part of the standard portfolio: BOPLA reorganises the 19” range

      Individuality as part of the standard portfolio: BOPLA reorganises the 19” range

      Only the dimensions are standardised: At the same time as the launch of the product catalogue, Bopla Gehäuse Systeme GmbH are restructuring their range of 19” products. Now the customer-specific assembly systems are divided into subrack and desktop enclosures, small control enclosures for the fitting of 19” subracks and front panels. In addition, BOPLA manufactures non-standard enclosures for PCBs. The ideal solution when developers require a package of services from planning to sampling to series manufacture to packaging – and all available from a single source. This ensures that BOPLA is meeting increased demands and expectations from the market. A specially-printed front panel. A desktop enclosure which can also be integrated in a cabinet. A 19” enclosure for a special size of PCB which doesn’t conform to the Euro card format. And, not least, customer-specific packaging. The demands made of 19” subracks and other assembly systems are increasing. It’s not just the sturdy outer case which is important – increasingly, customer-specific equipment details are an integral part of development. Olaf Kleineberg, BOPLA’s product manager for 19” subracks, understands that a competent partner for subracks is more important than ever: “Using the standardised 19” system as a basis, we manufacture the individual systems that our customers ask for. In addition to the wide range of products, our huge depth of production allows us to produce a unique total package from a single source.” Always in accordance with DIN EN 60297-3-101 Developers can choose between BOPLA’s metal and plastic applications for the 19”-compliant enclosures used for their electronics systems. All the components are standardised in accordance with DIN EN 60297-3-101. The different designs and sizes and a wide range of accessories provide a high degree of flexibility for different applications. In doing this, the range of products makes both standard and EMC versions available.