Manufacturing Technology

By Ian Raper, Regional Vice President, Riverbed Australia & New Zealand Automation and the rise of smart, Internet-connected manufacturing equipment (known as M2M or the Internet of Things depending on the device) stand to deliver previously unimaginable productivity gains and cost-savings. While these new technologies promise to simplify the production process, this influx of connected machines and devices also complicates the network used to deliver these efficiency gains. With each new machine connected to a network, finding faults and troubleshooting application performance issues when they occur could be like finding a needle in an ever-increasing haystack. A major source of delay in the troubleshooting process can be found in the way IT teams are structured; specific parts of the infrastructure (e.g. network operations; server operations; application operations) are run by different groups. Each of these teams has visibility into a different part of infrastructure and, traditionally, has had no way to share information effectively. This siloed approach means that the first step in the troubleshooting process is usually a counterproductive round of finger pointing between groups as none have visibility of the whole. But it doesn’t need to be like this The key to effective, real-time performance optimisation and troubleshooting is visibility. If each of these teams has a deep, end-to-end view within and across the complex networks and applications that make up the modern manufacturing process, any performance issue can be quickly resolved. In fact, these issues can even be fixed before they have an effect on the production line by using the same automation that is becoming prevalent on factory floors. At Riverbed, we’ve developed solutions to minimise downtime in the production environment and avoid potentially devastating disruptions that can reverberate through the supply chain. Clearing the fog of war The first strategy is to have the right […]

In PowerSHAPE 2016, reverse engineering of prismatic parts has been made easier. Delcam has added a series of enhancements to its PowerSHAPE Pro software for modelling and reverse engineering that will help users to complete complex designs more quickly and more easily. In addition, a combination of new, more efficient, code and the extension of multi-threaded calculations to many commonly-used tasks will make the software significantly faster than any previous version. Full details, including video demonstrations, are on the Learning Zone – www.delcam.tv/ps2016/lz/en By offering a combination of solid, surface and direct modelling, together with reverse engineering, PowerSHAPE Pro provides the most comprehensive range of design techniques available in a single CAD program. Having all the different technologies in the same package reduces the need to transfer data between multiple programs and so streamlines any modelling-for-manufacture projects that require both reverse-engineering and CAD functionality. The first enhancement in the 2016 release allows groups of features to be copied between two solids in a single operation. While the features do not need to be of the same type, the most common application is expected to be in copying patterns of holes with a single click from one solid to another, for example from one mould plate to any other plate in the mould stack. Another new option to save modelling time is the ability to edit the axis direction of any number of surface or solid primitives simultaneously. Similarly, the axis direction of a group of primitives that are not aligned can be brought into alignment in one operation. PowerSHAPE Pro already had the ability to edit simultaneously the dimensions of groups of primitives. For customers using PowerSHAPE Pro to capture data for reverse engineering, the software can connect directly to most scanning hardware to capture and display scan data in […]

Nuance Power PDF offers the PDF software features that business users need to be productive at a price that supports deployment across the entire enterprise. Power PDF delivers high performance, an intuitive user experience, and value, freeing users from the compromises of traditional PDF applications. To see a demonstration of the new features and benefits of Power PDF, and learn more about Nuance’s Document Imaging division view the Power PDF on-demand broadcast available now. With Power PDF, business users get all the tools they need to create, manage, share, and secure PDF files plus additional features only available from Nuance for document conversion, search, connectivity and more. Power PDF has powerful features to accurately convert PDFs to editable Microsoft Office documents, combine and assemble documents from many sources into a single PDF, and collaborate on PDF files with a powerful toolset. Before Nuance Power PDF, businesses had to make compromises and choose between the limited capabilities of free PDF reader software, low-end PDF solutions, or an expensive solution designed for graphic designers that isn’t engineered for today’s business environment. With its Microsoft Office-style ribbon user interface, Power PDF minimises the learning curve and maximises productivity by enabling users to transition effortlessly between word processing and PDF publishing. The software makes it easy to share and collaborate on work seamlessly across an organisation as well as externally – all while providing document control and security. Power PDF is priced to be affordably deployed to all business users in an enterprise, enabling all employees to assemble, compare, convert, create, dictate, edit, read, redact, scan, search, secure, sign, print and validate PDF documents and forms with unprecedented ease and speed. Key features in Power PDF include: Combine and assemble documents with ease. Combine files and remove or replace pages in complex documents with […]

In PowerSHAPE 2016, reverse engineering of prismatic parts has been made easier. Delcam has added a series of enhancements to its PowerSHAPE Pro software for modelling and reverse engineering that will help users to complete complex designs more quickly and more easily. In addition, a combination of new, more efficient, code and the extension of multi-threaded calculations to many commonly-used tasks will make the software significantly faster than any previous version. Full details, including video demonstrations, are on the Learning Zone – www.delcam.tv/ps2016/lz/en By offering a combination of solid, surface and direct modelling, together with reverse engineering, PowerSHAPE Pro provides the most comprehensive range of design techniques available in a single CAD program. Having all the different technologies in the same package reduces the need to transfer data between multiple programs and so streamlines any modelling-for-manufacture projects that require both reverse-engineering and CAD functionality. The first enhancement in the 2016 release allows groups of features to be copied between two solids in a single operation. While the features do not need to be of the same type, the most common application is expected to be in copying patterns of holes with a single click from one solid to another, for example from one mould plate to any other plate in the mould stack. Another new option to save modelling time is the ability to edit the axis direction of any number of surface or solid primitives simultaneously. Similarly, the axis direction of a group of primitives that are not aligned can be brought into alignment in one operation. PowerSHAPE Pro already had the ability to edit simultaneously the dimensions of groups of primitives. For customers using PowerSHAPE Pro to capture data for reverse engineering, the software can connect directly to most scanning hardware to capture and display scan data in […]

With solutions suited to a wide range of manufacturing applications, DMG MORI designs and supplies precision machine tools for all market segments from high-level aerospace manufacturers through to entry-level jobbing shops. DMG MORI, the world’s leading machine tool manufacturer, demonstrated its innovative technology with an impressive display of CNC machining centres and multi-axis lathes at Austech 2015 held recently at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre in May. Aerospace was a significant focus of the display at Austech, but DMG MORI also operates in a range of other segments including aftermarket high performance engineering, automotive and medical. Machines cover 95% of all metal cutting applications and in all markets from small parts like the dental industry through to the larger heavy industry. Confidence in the Australian manufacturing market was strong enough to justify bringing a DMC 80 U duoBLOCK® into the country as a stock item. One of these units was sold to Melbourne-based manufacturer, Lovitt Technologies Australia, for use in its advanced aerospace machining work. Among other things, Lovitt is a specialist aerospace and defence manufacturer with the capabilities and operational procedures designed to suit the specification, quality and quantity requirements of the industry providing cost-effective supply of Australian manufactured components and assemblies. DMG MORI sold a total of 10 machines during the event making Austech a very successful show for the steadily growing company. Product specialists were flown in from Germany, Japan, Singapore and China to speak with customers and demonstrate the capabilities of the equipment. Sales engineers can often spend weeks discussing with customers how a machine will be used to ensure that they fully understand the requirements and that the correct device is supplied. Machines on the stand included the NLX 2500SY|700 CNC Universal Lathe, NTX 1000 2nd Generation, NVX 5100 Vertical Machining Centre, DMU 65 monoBLOCK®, DMC […]

Rockwell Automation Pavilion8 Model Predictive Control (MPC) software now delivers a more user-friendly configuration environment, step-by-step prompts, warning diagnostics and flexible work flows to simplify building, maintaining and adjusting highly complex process models. Pavilion8 software has long been known as being among the most powerful software for solving highly challenging control problems, and it is now also among the easiest to use. The solution builder tools within the software now offer MPC configuration in a modern Windows environment, giving users a more familiar and streamlined experience. For example, users can now execute right-click mouse operations and complete copy-and-paste-type actions to develop applications in the software, helping them deploy their solutions faster and reduce training and adoption times. Pavilion8 MPC v5.0 software remains control system independent, but smoothly integrates with the PlantPAx process automation system from Rockwell Automation and includes four key enhancements. Windows-based configuration and support – An improved overall user experience for expert and inexperienced users alike begins with the updated, Windows-based solution builder tools, which improve work flow by enabling users to create a customized working environment and providing access to online help. For example, problems that arise during configuration will now prompt helpful, context-sensitive warning and error messages. Users can simply click on these messages to receive detailed model-creation steps that will guide them toward a resolution. Users can also more easily modify past work to simplify model maintenance and re-use. Multivariable run-time controller – Users will also discover new time-saving features in version 5.0. The robust run-time controller has been updated to allow users to add new predictive disturbance measures in half the time as the previous version, and easily compare differences in MPC application versions. Users now can easily sort, re-name, add, delete, compare and copy MPC variables and software supporting a flexible work flow, […]

Machine builders are constantly looking for ways to improve their machines while reducing costs and complexity. The new Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 527 AC drive from Rockwell Automation can help them achieve those important goals. The PowerFlex 527 drive is the first AC drive designed to work exclusively with a Logix-based programmable automation controller (PAC). The drive leverages the benefits of the controller capabilities and uses a single software package – Rockwell Software Studio 5000 Logix Designer – to help simplify machine development and operation. The PowerFlex 527 drive is an ideal complement to machines using Allen-Bradley CompactLogix, ControlLogix or GuardLogix PACs and Allen-Bradley Kinetix servo drives. The PowerFlex 527 drive uses embedded instructions shared with Kinetix servo drives, providing the same user experience for configuration, programming and control of both types of drives, helping save valuable engineering time. The PowerFlex 527 drive also offers a low-cost solution for machine applications – such as pumps, fans, and in-feed and out-feed conveyors – that need simple speed control for induction motors. The servo drive handles the more precise motor control operations involving speed, torque and position control. “Until now, most machine builders have never considered programming their variable frequency drives like they program their servo drives – but they immediately understand the value,” said Andrew Hoch, product manager for variable frequency drives, Rockwell Automation. “We developed this drive to help remove some of the design complexity, provide the best-fit performance level, and deliver the next evolution of our Premier Integration.”    Premier Integration allows users to seamlessly integrate PowerFlex drives into a Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, reducing the time and tools necessary to configure and program a system. The PowerFlex 527 drive introduces an added level of Premier Integration by using the defined, motion instruction sets within Studio 5000 software for machine control and […]