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Safe and sound Is your smart factory secure?

Alarms, cameras, locks and fences are all commonly recommended to keep burglars out of homes. Obtaining clear guidance for securing your smart factory isn’t quite as easy to come by. Here Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director at obsolete industrial equipment supplier, EU Automation, discusses smart factory security and what manufacturers should consider when protecting their facility. In a connected factory, manufacturers have access to a constant data stream from the shop floor, commercial operations and supply. The Internet of Things (IoT) generates a huge amount of data, gathered from machines and components, which can be accessed and analysed remotely. Though it brings a facility a number of advantages, connectivity also introduces a vulnerability in terms of cyber-security. With information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) more closely connected than ever, systems are more vulnerable to attackers. The risk is increased by remote access or third-party access. According to Dark Reading magazine, the second most cyber-attacked industry after healthcare is manufacturing. With high profile ransomware attacks such as WannaCry disrupting large companies such as Honda, manufacturers know they must be vigilant. In the manufacturing industry, cyber-crime is usually a type of data theft, ransomware or data manipulation. Hackers can modify procedures to disrupt production processes, gain access to private patent data or cause system downtime, all of which can cause serious losses to a company. Engineering businesses must ensure that their operations, data and valuable intellectual property (IP) are protected. Businesses need to understand the limitations of their own capabilities and systems to form a well-rounded cyber-security strategy. For example, legacy equipment can be a target for cyber-criminals. Old equipment was not designed to be connected to the internet, which means that cyber security was not a priority during its design. Industrial control systems as well as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) have […]

Ranger customises vacuum lifter for Tunnels Project

Ranger Lifting has modified a vacuum below-the-hook attachment for installation of key elements, as a large railway project enters a key phase. Prestons, Sydney-based Ranger, a specialist supplier of lifting and rigging equipment, has adapted the Acimex vacuum lifter, manufactured in France, to meet specific requirements for installing 1,000 elements over a two-year period, as a tunnel boring machine (TBM) is prepared for work. Leo Giuntini, business development manager at Ranger, explained that the elements are thicker than the standard units used elsewhere because of the soil environment along the boring route. The attachment will work with a 3t capacity, 44m-long, freestanding monorail hoist that originally had a working load limit (WLL) of 900kg, increased by Ranger to 1,350kg. Additionally, Ranger has changed the orientation of the vacuum head 90 degrees and lengthened the support bar. Acimex manufactures all types of vacuum lifters for gripping bulky concrete, steel, or PVC parts, but the adaptation of this model once again demonstrated Ranger’s ability to tailor a solution for a specific project. Giuntini said: “The project had a requirement to install key elements to facilitate use of a big TBM. The modernised attachment will be used to lift the elements out of moulds that are specially manufactured upside-down, so they have to be rotated in the air prior to installation. Importantly, the vacuum tool must be able to hold the segments even when disconnected from power.” The solution represented a significant time and cost saving for the customer, as the alternative to customising the existing product would have been to source a new one from France. Upon consultation with the end user and a local engineering firm, Giuntini was able to oversee the modernisation project that delivered a suitable solution to the client. As required under Australian Standard AS 4991-2004, the new […]

Pipe bevelling machine for hard alloys

A portable pipe bevelling tool is ideally suited for machining hard alloys typical of subsea applications and pulls a thick chip without cutting oils. The Millhog Commander I.D. Clamping Pipe Bevelling Tool features large clamp pads with six contact points to evenly spread their holding forces and mount rigidly. Ideal for making precision joint preps on Super Duplex, P-91, and other high alloy pipes, this vibration-free pipe machining tool pulls a thick chip without cutting oils and transfers heat away from the pipe surface which prolongs blade life. Only requiring one mandrel and seven sets of clamps for the entire range of the tool, the Millhog Commander I.D. Clamping Pipe bevelling Tool can prep all schedules of pipe from 95.25 mm I.D. to 355.6 mm O.D. This tool can perform 37-1/2 bevels, compound, counterbore, and J-preps. A 3HP pneumatic motor is standard; an 1800W electric and hydraulic motors are optional.

Reliable, long service strainers and filters

Plenty filters and strainers are known for their reliable, robust, long-lasting products, which, once installed, will work reliably for many years. They are designed to minimise operational and running costs in the plant and deliver exceptional performance. Within the Plenty range are a wide selection of solutions including leading simplex, duplex, backwashing and self-cleaning strainers. Backflush filters The Plenty Backflush Filter is designed to keep processes running without manual intervention. Designed specifically for applications on water systems, Plenty Backflush Filters are available in a full range of sizes to suit most applications with a choice of stainless steel or cast-iron housings. They are efficient to install, are designed to minimise product loss during backflush action, and do not require any separate back wash supply. The filtration element is available in a large range of sizes with mesh or wedge wire options to suit application needs. Plenty Backflush Filters utilise system pressure for automatic cleaning, without interruption of the liquid flow or the need for an independent supply of clean water. Plenty Backflush Filters operate in normal filtration mode until a timer initiates a regular cleaning cycle or the amount of contaminate accumulated inside the strainer tubes restricts the flow passage, causing an increase in the differential pressure. When the pressure drop reaches a pre-set trigger level, the automatic cleaning mechanism is actuated, and a sliding seal plate connected to the backwash outlet effectively blanks off each strainer element in turn from the inlet water. Pressure within the strainer body is higher than the pressure in the backwash outlet pipe and so induces a flow of clean water in the reverse direction through the isolated element, effectively flushing away all accumulated debris. Liquid and Gas process filters From its Dollinger range, SPX Flow offers the highly efficient LL-142 liquid filters, which […]

Armoured wetsuit made of aluminium platelets

Australian global manufacturer Sevaan Group was handpicked by an innovative company to help create an armoured wetsuit for protecting commercial divers, Scuba divers, free divers and those into serious spear fishing. Known as ironskinn, the armoured wetsuit is made of extremely tough aluminium platelets held together by an elastic in-form setting. Sevaan Group was chosen for various reasons ahead of sizeable international competition, with one reason being its ability to interpret the requirements and set up CAD and manufacturing sequences to make the concept a physical reality. As ironskinn Managing Director Mr John Sundnes explains, Sevaan Group was very inquisitive about what was required and were excited about making a significant part of that product. “We are making the entire suit in NSW, so Sevaan’s Sydney base was a good start and ultimately as a company they showed patience as this was something that was never made before,” said Mr Sundnes. “A lot of finetuning was required and they were up for it; unlike other companies we approached whose attitude was ‘when you have a need for 100-offs then call us’. “It took probably 4-5 months because we had some tooling we needed made and Sevaan Group had good contacts to make that tooling a reality. “The platelets have a particular shape and particular curvature; thin metal can behave in unexpected ways so that part may come out a little differently compared to its CAD so we needed expertise to handle that.” The ironskinn protective dive suit is designed to protect divers from an unexpected shark bite, as well as to protect from other marine hazards such as oysters, mussels, barnacles and rotten metal from boats when working on them underwater, therefore offering a wide range of applications of material. Currently, the suit is on a pilot program with some […]

What are the different types of compressed air dryers?

Compressed air dryers are an important addition to air compressors and allow particles such as oil and water vapour to be safely removed. Filtering and drying compressed air can reduce the chances of corrosion and other issues, improving the life of equipment and reducing the need for maintenance. Many air dryer types can effectively remove contaminants and water vapour, producing quality compressed air which is suitable for sensitive applications. Air dryer types include membrane, desiccant, deliquescent and refrigerated air compressor dryers. What is an air compressor dryer? Air compressor dryers use a number of different methods to remove moisture and water vapour from compressed air, depending on the air dryer types. Each type of air dryer has its own advantages and disadvantages which can make them more appropriate for certain situations. The amount of water vapour in air is measured as its ‘dew point’. The lower the temperature of air’s dew point, the less water vapour it contains and the drier it is. While some air dryer types can remove almost all the water vapour in air, lowering dew point becomes increasingly more expensive and difficult as water vapour is removed. Refrigerated compressed air dryers Refrigerated dryers are a popular compressed air dryer type as they are the most cost-effective to own and operate. Refrigerated air dryers work by cooling compressed air down until the water vapour condenses into a liquid form, which is then drained away. Refrigerated dryers are the best choice to dry air for general purposes, as they remove the largest amount of water with the least amount of energy use. This can greatly reduce the problems associated with wet compressed air without spending more resources to completely remove water vapour. Pros: Cost efficient Cons: Does not completely remove moisture Membrane compressed air dryers Membrane dryers work […]

Lightweight scanning solution

The Faro 8-Axis Design ScanArm 2.5C is the first colour capable portable lightweight 3D scanning solution providing an unprecedented ergonomic experience with both the 7-Axis or 8-Axis models. Using the new Faro Prizm™ full colour Laser Line Probe with powerful 3D design and modelling software, the 8-Axis Design ScanArm delivers high-resolution colour point-cloud data enabling more insight into object design and creation, geometry, surface composition and differentiation between materials. The colour information is also used in high-quality 3D visualisation of rendering objects in gaming, movies and online marketing. The added eighth-axis enables real-time rotation of the object being scanned – eliminating wasted time, reducing risk to delicate objects and supporting more complete scan output. The 8-Axis Design ScanArm 2.5C is the ideal solution for any organisation that may have the need to develop or manufacture parts and after-market products characterised by different coatings, materials, co-moulded parts or surfaced finishes without existing CAD models. In addition, you can reverse engineer legacy parts to design changes or replacement, create digital libraries to decrease inventory and warehouse costs, design aesthetically pleasing free form surfaces or leverage the power of rapid prototyping. This lightweight and easily manoeuvrable ScanArm is available in lengths of 2.5m, 3.5m and 4.0m and seamlessly scans challenging products, objects and prototypes. The Design ScanArm 2.5C comes equipped with dual, hot swappable batteries that enable continuous operation with no need for external power when the application requires measurement in the field or shop floor. Faro kinematic iProbe’s easy connect/disconnect combined with a simplified quick release, makes the device effortless to operate regardless of skill level or 3D scanning experience. The Faro 8-Axis Design ScanArm 2.5C is the ideal colour capable 3D scanning solution for any organisation that may have the need to: • Capture and digitise objects and props in full […]

Quiet ZC cordless pump offers portability, speed and safety

Enerpac’s ZC series high performance pump An international leader in high pressure hydraulic tool technology, Enerpac, is introducing to Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea compact and outstandingly powerful cordless hydraulic pumps ideal for jobs that require a combination of portability, speed and safety. The 700 bar (10,000psi) ZC Series pumps combine the performance of an electric pump with the convenience, portability and stumble-free safety of a battery pump that is ideal for applications where emissions and noise are concerns. The new generation cordless pumps – featuring a rechargeable 82V lithium ion battery with long run times, even under extreme site conditions – work well in remote locations where there is no access to power, as well as indoor uses where trip hazards, ergonomics or size are a concern. Available in single-acting, double-acting and Power Seater Post Tensioning models (weighing 29.7-33.3kg), the pumps provide a high-flow cordless solution for applications such as: lifting, shifting, cutting, pressing, gear pulling and other workshop maintenance tasks; foundation work; post-tensioning and rail, road, civil engineering and infrastructure development on sites as diverse as mining and energy, construction, oil and gas exploration and development; water and pipeline projects. These advanced technology pumps – with impressive run times and national service backing from Enerpac – are among the first of a stream of high-technology products Enerpac is introducing to save users time and money. The ZC-Series is a high-flow cordless solution with an 8-litre reservoir capacity, 0.52l/min flow at rated pressure and reduced noise level of 80 dB a maximum. They are designed to handle, for example, 50 lifting cycles with an RC1006 95-ton cylinder, or 90 cycles of the equally widely used RC504 cylinder on a single charge. ZCs save users time and money by eliminating the need for a generator and extension cords. […]

Kemppi releases tough, cost-effective X3 MIG Welder

Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has launched the new Kemppi X3 MIG family, an evolution of its popular HiArc MIG range. The X3 is a basic and cost effective MIG alternative to Kemppi’s premium FastMig welding family, but with a high duty cycle and robust design is suitable for the tough and demanding conditions found in the metal fabrication industry. Available as a gas-cooled MIG/MAG welding package with carbon arc gouging, the X3 MIG Welder delivers excellent performance with up to 500 amperes at a 60% duty cycle. The machine is equipped with a wire feeder for 300mm wire spools and accepts wire diameters from 0.8 to 1.6mm, and with cored wires up to 2.0mm. It also offers outstanding welding control to deliver quality welds. The MIG/MAG process of the X3 MIG Welder has been carefully tuned at the Kemppi welding lab to give the arc excellent stability. This makes the arc easy to manage and minimises spatter, even when using inexpensive CO2 shielding gas. With less spatter, the need for post-weld grinding is reduced, and welders can use more of their time for productive welding. In addition, the machine has a range of functions that fine-tune the start and end of welds, improve the quality of the weld and help boost productivity. These include Crater Fill, Burn Back, Hot Stop, Soft Start, Hard Ignition and Creep Start. Plus, the machine is also very energy efficient. Kemppi is the number one pioneer in welding inverter technology, and the X3 MIG Welder uses the latest IGTB inverter technology to reduce its energy usage and minimise costs. A practical, no-nonsense machine for the professional welder, the Kemppi X3 MIG Welder is both robust and rugged. The system’s wire-feeder features a fully enclosed and impact resistant dual-skin cabinet to protect the wire […]

Quality compressed air for trades and workshop applications

Anyone looking for a super-quiet, efficient and cost-effective supply of quality compressed air for their workshop requires a user-oriented solution. With the space-saving i.Comp 8 and 9, Kaeser Compressors introduces a completely new compressed air supply concept specifically developed with this field of use in mind. These units are tough, powerful, compact, easy to maintain, efficient and much more. At the heart of the new i.Comp family is a new drive concept, which provides a multitude of advantages. It delivers the necessary power to cover the required compressed air demand with infinitely variable control. i.Comp family reciprocating compressors can operate with 100 percent duty cycles. Intelligent solutions – such as drawing the air for compression in through the piston head – ensure exceptional filling performance and, as a result, outstanding efficiency. With a volumetric flow rate of 412 to 580 l/min, the i.Comp Towers can be used for a wide range of workshop and trades applications and assure a constant pressure of up to 11 bar with absolute operational reliability. Made from roto-moulded polyethylene to enable optimum corrosion- and impact-resistance, the attractive sound enclosure not only hides an advanced all-in-one compressed air station comprising a compressor and a refrigeration dryer, but also keeps sound levels to a minimum and helps retain system value. Kaeser’s field-proven Sigma Control 2 controller allows pressure preselection and infinitely variable speed operation, as well as connection to a master controller such as the Sigma Air Manager 4.0. Since i.Comp Tower systems deliver oil-free compressed air, no oil enters the compressed air supply itself. This in turn eliminates the potential for accumulation of oil-contaminated condensate that would otherwise have to be carefully disposed of. In addition, there is no need for oil changes or oil inspection, which of course further reduces overall service costs.

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