Beckhoff presented its PC-based control technology for the food and beverage industry during March at Anuga FoodTec in Germany. The system enables the complete production process to be automated with a flexible and open control platform that reduces the machine footprint and increases the energy and engineering efficiency.
The trade show presentation focused on control solutions for the food, beverage and packaging industries. PC and EtherCAT-based control and drive technology from Beckhoff enables smaller control cabinets so that the machine or system footprint can be optimised. It enables the integration of all important control functions on a central platform using high-performance PC hardware: including PLC, motion control, robotics, measurement technology and condition monitoring.
Machine refinement with stainless steel control panels and servomotors
Beckhoff presented its new control panels and panel PCs in stainless steel design. With their gapless and flush case design they meet the stringent hygiene requirements and clean room regulations in the food and beverage industry. The IP65 panels are available with flush-mounted 300 or 380 mm touchscreens.
The new Beckhoff AM8800 servomotor series is also available in stainless steel design. These residue-free stainless steel motors meet the strict FDA requirements and are optimised for use in the food industry. The motors from the AM8800 series require only one motor connecting cable for feedback and power, which significantly reduces the material and installation costs. Equipped in protection class IP67 or optionally IP69K, the motors are even suitable for cleaning with the high-pressure cleaners used in the food industry.
TwinCAT 3: efficient engineering and multi-core support
The release of the TwinCAT 3 automation software opens up new possibilities for the food industry: TwinCAT 3 supports all common programming standards, from C/C++ to the object-oriented extension of IEC 61131-3. Active multi-core support allows additional control hardware to be replaced by the central PC. Support for all common branch standards such as OMAC or WS-Food/WS-Pack ensures optimum connectivity.
High-performance industrial power converters
Electrical Power & Protection
Vepac Electronics supplies PowerGood’s range of industrial AC/DC and DC/DC converters, spanning 15 W to 700 W, with full protection features and compliance with EN55032 Class A and Class B electromagnetic interference standards.
Read more...Decarbonising the energies and chemical industry without the risk Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric argues that decarbonisation in Africa’s energies and chemical industry need not compromise production or profitability. A phased, digitally enabled approach, starting with energy efficiency improvements, can reduce emissions while strengthening competitiveness.
Read more...Modular UPS system with scalable, high-availability architecture
Electrical Power & Protection
Legrand South Africa has launched its fifth-generation TriMOD three-phase modular UPS, available from 10 to 80 kW. The system features hot-swappable modules, multiple input/output configurations, and up to 99% efficiency in Eco Mode, designed for data centres and critical industrial environments.
Read more...Why mining operations need local lightning early warning Senseca
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Lightning can develop into a serious mining hazard before the first local strike, leaving crews little time to stop work and reach safety. Local early-warning technology can provide valuable lead time, allowing mines to connect developing storm conditions to defined trigger actions that protect people, explosives and equipment.
Read more...XPlanar aids innovation in laser processing Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Aalborg University is among the first in the world to test Beckhoff’s XPlanar intelligent transport system in advanced laser processes, achieving micrometer-precise workpiece positioning and dramatically shorter lead times compared with traditional tool-based manufacturing.
Read more...South Africa’s dirtiest fuel is building its most resilient boilers
Electrical Power & Protection
Steinmüller Africa argues that duff coal, the low-grade fines and discards stockpiled over decades, can now underpin reliable, compliant industrial boilers using mature circulating fluidised bed combustion technology, turning a long-standing liability into a phased energy transition pathway.
Read more...Retrofitting for sustainability Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
As budgets tighten and sustainability targets increase, retrofit and modernisation strategies are gaining traction across Africa, allowing organisations to upgrade only what limits performance while preserving existing infrastructure and extending asset life.
Read more...USB-Datalogger for voltage 0 to 30 V DC Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The PeakTech 5186 is a data logger for DC voltages from 0 V to 30 V with terminals on the top of the device.
Read more...Pole-top boxes for smarter, more secure electricity networks
Electrical Power & Protection
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from Power Process Systems is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.