Data import, error correction and the generation of envelope geometries are now automated at SEW-Eurodrive. By using the 3DxSuite software, the company saves time and resources when optimizing 3D models.
Kuka Innovation Award 2023 presented
The Kuka Innovation Award 2023 was all about simple operation and maximum flexibility of robots. For the first time, the robotics competition was based on the new Kuka robot operating system and associated ecosystem iiQKA.
Current TOP 5
Artificial Intelligence for the Physical Space
Thousands of Jobs Under Scrutiny
R&D in mechanical and plant engineering
Around 400 member companies took part in a VDMA survey on research and development (R&D) in mechanical engineering. While expenditure on R&D has increased, there is a shortage of personnel.
Since 1 July 2023, Dr. Dirk Kristes, previously Managing Director Operations and member of the central Group Management Board, has been Chief Operating Officer (COO) and responsible for the areas of customer and production logistics, purchasing and prefabrication.
The digital transformation can only succeed with networked systems, consistent data and close cooperation between manufacturers. Eplan founded the Partner Network at the end of 2020, and Dassault Systèmes is a new addition. The interface between the Eplan platform and the 3DExperience platform from Dassault Systèmes is thus being systematically developed in a mutual exchange.
Manufacture of metal bellows couplings
When manufacturing metal bellows couplings, the connections between the bellows and hub are a critical point. The flared press-fit process can be used here.
Fanuc Germany is still programmed for growth: The "Offensive 2022/2023" led to an increased business result. Turnover in the past financial year amounted to 236 million euros. Compared to the previous year, this is an increase of 22 percent. This means that the record year 2018 has almost been reached again.
The competition for the products of the year enters the next round. In fall and winter, readers of INDUSTRIAL Production will once again be able to cast their votes. But before the portal for reader voting opens, the application phase starts on July 1, 2023. Projects can be presented until October 31, 2023.
Motion controller for small drives
Faulhaber has another housing-less and compact motion controller in its range, which is particularly suitable for integration in device construction and medical technology applications.
For active air sampling in highly sensitive cleanroom areas, special samplers are used for maximum protection of people and materials. The British company Pinpoint Scientific, which specializes in laboratory equipment, uses hydraulic brake cylinders from ACE Stoßdämpfer GmbH for simple and largely contact-free handling of the construction.
The trade fair company P. E. Schall and Messe Stuttgart are continuing their long-standing partnership and extending it until 2030. Thanks to the new contract, established trade fairs such as Blechexpo, Schweisstec, Control, Motek and Bondexpo will continue to take place at the trade fair grounds in Stuttgart in the coming years.
EU countries invest heavily in robotics
There is a strong increase in demand for industrial robots in Europe: the 27 member states of the European Union installed around 72,000 units in 2022 - an increase of six percent compared to the previous year. These are preliminary figures published by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).
Interview with Gabriele Zocchi
Augmented and virtual reality differ in the degree of virtualization, but can now work with one and the same software - and in multi-user applications. Gabriele Zocchi, Technical Product Owner at Holo-Light, explains how it works.
RS has completed the acquisition of Distrelec, a digitally focused high-service distributor of industrial, maintenance, repair and operational products.
ACE vibration dampers in luxury motorhomes
A Dutch constructor has equipped air compressors in his motorhome with vibration dampers from ACE Shock Absorbers.
Drives for autonomous mobile robots
Knapp's Open Shuttles, autonomous mobile robots (AMR), enable the automation of in-house transportation without having to adapt the existing infrastructure. The installed drive solutions from Dunkermotoren and gearbox manufacturer Framo Morat enable even bulky and heavy loads to be transported safely.
After twenty years in Meerbusch, the German branch of the Japanese technology group Epson is moving its headquarters back to Düsseldorf.
In an interview with Andreas Mühlbauer, Roland Scharl from Baumüller explains how drive technology and monitoring products contribute to greater sustainability in the industry.
automatica impressively demonstrates how digital transformation is turning production facilities into "smart factories" at an ever faster pace. Intelligent embedded vision cameras are an important building block. Instead of acting purely as image suppliers, they generate results independently and can even directly trigger subsequent processes in networked systems with suitable interfaces.
Production measurement technology and ball...
Mahr from Göttingen was represented at the Automatica and Laser World of Photonics trade fairs in Munich from June 27 to 30, 2023. The focus was on automation solutions for classic and optical production metrology as well as ball guides.
