MechChem Africa December 2017

⎪ Products and industry news ⎪

New programmable multi-axis controllers

countries that develop equipment with robots are expecting robust and reliable controllers that can execute customised motion control. OMRONoffers two types of PMAC programmable multi-axis con- trollers that meet user needs: The CK3E PMAC with a fast 250 μs cycle time and EtherCAT master func- tionality, which enables flexible system configurationandhigh-speedsynchronous control of automation devices connected viaEtherCAT. The compact 28.6mmthick- ness is designed to save space inmachines and control panels. OMRON’s Industrial PC Platform, the NY51-A IPC PMAC offers up to 128 axes ofcontrolandadvanceddatahandlingwith multi-tasking for Windows applications along with customised motion control – motion algorithms, kinematics, position compensation, etc. PLC-level environmen- tal resistance and Hypervisor software is also featured for uninterrupted machine control, even if Windows is down. www.industrial.omron.co.za Software such as Markem-Imaje’s CoLOS ® from Pyrotec PackMark enables equipment networks to be integrated along production lines. technology systems are not integrated, which makes it difficult for colleagues to share data, collaborate on projects and optimise productivity. Smart technologies can help to bridge these divides, automat- ing manual processes and creating more seamless workflows across the entire supply chain. For example, easy-to-use, scalable and customisable software such as Markem- Imaje’s CoLOS ® from Pyrotec PackMark enables equipment networks to be in- tegrated along production lines to form smarter, more streamlined and centrally- managed systems. In addition, predictive maintenance takes data from a wide range of sources – such as sensor data from equipment – and uses machine learning techniques to anticipate equipment failure before it happens. Instead of just monitoring data, smart technologies can put insights into action – reacting faster to potential failures. www.packmark.co.za

OMRON and OMRON’s Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc. (DT) have worked together to develop new programmablemulti-axis controllers (PMACs) with leading motion control technology from DT. The new PMAC achieves so- phisticated fine-tuning control, including high- s p e e d s y n c h r onou s control of various fac- tory automation (FA) de- vices, thanks to built-in EtherCAT connectivity, which is used for produc- tion lines and equipment all over the world. The controller’s de- velopment environment allows users to program their own motion algo-

rithms and motion control functions, such as trajectory calculation andposition compensation, in C and original program- ming languages. In order to satisfy diverse consumer needs and deal with short product life cycles, the current trend toaimfor innova- tive manufacturing by leveraging the lat- est precisionmachining technologies and robotics at production sites is spreading. Builders of semiconductor manufactur- ing equipment and machining tools are concentrating resources on the devel- opment of innovative and competitive core technology. In these circumstances, machine builders are increasingly requir- ing globally available controllers whose long-term supply stability and quality are guaranteed and which can be used as alternatives to board controllers that are costly when developing basic functions and expensive to maintain. Moreover, manufacturers in emerging

OMRON’s Industrial PC Platform, the NY51-A IPC PMAC offers up to 128 axes of control and advanced data handling with multi- tasking for Windows applications.

Artificial intelligence (AI) may not be a newfield of technology, but it has recently gained traction. Thanks to rapidly increas- ing computational power and the rise of BigData,therearemorebusinesscasesfor smart technologies emerging every day. Today’s product owners and packaging companies have access to more data than ever before – in their sales and marketing departments, on their lines, and in the back office. Now, smart technologies are available that can collect, clean, structure and analyse these vast data sets in order to find valuable insights on customer behaviour, performance trends, quality issues and more amidst all the data noise. In this way, AI and machine learning tech- nologies canprovide accurate intelligence and predictive insights into production that can guide better business decisions and boost profitability. In many companies, information Smart technologies are getting more intelligent

Enhancing skills in the water sector The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) has a mandate to ensure that new labour entrants and the employed workforce in the water and energy sector, especially the youth, have the knowl- edge and skills to participate in the economy. In the endorsement of the 2016/2017 Annual Report at its Annual General Meeting held on 10 November 2017, EWSETA lead- ership expressed that it is pleased with the strides the SETA has made in contributing to skills enhancement initiatives and develop- ment goals of the country as set out in the National Development Plan.

second phase has an intake of 7 000 more learners that are undergoing training thatwill turn them into highly skilled water manage- ment technicians. The final phasewill have an intake of 5 000 learners, leading to a total of 15 000 learners who could have qualified as artisans or water agents. EWSETA, through its partnership with the InstituteofPlumbersSouthAfrica(IoPSA),has ensured that entrepreneurship is a compul- sory component of the ‘War on Leaks’ project training curriculum, thus enabling graduates to open their own plumbing businesses inde- pendently or in partnership with others. “It will also assist 80% of IoPSA’s approxi- mately 600 members who are one-man busi- nesses to become more confident in expand- ing their companies,” saidCEOErrol Gradwell. www.ewseta.org.za

As part of the commitment to economic growth anddevelopment, theEWSETA iswell into the second phase of the ‘War on Leaks project’, in partnership with the Department ofWater and Sanitation andRandWater. The

26 ¦ MechChem Africa • December 2017