A new age in digital transformation is requiring manufacturers to rethink their existing business models and corresponding infrastructure. To remain relevant and competitive in the age of Industry 4.0, manufacturers need to do more than simply adopt digital technologies and deploy predefined processes in isolated islands of automation as they have done in the past.
Read more: How Time-sensitive Networking Is Revolutionizing...
For someone unfamiliar with how to protect electrical enclosures used in very rigorous industrial environments, the terms “purge” and “pressurization” can conjure up all kinds of curious questions. The purpose of this paper is to help clarify for both the uninformed and for those who are partially informed and are considering the use of such a system, what a purge and pressurization system is.
Read more: Purge and Pressurization Systems – What are They?
The line between programmable relays and micro PLCs has moved to a much lower price point over the last few years, making a micro PLC a better option for controlling many small to medium size machines. Micro PLCs are no more expensive nor difficult to use than programmable relays in these applications, and the required training is about the same, as is the programming effort.
If you produce industrial control panels (ICPs) for installation in the U.S. and/or Canada, you know how critical it is to confirm their safety and reliability. Workers, businesses, and communities depend on it. Your customers also want to be assured that your panels will be approved by inspectors upon installation. Red tags, costly repairs, and delays are unacceptable. But just as critical to your success as a manufacturer is a safety evaluation process that supports the way you do business – whether you are mass producing a single panel model, producing individual control panels or short runs of panels for intermittent delivery, or have another production and delivery approach.
Housing electrical components inside an enclosure is a requirement in industrial applications. The enclosure is required to protect the controllers, power distribution components, power supplies and other electronics from harsh factory floor environments. Factories, plants and facilities often experience relatively warm ambient temperatures, and many of the electrical components housed in the control enclosure generate heat, so many enclosures require cooling. In some instances, such as for outdoor installations, enclosures may require heating.
The threats that make enclosure thermal management necessary to begin with reach the height of their destructive energies all at once, once a year, in the summertime. While some logistics of manufacturing become vastly less complicated in the summer sun, several interrelated changes in the weather threaten the critical electronics that allow production lines to operate. These factors—heat, debris, and moisture—must be planned for and neutralized.
There are many important items to consider when choosing a controller for machine and process automation. Breaking down the equipment’s operational needs is a starting point and will help evaluate the range of controllers specified by OEMs or machine builders. Depending on how the equipment fits into the larger manufacturing environment, the automation system can provide a complete solution or just control individual parts.
Read more: How to choose an Industrial Automation Controller
Electrical enclosures serve to protect electrical devices from adverse environmental influences, such as dirt, other particulates, moisture, or chemicals that could damage components. Plus, by housing electrical devices inside a secure enclosure or box, personnel are protected from electrical hazards such as electric shock, arc flash, and burns. However, electrical devices generate heat as a byproduct of their operation. When the heat load of the electrical devices within an enclosure exceeds the heat dissipation achieved through natural convection, the temperature inside the enclosure will rise.
Read more: What is the Right Temperature Set Point for My...
Editor's Pick: Featured Product News
When Parker Innovations Find New Purpose
The Compax3 Servo drive is far from a new product. Developed by the Electromechanical and Drives Division Europe, Parker's global servo drive platform is widely used in industrial manufacturing to control motorized processes in automated assembly, including robotics and the machining of parts. Parker’s customers are well-acquainted with the benefits of the drives used in packaging, the production of sheet goods and the operation of printing presses, as well as automated testing equipment for both automotive and consumer goods.
Recently however, the Compax3 has found new purpose in healthcare and life sciences markets where precise and safe movement is paramount. The drive’s flexibility, accuracy and comprehensive list of safety features has led to its adoption in positioning tables, exercise equipment and therapy devices.
A Chinese medical equipment manufacturer has designed an effective, efficient rehabilitation device with intelligent feedback that relies on Parker parts for safe, stable and reliable motion control.
For some people with physical disabilities, appropriate exercise training with rehabilitation equipment can prevent muscle atrophy and improve muscular strength and dexterity in upper and lower limbs. Different patients require varying levels of intensity and training modes.
UL: Accelerate Market Access & Reduce Costs with Certifications for Environmental-rated Accessories for Enclosures
In the past, enclosure accessories were limited to being Recognized Components which might have required the end user to initiate additional evaluation in order to allow the use of these products. The new certification for environmental-rated accessories for enclosures utilizes the UL Listing Mark, so enclosure accessories can be installed without further evaluation.
New Listing Certification for US and Canada (FTTA/FTTA7)
This new Listing certification for enclosure accessories assists manufacturers who utilize Type or IP rated enclosures (for example, Types 3R and 4X or IP55 and IP66) in being able to use Type or IP rated enclosure accessories such as window kits, hole plugs, filter fan kits, etc. The benefits of this new Listing certification are two-fold: it is more cost efficient for manufacturers and it can also accelerate market access for end users.
Types of Listed Products
- • Bolts • Breather Vents • Drain Vents
- • External Mounting Means • Filter Fan Kits • Gasketed Screws
- • Gland Plates • Hole Seals • Overlays
- • Rain Shrouds • Sealing Washers • Ventilation Kits
- • Window Kits
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Editor's Pick: Featured Article
Membrane Switches for Demanding Applications
SCHURTER has a long tradition in the development and manufacturing of customized membrane switches for demanding applications. Based on their know-how, they find the optimal solution even for challenging applications and fields of use.
SCHURTER's high-quality membrane switches are characterized by their reliability in all production processes and environmental conditions and are produced using the latest manufacturing technology and in accordance with the highest industry standards. The qualified materials and processes guarantee the highest quality and meet all requirements. Membrane switches used in highly specialized applications such as in an industrial automation environment or for medical technology must be developed by a manufacturer with in-depth experience. SCHURTER offers this know-how for the benefit of its customers' product development.
Case study 1: Agricultural automation
A membrane switch solution was required for use as an operator interface in an agricultural application. The membrane switch is exposed to extreme conditions such as large temperature fluctuations, high humidity or extreme cleaning conditions. The customer had already installed a competitor's solution in their products, but these failed again and again and thus did not meet the lifetime expectations.
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