Page 34 - Packaging News Nov-Dec 2019
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MEMBER NEWS
NORD CONNECTS WITH BLUETOOTH FOR INDUSTRY 4.0
Nord Drivesystems will bring new Bluetooth-based Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology to Australia.
Nordac Access BT is a Bluetooth stick that can save parameter data without the need for an app or a PC. It speeds up commissioning, simplifies maintenance, and allows faster repair of faults, says Delfio Barbarino, project engineer.
“The Nordac Access BT is a Bluetooth stick used for mobile commissioning and service solutions, applicable to all Nord drives. It offers convenient mobile access to drive data as well as full access control for improved communications and safety.
“Using the BT stick, users can transfer parameters from one frequency inverter to another. Parameter
ABB BREAKS GROUND ON FACTORY OF THE FUTURE
transfer between a drive and a PC is also possible,” said Barbarino.
According to Barbarino, it offers dashboard-based visualisation for drive monitoring and fault diagnosis; parameterisation with help function and parameter quick access; oscilloscope function for drive analysis (individually configurable); and a backup and recovery function for easy handling of drive parameters.
“We look forward to the official launch of this ground-breaking product in the coming months and to rolling it out in our region,” said Barbarino.
LEFT: The Nordac Access BT Bluetooth stick.
ABB has broken ground on its new US$150m robotics manufacturing and research centre in Shanghai, expected to open in 2021.
The 67,000 square metre facility will, according to ABB, be the most automated, advanced, and flexible robotics factory in the world, and will feature robots making robots; it will also incorporate an onsite R&D centre for artificial intelligence.
According to Peter Voser, chairman and CEO of ABB, the investment represents a big push into a lucrative robotics market: one out of every three robots sold in the world in 2017 went to China, and global robot sales are predicted to top $130bn in 2025, up from $80bn today.
“The establishment of the new factory is another milestone in ABB’s development in China and will further strengthen our leadership in the world’s largest robotics market,” said Voser.
Production in the new factory will use cells of automation, instead of a traditional fixed assembly line, allowing robots to move from station to station and boost flexibility. A “digital twin” will provide data insights and machine learning capabilities to
ABB’s new Shanghai factory will open in 2021.
improve performance, and quality will be maintained through a machine learning system to inspect robots as they are being assembled.
Sami Atiya, president of robotics and discrete automation at ABB, said the factory will be a boost to the company and to Chinese manufacturing.
“Despite short-term market challenges, China’s development as a global manufacturing hub, the ongoing trend towards mass customisation, and a rising shortage in skilled labour will continue to create strong and lasting demand for automation solutions in the region,” he said.
“In the years ahead, we estimate the breadth and depth of our portfolio will nearly double. We need a factory that can produce a greater variety of robots and efficiently scale volumes to adapt to changing market conditions and technological trends.”
The Shanghai factory will replace ABB’s existing local facility as one of three ABB factories worldwide; the others are in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Västerås, Sweden. China is ABB’s second largest market, and the company has invested more than US$2.4bn in the country since 1992.
FRESH LOOK, NEW FEATURES ON HEAT AND CONTROL WEBSITE
Heat and Control has launched a refreshed website designed to make navigation easier.
The global food processing and packaging systems equipment manufacturer and solutions provider teamed up with digital agency WebEnertia to create the new site, which it says offers improved customer engagement, solutions, education, and resources.
Amber Crowley, marketing manager at Heat and Control, said the site has a modern design, a fresh look, and intuitive navigation.
“We are excited about our new website and the product-filled pages of resourceful information it provides for our customers, partners and employees.
“Heat and Control’s website now has the ability to grow with the company and its ever increasing capability. We wanted our technology expertise on the manufacturing floor to match our technology online and provide helpful information about our comprehensive solutions,” she said.
The mobile-friendly site includes sponsor co-branding and customer success stories.
ABOVE: Heat and Control has launched a refreshed website.
034 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 WWW.PACKAGINGNEWS.COM.AU


































































































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