FactoryTalk Historian Machine Edition (ME) software from Rockwell Automation is designed to help manufacturers reduce the risk of machine downtime and reach continuous-improvement goals.

FactoryTalk Historian Machine Edition (ME) software from Rockwell Automation is designed to help manufacturers reduce the risk of machine downtime and reach continuous-improvement goals. This machine-level data historian application is an embedded, solid-state module hardened for on-machine data collection that features a limited software footprint, no moving parts, and reduced risk of data loss due to network or other system interruption. FactoryTalk Historian ME software helps manufacturers transform manufacturing intelligence into process improvements by leveraging reliable, real-time production data to improve product quality, speed time to market, and support regulatory compliance. The company designed the application as part of a distributed, tiered architecture that allows employees in different locations and at different operating levels to view and analyze role-appropriate historical data. By integrating data from a machine-level historian with data from a plant-level historian, operations can locate and correct sources of inefficiencies more quickly.

Jennifer Shuttleworth

Grieve’s No. 1007 electrically heated, 500°F top-loading oven is used for curing composite components.

Grieve’s No. 1007 electrically heated, 500°F top-loading oven is used for curing composite components. Workspace dimensions are 26.5 X 2 X 2.5 ft. Nichrome wire heating elements with 60 kW and three 3-hp recirculating blowers totaling 9000 ft³/min provide horizontal rear-to-front airflow. The oven features 4-in insulated walls, aluminized steel interior and exterior, motor-operated rear-hinged door, and compressed air manifold with eight connections. The unit meets NEMA 12 electrical standards and its floor is reinforced for 5000 lb loading to support fixtures. Controls include a digital programming temperature controller, 16-point strip chart recorder, and machine status tower light.

Linda Trego

Using the 1608 module, Sciemetric Instruments’ expanded modular sigPOD hardware platform supports up to 24 analog channels and six encoder input channels.

Using the 1608 module, Sciemetric Instruments’ expanded modular sigPOD hardware platform supports up to 24 analog channels and six encoder input channels. The robust sigPOD is a flexible platform designed for usability and visibility in live production environments. This out-of-the-box hardware and software system for monitoring test and assembly processes is designed to integrate seamlessly into production lines. According to the company, sigPOD is easy to configure, saves time by increasing efficiency of manufacturing processes, and displays detailed results of manufacturing processes in real time. Sciemetric's newly developed eight-channel expansion module—model 1608—can be connected to any of the company’s sigPOD systems to expand it in eight-channel increments to a maximum of 24 channels. The company’s full range of sigPOD instrumentation products are used to verify and control a variety of standard manufacturing operations such as assembly-press monitoring, leak testing, vibration analysis, and functional testing.

Jennifer Shuttleworth

Ashcroft’s A-series pressure switches are designed for tough OEM and industrial applications that require a durable, high-quality miniature switch.

Ashcroft’s A-series pressure switches are designed for tough OEM and industrial applications that require a durable, high-quality miniature switch. Available with explosion-proof and watertight enclosures, the stainless-steel A-series pressure switch features a refined piston actuator that can be ranged up to 2000 psi (13,790 kPa) while enduring a working pressure of 5000 psi (34,474 kPa). Small dimensions, a choice of connections, and a field-adjustable set point make the A-series pressure switch easy to configure and install in nearly any alarm, shutdown, or control application, according to the company.

Jennifer Shuttleworth

The EasyMark 5-in-1 tooling kit from Mate Precision Tooling automates metal component identification during the punching process by performing five marking operations.

The EasyMark 5-in-1 tooling kit from Mate Precision Tooling automates metal component identification during the punching process by performing five marking operations. EasyMark is a thick turret application tooling system for machines without a bottom stroke forming feature. Using the programming software in a CNC punch press, this versatile tool system can be set up to automatically mark fabricated parts five different ways during the punching process. The tool can: write numbers, dates, and other identifying information on a part surface using a special marker; etch the sheet metal surface with permanent marking information in this mode using one of two supplied diamond inserts; cut or scribe protective film on sheet metal surfaces in this mode using a supplied brass insert to expose localized areas on the part without damaging underlying metal material; create cone-shaped indentations (center point down) on the part surface to locate the part with other components for later assembly; and perform high-speed dot-matrix marking in this mode using a supplied carbide insert.

Jennifer Shuttleworth