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LOCTITE® will make its presence felt this autumn at Newcastle's Vertu Motors Arena for Manufacturing and Engineering Northeast (Stand 50) on 30^th November.

Throughout both one-day exhibition, showcasing the very best in manufacturing innovation, two lucky visitors to the LOCTITE stands will have the opportunity to win a free Cost Reduction Line Survey for their company.

The detailed survey explores manufacturing plants and processes to identify potential cost-savings and improvements. This involves a tour of production lines and sub-assembly areas to document cost reduction opportunities, as well as potential challenges in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). Using the findings from the survey, LOCTITE can then deliver tailored seminars at manufacturers’ sites, covering topics such as bonding, sealing, dispensing and curing equipment.

In addition, attendees can also explore the full capabilities LOCTITE offers manufacturers and engineers to help increase productivity, boost reliability, and simply design, offering potential customers a full one-stop solution for their needs.

With a choice of full range manual, semi-automatic, automatic and robotic equipment, LOCTITE offers a total assembly solution service. All the equipment also has the capability of dispensing and curing a vast variety of adhesives and sealants, from water-thin liquids to high viscosity pastes.

Regardless of the requirement: bonding, thread locking, thread sealing, gasketing or retaining, the LOCTITE team can help find the best solution to reduce costs, improve the efficiency of the overall manufacturing process, and enhance end-product performance.

Gavin Jackson, Applications Engineering Manager at Henkel said: “Our LOCTITE products and surveys are designed to assist our clients, increase efficiency, reduce waste, and ultimately save time and costs. Visitors to our stands at both shows will gain insight into how adhesives are a revolutionising the manufacturing industry and discuss their issues with our adhesive experts.

“We understand manufacturers face a multitude of challenges, and our team is committed to working closely with all our clients to address their specific needs and give tailored solutions.”

For more information on Henkel, visit www.henkel-adhesives.co.uk, or to schedule a LOCTITE Cost Reduction Line Survey, click here.

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• Increase in equity stake adds third pillar to cooperative venture, alongside strategic technology partnership and off-take agreement
• Schaeffler increases equity interest in H2 Green Steel to 100 million euros
• Use of steel produced by H2 Green Steel reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 95 per cent compared with conventional steel
• Green steel: key lever for supply chain decarbonisation

Birmingham, UK | September 12, 2023 | Schaeffler, the motion technology company, and Swedish startup H2 Green Steel have decided to intensify their already close partnership. The two companies made the decision in the course of a recent equity funding round, in which Schaeffler agreed to invest a further 65 million euros, a significant increase that takes its total stake to 100 million euros. That’s the most equity Schaeffler has ever put into a minority stake in another company. As a strategic technology partner of H2 Green Steel, Schaeffler will channel its know-how into the development of new steel products, such as green e-steel for electromobility. In addition, the two companies will jointly develop new applications for the use of sustainable rolling bearing solutions in production. The aim is to maximise the efficiency of production through the use of first-rate components and integrated condition monitoring solutions. The two companies will also benefit from each other’s expertise in the areas of digitalisation and circular economy.

“Achieving sustainability across the entire value chain requires cooperation between strong partners who are willing to move forward together with commitment and determination,” Klaus Rosenfeld, Chief Executive Officer of Schaeffler AG, said. “Schaeffler and H2 Green Steel are both pioneers with true innovative power, and we are now synergising these strengths even further. The increased capital stake and the strategic technology partnership follow the off-take agreement of 2021 as the next logical step as our two organisations seek to work together even more closely. Together, we are making a significant contribution to the global transformation of the steel industry and the reduction of CO₂ emissions.”

Green steel: key lever for decarbonisation
Schaeffler is pursuing the overarching goal of being completely climate-neutral by 2040. By 2030, the company aims to achieve both climate neutrality in its own production processes (Scope 1 and 2) and a 25 per cent reduction in its supply chain emissions (Scope 3 upstream). To achieve these ambitious targets, Schaeffler is focusing systematically on decarbonising the materials it uses most – including, most notably, steel. Every working day, the company processes roughly an Eiffel Tower’s worth of steel – somewhere in excess of 7,000 tonnes. The advantage of the green steel purchased from H2 Green Steel is that it has up to 95 per cent less embodied CO₂ emissions (Scope 3 upstream) than conventional steel produced via the blast furnace route.

Andreas Schick, Chief Operating Officer of Schaeffler AG, explained: “For Schaeffler, steel is the decisive lever for decarbonising our supply chain. The partnership with H2 Green Steel takes us a long way towards our target of climate neutrality. We are proud to be the world’s first tier 1 supplier to be working with H2 Green Steel as a strategic technology partner. This is a sustainable, long-term investment in Schaeffler’s network for this vitally important category of materials.”

www.schaeffler.com

The digital transformation can only become reality with networked systems, end-to-end data and close cooperation between manufacturers. To this end, EPLAN founded the Partner Network in late 2020, which currently has 65 manufacturers as members. One of the newer additions is the international technology company Dassault Systèmes, which joined the network as a partner in April of this year. The interface between the EPLAN Platform and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform of Dassault Systèmes will thereby be systematically expanded by both parties working together

It was made official on the first day of the Hannover Messe: EPLAN and Dassaults Systèmes have entered into a technology partnership as part of the EPLAN Partner Network, whereby both parties will be working on expanding the interface between EPLAN and the Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE platform. The goal is seamless integration of electrical engineering and fluid-power technology in the context of product development. Dassault Systèmes Managing Director Eurocentral Dominic Kurtaz and EPLAN & Cideon CEO Sebastian Seitz signed the agreement in Hanover, Germany. The partners will beneficially be contributing their expertise in the interests of their shared clients, thereby enabling companies to set up end-to-end digital development processes.

Aiming for higher process efficiencies Sebastian Seitz explains: “With the bidirectional interface between the EPLAN Platform and the Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE platform, we’re increasing the process efficiencies of our common clients. When all systems are bidirectionally connected – ECAD, ERP and PDM, for instance – users are workly in a truly interdisciplinary manner and thus much more efficiently.” "With this partnership, we support our joint customers in achieving new dimensions of efficiency and

productivity when it comes to holistic product development based on the creation and capitalization of virtual twins," adds Dominic Kurtaz, Managing Director EURCENTRAL, Dassault Systèmes. "The bidirectional interface simplifies numerous processes and creates new collaboration opportunities for our customers. We are therefore delighted to take this groundbreaking step together with EPLAN."

The partnership will be expanded in the coming months. Both companies are working in tandem to further optimise the interface – the PLM 3DEXPERIENCE Connector – and provide new solutions for digital product development in the cloud environment. A joint demonstration environment is also planned as part of the Engineering Collaboration Network (www.ecn-online.com) with videos and sample data in the PLM cloud environment, as well as joint interaction on customer projects.

Bidirectional coupling of engineering and PLM The interaction of EPLAN and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform allows that the data management processes for electrical engineering and fluid-power engineering can be automatically controlled. What’s special about it is that access to the Dassault Systèmes cloud-based platform is available directly in EPLAN Electric P8 and EPLAN Fluid. For instance, components lists and bills of materials can be synchronised with just one click. For users of both platforms, automating routine processes makes everyday work even easier – common operations such as searching for, finding and creating projects, checking in or out of them, or exporting EPLAN project pages into neutral formats are all carried out much more efficiently with the interface. Fast and easy document generation in particular will save users both time and effort, since all that is needed to output in neutral formats is a checkmark when checking in. The neutral formats are then automatically linked to the associated EPLAN project.

EPLAN and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform have bidirectional communication. Checking into projects from EPLAN on the platform is automated, as is opening projects from the PLM system. Important descriptive PDM attributes, including information for the drawing header (as an example), can be added companywide in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and are automatically available during the next checkout of the EPLAN project. Furthermore, the software supports traditional PDM functionality such as the approval or transfer of documentation to manufacturing.

EPLAN provides software and service solutions in the fields of electrical, automation and mechatronic engineering. The company develops one of the world’s leading design software solutions for machine and panel builders. EPLAN is also the ideal partner to streamline challenging engineering processes. Both standardised as well as customised interfaces to ERP and PLM/PDM systems ensure data consistency along the whole value chain. Working with EPLAN means boundless communication across all engineering disciplines. No matter whether small or large enterprises: Customers can apply their expertise more efficiently. Worldwide, EPLAN supports more than 68,000 customers. EPLAN wants to grow further with customers and partners and pushes integration and automation in engineering forward. Within the EPLAN Partner Network, open  interfaces and seamless integrations are realised together with partners. „Efficient engineering“ is the focus. EPLAN was founded in 1984 a and is part of the owner-operated Friedhelm Loh Group. The Friedhelm Loh Group operates worldwide with more than 12 production sites and over 95 international subsidiaries. The entire group employs more than 12.000 people and generated revenues of €3 billion in 2022. For the 14th time in succession, the family business has won the accolade “Top German Employer” in 2022. In addition, Friedhelm Loh Group was recognized as “Top vocational trainer” according to a study of Deutschland Test and Focus Money. For more information visit: www.eplan.de and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com

International surface solutions provider, Integrated Global Services (IGS), has been named as a finalist in the Best Global/ International Organisation for Business Culture in the 2023 Business Culture Awards.

Founded in 2016, the Business Culture Awards celebrates and rewards companies from around the world for delivering the best workplace experience.  Other businesses named as finalists include HSBC, Sage, Lloyds Banking Group, and Invesco.

IGS will be up against tough competition from a host of other global businesses in a category that rewards people and organisations who establish a strong purpose, values and behaviours and lead the way in wholesale business transformation.

Commenting on the announcement, IGS CEO and President Rich Crawford, said: “Since joining IGS in 2009, the philosophy has been to build on our track record to create an even stronger, more cohesive culture around our core values that unify IGS personnel around the world. Our nomination by The Business Culture Awards reflects our commitment to this philosophy, and we are proud to be named as a finalist alongside some well-known brands.

“Our vision is to become the most valued global provider of on-site surface solutions for mission critical equipment in the eyes of our customers, and an essential part of that is attracting and developing the best talent. Through various cultural transformation initiatives, we have developed a team of high-performing, incredibly committed and motivated people, which is reflected in our rapid growth in customers, application references, and global revenue and profitability.

“Our diverse global workforce, with 54% being people of color, stands testament to our inclusivity. Furthermore, with 75% of our career advancements happening internally, we’re not just growing—we're growing together. At the heart of our philosophy is a simple truth—our people are at the core of our success. We've built a culture that promotes continuous improvement, ensuring we’re always listening, learning, and evolving. Every task, every challenge, every success is a shared chapter in our collective story.

In the past year, IGS has added more than 100 new personnel and doubled its pipeline of critical equipment applications through aggressive organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and business transformation initiatives. 

The Business Culture Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, at the Connaught Rooms, London.

To find out more about the Business Culture Awards, visit: https://businesscultureawards.com/

More speed. Less mess. Work all day on one charge. Discover M710 - Brady’s fastest, most advanced portable printer yet. Beside the extra speed, it offers versatility and durability to get any labelling job done right, at any time, anywhere. Discover its thousands of printer label options!

The Brady M710 is designed for use on the road and in busy workplaces. It is tough and rugged and can resist more than the occasional bump. Model offers a 1.8 meter drop resistance and military grade shock resistance, and it includes a rechargeable li-ION battery that keeps users printing all day long, up to around 4500 labels per charge.

Brady offers thousands of printer label options, including general identification materials and highly specialised solutions designed for maximum reliability in specific contexts. With the widest choice in label materials, sizes and colours, users will enjoy the freedom to clearly and reliably identify just about anything with a single label printer.

Watch the printer in action >>

Benefits you’ll appreciate:

• Get lightning-fast print speeds: 76.2 mm per second, plus cut labels automatically
• Work longer – print 4,500 labels on a full battery charge
• Enjoy more durability with a printer that withstands 1.20 m drops, blowing sand and dust
• Print what you need, how you need – text, barcodes, shapes and images using a keypad or software
• Get shop-to-field flexibility with label saving, sharing and data imports
• New touchscreen, automatic label cutter and more ergonomic handle to make transport easier
• The printer version M710 Label Printer QWERTY EU + BWS SFID Suite comes with a Brady WorkStation Safety & Facility Identification Suite, enabling you to immediately start designing professional labels

On-Demand

Ergonomic handle makes it easy to bring along to any jobsite, not to mention durability enough to withstand 1,2m drops, blowing sand and dust and tested to meet MIL-STD-810G for vibration. One device for hundreds of applications.

Data entry

Numerous ways to save and store labels on board - choose to import data files from a USB thumb drive, import and save files, lists and graphics, or design and print labels using a keypad, mobile app or desktop software.

Better printing

So many features to get your printing job done fast and right - best in class 76mm per second print speed allows you to print text, barcodes, shapes and images. Also features an enhanced Gen3 Li-ION battery for non-stop printing.

An elevated labelling experience

Unlock a seamless identification ecosphere that offers a premium labelling experience.  Thousands of authentic Brady label materials are automatically recognised by the printer, by Brady Workstation on a user’s PC, and by the Express Labels Mobile app on a smartphone. The printer will auto-adapt its settings, and the Brady Workstation software and Express Labels Mobile app for label design will immediately take into account the specific loaded material, so users can push identification to the limit without a single worry.

Effortless communication between label material, label printer and label design software results in first time right labels, all but no label loss, and fast identification in the office, and in the field. It also enables error-free printing of custom, fully personalised label rolls that can be pre-printed in advance with a logo or any other information.

Discover all new portable label printer models from Brady now >>

Brady Corporation

Wildmere Industrial Estate

Banbury, Oxon OX16 3JU

+44 (0) 1295 228 288

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Q: How will the platform integrate with the current/ future Fluke range of products and services?

A: Fluke Reliability’s mission is to help simplify our customers’ workflow and connect it in a way that will enable them to do their job better in terms of improving efficiency, productivity and profitability. This platform integration will be a major contributor to that mission, which is why we are so excited about the acquisition and integration of Azima DLI.

What it does is combine our existing world-class software and service offerings with cutting edge, AI-powered analytics that will enable our customers to do predictive rather than preventive or reactive maintenance. Moreover, these new remote condition monitoring capabilities will allow them to manage many more assets across a much wider range of physical location than they ever could before, which will help narrow the current skills gap that has become a major issue across industry. This approach of introducing AI analytics into the equation is a major step-change that is taking hold across industry and will enable Fluke Reliability to continue its central role in meeting our customers’ needs as well as serving the entire industrial sector in an even deeper and better way.

In terms of actual implementation, it’s a case of collecting data with Fluke Reliability instruments. Once collected it is channelled through common software that provides detailed analysis. The results of that data analysis will generate a work order for corrective action (if necessary) based on its predictions. The product or device can then be recalibrated to maintain or even improve the workflow, again using Fluke Reliability technology.

It’s all connected. The easy and seamless transferability of good, accurate data is the key to achieving the real-time visibility and workflow analysis that maintenance management teams crave.

Q: Will the existing platform be rebranded?

A: The Azima brand has had a very strong presence in the market for more than 25 years. Its technology and expert services are highly respected. Our goal is to maintain Fluke Reliability as the umbrella brand and Azima be the brand for AI-powered analytics software as well as remote services. This tracks with what we have done with other brands that we have acquired, and it has worked well for us. They retain the trust and appeal they have with their long-term customers and we mutually benefit from the respective strengths we all bring to Fluke Reliability.

Our aim is to ensure we have a solution for our customers, irrespective of what part of the journey to automation they are on. They can come to us at any stage and we will have the answer on how to get them to the next stage – or work with them all the way to their ultimate automated testing goals whenever they’re ready.

Q: What are the benefits of AI in maintenance process?

A: The implementation of AI enables our customers to massively expand their proactive asset monitoring capabilities across a wide range of assets in each plant or facility. As I’ve already alluded to, Azima’s AI-based system helps address the chronic skills shortage that currently exists with its ability to process up to 93% of machine tests with no human intervention.

What the implementation of AI also does is greatly expand the granularity of condition analysis. When you have a system like Azima’s that has already codified more than 500 human years of vibration analysis test data and human expertise, you arrive at solutions very quickly indeed. The upshot is the almost instant system visibility it provides, which in turn gives customers an actionable – and highly accurate and reliable - diagnostic repair and workflow improvement plan, right down to the individual component.

It is those detailed, highly intuitive algorithms that now enable us to predict with a great degree of accuracy when something could happen and take steps to remedy it, or say, “Based on our analysis, there’s no need for concern for at least another six months, so the currently scheduled maintenance for next month is actually unnecessary.”

And, again, customers can now look after a lot more assets, with far fewer resources, in a way that would have been unimaginable only a few years ago.

Q: What are the dangers of autonomous plant operations and how will Fluke mitigate these if there are any?

A: We provide expert-led services. The experience and expertise that they have, now combined with a huge amount of real-word, real-time data certainly drive to a bare minimum any concerns of a malfunction. We’re proud of the fact we have, and will always retain, an unparalleled level of expertise and highly informed insights that are readily available to our customers. We appreciate that the advent of AI may make some people slightly wary, but our aim is to alleviate those concerns by developing a high level of trust in just how many ways can benefit them, and in fact actually significantly reduce the likelihood of critical asset downtime due to unplanned stoppage.

Q: What are the major benefits of AI in process?

A: Many customers are still in a reactive maintenance mode. The transition from reactive to predictive maintenance can be a challenge for some, but there’s no question that everyone now wants to do it. The question is, “how?” They may not have access to the technology that would enable them to scale their existing expertise. Their vibration analysis experts are spending a great deal of their time looking at and analysing data when they could be using new technology to do a lot more focussed work with the data, but do a lot more and lot faster and a lot broader across a workflow operation.

Q: How will the AI systems be upgraded and monitored?

A: The collection of machine types and failure modes is already pretty robust, and the beauty of the algorithms being used is that they are continually improving as more and more customer assets and unique data types are fed into the system, the ability to improve on and grow an already excellent system is virtually limitless. The current 93% automated machine test figure will likely climb much higher soon.

Q: Will Fluke be offering relevant training packages to perspective users?

A: We will absolutely offer training. The skills gap in the marketplace is very apparent. Those who are coming into the industrial marketplace, due to their influences now expect to find an “easy button”. They just don’t know where to find it.

However, our aim has always been and will continue to be to add value to the industry by sharing our expertise with both new generations as well as seasoned professionals who are being exposed to new technologies that require new skills. We do that through formalised training including seminars, boot camps and other methods to share everything from the basic principles of vibration and how customers can learn about them and do their analysis in the most effective way.

We’re also very conscious of instilling confidence in these new technologies. We have established training centres in some regions, but ultimately we want to take it directly to our customers, either in person or via self-learning mode depending on where they are in their journey to automated analysis.

Belzona, a global leader in the manufacture and supply of industrial protective coatings and repair composites, is pleased to announce its partnership with Farfan & Mendes Ltd., a renowned name in the distribution of high-quality industrial products. This partnership marks a significant step forward in expanding Belzona's market presence and ensuring customers have easier access to its innovative solutions.

Farfan & Mendes Ltd. is a trusted and respected distributor known for its commitment to delivering excellence in service and providing cutting-edge solutions to a diverse range of industries. With a track record spanning several decades, Farfan & Mendes Ltd. has cultivated a strong reputation for exceptional customer service and unwavering commitment to excellence, making them the ideal partner for Belzona.

This partnership will see Farfan & Mendes Ltd. become an authorized distributor of Belzona's comprehensive range of industrial maintenance and repair solutions. Customers across various industries, including oil and gas, power generation, manufacturing, marine, and more, will now have direct access to Belzona's acclaimed products, backed by the unparalleled expertise of both companies.

“The collaboration with Farfan & Mendes marks a significant milestone for Belzona, reflecting our ongoing pursuit of innovation and growth,” said Mr. Barry Nisill, CEO at Belzona. “By aligning with a key player in the region, we are fortifying our commitment to providing exceptional value to our clients. This partnership leverages our combined experience, state-of-the-art technology, and shared sustainability goals. Together, we aim to contribute positively to Guyana's booming economy, driven by its flourishing oil, gas, and mining sectors. This agreement symbolizes a strategic alliance that promises to create new opportunities and value within one of the world's fastest-growing markets.”

The partnership between Belzona and Farfan & Mendes Ltd. signifies a shared commitment to offering innovative, reliable, and sustainable solutions that extend the lifespan of critical assets and infrastructure. By combining Belzona's state-of-the-art products with Farfan & Mendes Ltd.'s distribution expertise, customers can expect enhanced access to industry-leading solutions that address challenges related to the maintenance, repair, and protection of equipment and structures.

Mr. Andrew Mendes, Managing Director of Farfan & Mendes Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to provide our clients with best-in-class products and services. Belzona's reputation for quality and innovation resonates with our core values, and we are excited to leverage their expertise to enhance our offerings."

With this partnership, customers can anticipate streamlined access to Belzona's products and support services through Farfan & Mendes Ltd.'s established distribution network. Both companies are enthusiastic about the mutual benefits this collaboration will bring to their valued customers and the industries they serve.

For more information about Belzona and its products, please visit www.belzona.com. To learn more about Farfan & Mendes Ltd. and its services, please visit www.fmlgy.com.

The leading brand for assembly automation solutions, LOCTITE®, is hosting a live webinar on 26^th September at 11.30 AM, focusing on its equipment assembly automation solutions for various market applications.

The 45-minute webinar will be presented by experienced application engineer David Gettleson and will give attendees the opportunity to discover more about the latest LOCTITE equipment and total assembly solutions on offer.

With LOCTITE knowledge, application engineering and equipment know-how, plus its collaboration with customers, you will get the highest levels of support. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask any questions and the potential to request a free consultation.

As part of the webinar, LOCTITE will be doing three pre-recorded demonstrations to showcase its new equipment: the RC50 reservoir and integrated dispenser, giving users cost-effective solutions and improved performance over manual dispensing methods, the CL40 high-intensity LED Spot Cure System, which offers an efficiency solution for all light curing needs, and the CL42, which is a high intensity LED flood system specifically designed to cure LOCTITE light-cure adhesives.

David Gettleson said:

“We’re looking forward to hosting our webinar and sharing our vast expertise with the attendees.. Our team understands the importance of speed and simplicity in assembly automation, without compromising on quality.

“The challenges faced in assembly automation can be overwhelming. We believe that our end-to-end solutions are designed to address those challenges by providing quick, simple and high-quality alternatives.

To register for the webinar click here

The two most common brightness measurements used in portable lighting are Lux and Lumens, but what does that mean? Lux's definition is the amount of light cast on a surface, and the meaning of Lumens is the total output of visible light from a light source. They sound very similar, but there are some significant differences.

Lux is a measurement of how much light falls on a surface, while Lumens measures the total light emitted by a single source. The closer the light source is to the surface, the higher the Lux rating will be. Without knowing that distance, the Lux rating is meaningless. For example, a 10 lumen light on a surface area of 0.0001 m² is 100,000 Lux. Sounds impressive but useless to a person working in a dark room.

Lumens is the amount of light emitted by a single source in all directions and then measured collectively. With the application of a reflector, all the light can be directed in a specific direction, and as Lumens increases, so does brightness.

To combat confusing and deceptive reported product specifications, the PLATO organization (Portable Lights American Trade Association) was formed in 2010 to develop a standardization known as the ANSI/PLATO FL 1 (See example ANSI Panel).

You should avoid buying non-ANSI-rated products for use in a professional environment, where proper measuring and reporting according to ANSI standards is most critical.

Nightstick is a global brand of professional portable LED lighting products that adheres to the ANSI/PLATO FL 1 standards. Our intrinsically safe products are UL 913 certified for Class I DIV 1; most also carry a Zone 0 IIC ATEX and IECEx certification with T3 & T4 temperature ratings, making Nightstick a truly globally intrinsically safe lighting company. Nightstick leads with over 50 safety rated LED lighting products.

Website: www.nightstick.com

This article can also be found in this issue below.