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With interest rates so high, is buying new machinery the right move? In an economic landscape where efficiency and cost effectiveness are essential, the lure of new equipment is tempting. However, for informed professionals - maintenance managers, site managers and production managers - there is significant value to be found in enhancing existing assets. Let's explore why focusing on maintenance, supported by advanced software, is now considered a prudent strategy.

Why choose maintenance over new purchases?

The immediate benefits of new equipment are obvious, but have you considered the power of improving what you already have? With interest rates on the rise, the answer to stretching your budget and optimising operational efficiency lies not in buying new, but in perfecting what you have.

Cost savings and sustainability

A focus on maintenance, supported by Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), offers financial and environmental benefits. CMMS streamlines maintenance, extending the life of equipment and reducing the urgency for new investment. This strategy not only saves money by avoiding immediate large purchases, but also improves sustainability. Efficiently maintained equipment uses less energy and produces less waste, allowing organisations to reduce costs and support environmental goals. Through careful maintenance and the use of CMMS, organisations can achieve greater resource efficiency, extend equipment life and reduce their financial and environmental footprint.

Predictability and power in your people

Routine maintenance, backed by robust CMMS data, also transforms unexpected breakdowns from inevitable to preventable. And empowering your skilled technicians with the right tools and data can make a world of difference in maximising equipment life.

Introducing MaintMaster: Transforming maintenance strategy

Imagine a scenario where maintenance isn't just a budgetary consideration, but a central aspect of your operational strategy. MaintMaster makes this concept a reality. It optimises efficiency and production, improves safety and quality, and makes maintenance a fundamental element of your business operations.

Leverage data, improve decision making

With MaintMaster, your team has access to real-time insight to make strategic decisions that reduce downtime and extend the life of your equipment. Understanding Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) has never been easier, allowing you to compare maintenance costs directly with the potential cost of new purchases.

Your next step

In this era of high interest rates, maximising the potential of existing assets is critical. By focusing on maintenance and using MaintMaster, you not only save money, but also invest in making your operations more sustainable and efficient. Adopt the approach of proactive managers who improve their operations for greater resilience and sustainability.

Move away from new acquisitions to unlocking the untapped potential of your current assets and explore the benefits of strategic maintenance with MaintMaster.

Contact:

MaintMaster Systems Ltd

Plexal, 14 East Bay Lane

Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,

E15 2GW London, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 749 332 8466   E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hydraulic industrial tools specialist, Enerpac, has announced a lifting system for safer excavator maintenance. Based on Enerpac SCJ-Series Cube Jacks, it enables lifting and holding of the entire cab, boom and arm, allowing the undercarriage to be safely removed.

During maintenance of the excavator’s swing drive and bearings, the undercarriage unit must be separated from the upper body cab and arm to give access to the swing motor and multiple sets of planetary gears. Until now this would have involved at least two service engineers jacking up the body and holding it on stands, a time consuming and hazardous practice. 

The Enerpac cube jack lifting system offers a safer, CE-certified, approach to removing the undercarriage. It comprises two pairs of cube jacks providing coordinated hydraulic lifting of loads up to 25T per jack to a height of 2m. Two cube jacks are positioned under a lifting beam at the rear of the excavator, while two cube jacks are located under the arm’s bucket lugs. Each pair of cube jacks is connected to a hydraulic pump to synchronously lift and lower the excavator body and arm.

“The excavator lifting system has been developed in collaboration with a leading excavator maintenance company looking for a safer CE-certified approach to removing the undercarriage. It automatically self-locks so that engineers can work safely under the raised cab without the need for secondary jack stands,” said an Enerpac spokesperson. ‘It has been well received especially for its safety, secure load holding, precision lifting and lowering and quick and easy set-up which make it attractive to users and customers alike.”

Enerpac Cube Jack
Enerpac cube jack technology is well proven in many industrial lifting applications. The SC-Series Cube Jacks use a base lifting frame and self-aligning, lightweight steel cribbing blocks to provide high-capacity and stabilised lifting–offering a safer, controlled and more efficient alternative to climbing jacks with wooden cribbing. 

Lloyds witness tested to 125% of maximum working load, the incremental cube jack lifting system is self-locking to support the load as each cribbing block is manually added or removed, instead of being held by hydraulic pressure. Once the mechanical lock engages, the lift cylinder retracts, and another cribbing block can be added or removed. 

To learn more about the Enerpac Self-Locking Cube Jack and find a local Enerpac distributor, visit www.enerpac.com.

                              Smart Ultrasound Condition Based Lubrication

SDT Ultrasound Solutions announces the release of the LUBExpert ON-GUARD, the newest addition to the SDT Catalog, combining automation with reliability, simplicity, and safety.

Perfectly in line with the SDT mission, the LUBExpert ON-GUARD respects your assets and your work, gives you flexibility by conducting grease replenishment remotely and makes bearing replenishment simple by eliminating the need for extensive training.

“Under the strategic direction of the whole SDT Family, SDT Ultrasound Solutions proudly unveils the LUBExpert ON-GUARD. This latest innovation is a testament to our focused efforts in redefining and advancing the ultrasound technology sector.” Benoit Degraeve, SDT Ultrasound Solutions Director & General Sales Manager, continues: “LUBExpert ON-GUARD is not merely a product, it’s a cornerstone in our ambitious growth plan. It reflects our dedication to delivering groundbreaking solutions that align with our vision of smarter, more efficient, and sustainable asset management. With this release, we are setting a new benchmark in smart, condition-based lubrication, directly contributing to the operational excellence and competitive edge of our clients. The LUBExpert ON-GUARD is a clear signal of our commitment to continuous innovation and strategic growth in the ever-evolving world of ultrasound technology."

The LUBExpert ON-GUARD is an online monitoring system designed for smart ultrasound-assisted lubrication with up to 8 channels. The system enables smooth relubrication of assets only when needed, with the appropriate amount of lubricant ensuring your assets consistently perform at their peak.

The device promotes a sustainable future with precise control, preventing unnecessary depletion and oversupply as well as reducing lubricant consumption and electrical energy use. This SDT patented solution helps you keep your workforce safe by conducting grease replenishment remotely, mitigating any risks in hazardous environments.

Once configured, its built-in local web server can pilot compatible lubricators guided by the SDT LUBrain algorithm or any alternative relubrication mode to fit your existing procedures. Problems can be prevented thanks to a personalized, autonomous and data-driven maintenance strategy. The all-inclusive options offered by the LUBExpert ON-GUARD provide an unprecedented level of flexibility empowering the user to choose the optimal lubrication strategy for their factory.

Access to the LUBExpert ON-GUARD web server is handled through the local network, requiring no additional software installation or licensing. Data is hosted by the system, displayed in separate charts organized per channel, and remains available/exportable to any client system compatible with Modbus TCP. The LUBExpert ON-GUARD offers the freedom to connect and control from anywhere, putting the power of efficient maintenance in the palm of your hands.

The reliability of the LUBExpert ON-GUARD makes it an indispensable tool in the arsenal of precision maintenance strategies. Trust it to be your next ally, dedicated to ensuring the longevity of bearings and optimum performance of critical assets.

About SDT

SDT provides ultrasound solutions that help customers gain a better understanding about the health of their factory. We help them predict failures, control energy costs, and improve product quality while contributing to the overall reliability of their assets.

Weblink: https://sdtultrasound.com/products/lubexpert-on-guard/

Delta Hybrid is among the most innovative solutions in compressor technology - and by far among the most efficient assemblies in its class. Now AERZEN has taken its globally successful screw blowers to the next technology level. The new types impress with smart features, further improved functionality and enormous energy savings of up to 30 % compared to a conventional positive displacement blower.

AERZEN rotary lobe compressors, also known as screw blowers, combine the advantages of blower and compressor technology in a single system and offer a wide range of performance for the most different process requirements. The assemblies are primarily designed for oil-free conveying of air and cover an extremely wide range of key industrial applications - from pneumatic conveying and homogenisation to wastewater treatment. With the expansion of its portfolio, AERZEN is taking innovative future technology to the next level. The new additions inspire with exceptional energy efficiency, a simplified service and maintenance concept as well as reduced dimensions or smaller footprint. They, thus, contribute significantly to reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

www.aerzen.com

New AVP with industry-leading size, weight, and power (SWaP) runs Teledyne FLIR’s Prism AI and ISP software libraries enabling drone, robot, and security camera payloads

GOLETA, Calif. – Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today announced Teledyne FLIR AVP, an advanced video processor designed to power Teledyne FLIR’s Prism™ AI and computational imaging at the edge.

The AVP incorporates the latest Qualcomm QCS8550, the most advanced mobile processor chip from the leader in mobile, automotive, and robotics system-on-chip (SoC) technology. The AVP provides best-in-class artificial intelligence (AI) performance within a small, lightweight, and low-power module for thermal and visible camera integration into unmanned aerial vehicles, robots, small gimbals, handheld devices, and fixedmounted security systems.

AVP runs the Teledyne FLIR Prism AI and ISP software libraries and interfaces with the Boson® and Neutrino® thermal infrared imaging camera modules and a wide range of popular visible cameras. Trained on the world’s largest thermal image data lake of more than 5 million annotations, Prism AI is a powerful perception software designed to detect, classify, and track targets or objects for automotive autonomy, automotive automatic emergency braking, airborne camera payloads, counter-drone systems, ground intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and perimeter security. Prism ISP is a comprehensive set of image processing algorithms that include super resolution, image fusion, atmospheric turbulence removal, electronic stabilization, local-contrast enhancement, and noise reduction

“The new AVP is the most powerful and SWaP-optimized processor on the market today, running AI workloads up to five times faster than competitive offerings,” said Dan Walker, vice president of product management, Teledyne FLIR. “The combination of powerful edge computing and our Prism digital solutions ushers in a new era of electro-optical system capabilities while simplifying development and reducing integration risk.”

The AVP is designed to empower integrators to build powerful, edge-intelligent products. It is supported by several tools to simplify and streamline development including a Qualcomm RB5 development kit. Software and board-support packages are also available to enable developers to design and fabricate custom interface boards that meet each product’s specific form, fit, function, and input-output (IO) requirements.

For more information about the Teledyne FLIR AVP, please visit www.flir.com/avp. To see the new AVP at SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Exhibition, visit Teledyne booth #702, April 23 through April 25, 2024.

www.flir.com

Following a period of successful testing and customer trials ERIKS has announced that ‘Track and Trace’ functionality is now available for all its UK and Ireland customers. This new functionality allows ERIKS to further offer a seamless digital experience to its customers and for them to have full insight into the delivery schedule of their orders.   

When goods are despatched from ERIKS’ Fulfilment Centre of Excellence in Oldbury, near Birmingham the customer receives an email notification enabling them to track and trace their order by simply following a link.  

The email notification includes the customer’s order number and a hyperlink to transfer the customer directly to the carrier’s site. By following this link, customers can access the actual tracking status of their goods.  

The customer email also contains other useful information including: the Order Line Number, the Supplied Quantity, the Part Number Reference and even a short description of all the items contained within the delivery. The container reference and the servicing branch address and phone number are also included to ensure the customer has all the information they need without having to speak to or contact anyone. 

Talking about the launch of Track and Trace Pamela Bingham, ERIKS’ CEO said, “We have anticipated this moment for some time, but we needed to get it right and therefore we have invested a lot of time and money in testing the system and running live trials with customers. 

During this process we have worked through the inevitable snags, and we now have full confidence that our customers will be delighted with the information they can easily get and it, once again, this takes us further forward in the digital way we do business with our customers.” 

www.ericks.co.uk

Ashley Quarterman has joined the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) as its new Executive Director Designate.

Ashley will strengthen the team by working alongside Vanda Jones during a transition period, enabling the Society to continue with its plans and initiatives to help BCAS members provide support and advice to their compressed air and vacuum customers.

Working in the engineering sector for almost 30 years, Ashley has both a technical and business development background, managing teams both here in the UK and in other territories including Asia Pacific and the Nordics.  He has 18 years’ experience of industrial pipework systems in roles at Tyco Fire and Building Products, as Business Development Manager at Parker Hannifin, Senior Sales Manager at Walker Filtration and Commercial Leader at Ingersoll Rand.

Future plans

Having worked in the industrial sector for many years, Ashley knows only too well the ongoing challenges of attracting young, engineering talent into the industry.  He will work closely with Steven Rohan, the BCAS President and the BCAS board to continue the Society’s important work around apprenticeships.

His immediate goals are to complete some ongoing projects, such as additions to the popular PSSR and written scheme of examination training, the important work that Terry Collier, the BCAS Training and Development Manager is undertaking around the change to the CSCS card scheme and updates to the Food Grade Best Practice Guide.

Ashley said:

“I am proud to join the British Compressed Air Society and to continue the work that Vanda and the team have been undertaking to improve the support offered to members. 

“BCAS offers tailor-made support, from technical and legislative updates, to training, to an extensive range of business resources - and I will be looking to extend the services we can offer for both our members and end users.”

Steven Rohan, BCAS President adds:

“I am delighted to have Ashley onboard. He is a valuable addition to the team, and we look forward to drawing on his considerable technical and engineering knowledge to benefit our members and compressed air end users.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Vanda, who will remain a key part of the team during this period of transition and succession planning, for her valuable contribution and support.”

For further information about the British Compressed Air Society please visit https://www.bcas.org.uk

IGS Metalspray® Pipe ID Rover: Advanced Internal Corrosion Prevention for Oil and Gas Pipelines

 Transporting untreated wet gas poses significant corrosion risks to pipelines. The presence of corrosive contaminants such as H₂S and CO₂ in oil and gas pipelines can severely damage key pipeline assets such as finger slug catchers, flare lines, and wet gas pipes by the corrosion of carbon steel surfaces. This results in leaks, loss of containment, and costly unplanned shutdowns.

By offering a robotic no-man-entry, field-applied alloy upgrade for these pieces of equipment, this cutting-edge solution addresses the challenges of wet CO₂ corrosion and internal corrosion in pipelines with unparalleled precision.

Last Chance to Register

Webinar: Robotic Alloy Cladding Solution for Internal Pipeline Corrosion

Date: Wednesday, April 24th 2024

Time: 11:00AM BST

Register Now

Hart Door Systems has completed two more contracts for leading UK manufacturers supplying a range of door systems from Hart’s Speedor range of high speed doors to Hart’s roller shutters.

“Both clients are leading manufacturers in their respective sectors, one specialising in roofing and cladding, the other in wall, roof and landscaping innovations,” says Gordon Kipling, Hart’s Northern Sales Manager. “Their requirements were dissimilar which resulted in Hart supplying a range of doors for different purposes.

“For example we supplied Speedor Cleanroom, high speed, doors for one contract and Speedor Minis for another. Cleanroom is designed to work in environments in which pressure differentials need to be maintained and where hygiene standards are high, whereas Speedor Mini is for high traffic, frequent use internal applications. This is a low cost access option.”

Mr Kipling added: “In all over both contracts were supplied a total of 10 doors. Once again our range of door solutions gives clients many options and as manufacturers they very often have highly individual needs. Hart is a logical supplier with considerable expertise.

“Our product choice is superb and manufactured to required standards. We expect more orders for fast action doors to follow in the near future.”

www.hartdoors.com

Preparations are well under way for Yamazaki Mazak’s exhibition attendance at MACH 2024. The machines have left its Worcester plant and are now heading towards the NEC in Birmingham.

Customers have been invited to visit the company’s stand from Monday next week where Mazak will be showcasing not only eight of the latest machine tool and laser processing technologies, but also a range of automation systems and digital solutions to help customers make the best decisions to support the growth of their business. This includes the new MAZATROL DX software through the Mazak iCONNECT portal, which offers machine monitoring, maintenance, and support.

The key message to manufacturers at the event is ‘Building for the Future’. This includes an affordable range of UK-designed and built machines for milling, turning and 5-axis machining, the selection of “NEO” machines developed to deliver unparalleled reductions in energy consumption while maintaining the highest standards of precision and productivity, finance packages to suit every budget and an extensive menu of service options to support the lifetime of a Mazak machine. In addition, the company will be launching a free trial of its newest software that will allow customers to become competitive when quoting for jobs and reduce costs by significantly improving the setup time of those jobs before machining even begins.

Doors are open on Monday, why not come and see what’s on offer in Hall 20, stand 330?

Anyone who has yet to register for MACH can do so at: https://discover.mazakeu.com/mach/