The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is seeking partners for a new project to identify the technology requirements to develop alternative small-scale thermal and nuclear plant power generation technologies.

• Request for proposals for new knowledge gathering project
• Project aims to identify the technology requirements for alternative small-scale thermal and nuclear plant power generation technologies.
• Closing date for submissions is 27 June 2014

The scope of the project is to capture the high level technical performance characteristics and business-case parameters of small thermal plants, which will be of value to the potential future UK energy system which should also be of commercial interest to developers and investors.

The project  is intended to include the potential contribution from small modular reactors, which will also enable comparison with other small-scale plant such as those powered by bio-fuelled thermal power. In addition to electricity generation, such future plants may have additional roles in energising heat networks and in energy system balancing through flexible power delivery. The project outputs will help enable the subsequent comparison of a range of specific technologies.

The Request for Proposals (RfP) issued today is part of the ETI’s technology strategy focus which is looking at how to accelerate the development of new energy generation technologies for a UK transition to a low carbon economy. The project will complement and run in parallel with the recently launched ETI RfP to define the available siting constraints in England and Wales for new power plant development.

Mike Middleton, ETI’s strategy manager for the project, said: “New nuclear power is expected to play a key role in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions – from an initial 16 gigawatts by 2030 and up to approximately 40 gigawatts by 2050, with some scenarios showing deployment increasing towards a maximum of 75 gigawatts. However, there are potential technical, economic and policy challenges associated with the rollout of new large-scale nuclear power stations now in development. One of the key challenges is in the identification of suitable and sufficient nuclear power station sites in England and Wales, and managing the impact on the transmission system of an increasing capacity of a type of plant which traditionally only allows for inflexible base load. This project will support the identification of what else may be needed, and enable a comparison amongst the range of technologies currently under development.”

Copies of the Request for Proposals and supporting documents are available from the ETI’s website via this link http://www.eti.co.uk/eti-launches-request-for-proposals-to-identify-the-technology-requirements-for-alternative-small-scale-thermal-and-nuclear-plant-power-generation-technologies/#more-3624. The closing date for the submission of proposals is 27 June 2014.

Seminar and workshop from ABB Robotics to provide a straightforward look at how to assess the potential for robotic automation

ABB Robotics will be presenting a simple approach to introducing robot automation at a combined seminar and workshop event at its Milton Keynes offices on Wednesday 25th June. Aimed especially at UK SMEs, the event will provide a simple step-by-step guide to introducing robot automation to the factory floor.

The seminar will be built around the simple question ‘How do you know if you need a robot?'. It will start by outlining the key questions that need to be asked in order to identify whether installing a robot could be beneficial. These include assessing current performance around productivity, health and safety, quality and resource utilisation.

It will then explain how the information gathered can be used to help formulate an automation strategy, helping to identify areas that could benefit by installing a robot.

This will be accompanied by a look at the potential return on investment that can be achieved in different types of applications, where the cost of purchasing, installing and commissioning a robot can be quickly recouped by improvements in productivity, efficiency and competitiveness.
An afternoon workshop session in ABB's training centre will provide a demonstration of the latest robot technology. This will include a chance to see ABB's RobotStudio programming software, which helps to greatly reduce the time and cost of setting up a robot system by enabling robot cells to be modelled and tested off-line.

"Misconceptions about the cost, flexibility and complexity of robots are stopping many small to medium UK manufacturing companies from realising their true potential," says Mike Wilson, General Industry Sales Manager, for ABB Robotics in the UK. "Our seminar and workshop has been designed to help businesses determine if a robot could be beneficial and the steps to take in specifying and installing the best solution for their requirements."

To book your place, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01908 350300, ref. ‘Switch to robots seminar'.

Applied CleanTech Automatically Recovers Cellulosic Waste from Waste Water

Value of Transaction Estimated at Approximately €10.5 Million

The technology enables a significant reduction in WWTP operational costs, reduces sludge volumes, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and recycles sewage into Recyllose™ – a raw material for the concrete, energy, plastics and paper industries.

Applied CleanTech (http://www.appliedcleantech.com/) this week signed a franchise agreement with Hungarian company Szennyviz ujrahasznosito Kft, for the establishment of an SRS system in wastewater treatment facilities in Hungary. The first system will arrive in Hungary in October. The wastewater treatment sector in Hungary turns over approximately a hundred million euros a year, with the value of this transaction estimated at approximately €10.5 million over the next five years. The systems to be installed by Applied CleanTech (already in operation in Mexico, Scotland, the Netherlands and Israel) will manufacture cellulose from local waste water.

    “The future of wastewater treatment is to enable an economy to be based on recycling valuable materials from wastewater.”

Using new technology, the system enables a significant reduction in energy consumed by wastewater treatment facilities, reduces sludge volumes, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and recycles sewage into Recyllose™ – a raw material for the plastics and paper industries. The technology is implemented by an efficient, automated facility, which recycles cellulosic waste for use as energy, paper, nanocellulose and plastic products (called the SRS – Sewage Recycling System). At the end of the process, waste solids are transformed into clean, environmentally-friendly raw materials with high energy potential, which makes the treatment facility a manufacturer of green energy and increases its processing capacity by 30%. The Company's business model enables customers to purchase the machine with all functions included, or enjoy long-term operation and service.

Dr. Refael Aharon, CEO and founder of Applied CleanTech: "The future of wastewater treatment is to enable an economy to be based on recycling valuable materials from wastewater." Today, the Company is in advanced negotiations with additional countries to establish more projects of this kind worldwide.

The unique development was designed to provide a solution to the problem of sewage treatment on the one hand, and deliver high quality raw materials for local consumption on the other, all while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Next month, the first installation of its kind will be performed also in Canada.

Applied CleanTech
Yoav Golan, +972-54-6244444
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“After 21 years, one of our Landia slurry pumps actually got to see daylight” - so said Chris Carter at Strathyre Farm near Preston when his submersible Landia pump finally needed some maintenance after its installation in..................1993.

“You can’t fault Landia’s slurry pumps and mixers,” added Chris, who uses the equipment to transfer pig slurry from one pit to another – and then to a 20’ high store at J.E. Carter & Sons in Hoole, Lancashire.

“Landia’s pumps and mixers have never failed us”, he continued.  They’ve been in our pits for over two decades, working away, dealing endlessly with slurry, which has to be mixed properly and also pumped over long distances”.

Wholly submerged in slurry, Landia’s two DG pumps (18.5kW) at J.E. Carter & Sons are built to handle thick and highly corrosive fluids, whilst Landia’s PODB (15kW) mixers (designed with a 2-blade clogging free propeller) benefit from a double mechanical sealing system between the electric motor and the surrounding liquid.

The biggest Greek ‘Feastival’ has arrived in London!
www.greecewelcomesyouinlondon.com
3 – 6 July 2014, 10am-9pm
Olympia National Hall

Calling all foodies and families!

‘Greece Welcomes You in London’ exhibition invites you to embrace the culture, food, energy and excitement of the Mediterranean for four days this summer.

Opening on 3^rd July at the Olympia National Hall, Hammersmith, an enticing combination of celebratory banquets, traditional-style market stalls and live cookery demonstrations and tastings, will tempt your taste buds with every step. 

Grab the little ones (under 12s have free entry!) and indulge in the array of delicious delicacies, take a stroll down the ‘streets’ of Greece, sample signature produce or sit down and relax in an enchanting taverna.

The Grecian cuisine is renowned for pioneering some of the healthiest and tastiest flavours, after all Archestratus’ first-ever recipe book paved the way for what we find on the shelves today. The country, on account of the everlasting sunshine is responsible for being the biggest producer of extra virgin olive oil, with olives, feta cheese and Ouzo also popular products. Whether you’re familiar with the culture and history or not, this is a food-fuelled festival, not to be missed!

From large international brands to independent, artisan producers, you’ll discover all the signature Greek products among fresh, contemporary alternatives.

Test your culinary skills, create dishes with the guidance of top chefs from across the Mediterranean and unearth ancient recipes to take home and enjoy. Offering a full sensory experience from the moment you walk through the door, you can also join in with Greek dancers, learn traditional moves and rejoice in the cultural music.

And if the spirit of the exhibition triggers your traveller’s instinct, enter our competition to win your very own complementary package holiday to visit the country and sample the gastronomy first hand!

BOOK NOW:

Single adult ticket (one day) starts at £8.50

Single adult ticket for all 4 days starts at £17.50

VIP tickets are available starting from £10.75

Children go free! (12 yrs and under)

For all bookings and for ticket confirmation, please visit:http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/greece-welcomes-you-in-london-food-and-art-event-tickets-11140155505

For more information on the exhibition, please visit: www.greecewelcomesyouinlondon.com

The application potential and considerations of different surface coatings   
 
There are many considerations when it comes to selecting a surface coating, including the potential function of the coating, the operating environment, application techniques, and the condition or preparation requirements of the substrate and whether aesthetics are important.
 
In this article, the first in a series, Andrew Courtney from Surface Technology, part of Norman Hay plc will investigate potential applications and functions of different surface coatings. He will explain how to approach selecting an appropriate coating and the factors that should be considered, as well as the potential benefits of different solutions available and how these could be applied in different industry markets.  
 
Possible functions that will be explored include:
•    Corrosion resistance
•    Wear/ abrasion resistance
•    Surface friction characteristics
•    Electrical resistance/ conductivity
•    Food contact suitability
•    Medically-approved contact surface
•    Easy clean/ non-stick performance

Food and drink researchers have found a new way to produce sparkling wine using magnetised yeast – a process which reduces the time taken to remove waste yeast from weeks to minutes.

The traditional method of producing sparkling wine – Méthode Champenoise – uses yeast to create a secondary fermentation to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and the characteristic bubbles associated with sparkling wine.

To remove the spent yeast traditional methods use a rotate and elevate technique – often done by hand – to allow the yeast to settle in the bottle neck. The neck is then plunged into freezing liquid and the frozen waste yeast plug removed. The whole process can take up to 60 days.

However, a European research team at the University of Ljubljana¹ have found a way to attach magnetic nanoparticles to the surface of yeast. With the use of magnets, waste yeast extraction takes just 15-20 minutes – over 4,000 times faster than the traditional method. 

The yeast remains unaltered by being magnetised, even after fermentation, and sensory tests suggest the wine’s bouquet, mouth feel, body, taste, bubble size and overall drinking experience is unaffected by the process. 

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) chief executive, Dr David Brown, said: “As the global population grows there is pressure on food and drink manufacturers to become more efficient. Saving time and energy is fundamental to this if we are to maintain adequate food supply.

“Quality of life is important too and wine is enjoyed by millions of people. Although many wine connoisseurs will stay loyal to traditional manufacturing methods, the inventiveness of chemical and biochemical engineers demonstrates that even wine production, which has been made for millennia, can be made more efficient with clever nanotechnology combined with simple magnets.”

The role of chemical engineers in the health, water, food and energy sectors is explored in IChemE’s latest technical strategy, Chemical Engineering Matters.

About chemical engineers

Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics to the process of turning raw materials into everyday products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world.  Pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.

About IChemE 

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is the hub for chemical, biochemical and process engineering professionals worldwide. With a growing global membership of nearly 40,000, the Institution is at the heart of the process community, promoting competence and a commitment to best practice, advancing the discipline for the benefit of society, encouraging young people in science and engineering and supporting the professional development of its members.

Reference

¹ Biochemical Engineering Journal: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bej.2014.03.014 - A new method for the rapid separation of magnetized yeast in sparkling wine.

CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems, industry pioneer in the design and manufacture of portable on-site machining and welding tools announced it has hired Dr. Johann Rinnhofer as Managing Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa. The move marks CLIMAX’s continued focus on growing its international market capabilities. Rinnhofer joined the CLIMAX office in Düren, Germany, on May 1. 

“We look forward to the expertise, ideas and leadership Johann brings to the CLIMAX team,” said CLIMAX President and CEO Geoff Gilmore. “We are confident that Johann’s technical and professional expertise makes him the right leader to help us advance and expand our global vision.”

Rinnhofer has more than 20 years of engineering and management expertise. He brings knowledge from a variety of industries across the globe, including mining machinery in Australia, the industrial furnaces industry in Germany, and refractory and research in Austria.

Prior to joining CLIMAX, Rinnhofer was Managing Director of Otto Junker GmbH Industrial Group, a high-grade steel foundry specializing in the design, manufacture and sale of metallurgical and thermal equipment. During his time at Otto Junker, Rinnhofer was responsible for fostering customer relationships and product development; he also played a key role in growing and restructuring the company. Rinnhofer was also Managing Director of Hochtemperatur Engineering GmbH Gruppe in Wiesbaden, Germany, and Voest Alpine Mining & Tunneling Ltd. Pty. in Sydney, Australia.

In his role at CLIMAX, Rinnhofer is responsible for collaborating with executive leadership to develop and execute the company’s European growth strategy. In addition, Rinnhofer is responsible for ensuring CLIMAX continually improves operations, productivity and customer support to meet the unique needs of customers across Europe. The European market represents a strong opportunity for CLIMAX to grow and fundamentally alter the way customers go about increasing efficiency, safety and profitability, according to Gilmore.  

“I look forward to contributing my expertise to our relationships in EMEA countries and further growing an already-successful global company,” said Rinnhofer. “It’s evident the CLIMAX team brings smart people and excellent products together in one place — this is the place to be.”

Rinnhofer’s hiring is the latest in a series of strategic maneuvers CLIMAX has initiated to grow and better serve its customers throughout the European region. Last year, expanded customer training facilities were unveiled at the company’s European headquarters in Germany. This year, CLIMAX opened its fourth European rental depot in the port city of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, to build out its “global but local” vision.

About CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding System

CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems, Inc., is the world’s most highly regarded provider of portable machine tools and engineering services, specializing in the design, development and manufacture of portable tools used for on-site machining and welding as well as for the repair and testing of valves. CLIMAX creates solutions for customers using both standard and customized portable machines to accomplish repair, refurbishment and production jobs ranging from the once-considered impossible to the day-to-day mission critical. With 16 worldwide rental depots and 34 licensed international distributors, the growing global CLIMAX network is equipped to rapidly respond to customers’ needs around the globe. CLIMAX production facilities, regional sales, training and technical support offices are located across the United States and in Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom to support industry applications including power generation, shipbuilding, petrochemical, heavy construction and mining, as well as service and engineering sectors. CLIMAX’s innovative designs and techniques have been awarded 36 patents with three pending. More information about the company is available at www.climaxportable.com.

Dr Fritz Klocke of RWTH Aachen University (Germany) to speak at EMTE-EASTPO CEO Summit as keynote speaker

Come July, world-leading machine tool manufacturers will converge at the first EMTE- EASTPO machine tool exhibition held from 14 – 17 July 2014.

Over 650 international exhibiting companies have confirmed their participation at EMTE-EASTPO. They include Bystronic, Carl Zeiss (Shanghai), Emuge-Franken Precision Tools (Suzhou), Fastems, Five Machining Systems (Shanghai), Hermle, Murata Machinery, Starrag, United Grinding (formerly known as Korber Schleifring) among others. In addition, six national pavilions from Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea and Switzerland will also be represented at the exhibition.

EMTE-EASTPO is a strategic east-west partnership of two established machine tool show owners from Europe and China. Leveraging on the partners’ strong track record, EMTE-EASTPO brings together advanced technology, cutting-edge innovations and high performing machinery under one roof. It also serves as a one-stop business and networking platform for exhibitors to meet and network with their buyers in the region.

Echoing this sentiment is Korea Association of the Machinery Industry (KOAMI), organiser of the Korean pavilion. “EMTE-EASTPO will be important for Korean machine tool manufacturers eyeing the China market. We foresee the exhibition to be an effective platform for them to reach out to their buyers and meet potential business prospects in the region,” said managing director, Kim Yong Kook.

In addition, Milan Ráž, managing director of Czech Trade Promotion Agency shared: “We will be organizing a Czech Republic pavilion in co-operation with the Association of Engineering Technology (SST) at EMTE-EASTPO 2014. The exhibition will serve as the ideal platform to showcase our machinery and technology as well as to expand our clientele with key buyers from China and the rest of Asia. We are pleased to be part of EMTE-EASTPO and look forward to new business opportunities in Asia.”
 
EMTE-EASTPO CEO Summit draws high level speakers

The EMTE-EASTPO CEO Summit is one of the knowledge sharing platforms held in conjunction with the exhibition. Scheduled for 15 July 2014 at Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, the summit will host some of the region’s key industry leaders to share on their experiences on the theme, ‘Profitable Growth Through State-of-the-Art Manufacturing’.

The Summit has also confirmed Dr Fritz Klocke, professor and director of laboratory for machine tools and production engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University (Germany), as its keynote speaker. Dr. Klocke will share his insights in his keynote presentation, ‘2014 Global Engineering Trends and Forecasts’.

Its distinguished panel of speakers also include Prof Hellmut Schutte, Professor of International Management, China Europe International Business School (CEIBS); Mr Sancha Garcia, Executive Vice President and Head of  Purchasing Department, Volkswagen Group China; Dr Stefan Sack, CEO, COMAU China; Mr Franz-Michael Oppermann, Senior Expert, Staufen Shanghai Consulting Academy Ltd and Mr Rui Jingxi, CEO, Fanuc China among others.

The Summit programme will focus on these key areas, namely

• Machine tools & automation: 21st century global trends and China’s rising issues
• The voice of customers: Perspective from producers and suppliers
• Keys to success for effective production and maximising operational excellence

For updates, please visit www.emte-eastpo.com/ceosummit

Online visitor pre-registration is now open. Visitors interested in attending EMTE-EASTPO 2014 can pre-register at http://www.emte-eastpo.cn/reg/Language/en/Register.aspx

About CECIMO
Since its creation in 1950, CECIMO has committed itself to the promotion of the machine tool industry worldwide and a European Machine Tools Exhibition was created for this reason in 1951. It was organised for the first time under the name of EMO® in 1975 in Paris. EMO® is a registered trademark by CECIMO. It receives the support of its 15 CECIMO member associations which represent and promote the interest of approximately 1,500 European companies, accountable for 99% of the European production of machine tools and 31% of the world production of machine tools. More than three quarters of CECIMO’s production is shipped abroad, whereas half of it is exported outside Europe. For more information visit www.cecimo.eu

About EASTPO
Shanghai EASTPO Culture Development Co., Ltd is a leading exhibition company in China, specialising in providing quality platforms for trade and information exchange for the mechanical industries. It is the organiser of the Shanghai International Machine Tool Fair (EASTPO) since 1999. The show is well- known among machinery industry exhibitors and buyers. For more information please visit www.eastpo.net

About MP Organisation
MP Organisation Pte Ltd is a fully owned subsidiary of the MP International group. Established in 1987, MP specialises in organising exhibitions, conferences and special events. The group has organised and managed over 1,000 national, regional and international events, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2009 Leaders’ Week. It is a leading international organiser of trade exhibitions, including ITMA and ITMA ASIA. MP is headquartered in Singapore with a global footprint across Asia and Europe. For more information visit www.mpinetwork.com

Issued by CECIMO, EASTPO & MP Organisation

For more information, please contact

CECIMO
Maude Choquette
Tel: +32 2 502 70 90
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

EASTPO Jane Gao
Tel: +86 21 5239 6345
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MP Organisation
Daphne Poon
Tel: +65 6393 0238
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Beam source and guidance, optical elements, sensors, and software. An expert partner to manufacturers of laser systems, TRUMPF supplies all laser components and, at the Lasys 2014, will be unveiling two world premieres.

In its exhibit at the Lasys 2014 trade show in Stuttgart, TRUMPF will be demonstrating its competence as a partner to manufacturers of laser systems. Beginning with beam source and guidance, continuing to optics and sensors – even including software, everything needed is available from a single source. Not only does that save time and money. It also ensures trouble-free interplay of all the components involved – making for perfect results.

The Power of Choice: Broadening the extensive product portfolio
In Stuttgart, TRUMPF will be highlighting its expertise in questions of integration with two world premieres – the TruMark 5010 and the new generation of diode lasers built around the TruDiode 4506. The TruMark 5010, based on the fiber laser, has been designed as an “all-in-one” solution for marking. It brings together – in a single housing – the fiber laser, the scanner, the controls and an internal focal position control. No separate supply unit is required. Its space-saving design, the high availability of the interfaces, and the efficient air cooling system predestine the TruMark 5010 for integration into production systems. The same holds true for the new TruDiode 4506. With its small footprint, compact construction, and modular design makes it easy integrating the unit into existing manufacturing lines. The new generation of direct diode lasers delivers excellent seam quality in both heat conduction welding and deep welding and offers high repeatability of the results. This generation is distinguished by its good efficiency level, at up to 40 percent, and includes ideal lasers for energy-efficient industrial manufacturing in multi-shift operations.

Everything on hand for successful integration
No matter whether beam source, beam guidance, optics or sensors are needed – the TRUMPF technology portfolio offers a wealth of accessories optimized to match the existing process. All components – including the controls, interfaces, and software – are perfectly matched one to another and can, in every respect, satisfy the highest demands. That makes TRUMPF laser technology superbly prepared for integration into larger systems. Laser applications are many and varied and every application involves its own very special requirements. What beam source can be combined with which optical equipment to create the best configuration for a specific need? With its broad spectrum of technology and decades of experience, TRUMPF offers consulting and solutions for virtually every application.

A basic prerequisite: Expertise in interfaces and software
The interfaces are decisive to successful integration of a laser into a machine or a manufacturing line. Solid-state lasers by TRUMPF are very flexible in such situations since they are compatible with all the field bus systems commonly found in industry. The clear advantage here is that the user profits from a uniform control architecture. TruControl software represents the hub of the entire laser system. This software is what the operator uses to write laser control programs, to select and archive parameters, and to optimize processes. The software also makes possible remote services, records data relevant to quality, and monitors threshold values.

Using flexible beam guidance to achieve goals
The laser beam makes its way from its source to the workpiece either through free beam guidances or laser light cables. With its own solutions and components, TRUMPF is able to set up ideal, flexible systems. At the Lasys 2014, the company will be showing a number of beam guidances and switches that can divert the laser beam to any of a number of workstations. The details of the application will determine whether the laser power is split again at the workstations or is available alternately through certain periods of time. Especially fast beam switches take only 30 milliseconds to divert the beam, making the system significantly more efficient, economical and profitable. In addition to the time-tested laser light cables for a variety of beam qualities, fiber profiles are available, matched to special requirements. Examples are the rectangular and square fibers needed to process large surface areas. A very special design is the TRUMPF 2-in-1 laser light cable. Here the user, with just a single cable, can switch between two different core diameters. This will result in two different focal diameters, so that the user can both cut and weld at a single station, without having to change out the laser light cable.

The right optics make the laser work
The laser beam actually become a useful tool only after the appropriate optical elements have been added. Those optics shape and focus the beam and deliver supplementary substances like the gas required for cutting or welding. No matter whether static or scanner designs are required: TRUMPF develops high-performance, superbly flexible optics for a wide variety of applications. With the introduction of the second generation of programmable focusing optics (PFO), the company is underscoring at this year’s Lasys its leading position in both classical laser remote processing and on-the-fly machining. In addition to improved dynamics and precision, innovative functions distinguish the new optical systems. Thus it is possible, for example, to measure the mirror position exactly and to correct it, if needed – regardless of the prevailing temperature and humidity. In this context, TRUMPF will be demonstrating the new PFO SmartTeach App at the LASYS. With this app the user can set up the PFO program directly at the workpiece, with all the convenience of the tablet computer, by way of live image transmission. This brings about considerable time savings.

Keeping an eye on all the processes
Camera-based solutions are a proven medium in process monitoring. TRUMPF offers several cameras and sensors for welding and cutting with solid-state lasers. They can readily be integrated into the optics, so as to observe the process. The same cameras can also be used for the so-called offline position control. Should workpieces be misaligned, this will be recognized by the image processing software, which corrects the laser control program accordingly. The feature recognition function even makes it possible to align the welded seam along circular openings or edges. In addition, the image processing system can read out and store quality data. The seamless integration of the image processing at the laser control interfaces gives rise to a finely tuned solution which can easily be integrated into existing systems. In laser marking, too, and thanks to the Observer camera system specific to the TruMark, a variety of functions is made available. It is possible to detect the position of the workpiece and to correct the marking procedure accordingly – and to read barcodes and automatically set the focal position.

Beam source and guidance, optical elements, sensors, and software. An expert partner to manufacturers of laser systems, TRUMPF supplies all laser components and, at the Lasys 2014, will be unveiling two world premieres.

In its exhibit at the Lasys 2014 trade show in Stuttgart, TRUMPF will be demonstrating its competence as a partner to manufacturers of laser systems. Beginning with beam source and guidance, continuing to optics and sensors – even including software, everything needed is available from a single source. Not only does that save time and money. It also ensures trouble-free interplay of all the components involved – making for perfect results.

The Power of Choice: Broadening the extensive product portfolio
In Stuttgart, TRUMPF will be highlighting its expertise in questions of integration with two world premieres – the TruMark 5010 and the new generation of diode lasers built around the TruDiode 4506. The TruMark 5010, based on the fiber laser, has been designed as an “all-in-one” solution for marking. It brings together – in a single housing – the fiber laser, the scanner, the controls and an internal focal position control. No separate supply unit is required. Its space-saving design, the high availability of the interfaces, and the efficient air cooling system predestine the TruMark 5010 for integration into production systems. The same holds true for the new TruDiode 4506. With its small footprint, compact construction, and modular design makes it easy integrating the unit into existing manufacturing lines. The new generation of direct diode lasers delivers excellent seam quality in both heat conduction welding and deep welding and offers high repeatability of the results. This generation is distinguished by its good efficiency level, at up to 40 percent, and includes ideal lasers for energy-efficient industrial manufacturing in multi-shift operations.

Everything on hand for successful integration
No matter whether beam source, beam guidance, optics or sensors are needed – the TRUMPF technology portfolio offers a wealth of accessories optimized to match the existing process. All components – including the controls, interfaces, and software – are perfectly matched one to another and can, in every respect, satisfy the highest demands. That makes TRUMPF laser technology superbly prepared for integration into larger systems. Laser applications are many and varied and every application involves its own very special requirements. What beam source can be combined with which optical equipment to create the best configuration for a specific need? With its broad spectrum of technology and decades of experience, TRUMPF offers consulting and solutions for virtually every application.

A basic prerequisite: Expertise in interfaces and software
The interfaces are decisive to successful integration of a laser into a machine or a manufacturing line. Solid-state lasers by TRUMPF are very flexible in such situations since they are compatible with all the field bus systems commonly found in industry. The clear advantage here is that the user profits from a uniform control architecture. TruControl software represents the hub of the entire laser system. This software is what the operator uses to write laser control programs, to select and archive parameters, and to optimize processes. The software also makes possible remote services, records data relevant to quality, and monitors threshold values.

Using flexible beam guidance to achieve goals
The laser beam makes its way from its source to the workpiece either through free beam guidances or laser light cables. With its own solutions and components, TRUMPF is able to set up ideal, flexible systems. At the Lasys 2014, the company will be showing a number of beam guidances and switches that can divert the laser beam to any of a number of workstations. The details of the application will determine whether the laser power is split again at the workstations or is available alternately through certain periods of time. Especially fast beam switches take only 30 milliseconds to divert the beam, making the system significantly more efficient, economical and profitable. In addition to the time-tested laser light cables for a variety of beam qualities, fiber profiles are available, matched to special requirements. Examples are the rectangular and square fibers needed to process large surface areas. A very special design is the TRUMPF 2-in-1 laser light cable. Here the user, with just a single cable, can switch between two different core diameters. This will result in two different focal diameters, so that the user can both cut and weld at a single station, without having to change out the laser light cable.

The right optics make the laser work
The laser beam actually become a useful tool only after the appropriate optical elements have been added. Those optics shape and focus the beam and deliver supplementary substances like the gas required for cutting or welding. No matter whether static or scanner designs are required: TRUMPF develops high-performance, superbly flexible optics for a wide variety of applications. With the introduction of the second generation of programmable focusing optics (PFO), the company is underscoring at this year’s Lasys its leading position in both classical laser remote processing and on-the-fly machining. In addition to improved dynamics and precision, innovative functions distinguish the new optical systems. Thus it is possible, for example, to measure the mirror position exactly and to correct it, if needed – regardless of the prevailing temperature and humidity. In this context, TRUMPF will be demonstrating the new PFO SmartTeach App at the LASYS. With this app the user can set up the PFO program directly at the workpiece, with all the convenience of the tablet computer, by way of live image transmission. This brings about considerable time savings.

Keeping an eye on all the processes
Camera-based solutions are a proven medium in process monitoring. TRUMPF offers several cameras and sensors for welding and cutting with solid-state lasers. They can readily be integrated into the optics, so as to observe the process. The same cameras can also be used for the so-called offline position control. Should workpieces be misaligned, this will be recognized by the image processing software, which corrects the laser control program accordingly. The feature recognition function even makes it possible to align the welded seam along circular openings or edges. In addition, the image processing system can read out and store quality data. The seamless integration of the image processing at the laser control interfaces gives rise to a finely tuned solution which can easily be integrated into existing systems. In laser marking, too, and thanks to the Observer camera system specific to the TruMark, a variety of functions is made available. It is possible to detect the position of the workpiece and to correct the marking procedure accordingly – and to read barcodes and automatically set the focal position.

For more information about TRUMPF go to www.trumpf.com