Techspan: Fusetek Medium Voltage “E” & “R” Rated Fuses
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Techspan: Fusetek Medium Voltage “E” & “R” Rated Fuses

MV fuses are current and energy limiting fuses intended for the backup protection of medium voltage motor control. They are non-venting. MVR fuses have integral striker/indicators and have standardized dimensions compatible with today’s
5.5kV motor control gear. They are fully interchangeable with other manufacturers’ fuses of the same type and rating. They feature a ‘field toughened’ element design which makes them less susceptible to mechanical damage during shipping and installation while also providing superior cycling characteristics.

Weidmuller: U-Control M3000/M4000 - Modular Controls for Industrial Automation & IoT Applications
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Weidmuller: U-Control M3000/M4000 – Modular Controls for Industrial Automation & IoT Applications

In the course of automation, more and more physical devices are being integrated into networks. This is driving the trend towards convergence of IT and OT systems. The new modular u-control M3000 and M4000 control systems point the way to the future. With u-control M3000, automation solutions can be perfectly integrated into the IoT. The powerful controller also works as an edge device for providing local information in the network and can be expanded by connecting function modules – ideal for automation and IIoT applications. u-control M4000 also offers two CPU cores, two Ethernet interfaces and more RAM, NVRAM, and flash memory for complex edge computing in automation.

Siemens to Establish Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery Production in Canada
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Siemens to Establish Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery Production in Canada

Siemens will invest CAD$150 million (ca. €97 million) over five years to establish a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies Research and Development (R&D) Center for Battery Production in Canada. The new R&D center, located initially at Siemens Canada’s head office in Oakville, as well as in Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, will focus on developing cutting-edge AI manufacturing technologies with an initial emphasis on battery and electric vehicle (EV) production. It will leverage Siemens’ expertise in AI, edge computing, machine vision, digital twins, and cybersecurity to drive innovation and efficiency in battery production, while fostering collaboration with higher education institutions and battery manufacturers. Expected outcomes of the work to be conducted at the R&D center include higher, consistent quality in battery production, increased workforce productivity and capacity, reduction of battery scrap, and improved recycling and circularity. With the Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery Production, Siemens will contribute to the Canadian government’s strategy to become a global leader in battery manufacturing.

Proax-Complete-Guide-to-DIN-Rails
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Proax: The Complete Guide to DIN Rail Types & Applications

DIN rail is a standardized mounting solution that has become the backbone of modern electrical control panels and equipment racks. Originally developed by the German Institute for Standardization (Deutsches Institut für Normung, or DIN), these metal rails have evolved into an essential component across various industries. As an authorized distributor of Phoenix Contact DIN rails, Proax is committed to providing you with comprehensive knowledge about these versatile mounting systems. DIN rail is a metal rail of a standardized type widely used for mounting control equipment in electrical panels and equipment racks. The term “DIN” refers to the German national standards organization that first standardized these rails. Today, DIN rails follow the European standard EN 60715 (formerly DIN EN 50022), which has been adopted worldwide.

ABB: Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)
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ABB: Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)

Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) ensure electrical safety in homes, offices and other buildings as well as for industrial applications by protecting electrical installations against overloads and short-circuits. Once a fault is detected, the MCB automatically switches off the electrical circuit to prevent damage to wires and to avoid the risk of fire. MCBs are equipped with two tripping mechanisms: the delayed thermal tripping mechanism for overload protection and the magnetic tripping mechanism for short circuit protection. For 100 years, ABB has continued to innovate MCBs and expand their product line to meet the demands of various applications and markets. ABB’s products are compliant with global product standards such as IEC, UL and CSA. This established and certified portfolio is designed to provide maximum safety for buildings, assets and infrastructure.

SICK Invests in Industrial AI for Automation - Innovative Strength & Cost Management Secure Profitability in Challenging Business Year 2024
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SICK Invests in Industrial AI for Automation – Innovative Strength & Cost Management Secure Profitability in Challenging Business Year 2024

Innovation, customer focus and active cost management: SICK, an international provider of sensor-based automation solutions headquartered in Germany, set these focus points and achieved a solid result in the challenging business year 2024. Sales and EBIT decreased, while investments in research and development remained high. In a difficult market environment, SICK performed robustly and was able to further expand its position for Industrial AI on the global automation market. The 2024 financial year was marked by a difficult industrial economic development. Ongoing local crises and geopolitical uncertainties, protectionist measures and the threat of higher import tariffs put the industry under pressure. The global automation market also developed slowly and the anticipated recovery in mid-2024 failed to materialize.

Mouser: Honeywell Hydrogen Leak Detection Sensor
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Mouser: Honeywell Hydrogen Leak Detection Sensor

Honeywell Hydrogen Leak Detection (HLD) Sensor utilizes the Honeywell advanced compensation algorithm to detect hydrogen leaks in different applications. This sensor features precision, reliability, and Thermal Conductivity Detection (TCD) technology, delivering lasting performance for applications that need a highly accurate solution without manual intervention for 10 years. Advanced detection capabilities ensure the identification of hydrogen leakage of ≥50ppm, enabling this sensor to be used in many industries, such as automotive, residential power generators, and industrial safety equipment. When compared to catalytic beads, this sensor offers greater accuracy, extended sensor lifespan, and enhanced resistance to chemical poisoning. Honeywell HLD Sensor is typically adjacent to hydrogen storage tanks, hydrogen gas piping, fuel cells, and vehicle cabins.

ATS Using Criticality Analysis to Optimize Your Operations
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ATS: Using Criticality Analysis to Optimize Your Operations

Your products will come out on top, of course, but the machinery and equipment that ensure their production and quality are likely to be a close second. Conducting a criticality analysis is largely about prioritizing and focusing time and effort on the capital equipment assets you’ve determined to be the most important in your operation. When they become damaged or unavailable, they will have a greater degree of severity on your production. The criticality of an asset is determined by different factors, including its impact on product quality and ability to cause long-term disruptions. Obsolescence risks also play a crucial role, as outdated or unsupported equipment can increase downtime and create maintenance challenges, further impacting operational efficiency. Critical assets are integral to the whole operation, from entire machines all the way down to the component level. If these assets are not functioning or accessible, they pose different risks to the integrity of the operation.

Nedco: Mersen - AJT200 FUSE (J) 600V TIME DELAY
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Nedco: Mersen – AJT200 FUSE (J) 600V TIME DELAY

Amp-Trap 2000 SmartSpot AJT fuses now provide a visual open fuse indicator. With advanced material technology the AJT fuse provides IEC Type 2 No Damage protection to main, feeder, and branch circuits, for all types of loads — yet they require only half the mounting space needed for 600VAC Class RK fuses. AJT’s time-delay characteristics are ideal for handling typical motor and transformer inrush currents, while also providing superior current-limiting ability.

Hammond: Watertight Extruded Aluminum Enclosures - 1457 Series
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Hammond: Watertight Extruded Aluminum Enclosures – 1457 Series

The 1457 Series are tough watertight extruded enclosures designed to house PC boards or for equipment interfacing and sized for standard Eurocards. PC boards mount horizontally by sliding into internal slots extruded into the enclosure body. Rugged body constructed from one piece of extruded aluminum with a minimum thickness of 0.06” (1.5 mm) and is designed to meet IP65. Extruded aluminum body includes a recessed area for labels or membrane keypad. End panels are rugged yet easy to machine diecast aluminum with full perimeter self-adhesive gaskets. Choice of enclosure with flat end panels or enclosure with flanged end panels. 

Powering Up: How Canadian Innovation is Changing Motor Control
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Powering Up: How Canadian Innovation is Changing Motor Control

SmartD Technologies is a Canadian startup company that has created what they say is the world’s first clean power VFD. Industries around the world stand to benefit from their clean sine technology, which eliminates the negative effects of harmonics and pulse-width modulation found in traditional systems. Simon Leblond, CEO and co-founder of SmartD Technologies, discusses how they are navigating the evolving geopolitical environment to manufacture and deliver their product. SmartD’s clean power VFD uses silicon carbide (SiC) chips. These groundbreaking materials offer faster switching speeds and lower energy losses than conventional semiconductors. SmartD’s VFDs generate a clean sine wave both on the grid and the load side, eliminating the destructive effects of harmonics on the motors and ancillary equipment. This revolution in motor control with a global impact is proudly a Canadian innovation.

OMRON How Predictive Maintenance Technology is Improving Machine Monitoring
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OMRON: How Predictive Maintenance Technology is Improving Machine Monitoring

Predictive maintenance is changing the way industries manage their equipment. Unlike traditional maintenance methods, which rely on fixed schedules, predictive maintenance uses real-time monitoring to detect potential issues early. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of unexpected downtime and ensures that maintenance activities are performed only when necessary, optimizing resource allocation and reducing costs. One of the key advantages of predictive maintenance is the consistency and reliability of its data-driven approach. Real-time data is available for everyone to read and act upon, minimizing the variability that can arise from individual expertise. This ensures that maintenance decisions are based on accurate and up-to-date information, leading to more consistent and reliable operations. This not only frees up skilled labor for more critical tasks but also reduces overall maintenance costs. By automating the monitoring process, factories can achieve more efficient operations, ultimately improving their bottom line.

Phoenix Contact: M17-M40 PRO - Cross-Manufacturer Compatible Connectors
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Phoenix Contact: M17-M40 PRO – Cross Manufacturer Compatible Connectors

One fits all: M17-M40 PRO series circular connectors offer uniform solutions for signal and power transmission. Thanks to the unique ONECLICK fast locking system you can connect your device quickly and safely. Use a reliable power supply for your drives. The cross-manufacturer compatible M17-M40 PRO series circular connectors ensure reliable connections in industrial applications. With uniform assembly, the PRO series makes it easier for you to connect your systems. The wide range of pin assignments and the continuous expansion of housing variants in sizes M17, M23, and M40 also provide a new level of freedom when it comes to system design.

Eaton: Cable Bus
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Eaton: Cable Bus

Eaton’s Cable Bus is a customizable, enclosed power distribution system designed to safely and efficiently manage high-capacity electrical loads from 600-35,000V and 800-5,000A. It offers an ideal hybrid solution between cable tray and busway, delivering superior cable support and isolation for high-power transmission and a highly customizable design. Cable Bus features an enclosed design which protects cables from environmental hazards in both interior and exterior uses, making it ideal for applications such as data centers, utility plants, co-generation facilities, and light industrial environments, providing a continuous and reliable flow of power to ensure operational stability. Choosing Eaton’s Cable Bus system provides the convenience of sourcing all components through a single, trusted supplier and the confidence of knowing that your project is backed by Eaton’s industry expertise and support.

Beckhoff: Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz Tested AI-Assisted Engineering for Programming Industrial Control Systems Accompanied by Stéphane Dion, Canada’s Special Envoy for Europe & European Union
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Beckhoff: Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz Tested AI-Assisted Engineering for Programming Industrial Control Systems Accompanied by Stéphane Dion, Canada’s Special Envoy for Europe & European Union

The Beckhoff TwinCAT control software plays a central role in powerful automation solutions. It transforms almost every PC-based system into a real-time controller and, with its modular structure, unites all the necessary control functions, including PLC, motion control, machine safety, measurement technology, image processing, and artificial intelligence. AI in particular opens up immense potential, for example in developing machines and systems faster and more efficiently. TwinCAT CoAgent, the powerful Beckhoff tool for AI-supported engineering, is crucial here. TwinCAT CoAgent is a personal digital assistant for engineers that revolutionizes the entire engineering workflow, as Chancellor Scholz was able to see for himself: by entering a simple prompt in TwinCAT CoAgent, he created a control program that made a Beckhoff XPlanar mover hover in a circle. The Federal Chancellor and Canadian Minister were impressed.

EtherCAT Reaches 88 Million Nodes – Strong Growth Despite Difficult Market Conditions
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EtherCAT Reaches 88 Million Nodes – Strong Growth Despite Difficult Market Conditions

EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) now reports around 88 million EtherCAT nodes worldwide and even if the pace of growth in recent years could not be maintained due to the current global economic climate and the after-effects of chip overstocking, the result is impressive: another 11 million EtherCAT nodes were added in 2024 – an outstanding result in a challenging business environment. These node figures are very reliable as they are based on actual chip sales, which are reported by the chip manufacturers to Beckhoff Automation, the inventor of EtherCAT technology. “And they have no interest in exaggerating these figures, as this would entail additional costs for them,” explains Martin Rostan, Executive Director of the EtherCAT Technology Group. With EtherCAT, the technology license is included directly in the chip, so there are no additional license fees for device manufacturers and users. Beckhoff uses the license revenue to finance the activities of the EtherCAT Technology Group and thus the ecosystem surrounding the technology.