UK News
- Portuguese motor firm buys Kenwoth
- Connector suppliers form a trade group
- Controlgear assemblies `could pose a fire risk`
WORLD News
- 45-tonne slipring motor gets moving
- ABB adds Jokab Safety to its LV division
- Siemens` mechanical drives business gets a new head
TECHNOLOGY News
- Displacement sensors promise long ranges at low cost
- Solid-state memory set to oust hard disks from IPCs
- Wavepower generator relies on low-friction bearing material
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UK NEWS
Interactive panel-building centre aims to save time
RS Components has launched an interactive online resource designed to help save time and money in panel- or machine-building projects by bringing together all of the relevant products and services in a way that matches users’ needs.
WORLD NEWS
Pepperl+Fuchs buys Siemens` proximity sensor business
The German sensor manufacturer Pepperl+Fuchs has acquired Siemens’ proximity sensor business for an undisclosed sum. The deal will enlarge P+F’s product portfolio in the field of inductive proximity sensors and photoelectric sensors, as well as strengthening its position in the ultrasonic sensing market.
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Powerful piezo actuator `could replace motors`
Parker Hannifin has developed a piezoelectric-based actuator which, it claims, produces 50–100 times the deflection and force of traditional piezo stack devices. One possible application for the Advanced Technology Actuator would as a simple, direct-drive replacement for less efficient small electric motors.
PRODUCT NEWS
PLCs combine flexibility with low cost
Omron in Japan has announced the imminent arrival of new range of programmable controllers designed to meet user demands for increasing intelligence and flexibility, while maintaining competitive prices. The CJ2M controllers, due to go on sale from 1 April, will complement the company’s recent CJ2H models which offer similar benefits for high-end applications.











