The JetBlack system from Air Control Industries is a safe and effective tool for cleaning and de-dusting operations in factory environments. Available in either wall-mounted or portable formats, the unit readily removes dust, liquids and debris from both people, machinery and components - quickly, safely and efficiently.

Rayleigh Instruments has introduced a novel method of wiring and installing power meters and current transformers. 'EasyWire' is claimed to reduce substantially the time it takes to wire and install such systems, thanks to a design that allows plug-in connections to be used for both current and voltage input/output.

Bauer Gear Motor reveals the results of a direct product comparison test to see how its latest IE4, super premium efficiency permanent magnetic (PM) synchronous motor performed against a standard asynchronous motor. The test was carried out in partnership with inverter drive specialist Danfoss.

When a dc motor driving the main compounder at JFC Plastics' site started to cause problems, the company looked to change the drive package completely, not only to improve efficiency and reliability, but also avoid the costly and frequent maintenance work required by the dc system. JFC worked with the team at Regal UK to specify a system that would provide the low speed torque, energy efficiency and reliability required by this application.

UK manufacturing is increasingly positive about the business value of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), says PTC regional director, Kevin Asbridge: "PLM has emerged as a driver for change that can actually materially impact company performance in the way that ERP did from a cost reduction perspective in the '90s and early 2000s, and companies are extremely hungry to actually get those benefits." Kevin is interviewed here.

Man and Machine offers a range of Autodesk Accredited 2D and 3D CAD Training for both design professionals who are new to CAD drawing software and those who need a more advanced understanding. For a list of the company's scheduled CAD training courses delivered at its Thame training centre, click here. 

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries are everywhere and, if not properly protected, every one of them can cause serious damage if an overcurrent fault condition occurs. TE Circuit Protection’s Barry Brents explains how a PolySwitch PPTC resettable device is placed inside a battery cell or in parallel in a battery pack to protect lower current applications from external short circuits or heating events.

Variable speed ac drives from Control Techniques are at the heart of one of the world’s best examples of sustainable energy utilisation at West Beacon Farm near Loughborough. Beacon Energy, a non-profit making company, was established with the objective of promoting public awareness of global warming and to encourage the reduction of CO2 emissions.