In industrial process measurement and automation, demand is steadily rising for simple, reliable and maintenance-free measuring instruments in a pocket-sized format. The new Picomag from Endress+Hauser fulfills such requirements, making no compromises. Not only does it measure the flow of electrically conductive fluids, but also their process temperature and conductivity. In addition, Picomag offers customers … Continue reading Pocket-sized flow measuring technology →

According to the National Academy of Engineering (USA), engineers worldwide are facing a whirlwind of change. Technology is advancing at such a rapid pace that engineers must update half of everything they know every couple of years. Additionally, demands from customers are also putting pressure on companies to adapt and evolve. For example, the fluid … Continue reading Lifelong learning at the HYDAC Training Centre →

A company’s priorities may vary depending on where in Australia they are situated. Miri Schroeter speaks with automation specialist Bunbury Industrial Controls (BIC) about the importance of responding quickly to customer needs in a regional area. Bunbury Industrial Controls (BIC) is an automation company that mostly serves companies within Western Australia. It is about a … Continue reading Catering automation to businesses near and far →

The latest general meeting of the IICA in Sydney, which took place at Strathfield Golf Club in mid-April, featured a presentation by Manny Romero, the director of ETM Pacific, who explained how the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is changing the control system environment. Romero began by addressing the inherent woolliness of the concept of … Continue reading Explaining the process: IIoT and the future of control systems →

One of the time-consuming tasks in electrical cabinet building is cutting out rectangular holes in which to mount process indicators and controllers. PACE explains how Akytec displays make installation easier. Akytec manufacture a series of attractive, compact programmable process indicators with a 4 digit 7 segment 24x 48mm LED Display. What sets the displays apart … Continue reading Ocean Controls presents easily mounted displays and controllers →

Vega has been a leader in radar level transmitters for over 20 years, continuing to offer improvements to the process control sector. PACE explains how the transmitters have changed over the years. The use of the radar level transmitter for the process industry started back in 1991. These were extremely large units and operated with … Continue reading How Vega has led the way in radar level transmitters →

Accelerometers are critical in establishing a well-functioning condition monitoring system. PACE takes a look at a new portable accelerometer calibrator, the 28959G. The era of automation has elevated the role of sensors to a new high.  Sensors are now key components within manufacturing processes and within infrastructure control systems helping engineers to maximise productivity, minimise … Continue reading Using accelerometers in condition monitoring →

Will robots take our jobs? Or will they provide new opportunities for better working conditions for manufacturing workers? In his presentation at AUSPACK 2019, Universal Robots’ Peter Hern said the introduction of collaborative robots into firms is bringing the human element back in an age of machines and computers. AUSPACK 2019, Australia’s largest packaging and … Continue reading Overtaking Industry 4.0: the coming of the cobots →

The laser sensor from Bestech Australia offers reliable and highly precise measurement for automation requirement in factory and process plants. They can be easily integrated to the industrial control system and also have compact design for installation in an area where space is limited, such as in test bench or control system. Depending on the … Continue reading Understanding laser sensor for application in test bench and production control →

Fusion energy offers the possibility of a highly potent power source without waste and dangerous emissions, and with almost unlimited fuel. PACE speaks to physicist Richard Garrett about Australia’s role in a promising fusion project. Discussions about the best way forward for energy production and supply invariably centre on the pros and cons of renewable … Continue reading Powering into the future with fusion: Australian research and the ITER project →

As Australian manufacturing companies compete with growing overseas markets, traditional methods of producing and conveying parts through various manufacturing steps are coming under close scrutiny. Being lean and smarter are two ways to become more competitive. “We have been looking at smarter manufacturing designs for our clients and the Lean principles help with those designs,” … Continue reading Local manufacturer producing infra-red ovens to save energy →

With more industrial systems seeking to get ahead in the Internet of Things (IoT) space, there are more and more risks from online hazards. We speak to Schneider Electric’s Peter Clissold about how companies can better protect themselves. The development of the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed the industrial process and control sector, with … Continue reading Vigilance against cyber threats key to staying up to speed with IoT →

An education in STEM needn’t be seen as narrowing career path options. BOC’s Edith Butterfield talks about how having an inquisitive mind has helped her adapt to her many roles in the company. These days, it is considered highly unusual for younger members of the workforce to stay within one industry for longer than a … Continue reading Growing skills on the job and taking STEM in a different direction →

Sensors have long been used in industrial settings to monitor and improve processes and systems. Associate Professor Flora Salim from RMIT University speaks about how researchers are using sensor technology to enhance the liveability of our cities. Manufacturing plants and refineries are usually highly-structured environments. They typically feature machinery, automated systems, and computerised technologies and … Continue reading Sensors and the smart cities of the future →