In modern industry, particularly in the pharmaceutical and food manufacturing sectors, the demands for precision and purity are constantly increasing. In the following interview, Mr Gille, Team Leader for Vacuum Conveying at BIBUS AG, explains why closed conveying systems now play a key strategic role in automated production environments. Mr Gille, at first glance, the handling of powders and bulk materials seems like a standard procedure. Why, then, is this issue becoming increasingly complex in modern production environments? This impression is misleading. Powders and granulates form the basis of many sensitive products in the food and pharmaceutical industries. With increasing regulatory requirements and growing product customisation, the demands on process stability, traceability and hygiene are also rising significantly. At the same time, the processes behind the scenes must also become more precise, efficient and, above all, controllable. Today, material flow is no longer purely a logistical issue, but an integral part of quality assurance. Conveyor systems must therefore not only transport materials, but also ensure reproducible, contamination-free and validatable processes. Which industries are driving this development? Are we seeing new fields of application here? Read the full interview now and gain concrete insights from real-world practice.

Safe contact extension - Now with UL approval The extension module RK 6929 from the SAFEMASTER series offers up to two separately controllable forcibly guided relays in a compact enclosure with a width of only 17.5 mm and is used to decouple the control and power levels as well as for contact reinforcement. As an output extension for signals from safety control systems (OSSD), the RK 6929 switches actuators reliably and potential-free. The extension module can be used in mechanical and plant engineering as well as in applications for firing systems in accordance with EN 50156-1. For use in the application area of EN 61010-1, the clearances and creepage distances between mains circuits and touchable voltages as well as between mains circuits are dimensioned according to double insulation. - Space-saving in the switch cabinet due to a width of only 17.5 mm - Control also with safety-related semiconductor outputs - With UL approval available - Interface type C class 1 (CB24I)

Flexible extension of safety circuits The extension module XF 6929 from the SAFEMASTER series enables reliable and flexible extension of safety circuits. With front-side contact via cage clamp terminals and a wide voltage range of DC 8 - 36 V, it offers high installation convenience and versatile application options. Safety switching devices with semiconductor outputs, such as BWS, emergency stop or OSSD systems, can be expanded with potential-free relay contacts using the XF 6929. The module has up to two separately controllable, forcibly guided relay circuits in a compact 17.5 mm housing and is ideal for applications in mechanical and plant engineering. - Wide voltage range from DC 8 ... 36 V - Space-saving in the switch cabinet due to a width of only 17.5 mm - Suitable for combustion plants in accordance with EN 50156-1

Industrial fan technology for effective, reliable, and flexible cooling.

The unique 14mm uniform T-slot for all aluminum extrusion || Robotunits offers a system that will meet your highest expectations. The key element of the Modular Automation System is a unique extrusion technology, available in 40mm and 50mm size systems, which are fully compatible with each other and all other components. They utilize one slot size that allows new dimensions in design and assembly speed.

EYE+ optimizes the performance of your Asycube flexible feeder with an integrated vision based on Artificial Intelligence and a powerful controller. With EYE+ you have an innovative plug and play system that can be easily integrated into any automation machine.

High-rigidity linear axis for precise motion in compact spaces.

With its F-Scanner family of devices, Fraunhofer IPM offers sensitive measuring systems that detect contamination or defects on surfaces directly in the production line. By using a combination of imaging fluorescence measurement and laser scanners, the F-Scanners detect organic contamination of just a few milligrams per square meter. The scanning systems enable 100-percent inspection while generating a high-resolution map that reflects the distribution of organic substances on the surface. Beyond the inspection of component cleanliness or coating this often also indicates issues in the production process.

Industrial fan technology for effective, reliable, and flexible cooling.

Quick help in the event of machine standstill The tool, which takes the form of an app, helps FANUC service engineers to analyse machine failures remotely and safely. "Thanks to FAR, in some cases we were able to find a solution for our customers within 20 minutes," says Rolf Urban, Business Development Manager, Customer Service, FANUC Europe. “This is because the problem is often not rooted in the hardware, but somewhere else in the system, such as in the programming.” He continues: "FAR enables our service engineers to exchange images and videos with customers via a secure data connection, and write annotations in real time. This gives us a clear understanding of what is happening in the machine’s environment and simplifies remote troubleshooting.” Even in cases when FANUC dispatches a service engineer to the customer's production site, FAR facilitates the planning of spare parts and tools, which can also shorten the service visit. Currently, FANUC's service interventions across Europe average less than 26 hours. In the future, thanks to FAR, Urban estimates that it could take an average of less than 24 hours to complete the repair from the time of customer call. Meanwhile, FANUC continues to expand the capabilities of its digital service. Already, the integration of an automatic translation function facilitates remote service support across different countries. Moving forward, FANUC is exploring the addition of features such as live data visualisation, smart glasses and repair instructions via explanatory video.

Flexible CNC systems and system solutions FANUC offers the widest range of CNC systems in the industry - from inexpensive controls with powerful functions to high-performance control systems for complex machine tools. Controllers, motors and amplifiers, cables and connectors are supplied as tailor-made packages - easy to install and tailored exactly to your needs. All FANUC CNC systems can be quickly programmed and are easy to operate. For the highest quality and short cycle times.