Manufacturing AUTOMATION magazine

"Canada’s leading publication providing industrial automation news and technology information aimed at the discrete and process industries."

E-newsletter
June, 2005
Volume 3, Issue 6

Today's e-newsletter is sponsored by...

The Actify Products are designed to easily and securely communicate 2D/3D CAD data
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EDITOR'S NOTE

I received a lot of e-mails from readers in response to my editorial "Do trade shows need an overhaul" in the May issue of Manufacturing AUTOMATION. Many of you agreed that trade-show attendance is on the decline, and suggested that it may be time for smaller, local or regional trade shows. A lack of free time and the cost to travel, both scarcer these days due to company downsizing and budget cuts, are the top reasons for the decline, as is the Internet's pervasiveness, you said.

Some of you wrote to say you disagree that trade shows have lost ground. One reader commented that trade shows are as important as ever, but that they have morphed into more specialized, even proprietary, events. He cited the Rockwell Automation Fair as an example of such an event, and pointed out that many large automation vendors have their own versions of the Rockwell fair.

I love hearing from readers because it shows that we are talking about issues that matter to you. We are always interested in knowing what's on your mind, so keep those letters coming!

Speaking of reader feedback, we recently sent out our annual reader survey to a randomly selected group of subscribers. This year we took our survey online and received a record number of responses. I would like to thank those who responded to the short questionnaire, and encourage those who haven't to take part. Your feedback helps us better serve you—Canada's industrial automation professionals—and make Manufacturing AUTOMATION your best source of industry news, trends and product information.

Today's e-newsletter is sponsored by...

A driving force in Canada since 1974, SEW-Eurodrive is the world leader in drive technology. SEW offers the industry's broadest range of Integrated Drive Solutions — more gearing types, more sizes and a vast array of made-to-match electronic speed control technology.

IN THE NEWS

GM to cut U.S. and Canadian jobs
General Motors Corp. will cut 25,000 manufacturing jobs in the United States by 2008, as well as some in Canada, and close a number of plants as part of a strategy to revive its teetering North American business, said the company's chairman and chief executive officer.

In his annual state of the business address in Wilmington, Del., GM chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner outlined four steps GM plans to take immediately to combat the sudden downturn—including a US$1.3-billion loss in the first quarter of this year—of its largest business unit.

"There are some structural issues—difficult, long-standing issues that we have to step up to and address. In doing so, it will be challenging and discomforting, but it is clear that not addressing them will cause significant risk to the long-term viability of our business," said Wagoner. He named weak retail sales, higher material costs and rising health-case costs that drive up new vehicle prices as the factors contributing to GM North America's poor performance.

Wagoner's four-step strategy, which GM expects will generate annual savings of $2.5-billion, includes:

• Increasing spending on new cars and trucks by $1 billion through next year, focusing primarily on North America;
• Overhauling sales and marketing strategies so that they focus on strengthening and clarifying the role of each of GM's eight brands. The company will continue to target its Chevrolet brand at mainstream markets and its Cadillac brand at premium markets, but it will market its other six brands—GMC, Pontiac, Buick, Saturn, Saab and Hummer—to niche markets. "In some cases, such as Pontiac and Buick, it will mean fewer but stronger entries in the future," Wagoner said;
• Closing more assembly and component plants over the next few years and slashing its U.S. workforce by 25,000 or more people by 2008 in an effort to save $2.5 billion annually. According to reports in the Globe and Mail, the lay-offs will affect General Motors of Canada Ltd. as well as GM's parts suppliers, predict union leaders and industry analysts;
• Making structural changes that address the company's "health-care burden." GM has been in discussions with the United Auto Workers and our other unions to significantly reduce GM North America's health-care costs. The company spends $1,500 in health-care expenses per vehicle—a number that represents a significant disadvantage in terms of GM's ability to compete against foreign competitors in investment, technology and other areas, said Wagoner.

First-annual automation users' forum an international affair
Automation hardware and software firm GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc. held its first annual "Discover Series" Users' Conference, "Discover 2005," in New Orleans (May 23-26). Discover 2005 served as a forum where attendees, leading companies and industry experts exchanged information about best practices in manufacturing, such as automation, Six Sigma, manufacturing digitization, lean manufacturing and change acceleration. More than 500 attendees, including international end users, OEMs and systems integrators, heard presentations from companies such as Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Nissan North America, Alstom Power and CH2M HILL. Conference participants also heard keynote addresses by Parker Shannon, project manager and lean manufacturing expert, Toyota; Don Richardson, director, manufacturing industry solutions, Microsoft Corp.; and Scott Donnelly, senior vice-president, GE Global Research. Participants also had the opportunity to view a technology showcase, and take advantage of on-site expertise. Automation integrators presented new techniques for optimizing existing equipment assets, proven methods for achieving regulatory compliance and design practices for high-availability systems. Hands-on workshops allowed users to test out automation applications ranging from new data management techniques, to motion control and plant-wide production management. The next Discovery Series Users' Conference takes place in 2006.

Toronto man jailed for repeated PEA violations
A Toronto man was jailed this month after the Ontario Superior Court of Justice found him in contempt of a previous order related to his violation of the Professional Engineers Act (PEA). Justice Harriet Sachs ordered Mohammad Hafeez to serve 30 days in prison and pay $19,863.81 to Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).

The previous order, dated November 7, 1995, instructed Hafeez to refrain from using the title "professional engineer" or any abbreviation or variation of that title as an occupational or business designation. Hafeez is not and never was a licensed professional engineer in the province of Ontario. The order also instructed him to refrain from using a term, title or description that would lead to the belief that he may engage in the business of professional engineering, and surrender to the PEO any business cards, site signs, seals or title blocks in his possession containing the words "professional engineer," "engineer," "engineering," or any abbreviation thereof.

Justice Sachs handed down the sentence after reviewing affidavit evidence from PEO's lawyers, and hearing evidence from Hafeez and his lawyer.

A PEO investigation revealed that in the spring of 2000, Hafeez described himself as a "structural engineer" and an "engineer" to clients and another person while working on a construction project in Toronto. The court also heard that Hafeez was previously convicted on four separate occasions of misrepresenting himself as "an engineer" while working on various projects in the Greater Toronto Area between April 1993 and June 1998. Fines were levied in the combined total of $85,000.

PEO administers the Professional Engineers Act by licensing professional engineers and setting standards for and regulating engineering in Ontario. Only licensed professional engineers can identify themselves with "P.Eng." after their names.

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Students wow judges at technical skills challenge
The fifth annual Hilltop Tech Skills Challenge, which took place in Etobicoke, Ont., last month, demonstrated an increased emphasis on the design process. The event, a partnership between the Canadian Fluid Power Association (CFPA), Technology Teaching Systems and the Toronto District School Board, provides Grade 8 students with hands-on experience building a mechanism with real-world applicability. The aim is to open young people's eyes to the world of technology careers. Many of the 19 teams in this year's challenge used poster boards to document their journey to the final configuration of their hydraulically actuated devices. Some used PowerPoint presentations to walk the judges through their design processes. "Over the five years of the competition, we've been very glad to see a steady rise in the sophistication of the presentations and the designs," says Neil Quimby, principal, Hilltop Middle School. "Every year we challenge the kids a little more, and every year they exceed our expectations."

Montreal trade show features loads of new products
The Montreal Plant Maintenance and Design Engineering Show (PMDS) attracted industrial professionals from across Canada in search of new industrial products and technologies. Co-located with the Advanced Manufacturing Expo Quebec (AM Expo), PMDS covers design engineering and original equipment manufacturing (OEM), plant and facility maintenance, and supply chain management, and took place at Place Bonaventure in Montreal (May 17-19).

This year's trade show featured industrial process technology, OEM and replacement components, design engineering technology, environmental technology, plant maintenance products and material management technology.

Among the exhibitors was Saint Laurent, Que.-based Famic Technologies Inc., a provider of automation software. Famic Technologies gave presentations on the latest version of Automation Studio, an industrial automation software designed for design engineers, maintenance and service personnel and trainers. The product is supposed to help accelerate a project's time-to-market, reduce downtime and troubleshooting time, and save on service and training operating expenses.

Toronto-based ifm efector Canada, a manufacturer of sensors and controls, was at the show exhibiting its new vibration monitor and compressed air sensor. The vibration monitor is designed to detect rolling element bearing failures and shaft imbalance conditions, while the compressed air sensor is meant for monitoring air consumption to detect leakage areas.

PMDS served as Sterner Automation's first time exhibiting at a trade show. The Toronto-based engineering firm, which shared a booth with its new Canadian representative, OEMpartners, came to the show to introduce its latest test-and-measurement equipment.

PMDS is sponsored by the Canadian Fluid Power Association, Plant Engineering and Maintenance Association of Canada and Institut de soudage du Québec. The show's organizer is Reed Exhibitions, Canada's leading producer of manufacturing events. The next PMDS takes place May 15-17, 2007 at the same location.

PACex International's new format a success
The 32nd annual PACex International, Canada's packaging, food process, material handling and logistics exhibition, demonstrated an expanded sector focus and a new integrated format. The show, which took place at its new location—the National Trade Centre in Toronto, (May 24-26)—was well attended by an international roster of exhibitors and attendees, and featured a wide variety of products and technologies. There were several first-time exhibitors from non-traditional segments, particularly from the food process and material handling and logistics sectors.

"The full impact of this year's show on Canada's estimated $180 billion-plus packaging, food process, material handling and logistics sectors will not be known for several months," says Alan M. Robinson, president and chief executive officer, PACex. "However, by all preliminary measurements, it is clear that PACex International 2005 has been our most successful show ever."

According to show organizers, PACex International's new integrated sector format combined with its relocation to the new venue received widespread approval from exhibitors and visitors alike. "Our ability to integrate all three of the show's product segments into one continuous space in Canada's largest and most advanced trade show facility clearly provided efficiencies and synergies not previously possible" says Maria Tavares, exhibition manager. Exhibitors also cited the quality of visitor traffic and numbers of sales leads they collected, she says. The next edition of PACex takes place May 8-10, 2007.

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PRODUCT FOCUS: ROBOTICS

Miniature magnetic cylinder sensors with GMR Technology

ifm efector’s new line of miniature magnetic cylinder sensors incorporate Giant Magnetoresistive technology (GMT) to provide high sensitivity to magnetic fields in pneumatic cylinder applications. With the integration of GMR technology, ifm’s magnetic sensors offer accuracy, repeatability, fast-response times, and immunity from long-term effects of magnetic fields, according to the company. The sensors are polarity independent and provide piston-position detection regardless of magnet orientation. Designed for rugged industrial applications, the durable sensors have an unlimited number of cycles, which reduces sensor replacement through the life of the cylinder. The sensor features top-loading mounting that eliminates the need to remove cylinder end-caps. During installation, the integrated snap-fit tab prevents the sensors from sliding, even in vertical positioned cylinders, says the company.

Sensors with conveyor technology

Wenglor has developed an entire line of sensors especially for use in conveyor technology. These OPT sensors are mounted between the rollers and recognize the flow of materials on the roller conveyor, according to the company. Features include built-in accumulation/discharge logic; ranges up to 6500 mm; full encapsulation — IP65; integrated pneumatic solenoid valve option; electronically adjustable background suppression; and low profile installation eliminates damaged sensors.

‘Flat pack’ capacitive proximity sensor

Carlo Gavazzi Inc. has expanded the third generation of its TRIPLESHIELD capacitive sensors to include a thin-profile rectangular housing. The new housing design of the CD46 incorporates many of the new features and functions of the third generation TRIPLESHIELD, thus making it the most versatile and advanced capacitive sensor on the market. The microprocessor-based sensors now feature a single push-button “Teach Mode” that allows the user to program the sensing range and output, eliminating the need for a potentiometer. The sensors also have a remote-teach wire, allowing them to be fully programmed from a remote location. Sensing range is up to 10 mm, and the housing is only 5.5 mm thick. These versatile sensors can be mounted directly on non-metallic surfaces. Stable mounting is ensured by means of screws in diagonal mounting holes. The thin profile allows the sensor to be mounted on pipes with small diameters, using a retaining strap in guide rail on the sensor housing. The sensor can also be recessed into a tank wall and fastened with countersunk screws. The sensors are available in either NPN or PNP, and will automatically adjust for flush or non-flush mounting. Additional features include dirt, moisture, and water compensation, which allow the sensors to continually adjust and optimize their performance under difficult environments.

Today's e-newsletter is sponsored by...

CMTS is the place to source and compare leading-edge production technology and innovation. With more than 600 leading manufacturers and distributors gathered under one roof, the CMTS is Canada's definitive manufacturing event—and the most convenient, cost-effective way to gather the information needed to make sound purchase decisions.

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

June 20-24
Fiber Optic Installer Certification, Five-day seminar, Mississauga, Ont. For more information, or to register, call 905-785-8012, e-mail mrfiber@canada.com, or visit www.fiberoptictraining.com.

June 22-24
ARC Advisory Group's Thirteenth Annual Performance Driven Manufacturing Forum, Boston, Mass. For more information, or to register, visit www.arcweb.com/res/forumbos.

June 27-29
Voice Data Video Network Cabling Systems Inspection, Three-day seminar, Mississauga, Ont. For more information, or to register, call 905-785-8012, e-mail mrfiber@canada.com, or visit www.fiberoptictraining.com.

July 18-21
Infrared Thermography Level I Certification Course, presented by ITC Canada, Saskatoon. For more information, or to register, visit https://infraredtraining.com, or contact Lynn Tramble at 800-613-0507 ext. 25, or lynn.tramble@flir.com.

July 26-27
National Center for Manufacturing Sciences and the Association for Manufacturing Technology Joint Technology Conference, Four Points Sheraton, Ann Arbor, Mich. For more information, or to register, visit www.ncms.org.

September 13-14
RFID Supply Chain Solutions 2005, Halifax. For more information, or to register, visit www.softmatch.com, e-mail info@softmatch.com, or call 416-756-3221.

September 14-15
2005 ISA Toronto Showcase and Symposia, Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto. For more information, or to register, visit www.isa.org/~toron/.

September 14-15
System Integration Symposia and Exhibits (SISEX) 2005, organized by ISA Toronto Section, Holiday Inn Select, Toronto. For more information, or to register, www.isa.org/~toron/.

September 27-29
International Robots and Vision Conference along with the Assembly Technology Expo, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Ill. For more information, or to register, visit www.atexpo.com.

October 17-20
Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show, including National Factor Automation Show and Canadian Machine Tool Show, National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto. For more information, or to register, visit www.cmts.ca.

For more industry events, visit www.automationmag.com, where you can also subscribe to the magazine and read online exclusives.

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