Category Archives: Applications and solutions

Industry 4.0 Workshop

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Industry 4.0 Workshop

Regner® Editorial Team

Aiguaviva -

24/02/2020

forta4

In early 2020 we received an invitation to attend an event led by six companies in the field of Industry 4.0.

The aim of the workshop was to presenttechnological advances – accompanied by real-world applications – in the areas of automation, digitalisation and industrial safety.

The event was to take place at La Fortalesa in Sant Julià de Ramis, which is less than ten kilometres from Girona.

In addition to our interest in the event itself, the location was an additional attraction, since La Fortalesa is an iconic site that amazes everyone who visits.

As well as being architecturally unique, the fortress houses a jewellery museum and an art gallery. It also has a large oval hall with a high vaulted ceiling for events. This large auditorium is where the series of lectures on the latest innovations in Industry 4.0 were to be take place.

On 20.02.2020, a REGNER®team made up of technical experts and engineers arrived at La Fortalesa hoping to gain a broader vision of the latest intelligent industry products and solutions.

The group of companies that exhibited their products for industry in the Girona region were:

– AVENTICS
– BAUMER
– BIHL+WIEDEMANN
– ESA AUTOMATION
– LENZE
– SEIS ADECUACIONES INDUSTRIALES

AVENTICS

Aventics is part of Emerson Automation Solutions and is one of the world’s leading brands in pneumatic components and systems The pneumatic systems engineering company offers products and services for industrial automation, as well as for the food technology, packaging, medical and energy industries.

www.aventics.es

BAUMER

Baumer is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sensors, encoders, measuring instruments and components for machine vision systems Baumer is a family-owned company employing approximately 2,300 employees worldwide with 38 offices in 19 countries.

www.baumer.com

BIHL+WIEDEMANN

BIHL+WIEDEMANN is a German company founded in 1992 by Jochen Bihl and Bernhard Wiedemann in Mannheim. The highly specialised engineering company is one of the leading suppliers of safety technology and electronic components for automation technology.

www.bihl-wiedemann.es

ESA AUTOMATION

ESA AUTOMATION is a manufacturer specialising in industrial automation. ESA Automation offers solutions in: SCADA, CNC-Motion, Remote Assistance, Drives & Motors, SoftPLC Codesys, HMI, HMI+PLC, I/Os, Industrial PCs (IPCs), Web Panel, and power control solutions.

www.esa-automation.com

LENZE

LENZE is a German group of companies specialising in automation and drive technology worldwide. The Lenze Group is based in Hamelin, not far from Hanover. With all the advantages of a global player, it offers products, drive solutions and complete automation systems, as well as services and engineering tools.

www.lenze.com/es-es/

SEIS ADECUACIONES INDUSTRIALES

SEIS ADECUACIONES INDUSTRIALES is an engineering company specialising in machine safety. The company offers all the necessary services to ensure that machines comply with European directives and current regulations: CE marking, adaptation and certification to RD1215.

www.seismaquinaria.es

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Elebia, the leader in intelligent lifting systems, launches its new solution

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Elebia, the leader in intelligent lifting systems, launches its new solution

Regner® Editorial Team

Aiguaviva -

10/01/2020

ELEBIAJ

The NEO generation has arrived: Versatility in cranes

Elebia’s history dates back to 2006, when its founder, industrial engineer Oscar Fillol,had to buy some cranes for the company he worked for. To his surprise, he discovered that the solutions on the market were incomplete.

Everything was automatic, remotely controlled and highly automated, but there was an obvious gap when it came to hooks.Fillol wondered how it was possible that, despite the existence of cranes with a high level of automation, in the end an operator had to climb onto the load to attach it to the hook. You could buy the most sophisticated crane on the market and yet, in the end, the operators still had to manually connect the load; this did not make any sense.

After three years of research and a million euros of investment,this engineer from Barcelonamade the automatic hook a reality – with remote control that attaches and releases loads remotely and in complete safety.

Since then it has no longer been necessary for an operator to climb onto the load and manually place the slings or chains on the hook. Now Elebia’s intelligent hook is at the end of the crane arm. It is positioned over the load and operates on its own, remotely controlled by the crane operator,and only requires the rigging equipment to have a metal componentthat responds to a magnet.

Today, Elebia is a world leader in intelligent lifting solutions. Proof of this is that the company, which is based in Canet de Mar (Barcelona), supplies its technological solutions to leading companies such as Rolls-Royce, Space-X, ArcelorMittal, Boeing, Airbus, Siemens and Tenaris, among many others.

Equipping cranes for the future

Decades of experience in the construction sectorhave led Elebia to designand build automatic hooks capable of offering impeccable performance in lifting mechanisms anywhere in the world.

The latest generation of NEO Lifting Hooks with advanced electronics offers construction companies unmatched performanceand the ability to meet the challenges of a wide variety of loads, whether precast concrete, formwork or metal structures.

This new solution, which can be easily integrated with current and future loading crane automation,makes work faster and safer, with a significant reduction in worker movements.

“Our goal has always been to provide the world’s most advanced and innovative crane hook that improves safety and productivity in loading operations.”

Oscar Fillol

Founder and CEO of ELEBIA

In addition, this solution allows the addition of value-added services such as a user control system and a real-time clock.All events (open hook, closing hook, overload alarm, unbalanced alarm, temperature alarm, service warning) are recorded and exported to a spreadsheet. By storing this information, users can manage information about the use of the hooks and any alarm events that may have occurred.

Thanks to its unique features,the NEO Lifting Hook offers a truly flexible solution for all lifting needs,while improving productivity, safety and comfort for the operator.

Regner® designs the linear actuator for the NEO lifting hook

The new automatic hook series is equipped with REGNER® linear actuators This is a customised version of the RA38 actuator, one of the most precise and robust REGNER®actuators, which has been designed to work perfectly in the tightest of spaces.

The RA-38 is a high-quality actuator that has been adapted to Elebia’s requirements. The person who analysed the initial data and guided the execution of this project, Elebia’s Product Engineer Jordi Fabra, was very clear about what he was looking forwhen he spoke to our engineers last September.

Fabra wanted ahigh level of customisationwith a shorter stroke length, as well as special cables and connectors to facilitate communication between the interface and the control system; all at a very competitive price.

Having REGNER® actuators meansnot only getting a product tailored to the customer’s needs, but also having the support and collaboration of a team of engineers and technical experts with extensive knowledge and years of years of experience in a wide range of applications and products for motion control.

After the design, manufacture and integration of the new actuator into the NEO solution, Elebia’s Product Engineer Jordi Fabra could only conclude:

“The RA38 actuator has fully satisfied all our requirements”

The NEO Lifting Hook is equipped with REGNER® linear actuators The lifting hook approaches the lifting point and, thanks to the highly customised RA38 linear actuator, the closing operation begins. Equipped with a contact sensor, the NEO Lifting Hook detects when the load is correctly positioned and NEO closes automatically.

Once the LED indicator activates, the load is ready to be lifted and transported. All this makes this system productive and reliable, as it allows for a significant reduction in handling operations.

The construction industry requires precise and robust equipment. All systems must undergo rigorous quality controls.

REGNER® electric linear actuators offer a level of precision that is only possible through the use of the highest quality components. In addition, REGNER® actuators are subjected to rigorous test procedures in which endurance tests are carried out to ensure reliable operation in applications and environments anywhere in the world.

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For ONECLICK electric linear actuators FARO® chooses REGNER®

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For ONECLICK electric linear actuators FARO® chooses REGNER®

Regner® Editorial Team

Aiguaviva -

04/10/2019

FARO

FARO Technologies is the world’s leading company in 3D measurement technology. The company develops and markets computer-aided measurement and imaging equipment and software. FARO technology enables high-precision 3D measurement, imaging and comparison of complex parts and structures in production and quality assurance processes.

The company’s global headquarters are in Lake Mary, Florida while its research and development facility is inExton, Pennsylvania. The state-of-the-art technology centre at 290 National Road in Exton was opened in March 2014 to support the company’s plans for growth.

FARO was attracted to Exton due to the location’s proximity to FARO’s existing facility in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and also because of the highly skilled workforce in this area of the north-eastern United States. Exton is on the high-tech corridor that extends from Washington to Boston, where large national and international companies are concentrated. The centre houses the optical metrology research laboratories where engineers research and test new materials and continuously innovate to improve FARO’s product offering.

OneClick

The new automated inspection system from Faro®

The President and CEO of FARO, Simon Raab, has reason to celebrate. FARO has announced the availability of the OneClick measurement system:

“With FARO OneClick, we have directly addressed a whole series of weaknesses that the industry has had since the invention of 3-axis coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Specifically, we’ve addressed the programming of difficult and complex parts that needed a highly trained quality inspector, as well as the problem of expensive fittings, all of which had combined to create a bottleneck in the inspection process.”

OneClick was created to be a more resource, space and cost efficient alternative to non-contact coordinate measuring machines.

OneClick was therefore equipped with a compact system comprising three components:

• A non-contact scannerthat captures millions of high-resolution 3D coordinate measurements in seconds. The device includes an integrated processor and is mounted on a flexible mechanical arm that allows the scanner to scan with maximum coverage.

A highly adaptive rotating fixturing table that allows a part to be mounted and rotated to capture complete part data

Fully integrated and intuitive software designed specifically to optimise the OneClick user experience

Fully automated programming

With the learning mode, OneClick allows usersto set up a repeatable inspection routine without manual intervention. In this process, the software automatically moves through a series of critical steps:

1 – The model CAD file is first imported into the software and a scan is performed

2- A representative part is mounted on the turntable and scanned

3- The initial CAD model and scanning data are used to determine the optimal way to scan and measure the part in the future

4-The result of the standard inspection reports is defined by the parameters identified by the Geometric Dimension and Tolerance (GD&T) information embedded in the CAD file.

Once the automated programming routine has been completed, subsequent parts and assemblies can be automatically measured and reported at the press of a button. As a result, the training process is significantly reduced as skilled personnel are no longer required to conduct the process and users are assured that the results are the same every time, regardless of which operator is performing the measurement.

Linear technology that overcomes space limitations

When the R&D team of FARO Technologies Inc. contacted REGNER® they were very clear about what they needed from a new automated inspection solution.

Gene Vinshtok, the experienced Mechanical Engineer for 3D Imaging leading the OneClick development team,was designing a fast, fully automated, high accuracy point cloud inspection system for small to medium sized parts.

Along with the new design, it was necessary to find a very compact actuator to be able to integrate it into the positioning arm to allow data capture in a way that was integral to the part. In addition, it was necessary to find a linear motion solution that would facilitate measurement more quietly.

The solution proposed by the REGNER® engineers was an electric linear actuator with a diameter of 36 mm. Aheavy-duty spindle and a highly efficient 24V DC permanent magnet motor were installed to work withmaximum precisionand reliability.

Finally, the actuator has proven to be not only the perfect design solutiondue to its integration in the positioning arm, but also provides superior acoustic comfort by working quietly below 50 decibels.

Gene vinshtok praised our engineer's work:

"The actuator meets the design requirements and works very well. Also, we really like the way it operates so quietly."

Regner®, the perfect balance between form and function

REGNER® is a technology company and in designing our products we attach as much importanceto function as to form. Our motion solutions have to function correctly and also distinguish themselves by their design.

The challenges –in many cases the lack of space and the high technical requirements– challenge our engineers to question the design and to think about how to make it work better. Not many manufacturers are able to develop compact electric actuators that will continue to function for many years. That’s why we invest many hours in R&Dand have a team of engineers who combine the best linear engineering with innovative developments to make linear actuators with excellent performance and outstanding design.

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REGNER® provides powerful mini actuators for the QM-7 SEDEO ERGO

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REGNER® provides powerful mini actuators for the QM-7 SEDEO ERGO

Regner® Editorial Team

Aiguaviva -

16/05/2019

sedeo-ergo

On December 12, 2016, California-based Sunrise Medical LLC announced the launch of the QM-7 SEDEO ERGO power wheelchair. Its most advanced power wheelchair offers function and luxury for a unique driving experience. The combination of a cutting-edge seating system with advanced suspension technology creates an incredibly smooth experience on various terrains, which offers utmost comfort in any position.

According to Pete Coburn, US Commercial Operations Head at Sunrise Medical, “the new QM-7 with SEDEO Ergo seating is designed to be the most innovative mid-wheel drive power chair in the industry. This design was driven by feedback from clinicians, dealers, and end-users to create the best experience for the client”.

Sunrise Medical's vision for enhancing the lives of people with disability

Sunrise Medical is committed to improving people’s lives by creating innovative, high-quality products and services. The company is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of powered wheelchairs and positioning systems.

REGNER® is proud to be among the strategic partners contributing to making the QM-7 SEDEO ERGO the company’s most innovative mid-wheel drive power wheelchair.

The RA-MINI, the perfect combination of power and campact design

Power wheelchair users shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort for function. To this end, the RA-MINI actuator enables the system to achieve full suspension at any elevation, seating position or driving speed. This offers unparalleled stability and security to users while negotiating uneven surfaces and transitioning from ramps to level surfaces.

For this to work in an application where space is of the essence, the RA-MINI combines power and compact design. Indeed, the reliable RA-MINI actuator supports loads of up to 45 Nand presents a sturdy aluminum housing, which allows for a high IP54 protection, all in a device that fits in the palm of your hand. In the suspension system of the QM-7 SEDEO ERGO, it is located in a specially-shaped tiny receptacle on the platform.

Additionally, the RA-MINI has an overcurrent protection system, which prevents any damage to the motor. When the actuator reaches its fully extended or fully retracted positions, an electronic limit switch automatically cuts off the current to prevent damage to the motor. When it reaches either stroke end point, the actuator can move only in the opposite direction, until it is separated from the limit and it can resume its normal function and move freely in either direction.

The RA-MINI is the suspension locking system key device in the QM-7.

Steering the direction of future mobility

As an innovative company, REGNER® has a long tradition of developing advanced solutions to solve the most complex industry challenges. We apply in-depth knowledge of the latest materials and processes to design outstandingly reliable products and applications for our customers. And, since 2005, we are proud to partner with Sunrise Medical to improve the lives of people with a disability.

Manufacturing power wheelchairs is a lot like manufacturing cars. Both vehicles need to be customized following users’ requests, adding precise outfitting, and with exquisite attention to detail. Both vehicles need to be built in a just-in-time manufacturing process that uses the best technology to meet the most demanding needs. In both cases, innovative antibacterial textiles, superior speed control motor encoders, silent linear actuators, integrated intelligent drive systems or wireless communications are shaping the industry.

Dan Amman, President of General Motors—one of the oldest car manufacturers in the US—, recently stated: “We think there’s going to be more change in the world of mobility in the next five years than there has been in the last 50 years” Specifically, the shift is related to consumer behavior, in that new technologies alter the way that users express their satisfaction towards solutions and services. Thus, remote communications and big data will play an important role in meeting the demands for the most sophisticated products.

REGNER® is fully involved in these changes and offers a full range of reliable remote control solutions.

We focus on improving precise feedback and delivering relevant information for the most exigent applications.

The RA-MINI is integrated into the QM-7 base and suspension lock system.

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A cleaner Pittsburgh thanks to Gecko Robotics

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A cleaner Pittsburgh thanks to Gecko Robotics

Regner® Editorial Team

Aiguaviva -

08/03/2019

pittsburgh-cleaner-2

When asked about the best city in the US to find an attractive job, images of New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles automatically come to mind. No wonder, for all of them offer unique job opportunities, and they are all impressive cities. However, they did not make it to the top of the 2018 list of best cities for jobs.

On the contrary, a report by Glassdoor claims that the best American cities to find a job are mid-sized metropolises, which offer better incentives than bigger cities. Thus, by considering how easy it is to get a job together with the degree of satisfaction of employees as well as the cost of living, the report finds that Pittsburgh is the most valued city to work in, followed bySt. Louis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Hartford.

Such an achievement is the result of Pittsburgh’s ability to rise from the ashes following the closure of steel mills in the 1980s. Indeed, a strong commitment to an economy based on technology, robotics, health, engineering, education and finance has turned Pennsylvania’s second largest city into a sustainable city with ample green spaces, good public transportation, and 68 institutions of higher education including both colleges and universities.

Pittsburgh certainly feels rejuvenated, full of energy, and also a lot cleaner, and part of that change has been Gecko Robotics‘ doing. Founded in 2015, this technology company was created to solve the maintenance problems undergone by most industrial plants. That is, given that maintenance relied solely on manual labor, and because of the great dimensions of their facilities, the inspection of boilers was always incomplete, and doing predictive maintenance and preventing failures was impossible..

Owing to its in-line motor and its compact design, Gecko Robotics uses RA38 electric linear actuators in their inspection robots. In order to transform the development of this industrial activity, a team of engineering students from Grove City College developed robotic technology capable of scanning boiler walls with ultrasound transducers and an HD visual camera.

The students patented the technology, which provides magnetic adherence to the surface and allows robots to crawl boiler walls to inspect for damage, and they created Gecko Robotics. The name of the company, of course, is a reference to the great similarities between the inspection robots built by the Pennsylvanian company and geckos, a rapid reptile with great climbing skills, capable of crawling over trees in every direction and of very precise motion control thanks to its adhesive toe pads.

Owing to its in-line motor and its compact design, Gecko Robotics uses RA38 electric linear actuators in their inspection robots.

As stated in Gecko Robotics’ website, in industrial plants, boilers suffer from many forms of degradation while in service. Water Wall Tubes can degrade due to hydrogen damage, pitting, ash and soot-blower erosion, graphitization, under-deposit corrosion, thermal fatigue cracking, and creep damage. Gecko Robotics technology makes the work of human inspectors—who used to have to climb 150-feet-tall scaffoldings to detect damage—unnecessary Now, through ultrasound and visual inspections, robots detect any possible damage, saving time and money for industries while providing them with a safer maintenance solution.

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To build cost-efficient food systems, Roser Group relies on the new RA-44 electric actuator

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To build cost-efficient food systems, Roser Group relies on the new RA-44 electric actuator

Regner® Editorial Team

Aiguaviva -

27/02/2019

ROSER-ACTUATOR-WEB-01-1

The small gesture of reaching out for a product from a supermarket shelf has major implications for the food industry, and specifically for the meat sector. Consumers, now hyper-informed, are much more demanding in their shopping experience, and they take their time to read labels thoroughly. This change in behavior has led to modifications in the production process in order to meet higher quality standards.

In this context, the main challenge for the sector is to offer the best possible product while guaranteeing food safety and sustainability throughout the entire value chain. The future of the meat industry depends on the collaboration between the different links in the production chain with the goal of offering a sustainable production model.

Decades of experience in the designof machinery for the production of cured ham have made ROSER GROUP the technological partner of choice when it comes to acquiring a machine for dealing with such a highly valued product. Su know-how abarca el diseño y la fabricación de líneas de producción para sazonar, desengrasar y lavar jamones, así como máquinas para deshuesar o prensar jamones curados.

Engineers at ROSER GROUP are constantly researching new ways to create even more efficient machinery, looking for options that make machines more environmentally friendly and striving for ease of use and comfort for operators.

ROSER GROUP is a global leader in the design and manufacture of machinery, equipment and facilities for the ever-changing food industry, and for the meat sector in particular.

Founded in 1956, ROSER GROUP is a renowned corporate group which offers customers comprehensive solutions for every stage in the production of meat products through their versatile, highly automated, hygienic, and safe production lines.

In their search for overall improvements for their cured ham boning machines, engineers at ROSER GROUP were looking for a 24V, low-consumption linear actuator with a security system that allowed operators to determine the beginning and the end of the stroke, which required very little maintenance and with a high IP protection level to resist pressure washing.

The main goal of ROSER GROUP engineers was to combine versatility and reliability to provide greater added value to an already efficient method for cured ham boning.

The RA-44, the perfect solution for food industries requiring hygienic solutions

The RA-44 electric actuator by REGNER®, with its magnetic safety sensors, is an ideal option for applications in which it is necessary to monitor processes, such as cured ham boning machines. In this case, the actuator provides greater flexibility to the operators in terms of ease of use, given that they can control the beginning and the end of the stroke. The stainless steel sensors are perfect for food processing systems because of their thermal stability and their resistance to detergents.

Moreover, the RA-44 electric actuator is a technical solution with a long service life, it requires no maintenance—it does not need any kind of grease or lubricant oil—, and it has a protection degree of IP66, which makes it perfect to resist the pressure washing used for a thorough cleaning of the machine.

The food industry needs reliable actuators to hold, separate, feed or align products for human consumption. Industrial automation systems require maintenance-free precise moving systems with a good protection degree to respond to high hygiene demands.

RA-44 linear actuators by REGNER® help improve manufacturing processes in the food industry. They are accurate and versatile in integral applications, allowing for the production of different kinds of formats and products by merely changing the parameters on a dialog screen. Thus, the process is adjusted automatically, so it becomes considerably faster, and a very high operational versatility is achieved, which makes it possible to produce small batches.

The latest generation of cured ham boning machines by ROSER GROUP now offers an unparalleled performance by combining versatility and reliability in machinery capable of meeting the demands of the meat industry, whatever they may be.

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The missing face behind R&D

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The missing face behind R&D

Regner® Editorial Team

Aiguaviva -

25/01/2019

TRANSLATING-ret-01

Any country’s prosperity in a rapidly changing global economy depends critically on the quality and quantity of their R&D, a key driver of innovation. Research and Development activities are at the heart of each National Industrial Strategy with the goal to build a successful knowledge-based economy. Universities and public research institutes along with private companies are responsible for performing scientific and industrial research, measured by publications in scientific and engineering journals.

English is the language used to spread knowledge on an institutional level. For researchers who do not have a good command of English, the relationship with a specialized translator is essential. Working together with a technical translator, who considers not only the general language, but also the specific terminology, idioms or tone used in a particular field of knowledge is a major imperative in order to have an accurate communication and ultimately to be understood.

Let’s see three common scenarios where the technical translator plays a crucial role:

Let’s imagine that an Italian expatriated professional who has carried out the last 25 years of her R&D abroad in Pittsburgh (PA) has come across the opportunity to be granted funding by the Italian government who through a new R&D policy would like to have all their senior scholars back. She is eligible and meets all the requirements stipulated. Yet, at this point in her successful career, she simply cannot put her body of work into Italian since she has developed her entire career in English and knows all the corresponding nomenclature and idioms in this language. This should not be a barrier. To avoid missing out on this opportunity, a technical translator then steps in. A technical translator is the person with the resources to correctly address these government agencies with precise terminology

Now, we can consider a start-up company with a revolutionary sensor with endless applications. They are selling almost effortlessly in most European countries and even in the US but, for some reason, they seem unable to enter the French market, even though they have no direct competitors in France All the while, they have been consistently sending out the same promotional material to potential clients everywhere. Well, not exactly the same: the introductory e-mail for the French is in French, and it was written by one of the engineers in the team who took some classes back in high school. It probably isn’t the most accurate piece of writing, but it is worth a try… right? Well, the problem lies in the fact that the text says senseur as opposed to capteur, which is the word commonly used in France for this particular type of sensor, and that the e-mail uses such an informal tone that it can actually be misinterpreted as rude. Luckily, the translator noticed that right away, corrected the mistakes and fixed the overall tone of the text. Now, the sensor has a real shot of being sold all across France with a clear message reaching their potential clients.

Lastly, we have a Spanish engineer in his fourth year doctorate studies who is still asking himself in which language to write his thesis. It is true that the easiest option would be to write it in Spanish. However, his thesis has some specific audiences to address. If written in Spanish, it will certainly address the local university department and the academic community in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. Yet, writing it in English will dramatically broaden the potential audience, since many more people in the world can read English in comparison to Spanish. Nevertheless, do those additional people matter that much? That is up to the doctorate student to determine and the university to agree to. If the answer is yes, the PhD student will need robust support in order to elaborate the thesis as it would be written by a native English speaker because there are already many papers that you simply cannot understand. If you give importance to the language, in this case English, the support and best practices of a technical translator is invaluable to transmit the message and avoid unnecessary confusion or potential misunderstanding.

We would like to show our gratitude for always giving us your reliable guidance and instruction on the required detailed knowledge for our control motion research projects and for doing it with such a proactive attitude. Just when it seems there is no translation for a very specific term, she comes up with the relevant terminology having read a myriad of documents. It’s always a pleasure to work with Katie Linder because she makes what could have been very trying tasks that much easier.

In particular, we would like to pay a small tribute to Katie Linder who after 5 years at our company still pursues her curiosity and maintains a youthful eagerness to stay in the loop on emerging tendencies, the latest technological breakthroughs and innovations. Congrats on your 5 years at REGNER®!!!

She is indeed the face behind the scenes on our R&D activities, a professional with a passion for concise and accurate writing in English that leads our engineers to structure and prepare excellent papers worthy of an international readership. With her motto, “I’m always happy to help”, she is the invisible hand pitching in on so much of our work, be it for our documents, articles or technical reports. 

We would like to show our gratitude for always giving us your reliable guidance and instruction on the required detailed knowledge for our control motion research projects and for doing it with such a proactive attitude. Just when it seems there is no translation for a very specific term, she comes up with the relevant terminology having read a myriad of documents. It’s always a pleasure to work with Katie Linder because she makes what could have been very trying tasks that much easier.

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Behind wheelchair customization at Sunrise Medical in Fresno (CA)

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Behind wheelchair customization at Sunrise Medical in Fresno (CA)

Regner® Editorial Team

Aiguaviva -

30/09/2018

FRESNO-SUNRISE

Kurt Regner, founder and president of REGNER®, together with CEO Conxi Langreo visited the Sunrise Medical factory, located in Fresno (CA, US) last September. They had the chance to take a plant tour and to experience firsthand how Sunrise manufacturing capabilities contribute to the company’s overall strength.

The premises of the company are set in Fresno County, a hub for medical manufacturers. In this area, there is an important number of companies dedicated to health care and medical supplies with easy access to a skilled and productive workforce. Among them, Sunrise Medical, which benefits from the well-trained mass of engineers and technicians coming from the numerous universities that dot this Californian region. In order to better understand the company’s performance, strategy and current challenges, Regner and Langreo had the opportunity to take a plant tour.

"At Sunrise, we haven't built two wheelchairs
alike during 2018 "


Abraham Baez,
Senior Materials Manager

REGNER® actuators, making all the difference

Anyone who drives a Sunrise Medical wheelchair is in constant contact with the innovative electric linear actuator systems designed and manufactured by REGNER®. REGNER® linear actuators are used in every Sunrise Medical plant to guarantee reliable and silent motion.

The electric functions of Sunrise wheelchairs are operated by REGNER® linear actuators, which allow individuals worldwide to choose the right position on a daily basis: our actuators are used to lift or tilt the seat, adjust the angle of the footrest or the backrest, or control the chin, for example. Fully-compliant with international medical device standards, REGNER® specializes in creating customizable sleek linear actuators capable of providing safe, precise and clean movements.

Regner and Langreo had the chance to see the factory firsthand accompanied by Abraham Baez, Senior Materials Manager. The first thing he let us know: “at Sunrise, we haven’t built two wheelchairs alike in 2018”.The reason lies in one of Sunrise Medical’s key strategies, that is, to bring customized state-of-the-art mobility devices to the market at top speed. Customizing the product for the end user and doing it in a very precise and efficient manner is at the core of what Sunrise Medical is “We pride ourselves in delivering a wheelchair that can be fashioned in a myriad of configurations in just four days”, Abraham Baez highlighted, adding that “chances are everyone finds exactly what they want. The goal is to provide customers with what they want, when they want it”.

However, to put this apparently simple statement into practice is quite complex. Sunrise enables their customers to create their own power wheelchair with the specific mobility solutions they need by selecting from an array of materials and accessories. To do this, though, they rely on one single scalable design, platforms. Platforms are modular units that offer numerous configurations and that maximize the possibilities for building a large variety of power wheelchair models by carrying out only slight structural modifications and applying custom options ranging from styles to fabric choices. To cater for such a system, the layout of the factory has been redesigned considering the different platforms and, as Abraham Baez informs, “we have increased the number of platforms this year, so we have becomemore flexible in production. Now, we can ship even faster“.

Indeed, the ability to respond quickly to customer demands, to create solutions that exactly match their requirements and to swiftly ramp up production is a powerful and unique quality. This is particularly important at a time when competition is no longer just a matter of price and quality conformance. As the Senior Materials Manager remarks, “the growth and success of Sunrise Medical is based on the firm’s ability to produce custom power wheelchairs on demand, meeting the needs of each individual customer precisely and producing these items only after an order has been placed, thereby totally avoiding the risk of superfluous finished goods in stock”.

Moreover, an extensive network of trained dealers provide advice regarding Sunrise products. The company also partners with hospitals, training their clinical staff and providing support to physical therapists who regularly deal with matching the needs of patients challenged with complex rehabilitation needs.

Sunrise Medical has become a leader in the high-tech power wheelchair industry. The most important players in the field of mobility devices all pay particularly close attention to every move this global company makes No wonder, considering that Sunrise Medical builds the power wheelchairs that drive change, introducing innovation and efficiency at every turn.

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Norcranes, lifting equipment solutions to meet any challenge

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Norcranes, lifting equipment solutions to meet any challenge

Regner® Editorial Team

Aiguaviva -

22/08/2018

liftingequipment-actuators

NORCRANESis a dynamic manufacturer, headquartered in Trofa (Portugal), dedicated to development, manufacture, assembly and technical assistance of lifting and handling equipment. Serving a broad range of customers, including manufacturing and process industries, shipyards, ports and terminals, NORCRANES is committed to providing companies with lifting equipment and mobile lifting aid services that increase the value and effectiveness of their businesses.

Industrial cranes

NORCRANES is theindustry benchmark for safety, reliability, and cost saving. They provide all kinds of lifting applications for all kinds of industries, from standard to heavy-duty cranes, including electric overhead cranes and components.

Port and portal cranes & service

NORCRANES also provides expert maintenance and after-sale support as well as complete crane service worldwide for all types of harbor and shipyard cranes.

Crane service

NORCRANES provides an extensive range of services and unique capabilities dedicated toimproving safety and helping businesses decrease the cost of downtime while increasing productivity during uptime.

RA-38 In-line actuator series for Norcranes Lifting equipment

REGNER® linear electric actuators are the clearest choice to replace manual operations, gas springs, and hydraulic actuators. The main advantages that REGNER® electric actuators offer against those systems are:

  • Greater movement and positioning precision
  • Greater reliability and duration
  • High power density
  • Battery-powered machines
  • Easier and faster assembly
  • Safer and cleaner environment
  • Maintenance-free devices owing to its plug-and-ply actuator solution
  • Maintenance-free devices owing to its plug-and-ply actuator solution

With over 15 years of experience, NORCRANES technicians understand what it takes to keep equipment operating at full power. They provide preventive and corrective maintenance services for lifting equipment of all brands.

Regarding maintenance, they are able to inspect or design maintenance plans for lifting equipment, taking into consideration the specific characteristics and workload of each customer, in order to extend the life cycle of the equipment.

In the area of technical assistance, the highly-skilled technical teams at NORCRANES use their expertise to respond to any request at once. Their services include but are not limited to:

  • Equipment inspection
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Corrective maintenance
  • Part replacement

When NORCRANES receives an order for lifting equipment, they send the client a general arrangement drawing and general specifications for the equipment for approval. Production does not commence until approval is granted and approximate lead times are agreed upon. NORCRANES works following strict internal quality procedures in accordance with ISO9001-2015, and all their equipment is supplied complete with a Letter of Conformity and Full Working Instructions.

Ra38 in-line actuators are easy to mount and operate, require no maintenance, don’t leak hydraulic fluid and once installed they will work dependably year after year

The RA38 actuator series has proven field reliability, and ongoing development has opened a wide variety of application possibilities for lifting systems.

They are gasketed and totally sealed off for protection against liquids, dust and foreign particles as well as lubricants or grease, making them an ideal solution for equipment used outdoors. As an added value, the linear actuators in series RA38 are finished in anodized aluminum, which is corrosion resistant.

The RA-38 inl-line actuator series, ready for industrials enviroments

Replacing hydraulic cylinders with electrical linear actuators means a simpler and smaller installation, easier control, lower energy costs, higher accuracy, less maintenance, less noise and a cleaner, healthier environment.

The RA38 In-line Actuator Series offers advantages over mechanical and hydraulic systems in many applications. They are self-contained, sturdy, and durable, making them ideal for any application in which you want to lift, lower, push, pull, rotate or position a load.  These in-line actuators possess the following features:

La serie de actuadores en línea RA38 ofrece ventajas sobre los sistemas mecánicos e hidráulicos en muchas aplicaciones. Son autónomos, resistentes y duraderos, lo que los hace ideales para cualquier aplicación en la que haya que levantar, bajar, empujar, tirar, rotar o colocar una carga. Estos actuadores en línea poseen las siguientes características:

Compact design

RA38 in-line actuators adapt and can be used in confined areas.

Reliable and sturdy

the RA38 In-line Actuator Series incorporates strong and high-quality components to assure hassle-free service. It presents a sturdy design, helical gearing, quality lubricant, and a high performing motor allowing for maximum life and value. They are gasketed and sealed throughout for protection against liquids, dust and foreign particles as well as lubricants or grease, so they are ideal for use in outdoor equipment. To resist corrosion, they are finished in anodized aluminum.

Maintenance-free

all adjustments and lubrication are made at the factory and no maintenance is required or recommended. Consistent, repeatable performance is provided during the entire lifetime of the actuator.

Safe operation

RA38 in-line actuators incorporate thermal switches to shut the actuator off in case of overheating.

Process manufacturing at REGNER® runs by Lean Principles. Our organization has a successful set of tools that we use daily to continually improve manufacturing operations and product development processes. With this approach, we avoid waste in every aspect of our business and we focus on achieving outstanding results that create competitive advantages in quality and production.

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RA47X high-speed actuator: reliable control for Caudwell Marine’s newest propulsion system

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RA47X high-speed actuator: reliable control for Caudwell Marine’s newest propulsion system

Regner® Editorial Team

Aiguaviva -

28/02/2018

motor-boat-2

Caudwell Marine is a Cape Town-based manufacturer of high-performance racing and recreational marine engines, with a drive for pushing the boundaries of innovative engineering in everything they do. Leading the industry with award-winning technology and designs, Caudwell Marine outboards provide features and benefits that make boating more enjoyable. Their solutions offer clean technology and fuel efficiency while providing power and low maintenance needs in its compact design.

Founded in 2011 by English billionaireJohn Caudwell in partnership with South African entrepreneur Mike Beachy Head, Caudwell Marine (PTY) LTD was created to develop a marine propulsion system through a revolutionary design that boasted zero power loss from engine to propeller. It took over seven years of research and testing by their engineering team, but they finally reached their goal and got to a first production phase. They created an internationally patented innovative design that maximized power, durability and efficiency for the luxury leisure boating market in the 16 to 40-foot range.

Caudwell Marine launched their new propulsion system at the International Boat Builder’s Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) in Miami (Florida) in October 2007. To develop their challenging products in the large leisure marine industry, Caudwell Marine partnered with independent boat builders and established close and trusting partnerships. This has allowed them to gain a solid experience in their field and to grow steadily over the years, and has translated into a global client base for the company.

Optimal actuator design for a marine application high in demand

By analyzing the expected product growth as well as expected market demands, Caudwell Marine realized that there is a growing market for more powerful outboard motors capable of providing class-leading durability, maximal torque and power to weight ratio, fuel efficiency, minimal emissions, smooth power, and safer handling. T That is why they are constantly updating and improving their drive systems by reviewing their engines’ ECUs, developing modern electronics with NMEA-2000-CAN-compliant systems and steering-by-wire solutions, and redefining modern electronics for control and display purposes.

So, as more powerful outboards are needed, more demanding technical requirements have to be met. t is in this particular road map that the South African manufacturer contacted REGNER© in October 2017 to build a sturdy and reliable linear actuator, which had to provide high speed in a very short stroke intended for gear selection applications.

Caudwell’s requirements were very clear: they needed reliable electric linear actuators with analog feedback for precise positioning, and the first prototypes had to be delivered by February 2018. 

Therefore, REGNER® had five months to design, test and produce a very complex solution.

Specifically, the demanding actuator for marine environments had to meet the following technical specifications: 

Max. load
1.000 N
Max. speed
Up to 70 mm/s
Stroke length
40 mm
Compact design
240,5 mm
Ip rating
IP65
Limit switches
At stroke end points
Positioning
Analogue feedback

On average,the development of a new linear solution takes a minimum of five monthsfrom start to the beginning of serial production (start of production, SOP). The process of designing and developing a new linear actuator requires research, finding certified high performance materials, and assuring compliance with safety standards.

In this case, we worked virtually, yet closely, with the engineers of Caudwell Marine by defining the different standards that the actuator solution had to meet, and we established a Gantt Chart to get the project under control with its relevant milestones.

After making sure everyone understood all the requirements, we performed several calculations to define the appropriate permanent magnetic motor. Once the motor was chosen and tested, we designed the different components and their connections. We integrated controls, wiring, PCB transmission, and other technical parts. Once that was done, we assembled some units, checked tolerance, and performed tests on functionality, load, temperature, EMCs, and fatigue.

“ I must inform you that myself and the team are very excited regarding the final solution you are providing. We are very impressed”

Jean Pierre Jacobs
Drive-train Manager at Caudwell Marine

Exceeding customer expectations

Tests show defects or possible improvements that lead to further optimization of the design. In the case of the project for Caudwell Marine, rigorous testing lead to the modification of the actuator’s design, and we entered into a new iteration cycle with an improved prototype that was tested again. When all the testing results were satisfactory, the final prototype took form.

For this demanding application the outcome is a very robust actuator with a high IP degree and special anodized aluminum housing, making it ideal for use in even the harshest of marine environments. The RA47X offers top quality in every detail and ensures reliable performance with a duty cycle of max. 10 % in temperatures ranging from -20 ºC to +60 ºC.

Moreover, due to its compact size, the RA47X is well suited for applications that require short linear movements.

The linear actuator during the IP65 testing

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