Precision meets safety.

Lightweight couplings, safety brakes and intelligent monitoring for test stand technology

Test stand technology for automotive drives is undergoing fundamental change. The rise of e-mobility is profoundly changing test routines, speed profiles and requirement landscapes. What remains unchanged: Precision, reliability and process safety are indispensable in measurement technology. mayr® power transmission presents its coordinated portfolio for test stand technology – from the lightweight coupling ROBA® DS Type 9120, through proven safety brakes, to intelligent monitoring solutions.

Shaft misalignment compensation couplings are essential components in test stands. Based on the proven ROBA® DS steel disk pack coupling, mayr® power transmission offers a weight-optimized aluminum variant with the ROBA® DS Type 9120. Compared to the steel version, the outside diameter is reduced by up to 10 mm; mass and mass moment of inertia are 40% to 60% of the steel version, depending on the design and size – with unchanged performance density.

The development has incorporated extensive knowledge gained over many years in test stand technology, where high speed ranges have previously been the norm. The ROBA® DS 9120 is therefore also suitable for speeds of up to 32,000 rpm. Thanks to its lightweight construction, low mass inertia and high performance density, the aluminum coupling offers measurable advantages. The balance between rigidity and elasticity ensures the lowest possible restoring forces on the system. A balance quality of G 2.5 at 5,000 rpm ensures the necessary smooth running and low-vibration operation – a decisive basis for high measurement accuracy across all speed ranges.

As standard, the coupling features manufacturing tolerance IT6. A nickel-plated surface, disk packs made of stainless steel and galvanized connecting screws provide comprehensive corrosion protection. Backlash-free shaft connections via shrink disk hubs or external shrink disk hubs ensure reproducible measurement results. The coupling is compatible with all common torque transducers as standard.

Thanks to the modular construction system, the ROBA® DS 9120 can be flexibly configured from a variety of connection variants and modules, from high-performance test stands in research and development to end-of-line testing.

Safety brakes for test stands: Reliable protection for people and equipment.
In addition to coupling technology, mayr® power transmission is also presenting its extensive portfolio of safety brakes for test stand applications at Automotive Testing Expo. Test stands for automotive drives frequently include vertical axes and linear movements that must be reliably secured, whether during ongoing test operation, during maintenance work or in the event of a fault.

The ROBA® guidestop® profiled rail brake, for example, acts directly on the moving masses of the vertical axes and clamps them into position in a backlash-free manner and with high rigidity. It is available in hydraulic, pneumatic and electromagnetic designs and is compatible with all common linear guides. The ROBA® linearstop piston rod brake secures linear movements on round rods. It is a safety brake based on the fail-safe principle, meaning it is closed in the de-energized state, and is designed for dynamic emergency braking. The series comprises six sizes with forces ranging from 70 to 17,000 N.

The ROBA-stop M® series also provides a robust motor brake for compact protection directly at the drive motor. As a holding brake, it clamps reliably and holds the system in position; as a dynamic brake, it brings the load to a standstill in the shortest possible time.

The brake speaks: Smart modules for intelligent monitoring.
Constant, meaningful data streams are now indispensable in modern test environments. The ROBA® brake-checker® module monitors safety brakes sensorless and simultaneously supplies them with power. By means of an advanced analysis of current and voltage, it detects the switching condition of the brake and issues a warning before the brake can no longer release under the current operating conditions. This facilitates planned maintenance and enables the user to specifically investigate critical boundary conditions such as supply voltage that is too low, incorrectly dimensioned supply lines, elevated coil temperature and an enlarged air gap.

In combination with the ROBA® gateway module, the solution becomes network-compatible: The brake data can be continuously read out via an Ethernet connection and displayed visually on a dashboard. Anomalies in the test process can be detected at an early stage, maintenance becomes plannable, and downtime can be specifically minimized. Integration into remote maintenance systems is also possible.  

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@mepaxIntPR #mayr® #TandM #Manufacturing

Edge-mount board connector.

Production quantity are now available of Samtec's new high-frequency, 50 Ohm impedance, SMA edge-mount board connector delivering repeatable, reliable performance through 26.5 GHz. The edge-mount design terminates directly to the PCB edge, providing a compact signal path that minimizes discontinuities and lowers return loss when compared to vertical or right-angle connectors.

These connectors are suitable for 5G/6G wireless infrastructure, test & measurement, military, and aerospace applications. They feature a gold-plated body and contact (30 µin center contact, 10 µin outer contact) enabling superior electrical conductivity and durability. Their construction offers resistance to corrosion and enables up to 500 mating cycles. The 4-post through-hole design further enhances durability, allowing for greater mechanical reliability when connecting to the board.

Several coaxial cable varieties mate with Samtec’s SMA board connectors. Samtec offers SMA connector assemblies using low-loss flexible microwave cable in small and large diameters ranging from .047” to .277”, semi-flexible cable, or phase and amplitude stable Nitrowave™ high-performance cable (Series: LL043, LL032). Pairing the SMA connectors with a variety of cable types allows Samtec to support rapid application-specific customization, delivering efficient lead-time efficiencies with off-the-shelf solutions.

As frequencies increase, connector launches become increasingly complex. The company offers signal integrity support such as board launch optimization, e-field simulation, and 3D modeling to help ensure maximum performance through a system.

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@SamtecInc @TechWireIntl #Electronics #TandM  #Aerospace

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Planning and operational efficiency improving refining operations.

AI solution is aimed at higher refinery yield volume and efficiencies.

Emerson has announced the successful deployment of an Ai-driven optimisation solution for Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies. The collaboration commenced with the integration of Emerson’s Aspen Hybrid Models™ into Aramco’s existing refinery planning framework, resulting in the creation of one of the world’s largest multi-site, multi-period optimisation models.

By combining first-principles models, deep domain expertise, and purpose-built industrial Ai, Aspen Hybrid Models™ capture nonlinear relationships in yield and quality responses, significantly enhancing the accuracy of refinery planning models. The deployment has already achieved yield and quality prediction accuracy of up to 98.5% in key refinery units.

These hybrid Ai models have been implemented in Continuous Catalyst Regeneration (CCR) and Platformer Units, where they are enabling more precise feedstock blending, minimising gaps between planning and execution, and improving the accuracy of margin forecasting across Aramco’s global refining network.

Current efforts are focused on expanding the hybrid modelling approach to hydrocracker units across Aramco’s assets. This expansion is expected to further enhance model accuracy and demonstrate the scalability and robustness of this Ai-driven optimisation strategy across the enterprise.

“This deployment represents a significant milestone in Aramco’s AI strategy and our long-standing relationship with Emerson,” said Ahmad Alkudmani, director of the global optimiser department at Aramco. “We are committed to leveraging innovative technologies for smarter, more efficient refining optimisation. With improved model accuracy, we are enhancing planning decisions, reducing the manual adjustments required from our engineers, and uncovering new value across our global assets.”

Key benefits Aramco aims to achieve with Aspen Hybrid Models include:

• 98.5% yield and quality prediction accuracy – Substantially increasing yield volume and enhancing stream quality across diverse feedstocks, operating conditions and throughputs
• Efficiency through optimised feedstock blending – Diversifying feedstock selection and blending recipes to enable more profitable and sustainable operations
• Reduced planning-execution gaps – Minimising discrepancies between plans and actual plant performance, reducing the need for manual adjustments
• Enhanced model accuracy – Capturing complex non-linearities in critical unit operations such as reactors
• Improved operational efficiency – Automating model updates and reducing manual tuning requirements
• Scalable global solution – Maintaining model applicability across a wide range of refinery operations worldwide

Aramco is using Aspen Hybrid Models built and deployed in Emerson’s AspenTech Performance Engineering and Manufacturing and Supply Chain product suites. As a result, Aramco was able to create highly accurate nonlinear optimisations using thousands of converged simulation cases built upon rigorous first-principles models calibrated with actual plant data. The approach provides Aramco with a scalable, robust tool for global refinery planning.

“Aramco continues to set the standard for operational excellence through digital innovation,” said Claudio Fayad, chief technology officer of Emerson's Aspen Technology business. “This deployment of AI-driven Aspen Hybrid Models to optimise complex, multi-site, multi-period planning workflows demonstrates the tangible value of combining deep domain expertise with advanced AI. We are excited to expand our strategic relationship with Aramco as they advance their digital transformation goals.”

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@EmersonExchange @AspenTech @aramco @EMR_Automation  @Emerson_News @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Power #Ai

Test & measurement range unveiled.

A new lineup of Extech moisture meters, the Extech BR95 Video Borescope with modular environmental sensors, and the Flir VP54 Non-Contact Voltage Detector—expanding its portfolio of accessible, professional-grade test and measurement solutions has been launched.

Designed for building inspectors, restoration professionals, HVAC technicians, and electrical contractors, the new tools deliver improved visibility, faster diagnostics, and greater confidence across a wide range of inspection and troubleshooting applications.

Clear, reliable detection for building and restoration applications.
The new Extech MO50A, MO55A, and MO57A moisture meters provide flexible solutions for detecting moisture in wood, drywall, concrete, and other building materials. These updated models feature high-contrast color displays with backlight and intuitive visual and audible indicators to simplify interpretation in any environment.

• MO50A: A compact pin-type meter for fast, accurate measurements
• MO55A: A versatile combination pin and pinless meter for invasive and non-invasive testing
• MO57A: A pinless meter with a ball probe for smooth scanning across delicate or uneven surfaces

Together, the MO5xA-Series helps professionals quickly identify hidden moisture, assess water damage, and make informed remediation decisions.

Versatile inspection with expandable sensing capabilities.

The Extech BR95 Video Borescope introduces a new level of flexibility for visual inspections in tight or hard-to-reach spaces. Featuring a compact, palm-sized design, a 5.5 mm waterproof camera probe, and a 3.5-inch IPS display, the BR95 captures high-quality images and video for documentation and analysis.

What sets the BR95 apart is its ability to expand beyond visual inspection with optional environmental sensors, transforming it into a multifunction diagnostic tool:

• BR95-CO: Measures carbon monoxide from 0–500 ppm
• BR95-CO2: Measures carbon dioxide from 400–2000 ppm
• BR95-RH: Measures temperature and relative humidity 

 This modular approach enables users to perform HVAC inspections, indoor air quality assessments, and building diagnostics with a single platform—reducing the need for multiple tools and improving workflow efficiency. 

Reliable electrical verification with enhanced safety feedback.
The Flir VP54 Non-Contact Voltage Detector is designed to help professionals safely verify energized circuits before starting work. Featuring triple alarm feedback—visual, audible, and vibration alerts—the VP54 ensures voltage presence is clearly communicated even in noisy or low-light environments.

Additional features include:

• Bright LED flashlight and tip light for improved visibility
• Ability to differentiate live wires from neutral or ground
• CAT IV safety rating and compliance with UL1436 standards
• Rugged, drop-tested design for demanding field use

The VP54 provides electricians, inspectors, and technicians with a dependable tool for quick, confident electrical verification.

“Today’s professionals need tools that are not only accurate, but also versatile and easy to use across a wide range of environments,” said Heliel Morales, Director of Business Development - Test and Measurement. “With the introduction of the BR95 platform, enhanced moisture meters, and the VP54 voltage detector, we’re delivering practical solutions that help customers work more efficiently, diagnose issues faster, and make safer, more informed decisions in the field.”

Built for real-world applications.
Across industries, professionals face increasing pressure to work faster, safer, and more efficiently—often in challenging environments. This new lineup of tools is designed to address common pain points such as limited visibility, unreliable measurements, and the need for multiple devices.

By combining ease of use, durable design, and versatile functionality, these solutions support a wide range of applications, including:

• Building and home inspections
• Water damage restoration
• HVAC system diagnostics
• Automotive inspection
• Electrical troubleshooting and safety checks

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@planetextech @flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto

New head for Irish civil engineers.

Ciarán McGovern has been appointed President of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI). The Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo (IRL) native takes up the position at a critical time for Ireland’s infrastructure and housing delivery. The ACEI was founded in 1938, and is the representative body of consulting engineers in Ireland. It represents 125 member firms that employ over 5,500 people in Ireland.

Ciarán McGovern

A chartered engineer and Managing Director of TOBIN, McGovern’s appointment comes at a critical time for the sector, as Ireland faces growing pressure to deliver housing, energy and infrastructure projects.

As President, McGovern said his focus will be on improving collaboration between the engineering sector and client organisations to remove barriers to project delivery, while also strengthening the business environment for consulting engineers. He also called for reform of procurement practices, including a move away from lowest-cost tendering towards quality-based systems, and more balanced approaches to risk allocation.

McGovern warned that systemic challenges, including a widening talent gap and procurement practices, must be addressed if Ireland is to meet its infrastructure ambitions. He highlighted the scale of the challenge ahead, noting that the State is expected to invest approximately €100 million per day in capital infrastructure over the next decade.

“If we are serious about delivering housing and infrastructure, we need to create attractive, sustainable careers in engineering." he said. "We need to move towards a model where consulting engineers are treated as trusted advisors, not interchangeable suppliers. The coming decade will be fundamentally different to the last decade. The scale and urgency of infrastructure delivery will require new ways of working, greater collaboration and a stronger voice for engineering in decision-making.”

The appointment also coincides with the launch of ACEI’s new three-year strategy, which will focus on enhancing the influence, value and community of the consulting engineering sector.

Appointed at the ACEI AGM and he thanked his predecessor Tim Murnane for his exceptional leadership over the last year and his colleagues in TOBIN for their support.

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@ACEINews @TOBINengineers #Engineering 

Towards the simplification of the complex lives of restoration contractors.

An enhanced integration between Flir's professional-grade iXX-Series thermal imaging cameras and RocketPlan, the leading mobile-first platform for the property restoration industry has been announced. This collaboration embeds high-resolution thermal data directly into digital field workflows, allowing restoration professionals to document moisture damage and structural anomalies with unprecedented speed and precision.

In an industry where "time is money" and documentation is the primary currency of insurance claims; this integration effectively eliminates the traditional bottleneck of manual data entry. By syncing Flir iXX-Series cameras with RocketPlan’s cloud-based ecosystem, thermal imagery is automatically tagged by project, room, and timestamp. This seamless connectivity ensures that every thermal insight captured on-site is immediately useful, rather than being trapped on an SD card or lost in a camera’s internal memory.

Thermal imaging remains the gold standard for detecting hidden moisture and insulation failures, yet the manual transfer of files from camera to report often leads to data silos and administrative delays. 

"Restoration professionals require more than just a great image; they need that image to be actionable and defensible," said Heliel Morales, Director of Global Business Development . "By integrating Flir’s industry-leading thermal clarity directly into the RocketPlan workflow, we are helping firms reduce administrative overhead and provide the transparent, high-quality documentation that insurance adjusters demand."

The benefits of this integration extend beyond the field technician to the entire restoration business. Images captured via the iXX-Series, Flir ONE and Flir Edge are instantly synced to the specific job file, which removes the risk of lost or mislabeled data. Technicians can then overlay this thermal data with floor plans, moisture readings, and time-tracking within a single mobile interface. This level of transparency allows office teams to share standardized, professional reports with insurance partners in real-time, significantly accelerating claim approvals and project completion.

"Our mission is to simplify the complex lives of restoration contractors," added Joe Tolzmann, CEO of RocketPlan. "Partnering with Flir allows our users to capture critical thermal insights and organize them instantly. It’s about moving from the assessment phase to the mitigation phase faster than ever before."

While the Flir iXX-Series offers the ruggedness and resolution required for large-scale loss, the RocketPlan integration also supports the Flir ONE® Series, Flir Edge®, and the Flir MR277 moisture meter with IGM™. This ensures that every member of a restoration crew, from the lead estimator to the technician, has access to the tools they need on a single platform. The integrated solution is available now for RocketPlan subscribers and Flir users.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto 

PanEuropean optoelectronics.

Anglia Components has signed a Pan-European distribution agreement with Isocom Components the leading manufacturer of high performance infrared optoelectronic devices. Anglia now stocks Isocom Components full range of cost effective opto isolators including equivalents for all the popular commercial industry standard types, including discontinued models.

LtoR:John Bowman, Anglia with
Karl Murray, Isocom Components

“Isocom Components is one of the most respected brands in the worldwide optoelectronic industry”, says John Bowman, Anglia’s Marketing Director. “We are very impresses by the short leadtimes that the company offers which is due to its expertise and flexible manufacturing processes, and Isocom Components can also carry out special parametric selections to meet customer’s specific circuit design requirements.”

Karl Murray, Sales and Marketing at Isocom Components adds: “We are excited to join Anglia, especially as they are now bringing their famed customer service – which is renowned in the UK and Ireland – to customers all across the EU. Anglia’s innovative supply chain programs, including sampling, 90-day credit and customer loyalty schemes fit well with Isocom Components technological advantage and customer support ethos.”

Isocom Components opto isolators are approved to the leading recognised industry standards and all devices are available in various lead forms and in tape and reel packaging. The company also offers optoswitches and solid state relays.

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@angliaLive  @BWW_Comms #Electronics #PAuto #Europe