Friday, 27 February 2026

Connectors for harsh conditions.

The Amphenol heavy|mate® series of heavy-duty rectangular connectors, which consists of hoods, housings, inserts and contacts are available through Inelco Hunter. The connectors form a modular system, designed for applications in harsh industrial environments. On-site installation is rapid and cost-effective, using stamped crimp contacts to ensure consistently high-quality connections.



Heavy|mate® connectors feature a robust design with a safe locking mechanism, suitable for signal, power, pneumatic, coax and ethernet connections, all in a single connector to a customer-specified configuration. With excellent EMC protection and water-resistant ratings from IP65 to IP69K, they can be used in outdoor and indoor applications. The connectors are vibration-proof and have excellent corrosion resistance, and come with VDE, UL, CSA approvals. Potential markets include industrial, chemical, marine, military, transport and EV applications.

The heavy|mate® range offers a wide variety of pole sizes from 3 up to 280 poles per connector, with current ratings up to 250A per contacts and voltages up to 1000V. Configuration is very simple: select an insert that meets the application's requirements, choose the related contacts (if not included in the inserts), choose the related housings and finally, choose the related cable gland. Cable assemblies are also offered upon request.

Inelco Hunter's engineering support provides comprehensive technical backup for every product in the extensive range of products. Inelco Hunter can also help customers with the design of their application. The engineering team can help define the project requirements, including as-yet unformed product ideas, turning a concept into an outstanding product. This added-value support is at the core of Inelco Hunter’s philosophy, and has been for over 30 years.


@InelcoHunter @amphenol #PAuto 

Power clamping.

The current model of the JAKOB Antriebstechnik mechanical power clamping nut MDA combines the simplest, manual operation at low tightening torques with the highest clamping forces. The interior can multiply the manual tightening torque by means of a robust gear transmission with special slide bearing. The self-locking mechanism guarantees maximum operational safety. A long life is ensured by the material design made of tempered steel with a corrosion-protective surface coating. 

Special endurance tests confirm these expectations. For example, the power clamping nuts were subjected to continuous load on a special test bench up to 10,000 load cycles.

The power clamping nuts MDA are available for thread sizes from M12 to M48 and can apply up to 180kN clamping force.

The fields of application of the MDA cover all fields of mechanical engineering in which high clamping are required. For example, clamping of pressing and punching tools or workpiece clamping during machining. The MDA power clamping nut enables safer, more economical and more exact clamping. Under normal operating conditions, it is maintenance-free and can be used up to 200 ° C. In special versions, it can be used even up to 400 °C.


@UnnGmbh @PresseBox #jakobantriebstechnik  #Manufacturing #Pauto #Safety 

How emerging technologies are driving operational performance.

Emerson have announced OPTIMIZE™ 26, the premier event for users of AspenTech solutions, scheduled for held 11-14, 2026, in Houston (TX USA). The conference will bring together 1,300 attendees from more than 50 countries to discover how advanced optimisation technologies, including industrial AI and operational data management, are shaping the future of industrial innovation.

The event, themed ‘Powering Performance’, will include a new Innovation Zone with interactive technology hubs and dedicated tracks for the process and power & utilities industries, allowing customers to select an experience tailored to their specific industry. Executives, operational leaders and users will hear from more than 80 peers about real-world examples of operational excellence, digital transformation and sustainability, while experts from Emerson’s Aspen Technology business will share the latest software innovations driving industry change.

“OPTIMIZE is where our community of process and power & utilities customers come together to shape the future of industry,” said Vincent Servello, president of Emerson’s Aspen Technology business. “With most of the agenda delivered by customers, attendees connect directly with peers to share experiences and learn from each other’s success. From exclusive first looks at our latest innovations to immersive keynotes, sessions and demos, OPTIMIZE creates a forum for industrial leaders to exchange insights on how industrial AI and data management are transforming operations and maximising the value of existing asset investments.”

The Innovation Zone at OPTIMIZE 26 will allow customers to engage with fellow innovators and explore the latest AspenTech solutions through live, hands-on demos. AspenTech product and strategy experts will be available to discuss best practices, address specific challenges and share insights on key industry trends.

Attendees can continue their skills development and earn Continuing Education Units with training courses offered for both process and power & utilities industries. Customised learning experiences that include guidance on topic fundamentals and hands-on workshops for industry workflows allow participants to strengthen their competencies around AspenTech solutions and drive innovation at their organisation.


@EmersonExchange @AspenTech @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation  @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Event #USA

Thursday, 26 February 2026

Flow computer.

Designed specifically to meet the needs of the liquid hydrocarbon and gas measurement markets.

Designed specifically to meet the needs of the worldwide liquid hydrocarbon and gas measurement markets The highly versatile SFC3000 flow computer from Ex-i Flow Measurement Ltd,. is capable of measuring the flow rate of liquid hydrocarbons, water and petrochemical gasses as well as making Co2 emission measurements for pollution monitoring and control. Connected to turbine meters the SCF3000 provides accurate measuring of gas flow in networks simplifying billing for suppliers and can be used to monitor network flow load to ensure reliability of supply and maintain energy supply security.

The SCF3000 is flexible measuring system which can be configured to meet a wide range of applications and may be operated in a stand-alone single stream flow measurement system or as part of a highly complex multi-stream system. Simple firmware updates ensure the SCF3000 meets the latest measuring standards.

It can operate in a number of ways, such as a standalone flow computer, a supervisory device or as a component of a complex system. Ex~I Flow offer a private labelling service for the SCF3000 for the convenience of Systems Integrators.

Featuring a touch screen VGA display and extensive processing capabilities combined with simple to use controls and unique operating software, The SFC3000 can function as a complete station supervisor integrated into a flow computer housing.

The SFC3000 flow computer is the hub of a flow measurement system and requires a number of peripheral components to take measurements. In its simplest form, a flow measurement system will consist of:

  • An SFC3000 flow computer with 1 I/O option board
  • A flow meter (turbine, ultrasonic, differential pressure or Coriolis)
  • A pressure sensor (HART or 4-20mA)
  • A temperature sensor (Hart, 4-20mA or PT100 Platinum Resistance Thermometer).

It should be noted that pressure and temperature sensors are not needed with a Coriolis flow meter, and additional pressure sensors are required for a differential pressure meter.

Turbine, ultrasonic and Coriolis flow meters can be connected using a pulse input, either as a single or dual pulse train. Alternatively, ultrasonic and Coriolis flow meters can be connected via the RS232/485 serial port available on each of the IO option boards. Additional functionality can be added to a basic system including optional I/O boards. With the addition of a communication board data can be obtained from a gas chromatograph or other sources via the serial or ethernet ports. Flow measurement data can also be passed to other systems, such printers or DCS, via the communication board ports. Logged data can be stored internally or in an optional SD card. A density measurement cell can be connected to a pulse or 4-20mA input.

SFC3000 flow computer key features:

  • Measurement conforming to AGA, ISO, API standards of dry and wet natural gas, hydrocarbon liquids, other gases e.g. nitrogen, other liquids e.g. water.
  • NMi Certificates to: WELMEC 7.2 and 8.8, OIML R117, MID 2014/32/EU
  • Standard Features: standalone flow computing function, flow computing combined with supervisory function, up to 2 G-byte additional memory for Alarm, Audit and Data Logging, optional SD card required.
  • Meter types: pulse generating flow meters, most common ultrasonic flow meters, dp transmitters with orifice or venturi measurements.
  • Configurable Display: system diagrams, Trending and graphical displays, Language options, Interfaces to most types of metering equipment and all popular GC’s, Easy Installation and interfacing
  • Supervisory Features, Alarm/Event/Data Logging and Recording, Printer Report Generation, System Diagram Display, Network Communication, Station Controller Functions, Valve Control and Remote Operation.
  • Maintenance Functions: stream summation, pid/sampler functions, flow computer specification.

The unit is packaged in an industry Standard Half Width 3U High 19” rack construction suitable for panel or chassis mount. It can accommodate up to 6 user plug-in cards and up to five measurement streams in the same chassis. Operating temperature ranges; PRT Inputs, -10?C to 55?C (15?F to 130?F), Hart? and 4-20mA Inputs -25?C to 55?C (-15?F to 130?F). Operating humidity to 90% non-condensing and meets environmental classes M2/E2. As leading flow computer manufacturers, Ex-i Flow Measurement specialises in researching, developing and manufacturing products for the gas and liquid measurement industry, with a focus on continuous project development and enhancement. EX-i offer customers market leading performance, quality, reliability, cost and response.


@ExiFlow @proactivefleet #PAuto

Wednesday, 25 February 2026

SCADA standard.

Provides a framework for modernising supervisory control and data acquisition systems and making them easier to design, build, operate and maintain.

The publication of ANSI/ISA-112.00.01-2025, SCADA Systems – Part 1: SCADA Lifecycle, Diagrams and Terminology has been announced by The International Society of Automation (ISA). This is now available for sale from their website and is, of course, accessible to ISA members as a membership benefit.

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) is an automated control system architecture commonly implemented in industrial, utility and manufacturing environments. The ISA-112 Part 1 standard provides a vendor-neutral and technology-independent framework for the long-term management of SCADA systems and execution of SCADA modernization projects, offering a high-level overview of the SCADA lifecycle as well as diagrams and terminology. ISA-112 Part 1 applies to a wide variety of industries, including municipal water/wastewater facilities, oil/gas infrastructure, pipelines, dam/irrigation systems, electricity transmission/distribution, railways, highways, bridges/tunnels, airports, civil infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, defense and remote monitoring. Additional parts of ISA-112 addressing SCADA lifecycle review processes and SCADA architectures are also planned for release.

ISA-112 Part 1 is intended for companies, utilities, system integrators and others, whether they are designing a new SCADA system or upgrading existing legacy systems to meet modern security and connectivity requirements. An ANSI-approved American National Standard, ISA-112 Part 1 includes a functional architecture model and lifecycle framework applicable to every type of SCADA project, regardless of the type of industry, geographic location, technology, regulatory environment or operating history.

Particular areas of focus include organizing end-user SCADA systems standards, work processes for management and operation and a set of standardized workflows for designing, building, operating, maintaining, expanding and auditing SCADA systems.

Graham Nasby - ISA Committee
The ISA112 standard committee was initiated by a core group of experts from the oil/gas, pipeline and municipal water/wastewater sectors who saw a need for an industry-wide standardized framework for managing, designing, building and pricing SCADA systems. Since its inception, the committee has grown to over 350 volunteer experts from around the world representing a multitude of industries, all with the common goal of making SCADA systems easier to design, build, operate and maintain.

“The ISA-112 Part 1 standard has been developed to make it easier for end users to organize their SCADA system standards and communicate to others what their needs and wishes are. The standard also gives system integrators, vendors and consultants a standardized way to execute the design, implementation and ongoing enhancements to SCADA systems,” said Graham Nasby, founding co-chair of the ISA112 committee and systems lead – Eastern Canada at PBX Engineering Ltd. “ISA-112 Part 1 is a testament to ISA’s proven approach to developing consensus-based, vendor-neutral technical standards.”

 Those interested in learning more about ISA-112 Part 1 are invited to register for an upcoming webinar, “ISA-112 Part 1: The New Standard for Modernizing SCADA Systems.” This free webinar is scheduled to take place on 16 April 2026 at 11 a.m. ET.


@ISA_Automation @automation_com  @ISAIreland #PAuto  #SCADA 

Benchmark for Test & Measurement.

Engineered to solve complexities of multi-channel signal routing in complicated test environments.

An industry benchmark for Test and Measurement (T&M) has been claimed with the introduction of Molex Cardinal Multi-Port High-Frequency Coaxial Assemblies. Supporting frequencies up to 145 GHz, this product represents a strategic expansion of the Cardinal family, evolving its proven mechanical integrity into the high-bandwidth spectrum required to validate the next generation of AI-driven architectures and 6G wireless infrastructure.

“The expansion to 145 GHz represents a natural evolution of the Cardinal product line, which was built to solve the growing need for increased port density without compromising signal integrity,” said Roman Buff, general manager, RF, Molex. “This new high-speed solution integrates high-frequency contact technology in the Cardinal multi-port housing, empowering engineers to bridge the gap from AI to 6G and test the silicon of tomorrow using the infrastructure of today.”

Testing ahead of the curve.
While 110 GHz has been the benchmark for high-performance testing, the surge in 6G research and AI backhaul demands a raised ceiling. The new 145 GHz Cardinal product from Molex characterizes signals that were previously beyond the reach of standard coaxial interfaces. The new assemblies deliver phase-matched, high-precision connections up to 145 GHz, optimized for minimal insertion loss and superior return loss at extreme frequencies.

This latest Cardinal solution also supports data characterization rates up to 448 Gbps, enabling use with next-generation devices and systems. By pushing the measurement envelope, this versatile product helps engineers meet today's standards while validating the silicon and networking protocols that will define the next decade of global connectivity.

The multi-port design of the Cardinal assemblies supports simultaneous, high-density testing in a compact footprint, accelerating research and development cycles. Designed for seamless integration across the Cardinal product ecosystem, the new assemblies provide a high-performance connectivity solution for a broad spectrum of industries, encompassing next-gen AI clusters, 5G/6G infrastructure, satellite communications, mmWave radar and the emerging requirements of terahertz imaging.

Molex consolidates multiple RF connectors into a single, multi-port housing, reducing testing cycles and total cost of ownership (TCO). The high-performance RF connectors and compression-mounted, solderless Printed Circuit Board (PCB) attachment elevate testing flexibility while reducing installation and rework time. The integration of high-frequency contact technology into the multi-port assemblies provides engineers with a smooth upgrade path and trouble-free transition from 110 GHz testing to 145 GHz capabilities.

A hallmark of the Molex Cardinal assemblies is connector repeatability, which is crucial in test environments where connectors are mated and unmated frequently. Cardinal Multi-Port High-Frequency Coaxial Assemblies are rated for reliable performance over 500 cycles. Most important, however, is that Molex uses highly precise connectors for greater repeatability, assuring consistent, repeatable performance from the first to the 500th measurement. This high-density PCB connector minimizes board real estate, allowing smaller evaluation boards to further reduce costs.

These Multi-Port High-Frequency Coaxial Assemblies are available now, with the Cardinal 145 GHz assemblies joining the existing lineup of 67 GHz Precision Coaxial Assemblies and 110 GHz Precision Coaxial Assemblies. Cardinal assemblies also offer versatile connector options, including vertical, right-angle and edge-mount PCB terminations, along with scalable, multi-port configurations, including 1x4, 1x8 and 2x8 for high-density setups.


@MolexConnectors @mepaxIntPR  #TandM

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Best software!

Ideagen has been named one of the ‘Best UK Software Companies’ for the third consecutive year in the G2 2026 Best Software Awards. The company also earned the Best Enterprise Resource Planning Products award, specifically noted for excellence in the Quality Management (QMS) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) categories - reflecting the high esteem Ideagen solutions are held in the eyes of their customers.

Across its portfolio, the company earned an impressive 331 G2 badges in 2025, demonstrating consistent user satisfaction and product excellence.

Standout results in 2025 include Ideagen Quality Management being recognised as a Leader in 49 reports and Ideagen Quality Control winning 77 badges in 2025 - the highest number of total badges in the entire product suite. Across the portfolio, solutions achieved an impressive 125 number one rankings.

John Molamphy, Chief Technology Officer at Ideagen, said: "Being recognised in G2's Best Software Awards for the third consecutive year is a powerful validation of our AI-first approach to solving the complex challenges facing regulated industries.

“This honour reflects the trust more than 18,000 customers place in our platform to deliver the clarity and confidence they need to protect their people, operations and the world around them.

"What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it comes directly from our customers - the safety managers, quality directors and compliance officers who rely on our software daily. Their feedback drives our innovation and reinforces our commitment to being the most insightful and enabling platform for organisations managing critical risk, quality and safety challenges."

This point was echoed by Godard Abel, co-founder and CEO at G2: "As buyers increasingly shift to AI-driven research to discover software solutions, being recommended in the 'answer moment' must be earned with credible proof. Our Best Software Awards are grounded in trusted data from authentic customer reviews. They not only give buyers an objective, reliable guide to the products that help teams do their best work, but they're also the proof AI search platforms rely on when sourcing answers. Congratulations to this year's winners, including Ideagen. Earning a spot on these lists signals real customer impact."

Customer feedback influenced the success including:

  • “I have used Ideagen Quality Management for eight years and it is a great system to share documents, perform audits and report internal incidents. I use the system daily and it is a big part of my role as a quality lead.”
  • “Ideagen Quality Control has been a game-changer for our team's quality management processes. The platform is incredibly intuitive, leading to a dramatic improvement in our efficiency, accuracy and compliance.”
  • “Managing compliance monitoring within our organisation has always been a complex task. However, Ideagen has made this process much simpler and effective. It has significantly reduced the number of man-hours needed to manage our audits.”


@Ideagen_Plc @G2dotcom #PAuto #Britain