Digital communication networks that enable major advances in manufacturing were showcased at a free seminar held recently at Glyndwr University in Wrexham, North Wales
With Industry 4.0 set to transform the UK economy over the next few years, Wrexham Glyndwr University was delighted to be able to host a highly-focused PI UK event during the last week of September.
56 delegates from the region’s many manufacturing companies were present to learn how digital communication networks are a key factor when developing Industry 4.0 solutions. Central to the discussion was the use and practical application of PROFIBUS, PROFINET and IO-Link in industry. These three networks offer a complete solution for industrial automation in process and manufacturing plants.
As well as being introduced to the technologies, managers and engineers attending the event were able to catch a glimpse of Wrexham Glyndwr University’s engineering labs, including an intelligent control panel which controls equipment and instrumentation using PROFIBUS. The presentations were accompanied by an exhibition of new products from PI UK members, and the Siemens PROFINET demonstration truck was also at the event for all to visit.
James Robinson, Industrial Engineering programme leader, said: “We were delighted to welcome PROFIBUS and PROFINET International to North Wales.
“Their technologies are leading the way in industrial communications globally, and asset managers, design engineers and maintenance engineers all benefited from the seminar.
“Wrexham Glyndwr University has worked hard to develop its laboratories so students on our industrial engineering degree programmes have access to industry-standard equipment from Helmholz, Softing Industrial, Siemens, WAGO and Procentec. These were all demonstrated on the day.”
Industry 4.0 is one of the largest drivers which will transform manufacturing globally over the coming years; reliable, high-speed digital communications networks are crucial to its success. The UK government have recently announced an increase in funding for Industry 4.0 of £4.7 billion by 2020-21.
James was joined at the event by fellow Wrexham Glyndwr University lecturer and cybersecurity expert Dr Paul Comerford, who gave a presentation on cybersecurity for Industrial Ethernet.
System design and safety considerations through to fault-finding and maintenance with PROFIBUS, PROFINET and IO-Link in key application areas such as mechanical handling and logistics, robotics, automotive engineering, electrical and electronics assembly, control systems and energy management, pulp & paper, chemical, utilities, pharmaceutical, packaging and printing were also addressed.
Further information
For more information about industrial engineering courses at Glyndwr University contact James Robinson on james.robinson@glyndwr.ac.uk
More information about the exhibition …
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