Cool Tools and Popular Products

Introducing AutomationDirect's AchieVe series value line of inductive proximity sensors and 4 more got-to-have gadgets

Jan. 8, 2024
This proximity sensor is offered in 8, 12, and 18-mm barrel sizes.

Let’s talk tech. The manufacturing industry is evolving at an ever-increasing rate, and if you want to stay ahead of your competition, then you need to stay abreast of the latest products and solutions. Every day, innovative companies are bringing new tools to market, but searching the sea of new product announcements for the one that best fits your facility can be daunting. Here are a few cool tools, selected by the editors of Plant Services and New Equipment Digest, that are changing the game.  

Thermon's DSX self-regulating heating cable

Transferring the warmth needed to protect industrial piping systems from freezing, the DSX self-regulating electric heat trace provides a safe, reliable, easy-to-install, and energy-efficient solution in an optimized form factor. The trace heaters self-regulate to prevent overheating, even when overlapped, and are marked for use in ordinary and hazardous locations. Available in 9 and 18 W/m nominal outputs (@ 230V AC), it can be energized at 208 to 277V AC. Learn more about the product


Norstat's Series 189 low-profile dual and tri-color beacons

Norstat now offers TEXELCO's SERIES 189 low-profile beacons which are available in either bi or tri-color versions. The beacon is designed for easy installation and is ideal for panel applications, access control, or as an alternative to stack lights. They use high-efficiency LEDs and a double with vertical and horizontal triangular grooves for optimal 360-degree diffusion and are available in 4 lighting configurations including mono, bi, tri, or multicolor. Learn more about the product


Creform's bi-directional CA-B50100 AGV

Model CA-B50100-BST NSI AGV with kitting cart presents a product kit for a specific assignment or multiple kits for small batch production and manufacturing efficiency. The model is bi-directional and provides great flexibility for movement along its guidepath as it can travel in both directions and when necessary, rotate in place. The dual drive wheels also give this AGV higher load capacity and the ability to travel laterally. Both ends of the AGV are guided, as each of the dual-drive wheels independently follows the magnetic guidepath. Learn more about the product


AutomationDirect's AchieVe series value line of inductive proximity sensors

AutomationDirect has added its value line of AchieVe series of inductive proximity sensors. These tubular inductive proximity sensors made from stainless steel are offered in 8, 12, and 18-mm barrel sizes. Flush and non-flush mount styles offer a range of sensing distances up to 8 mm. Both PNP and NPN logic models are available, and all have a NO output. Connection options include an M12 Q/D connector for 12 and 18-mm models, an M8 Q/D connector for 8-mm models, and a 2-m pigtail cable style available for select PNP logic models. Learn more about the product


Pilz Automation Safety LP's safety solution for AMRs

A comprehensive safety solution, developed under ISO 3691-4, creates an efficient flow of goods in production and logistics handled by AMRs. It consists of the safe small controller PNOZmulti 2 with new functionalities for synchronization monitoring and activation, the safety laser scanner PSENscan, and the industrial firewall SecurityBridge. With the function blocks in the PNOZmulti Configurator software of the PNOZmulti controller, AMR axes can be synchronized and monitored reliably. Learn more about the product

About the Author

Laura Davis

Laura Davis is the editor in chief of New Equipment Digest (NED), a brand part of the Manufacturing Group at Endeavor Business Media. NED covers all products, equipment, solutions, and technology related to the broad scope of manufacturing, from mops and buckets to robots and automation. Laura has been a manufacturing product writer for six years, knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the industry along with what readers are looking for when wanting to learn about the latest products on the market. 

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

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