New switching technology brings Ethernet to the field level - As a key element in its aims of creating an Ethernet communications platform for the full range of applications in converging industrial networks, Harting has developed a new switching technology which integrates Ethernet automation protocols into the Automation IT communications platform.

Support services to optimise customers' asset management and plant productivity - Vigilantplant Services from the Industrial Automation Division of Yokogawa Europe is a new portfolio of support capabilities designed to maximise customers' asset availability and optimise plant productivity by deploying a variety of services in the areas of opportunity identification, solution implementation and lifecycle effectiveness.

New distributors wanted for data acquisition products - In line with recent growth opportunities and a host of new products launched in 2008, Hanwell Instruments is looking to expand its existing distributor network for the company's comprehensive range of data acquisition and control products.

Next generation linear drives boost performance and application flexibility - Parker-Origa has introduced a new generation of powerful electric linear drives that combine the highest levels of performance with complete application flexibility. The Origa Drive System (ODS) provides a complete range that encompasses screw, belt and linear motor driven systems, providing users with the ideal combination of speed, precision and load carrying capacity for any application.
Parker Hannifin acquired Hoerbiger-Origa in October of this year!

Listen to presentation on their website!

Cost effective component test solution - Now available from Keithley Instruments, is the ACS Basic Edition, characterisation and curve tracer software for component test applications. The latest addition to their powerful Automated Characterization Suite (ACS) family, ACS Basic Edition integrates with the industry's broadest range of source-measure units, Keithley's SourceMeter® Instrument family.

U-tube technology aids training! - Emerson Process Management has launched its Online Video Centre delivering concise technology, application and industry information in the popular 3- to 5-minute YouTube format.

Four signal conditioner channels in a 1 inch footprint - In the instrumentation world, panel space equals money. Moore Industries has addressed this requirement for very narrow instruments with their new miniMOORE family of multi-channel analog signal conditioners. It delivers up to four low-cost I/O channels in a 1 inch (25.4 mm) footprint, which equates to 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) per channel.

High-accuracy gas measurement for non-custody transfer - With the new OPTISONIC V6, Krohne has launched the next generation of ultrasonic gas flow meters for non-custody transfer applications. This unit sets new standards in accuracy and cost-effectiveness. This novel flow meter has been specially developed for applications in the production of natural gas and for gas suppliers' city gates and transfer stations. Its rugged construction makes it ideally suitable for use in extreme environments, such as offshore platforms.

Busy communications at SPS - As befits the most important exhibition this winter PI (Profibus & Profinet Inteernational) have been busy at this years show in Nüremberg. They celebrate Ten years of ProfiSafe, a New PROFIsafe Starter Kit, F-Host Certification for ProfiSafe and they demonstrated with a test bed assembly ProfiNet performance for line structures in the case of very short frames.

The new Instrument Specification Forms An ISA20 Industry Implementation CD-ROM will make it easier to specify and procure instrumentation by giving you templates listing, and providing space for, all principal descriptive options. The newly updated Industrial Air Measurement Standards and User Resources, 2nd Edition CD-ROM features best-selling ISA reference books and other materials critical to a full understanding of the application of the ISA92 and ISA12 series of standards.

pH and temperature data logger with LCD display - MadgeTech has announced the pHTemp2000, a pH and temperature data logger with an LCD display. This N.I.S.T. traceable device has user-selectable measurement units, programmable start and stop time, and displays the current pH and temperature readings. The large screen provides convenient access to the minimum, maximum and average statistics, as well as displaying battery level, external power status, sampling and recording status. An easy to use front panel key pad offers a quick and efficient way to change settings.

I/O connector screwed to the PCB for a more secure hold - ERNI Electronics has a new connector to its comprehensive range of D-Sub connectors with SMT, THR, press-fit and soldering termination. The latest addition to the product family is a right angled D-sub connector with press-fit technology, which can be screwed to the PCB with M3 or 4#40 UNC threads after press fitting. In comparison to standard press-fit clips, this makes the attachment even more secure.

Transducers developed to perform in harsh pulp and paper manufacturing locations - RDP Electronics Ltd now offer LVDTs designed to withstand the harsh environment encountered in pulp and paper manufacturing processes. Typical applications include the use of slice indication LVDTs on paper machines to measure the gap through which the paper pulp is extruded on to the webbing.

Creating leading building automation and energy management communications - Kepware Technologies has formed a partnership with ConneXSoft GmbH, for the purpose of developing leading Communications Drivers for use in the Building Automation System (BAS) and Energy Management markets.

PRS radio modules enable live vehicle speed monitoring - LPRS is providing Swedish Developer, Icecap, with easy-Radio wireless modules for a vehicle speed monitoring and recording system. The Icecap system provides wireless connectivity between sensors and data collectors on driver education skidpans to ensure students maintain the correct approach speed during driver training courses. The speed range measurable by the system is wide enough to be used also on racing circuits.

Global agreement provides design engineers access to the latest high-speed connectivity solutions - Premier Farnell has signed a new global franchise agreement with Samtec whereby they will stock Samtec's industry-leading range of high-speed connectivity solutions, and distribute them through Premier Farnell's global network of companies - Newark in the Americas, Farnell in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and India, Premier Electronics in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and Farnell-Newark in ASEAN and Brazil.

Self-adhering gasket for industrial connectors - A new self-adhering gasket has been added to the Harting Han® range of industrial connectors. The new gasket allows the seal to be attached directly to the housing, which makes installation easier. In addition, the screws are securely held onto the housing and seal, minimising the chance of them being lost.

WiMAX production test solution - Keithley Instruments has announced that it is developing a WiMAX device production test solution for two 802.16e WiMAX devices from Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited. This WiMAX RF SIS0/MIMO manufacturing test configuration features Keithley's award-winning RF test solutions, the Model 2820 RF Vector Signal Analyser and Model 2920 RF Vector Signal Generator. The configuration will enable Fujitsu Microelectronics to perform a set of Tx and Rx test sequences quickly and efficiently. The system,s easy expandability also will offer Fujitsu the unique ability to test its WiMAX devices in both SISO and MIMO mode.

Ethernet-enabled NIR on-line gauge for process measurements - NDC Infrared Engineering Ltd, has announced the launch of the Series 710e range of Ethernet-enabled on-line gauges for process measurements. The 4th Generation Series 710e combines the proven light engine from the Series 710 with new, high-speed digital processing technology and Ethernet and other digital communication protocol connectivity. This combination produces the high accuracy, robust real-time measurements essential for use in closed-loop control, yet offers extraordinary flexibility and simplicity of installation and operation. Used in a wide variety of industries, such as foods processing, chemicals, detergents, paper making, converting and pharmaceuticals, the gauge can be configured to measure critical parameters such as moisture, fat, protein, sugars, temperature, coatweight and coating thickness.

Expansion plans - StanTronic Instruments is expanding and has now opened an office in the UK. It has also launched a new English website to serve English speaking North European countries including the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, The Netherlands and Belgium. The company supplies a broad range of USB and free-standing Test and Measurement instruments.

Memory mamangement - National Instruments has announced LabWindows/CVI 9.0, the latest version of the proven ANSI C development environment for building reliable test and measurement solutions. It includes an improved compiler and debugger, which speed test development and throughput, and introduces new features for real-time systems to deliver application reliability.

53-station CIS contract - Systems integration specialist Hima-Sella and Funkwerk Information Technologies Karlsfeld GmbH have been awarded a contract to deliver a 53-station Customer Information System by Spring 2009. The contract combines two separate orders, one from train operator Northern Rail whose trains service the stations, and one from Thales UK, one of Network Rail's telecommunications framework contractors who were selected after a formal tender process.

Automation and safety services and solutions to Saipem - Invensys Process Systems (IPS) has announced that it has signed a $6 million contract with Saipem, a subsidiary of Italian energy company Eni and one of the largest turnkey contractors in the oil and gas industry.

Water solutions & technologies supply agreed - Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies has chosen Krohne as one of its international suppliers of measurement equipment and related services. The framework agreement was signed recently at Krohne headquarters in Duisburg (D). They will be one of the suppliers providing flow measurement devices and services for water and wastewater projects and applications.

Thermal Imaging Challenge video game on the internet provides maintenance troubleshooting experience -

To try the Fluke Challenge CLICK HERE.

Fluke has unveiled the Fluke Challenge, an interactive video game set in an imaginary industrial workplace that makes it fun learning how Fluke thermal imaging technology helps solve system maintenance problems. Fluke Challenge conveys a sense of reality you can see and feel. The game is set in gritty industrial equipment rooms and there is a supervisor nearby to check progress.

Integrate video with manufacturing and process data - The Video Historian extension for Longwatch's Video Surveillance System enables users to acquire and store video clips linked with process and manufacturing variables such as time of day, camera number, batch step, machine ID and other control system tags. Much like a process historian that stores information about processes, the Video Historian archives video that documents procedures in batch applications, provides visual proof of regulatory compliance, monitors machinery, observes operator actions, and helps improve quality, reduce downtime and avoid costly losses.
See also Video Surveillance Systems - Explosive Market Growth and New Market Opportunities.

Instrument driver for automated device testing - LitePoint Corporation has announced their LitePoint LabVIEW Instrument Driver for automating WiFi a/b/g, WiMAX , Bluetooth, MIMO or Zigbee application testing. The driver, within the LabVIEW 8.5 environment, provides full connectivity and integration capabilities for LitePoint test equipment (e.g. IQview, IQflex, IQmax).

Industry's highest-performance VXI embedded controller - National Instruments has introduced the NI VXIpc-882, a two-slot VXI embedded controller featuring the Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7400. As the industry's highest-performing VXI embedded controller, the VXIpc-882 delivers much faster processing capabilities than typical single-core controllers. Additionally, by combining the controller with the multicore support of NI LabVIEW 8.6 graphical programming software, engineers can create superior-performance VXI systems.

The future of wireless solutions in industrial automation - Frost & Sullivan is to host one-day event on the Adoption of Wireless Solution in Industrial Automation on 5 February 2009 at Moevenpick Hotel, Frankfurt (D). Wireless devices are making an entry into the industrial environment thanks to their numerous benefits such as flexibility, cabling cost reduction and extending measurements to critical information. However, the rate of adoption has been slow due to numerous challenges and concerns among end users, important ones being reliability, security and safety.

Wireless solution reliably monitors critical fuel and feedstock delivery down under! - Emerson Process Management's Smart Wireless technology has been successfully used to overcome a fuel supply outage at BP Bitumen near Brisbane, Australia. Wireless instruments normally monitor the pipeline integrity of transfer lines from the nearby BP refinery and report exceptional conditions to control room operators via the easy-to-use self-organizing wireless network. The wireless solution showed its flexibility recently when two wireless transmitters were quickly deployed to manage fuel delivery from temporary LPG tanks rushed into service during a refinery shutdown of the regular fuel system.

That name change! - Andrew Bond of Industrial Automation Insider claims that Jim Pinto is never afraid to pour oil on troubled waters and then set it alight! Be that as it may he always has interesting and stimulating things to say. He is at it again in this months Automation where he has an article entitled ISA's Bid for International Significance. See also our report on ISA Expo 2008.

Compact connector hood with M32 straight cable outlet - A hood with an M32 straight cable outlet has been added to the Harting Han-Modular® Compact range of industrial connectors. The new hood is designed to provide a compact plug-in solution in power systems using large-gauge wire (greater than 10 mm" cross-section or AWG 8), where the cable diameter is so big that an M32 cable gland and a large connector are required.

Vision leader to address forum - National Instruments UK & Ireland has announced that Don Braggins, Director of the UK Industrial Vision Association and Executive Committee Member of the European Machine Vision Association will present the Keynote at the NI Automation and Vision Forum in Newbury (GB) on 4th December 2008.
Entitled "Machine Vision Takes Its Place in the Automation Engineer's Toolbox", Braggins' Keynote will examine the evolution of industrial machine vision. Credited with introducing the term "smart camera", Braggins will discuss this trend and the productivity gains it brings to the automation engineer.

Bolt tensioning for wind turbines Tentec is offering a free 4-page guide to using hydraulic bolt tension tools. The document is available from their site. Thermal imaging A free Thermal Imaging InfoPack which includes a comprehensive overview of Fluke's easy-to-use thermography tools, a Thermal imaging in industrial applications, DVD, a CD packed with Application Notes, a full version of Fluke SmartView™2.0 software - featuring the first 3D imaging capability in the industry - and more. ....

Spectral vibration data logger - MadgeTech has launched the SVR101, a self-contained data logger engineered to record accelerations for spectral analysis of vibration and peaks. This device is ideal for endurance testing, machinery failure detection, and vehicle vibration monitoring.

Sensor helps efficient mass-ticketing system - When Cubic Transportation Systems Inc, the global designer and manufacturer of mass transport ticketing systems looked to reduce maintenance and increase reliability on its range of access control gates, engineers at its UK based product development centre worked with Variohm Eurosensor to use the Contelec Vert-X 13 series non-contact Hall Effect sensor to improve performance.

Full package for information management in the warehouse - Companies in the materials handling industry who are looking to implement or expand their information management systems need look no further than Lamerholm. Known throughout the industry for its innovative range of forklift safety products, the company can now provide a full package for total fleet management. Comprising rugged Glacier vehicle mounted computers (VMC) and the newly-launched FleetControl Manager, the new system allows managers to utilise the computers' processing, touch screen and wireless communications capabilities to monitor the forklift fleet.

Gas monitor for accurate toxic and combustible gas detection in water industry - Specialist electrochemical sensor manufacturer Analytical Technology now supplies a D12 2-wire loop powered Toxic/Combustible Gas Detector, a unique sensor which can provide the water and wastewater treatment industry with accurate and reliable readings of over 30 gas concentrations. The monitor is unique because every day the sensor is verified with a gas sample produced on demand. This AutoTest feature removes the need for manual checking and gives the D12 the lowest cost of ownership of any gas detector.

New '3-Way' ball valve - The winning principles responsible for the reliability and high performance shown by the VKD '2-way' double union ball valve have now been applied to Durapipe FIP's newly developed TKD '3-way' model thanks to a blend of design and innovation.

New product family increases FPGA-Based I/O performance for PXI test systems - National Instruments has introduced a new family of open, FPGA-based hardware for the PXI platform. The NI FlexRIO product family is the industry's first commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution to provide engineers with the flexibility of NI LabVIEW FPGA technology combined with high-speed, instrument-class I/O. With FlexRIO, engineers can add custom signal processing algorithms to their PXI-based field-programmable gate array (FPGA) hardware. Then, with interchangeable adapter modules, they can directly interface the FPGA to instrument-class I/O or create their own custom front-end hardware to meet their specific application requirements.

Water treatment plant saves space & energy - The installation of two BOGE C9 screw compressors along with a BOGE trinity controller has provided a quiet, space saving and energy saving compressed air solution for the Galway (IRL) City Council Water Treatment Plant.

Comprehensive joint research contract - The nanoelectronics research center IMEC and Panasonic Corporation have signed a joint research contract concerning the most advanced technologies in the semiconductor, networks, wireless, and biomedical fields. Research will be carried out at the Leuven (B) facilities and IMEC's research unit at Holst Centre in Eindhoven (NL).

Powerful software platform for ellipsometry, reflectometry and polarimetry - Horiba Jobin Yvon now offers an advanced thin film characterisation platform called DeltaPsi2. The software applies to ellipsometry, polarimetry and reflectometry and controls all HORIBA Jobin Yvon thin film metrology instruments.

Wireless data acquisition and PXI modules for sound and vibration applications - National Instruments has announced the release of a new wireless data acquisition module and two new PXI Express modules for sound and vibration applications. With thir WLS-9234 wireless dynamic signal acquisition (DSA) module, engineers and scientists can stream vibration data wirelessly over the IEEE 802.11g (Wi-Fi) standard to distributed monitoring systems and eliminate the cost and clutter of cabling. The new PXI Express DSA modules, the NI PXIe-4496 and PXIe-4498, make it possible to acquire data from 272 channels at full rate in a single PXI Express chassis, so engineers and scientists can acquire more data from more channels at faster rates.

One name, one company, one vision - From January 1st, 2009, Firstsight Vision will be renamed 'STEMMER IMAGING' as part of a rationalization of the Stemmer Imaging Group's activities throughout Europe, which will also see IMASYS in France adopt the Stemmer Imaging name.
The Stemmer Imaging Group has a total revenue approaching O43 million, making it Europe's largest supplier of machine vision technology and services.

Three new modules offer users choice, flexibility, easy configuration and diagnostic capabilities - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of three new modules to add to its 8000 Process I/O line of GE Fanuc Process Solutions. The 8129 Supervised Discrete Input/Output Module, the 8132 Universal Analog Input Module, and the 8133 Analog Input with HART Module, offer users flexibility, range and ease of configuration as part of the overall value of the 8000 Process I/O line.

Team achieves development milestones - The Steering Committee of the EDDLT Cooperation Team, in close cooperation with the FDT Group, continues their efforts to achieve a common solution for field device integration. The FDI (Field Device Integration) team has successfully worked over the past 18 months identifying use cases that encompass all facets of plant operations: from startup and commissioning; to ongoing maintenance activities and plant operations. This team's efforts also included drafting an architecture concept that meets the needs of both technologies as they are migrated to a common standard.
About the EDDL Cooperation Team (ECT)In 2003, the three leading field device foundations (Fieldbus Foundation, HART Communication Foundation and PROFIBUS Nutzer-organisation) signed a cooperative agreement to develop a common specification for graphical visualization and persistent data storage enabled by Electronic Device Description Language. All three of the organizations utilize EDDs for parameterization and description of their devices. In 2004, OPC joined the cooperation team. With EDDL, an established IEC standard, it made sense for the OPC specification to base their data structure on that same standard and work with the organizations to develop a standard interface to the Unified Architecture. The four organizations signed an agreement in 2004 to cooperate in the development of that interface. The FDT group joined in 2007.

European conference a success - After a successful 2008 MESA European P2E Conference in Prague (CZ) on November 03 and 04, delegates have made their way home armed with valuable information to use within their plants and to share with their colleagues.

Connected! - Kepware Technologies has been selected by Mtelligence Corporation of San Diego, (CA US), as their primary provider of device connectivity to manufacturing equipment on the plant floor.

Transducers for high radiation environments - RDP's high radiation Option TM337 is applied to otherwise standard transducers using a process that involves the careful choice of materials and design of transducer to improve the radiation survival to 100MRads. As modifications to the transducers are predominately internal this avoids any penalty on size and allows the transducer dimensions to remain the same as the standard product, although cable changes are usually required.

A simple way to protect machine tools - Monitoring tool loading on machine tools and assembly machines is essential for quality control and prevention of overload damage and the Type 9234A self-contained strain sensor from Kistler Instruments can be used on a wide range of manual and automatic machine tools from mechanical presses to riveting, clinching and spot welding equipment. Fixed to the machine frame by a single M6 screw, the sensor is exceptionally easy to install and use and measures both dynamic and quasi-static stresses indirectly.

Industrial tablet computer - Glacier Computer is shipping the Ridgeline industrial tablet computer with Core 2 Duo processor. This offerscustomers in the warehouse, freight, distribution, and field service markets the Ridgeline tablet along with battery charger, docking station, and accessories.

New modular switching chassis - Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of LXI solutions with the introduction of two new modular LXI chassis. The 60-102 and 60-103 are 7 and 18 slot modular chassis' that accept from a choice of over 500 Pickering Interfaces 3U PXI modules. This includes a huge range of switching modules together with additional test functions such as programmable power supplies, battery simulators, attenuators, digital I/O, breadboards and programmable resistor cards.

Grabbing The Oyster - Anecdotes and Advice from Icons of Irish Business These quintessential entrepreneurs have collaborated in a book written by Pearce Flannery, himself a well-known and award-winning entrepreneur. In a highly interesting and entertaining read, they tell their stories and divulge their personal secrets to success in an ambitious project to ensure Childline can maintain its services this Christmas. Luminaries included are Denis Brosnan, Anne Heraty, Louis Copeland, Declan Ganley, Feargal Quinn, Pat McDonagh, Pádraig Ó Céidigh, Denis Desmond, Dr James Sheehan, Liam Griffin, Michael Herbert, and Niall Quinn.

FDI Team achieves development milestones - The Steering Committee of the EDDL Cooperation Team, in close cooperation with the FDT Group, continues their efforts to achieve a common solution for field device integration. The FDI (Field Device Integration) team has successfully worked over the past 18 months identifying use cases that encompass all facets of plant operations: from startup and commissioning to ongoing maintenance activities and plant operations. This team's efforts also included drafting an architecture concept that meets the needs of both technologies as they are migrated to a common standard.

3U CPCI board benefits from low power 1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z530 processor - Concurrent Technologies has introduced their latest ultra low power 3U single/dual slot CompactPCI® single board computer (SBC), the TP A40/30x. The board uses the 1.6 GHz Intel® Atom™ processor Z530 and the highly integrated Intel® System Controller Hub US15W both from the Intel® embedded roadmap, ensuring long term availability.

Rotary switch is sealed and fire retardant - Lorlin Electronics continues to widen its highly successful range of rotary switches. A new IP65 sealed version of the popular CK series of switches is also now available manufactured from UL VO compliant fire retardant material and offers a design solution for switching in harsh and outdoor environments.

DAVID W. SPITZER'S E-ZINE - November Issue ICE News - "All "that's cool" in Instrumentation and Control Engineering" - November Issue

Optical level sensor in stainless steel housing - With the optical level sensor FFAR, Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation offers a robust measuring device in stainless steel housing. It detects the level via infrared light and is therefore able to identify also various non-conductive liquids.

Software for Automation: Architecture, Integration, and Security is a must-have for systems integrators and automation engineers who either need to integrate a system from components or want an older system to coexist with a new one. It is ideal for training courses and for self-paced study and will remain a handy reference. Software for Automation: Architecture, Integration, and Security Jonas Berge; ISA Books

Carving up security - Many process control engineers and IT technicians are still learning to communicate with each other, but some are sitting down to define roles and divvy up security responsibilities to give their applications and organisations some much-needed peace of mind. (ControlGlobal.com)
See also our Cyber Security Page.

New IEC inlet EMC filters offer small form factor, cost effective performance attenuation - Schaffner has extended its range of filtered IEC inlets in response to a strong demand for a wide mounting flange version coming from the Asian market as well as the need to have backward compatible products for older models nearing their end of life. The new larger mounting flange offers an increased conductive area for safety and optimum filter performance.

24/7 plant information - GEA Process Technology Ireland (GPTIE) has introduced its online service GEA-Assist to give customers access to its plant information at any time through a secure web portal.

Integration announced - K-TEK has announced the integration of ASI Instruments and its line of dry bulk solids level detection and measurement instruments into K-TEK Corporation. ASI Instruments will become the K-TEK Solids Level group and focus on dry bulk solids level detection and measurement devices. K-TEK's traditional liquid level products will be part of the K-TEK Liquid Level group. The expanded range of products will allow them to serve as a one-stop shop for a wide range of liquid and solids level measurement applications.

The smallest isolated DC/DC converter in the world! - The new RNM series from RECOM is the smallest isolated DC/DC converter on the market. RECOM has used its 30 years of experience in designing and manufacturing converters to squeeze a fully specified 2000VDC isolated converter into a tiny package smaller than the tip of your finger.

Gas and water meters for prison! - Stream Measurement has recently supplied gas and water meters for a number of Prison contracts in Britain serviced by EMCOR.

Innovative automated system for processing protein crystallography discussed - RTS Life Science is discussing a High Throughput Structural Biology Factory (HTSB Factory) developed for and operating successfully at Takeda San Diego. The groundbreaking HTSB Factory streamlines Takeda San Diego's protein crystallography operation. Takeda San Diego Inc is Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd's global centre for excellence in structure-based drug discovery.

Newest version of software to feature simultaneous multi-method analysis - Applied Analytics releases ECLIPSE Process 10, the newest version of its online analyzer software. By improving control over the detection system, ECLIPSE Process 10 allows for instantaneous user interface response. Furthermore, simultaneous Analysis and Calibration Methods (ACM) can now be configured. An ACM is essentially a method of calculation: a set of data and variables that both calibrate the instrument and determine the parameters of analysis. Using several ACMs simultaneously provides extensive insight into the condition of the process. The new software also includes diagnostics and reporting routines to continuously evaluate the performance of the system and trigger rapid action if required.

Electro mechanical joining for small assemblies - When assembling small and miniature components such as small bearings in housings or delicate gears in miniature gearing, a crucial factor is dynamic operation with very exact positioning and extremely high repeatability levels despite extremely small joining forces. The new electromechanical NC joining module NCFT Type 2157A... with the proven Kistler system design and integrated force-displacement monitoring combines joining movement and quality control in one operation.