Profiles made from wood-plastic composites are lightweight, have high flexural strength and conduct no electricity and virtually no heat. This ensures they have a wide range of uses in mechanical and factory equipment engineering. It’s also why item offers fully compatible Profiles KH and matching accessories as a metal-free alternative, in addition to classic aluminium profiles. These products can be seamlessly combined with the components from the item MB Building Kit System and item Lean Production Building Kit System, enabling users to optimise the benefits of both materials.

Although non-metallic, Profiles KH still offer all the key features of an item profile. They boast a Line 8 profile groove and can be easily screwed together using item fastening technology. However, it’s just as easy to undo connections to adapt constructions to new requirements. Profiles KH are made up of thermoplastic and are over 70 percent wood. As the CO2 equivalent is much lower than for aluminium profiles, CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 90 percent. Profiles KH are lighter than aluminium and are easy to machine. They have impressively low cutting resistance and a flexural strength of 77 N/mm2. Their special properties make them ideal for equipment in testing technology and for laboratory equipment and privacy screens. Unlike aluminium profiles, wood-plastic composites do not conduct any electricity. As a result, the item components are particularly suited to areas requiring electrical insulation or transparency to electromagnetic waves. The material is pleasant to the touch and conducts heat more slowly than aluminium. Profiles KH are therefore perfect for applications that are frequently or unintentionally touched by employees.

Making optimum use of material properties

Profiles KH are compatible with Line 8 from the item product range. As a result, all accessories for the item Line 8 system groove can be used. Combinations of Profiles KH and aluminium profiles are also possible, which means planners and designers can make optimum use of both materials’ properties within one application. In short, aluminium profiles produce robust and stable constructions that are highly resilient and are resistant to dynamic loads. Profiles KH are advisable if electrical insulation is required, there is direct skin contact, or the weight and CO2 emissions need to be reduced.

Touching a car door can be all it takes to get a slight electric shock, or electrostatic discharge (ESD). However, the fact humans can only sense an ESD of 3,500 volts or more makes it a risk factor for the manufacture or processing of electronic components. After all, these are areas where a discharge of just 100 volts is enough to cause weakness in components, yet staff rarely notice such incidents. Unidentified ESDs threaten not only product quality but also, over the long term, the success of a company. That makes it vital to systematically implement an ESD safety concept.

Like a lightning strike during a storm, only on a much, much smaller scale – that’s the kind of effect an ESD has on electronic components. The problem is that in industry these discharges either go unnoticed or their effects are simply underestimated due to inadequate knowledge of the issues involved. However, without precautionary measures, an ESD can occur early on when at-risk electronic components first arrive at the company or at any point in the production chain – right up to the moment when the final product is delivered to the customer.

Risk factors and effects of ESD

For an electrostatic discharge to occur, a charge first needs to accumulate. This builds up as a result of friction, separation or straightforward contact between any two materials with different electrostatic potentials. Where the two materials are identical, differences in potential can be caused by moisture or impurities. Exacerbating factors include synthetic clothing and insulating footwear, unsuitable tools and factory equipment, textile floor coverings and conventional office chairs. However, a charge can also be transmitted to an electronic component via nearby material that has already accumulated a charge. When it comes to people, simply walking across the floor can be all it takes to build up a charge. When two differently charged materials later come into contact, there is an uncontrolled equalisation of charge.

In retrospective examinations conducted using electron microscopes, electronic components damaged by an ESD reveal visible fusing and craters on the silicon surface. The more delicate a component’s individual structures are – for example, those of an electronic chip – the more sensitive they are to an ESD. One particular characteristic of an ESD is that, often, it does not render the affected components unusable straight away. However, they do not initially exhibit any defects during quality assurance, meaning they – along with their damaged transistors and circuit paths – are then used for subsequent steps in the value-added chain or are delivered straight to the customer.

(Financial) consequences of damage

If the damaged component is delivered to the customer, its failure there can have any number of effects. What seem at first glance to be the obvious consequences of ESD damage include complaints, warranty payouts and costs incurred due to rejects and repairs. Yet customers may also withhold payment until the delivered parts are proven to be in perfect working order. The necessary design verifications and the subsequent troubleshooting in the event of ESD damage often take more time and effort than implementing an ESD safety concept. Furthermore, damaged electronic components emanating from your own production undermine customers’ trust in your business in the medium term. In the worst-case scenario, if failures occur in areas critical to production, this could incur liability for damaged products or even lead to the company’s supplier status being withdrawn. From a production worker’s perspective, this is frustrating, as they are unable to identify the fault due to the absence of visible damage and their unfamiliarity with ESD. This wide range of different risk factors gives rise to various ESD safety requirements that have to be met in full and continuously as part of a safety concept.

ESD safety concept calls for trained personnel

An ESD can be triggered by a wide range of factors within a production environment, which means effective countermeasures need to be actively established throughout the entire company and subjected to regular inspection. For this purpose, the DIN EN 61340-5-1 standard prescribes an ESD control programme that sets out the key components of a customised concept that is binding on all staff. One part of such a concept is a safety procedure for the entire process chain, including suppliers and customers. ESD coordinators and staff need to be well trained and wear standard-compliant protective clothing. In the protected areas, which also need to be in line with industry standards, all relevant aspects need to be inspected on a daily basis. Compliance with personal safety provisions and regular internal audits also feature among the requirements.

An appropriately trained workforce with an understanding of ESD-related issues forms an integral part of the implementation process. item Industrietechnik GmbH has therefore developed a free e-learning course for its item Academy learning platform, for example. Staff are given a compact and easy-to-understand overview of the topic, broken down into four sections. The course starts by exploring the background of ESD before subsequently setting out the associated problems in a multimedia and interactive format. As participants progress, it also becomes clear to them just how much each staff member contributes to dependably implementing an ESD safety concept. The course also covers dealing with ESD-sensitive components, practical tips on avoiding ESD damage and how staff should conduct themselves in an electrostatic protected area (EPA). The two white papers “The basics of ESD safety” and “The 10 golden rules of ESD safety” enhance the item e-learning portfolio and offer all the facts and figures relating to ESD at a glance.

Working within an EPA

An EPA is an ESD safety zone. It can take the form of a single work bench, a defined space or an entire building. The underlying principle is that electronic components must be handled and assembled exclusively in these areas. All material used within them therefore needs to be electrostatically dissipative and earthed to the same potential. This ensures electrostatic charges and differences in potential are reliably avoided. In contrast to unprotected areas (UPAs), only trained personnel and visitors who have been given suitable instruction with the appropriate protective equipment may enter an EPA. Moreover, only trained members of staff are permitted to handle ESD-sensitive components. 

Numerous elements are integral to any EPA. A special conductive ESD floor, for instance, will safely dissipate the kinds of electrical charges that can form as a staff member walks across the floor. However, it is of little use if the staff in that area don’t have an electrical contact with the ground. Normal shoes often act as insulators. In contrast, conductive footwear or shoe earthing strips establish a conductive connection between the body and the ESD floor. Low humidity also exacerbates the formation of electrostatic charges. The relative humidity in the areas requiring protection should be kept to at least 30 percent, if the building structure allows for this.

As far as possible, no chargeable materials must be used in the handling area as a general rule. Every time electronic parts are transported or placed in storage, particular care should be taken to provide them with adequate protection, for example by using appropriate containers and trolleys. Profile and fastening technology from item can be designed to be electrostatically dissipative, for instance. Overall, all parts used should be viewed as ESD-sensitive – even if the actual risk varies depending on the material and design.

Summary

Risk factors for electrostatic charges are found at virtually any point in the process chain, while the causes of ESD damage are equally wide-ranging. Components can suffer damage as early as the delivery and storage stages, but also in the quality assurance phase. Inadequately protected systems, equipment and staff pose a risk during production and assembly. It takes a comprehensive and systematically implemented ESD safety concept – including in conjunction with collaboration partners and service providers – to rule out, as far as possible, all such weaknesses, which have a lasting serious impact on a company’s success.

Length: 8,813 characters including spaces 

Date: 18 February 2020

Photos: 3

Caption 1:  Only trained staff and visitors who have been given suitable instruction with the appropriate protective equipment may enter an ESD safety zone – also referred to as an EPA. Source: item

Caption 2: In retrospective examinations conducted using electron microscopes, components damaged by ESD reveal visible fusing and craters on the silicon surface. Source: item

Caption 3: As employees both carry and transfer charges, they must wear an ESD wristband to prevent the accumulation of electrostatic charges when handling ESD-sensitive components. Source: item

Efficient supplies of materials at the perfect tempo – tugger trains are used in many areas of logistics and production. The Engineeringtool from item now offers the option of digitally designing customised tugger trains and thus ensuring a demand-based material flow. Stable basic frames and structures can be rapidly created from the numerous components in the item MB Building Kit System and item Lean Production Building Kit System and adapted with ease.

Many automotive and mechanical engineering companies and logistics service providers use tugger trains to make materials available for their production operations on a just-in-time basis. These tugger trains consist of a towing vehicle and several trailers – tugger train trolleys. The trolleys are used to transport goods and production equipment in load carriers from the storage facility to their destinations. As the transported goods vary in size, weight and shape, the tugger trains need to be optimised accordingly. 

Ultra-easy design thanks to the item Engineeringtool

The item building kit system philosophy makes it possible to design stable and robust tugger trains of numerous types. The item Engineeringtool provides the ideal digital support in this process. Users deploy the intelligent software to quickly and easily design custom trolleys and load carriers using item aluminium profiles, matching fasteners and other accessories. Whether it be standard constructions, for example for europallets or mesh crates, or customised tugger train solutions, the engineering program offers countless design options for basic frames and structures. Thanks to the modular concept, tugger trains can be flexibly extended or modified at any time. All components are coordinated with each other and can be used together in a range of combinations. 

Wide selection of components

Users assemble their custom tugger train in the item Engineeringtool from the countless components available. These include Swivel and Fixed Castors from the item MB Building Kit System, which offer features such as optimum rolling properties and a load-carrying capacity of up to 500 kilograms. They ensure optimum handling and outstanding directional stability for the trolleys. item offers a variety of different Drawbar designs for connecting several trolleys together or with the towing vehicle. This makes it possible to connect to commonly used coupling systems in electrical towing vehicles and to automated guided vehicles. Other components, including the Stacking Guide, Corner Deflector Guard and Forklift Pocket, enable users to adapt frames to various load carriers. What’s more, large numbers of components from the item Lean Production Building Kit System are available to ensure an efficient material supply in line with the lean philosophy. For all engineering results, the item Engineeringtool also provides the installation guide and full project documentation. On completion, the entire construction can be ordered as a project through the Online Shop. 

Length: 3,182

Date: 4 January 2021

Photos: 2 (source: item)

Caption 1: Users deploy the item Engineeringtool to quickly and easily construct custom trolleys and load carriers using item aluminium profiles, matching fasteners and other accessories.

Caption 2: In addition to various Fixed and Swivel Castors, the Forklift Pocket, Stacking Guide and Corner Deflector Guard, item offers a variety of different designs for Drawbars that can be used for optimally connecting tugger train trolleys with each other and with the towing vehicle.

By mechanical engineers, for mechanical engineers – ADAMOS promotes knowledge sharing among global market leaders in mechanical and factory equipment engineering. The strategic alliance focuses on the future trends of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), with the aim of driving forward digitalisation in mechanical engineering. As a trailblazer in the field of digital engineering, item has now also joined the ADAMOS network. By becoming a member, the pioneer of building kit systems for industrial applications is actively engaging with other machinery and component suppliers. The primary focus is on integrating networked products into existing and future business models. 

Adaptive Manufacturing Open Solutions (ADAMOS) GmbH is committed to strong, digitalised mechanical engineering. The network consists of more than 30 mechanical and factory equipment engineering companies and several software companies. Their goal is to pool the expertise of the global market leaders in mechanical and factory equipment engineering and create standards for digital production. item has been a partner in ADAMOS since 1 October 2020. “The alliance creates future-oriented digital solutions and applications for IIoT technologies,” says Jens-Uwe Gustmann, who is responsible for product management and business model development at item. “We hope the partnership will enable us to actively engage with companies that have a similar focus to us.” Which products can best meet the future requirements of customers? What will building kit systems be like in the future and what role will smart products have to play? 

Using networks and sharing knowledge

“We see ourselves as a community of like-minded partners engaging in an open, ongoing and subject-specific dialogue about digitalisation,” says Dr. Tim Busse, Managing Director of ADAMOS GmbH, commenting on the company’s collaborative approach. This ensures that new applications are developed in interdisciplinary, agile ways, while future-oriented business models can be identified early and implemented for the long term. “We aim to use this potential, learn from partners with experience in the sector and expand our knowledge,” says Gustmann. “Of particular interest to us is the development of new business models relating to networked products.” For item, ADAMOS offers additional support in implementing its digitalisation projects. At the same time, the company is actively contributing and sharing its digital engineering experience with its ADAMOS partners. The pioneer in digital engineering is speeding up and simplifying engineering tasks with online tools it has developed in house. 

Length: 2,881

Date: 24 February 2021

Photos: 4 

Caption 1: On 1 October 2020, item Industrietechnik GmbH became a partner of Adaptive Manufacturing Open Solutions (ADAMOS) GmbH, a network of more than 30 mechanical and factory equipment engineering companies and several software companies. (Source: ADAMOS GmbH)

Caption 2: The strategic alliance focuses on future-oriented digital solutions and applications for IIoT technologies. (Source: ADAMOS GmbH)

Caption 3: Dr. Tim Busse, Managing Director of ADAMOS GmbH, describes the company as a community of like-minded partners engaging in an open, ongoing and subject-specific dialogue about digitalisation. (Source: ADAMOS GmbH)

Caption 4: Jens-Uwe Gustmann, responsible for product management and business model development at item, is looking forward to sharing know-how and collaborating on projects with ADAMOS partners. (Source: item Industrietechnik GmbH)

The item Engineeringtool is ingenious

I for innovative, i for ingenious and i for item: item Industrietechnik GmbH is leading the way in digital engineering and has been presented with the “RHEINLAND GENIAL” (Ingenious Rhineland) innovation award. The pioneer of building kit systems for industrial applications won the award for developing the item Engineeringtool. The panel of judges described the tool as online 3D engineering software that represents a trailblazing innovation for the mechanical engineering sector on many levels, and which significantly reduces the time it takes for a solution to get from the design stage to practical use.

item is injecting maximum efficiency into lean production and supporting the continuous improvement process with the item Engineeringtool. By utilising cutting-edge web and cloud technology, the Solingen-based company is setting new standards for engineering based on building kit systems. The Metropolregion Rheinland association has now recognised this achievement with the “RHEINLAND GENIAL” innovation award. This coveted prize is given to carefully selected companies, organisations and institutions in the region that distinguish themselves with special products, services, technologies and inventions, and produce impressive innovations.

The best possible support for engineering

While a lot of time and therefore money goes into producing conventional CAD designs, engineering work undertaken in this new online tool can be completed quickly, easily and cost-effectively. Users design their racks and frames using the item MB Building Kit System and the item Lean Production Building Kit System, without the need for any additional software. The only requirement is a standard web browser and they can get straight down to work – anywhere and at any time. Rules-based 3D engineering ensures that Profile Tubes, fasteners and roller conveyors are perfectly combined and positioned at precisely the right place. The program is also highly intuitive to use. The intelligent software automatically adds fasteners, small parts such as screws and T-Slot Nuts, and machining steps such as drilling and thread tapping. An integrated plausibility check prevents components from being placed incorrectly. 

Sharing results worldwide and assembling components with ease

The digital tool is available in the most widely used languages and, because every project is assigned its own unique ID number, users can share their designs with colleagues all over the world. Engineering results are always reproducible and modifications can be made at any time. Complete documentation including CAD data, sketches, assembly guides and full parts lists can be generated at the touch of a button and users can order parts or systems directly online. The complete construction kit will be delivered within 72 hours. In the past, assembly of the construction kit put the experience and expertise of the fitter to the test, but the assembly guide generated by the item Engineeringtool now provides all the information needed. As a result, assembly can be completed quickly and easily. 

The item Engineeringtool is helping item pave the way to digital engineering and the engineer of the future. “We are very proud of the innovation award and the recognition it represents for our work on digital engineering,” says Christian Thiel, a product manager and online tools expert at item. “We see this sign of appreciation as encouragement to continue doing everything we can to meet customer requirements even more fully.”

Length: 3,575 characters (including spaces)

Date: 8 February 2021

Photos: 1 (source: item)

Caption 1: Product manager Christian Thiel accepts the “RHEINLAND GENIAL” innovation award on behalf of item Industrietechnik GmbH.

With item and the power of the sun through Australia

The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge across the outback is the toughest race for solar cars. After winning the title of best newcomer in 2017, the Sonnenwagen Aachen student team once again competed against top-class international competitors in 2019 with a further developed solar race car and support from item.

Sustainable mobility concepts and the efficient use of renewable energies are already among the most important fields of activity for young graduates in STEM subjects. At the renowned university location of Aachen, a team of like-minded students networked around this idea and founded Team Sonnenwagen Aachen. Together, they developed and built the first Sonnenwagen, a long-distance race car powered purely by solar energy and a backup battery. In addition to efficient energy output, the focus is on the most aerodynamic design and weight reduction possible. During a race, the team members responsible for driving strategy also continuously recalculate the optimum driving speed based on current weather data. In line with their areas of study and experience, other team members take care of maintenance and the optimal adaptation of the Sun Car to the respective conditions on site.

This division of labor and the structure of a professional racing team are the basic requirements for a promising participation in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, which runs every two years in the Australian spring from north to south over almost 3,000 kilometers through the Australian outback. This route has to be completed within one race week, with the solar cars having to reach checkpoints every day within a tight time limit. For the teams in the leading group, this means that they have to maintain an average speed of more than 80 km/h with their race cars using only the power of the sun and a solar surface limited by the regulations.

The complex logistics in the background

In order to be optimally equipped for the complex technology and the general requirements of a large team in Australia as well as at other international races, efficient logistics are needed in the background. In the process, the young engineers are often confronted with very practical tasks. For example, the Sonnenwagen 1 and its successor are essentially optimized for constant straight-line driving. Tight curves are less to the liking of the race car. This made the car difficult to handle off Australian roads or in the narrow pit lanes of various competitions in Europe. Due to its lightweight construction, the Sun Car can be carried with combined forces. What was needed, however, was a more comfortable solution. Another logistical challenge was the actual transport of the sun trolley to the various races and events. 

In particular, loading and securing the racing trolley always proved to be particularly time-consuming. With its comparatively compact dimensions, the Sun Wagon fits into a normal van, but then completely fills its footprint. In addition, the aerodynamic racing car offers only a few surfaces that can be used for a safe grip for lifting. Here, the team was looking for a solution for a transport frame that would fit exactly into a van and with which the car could also be moved outside the van. In addition, the frame for the sun trolley should offer space for further equipment. It was also important to have a flexible design that could be used immediately with the first sun trolley and easily adapted later to the exact dimensions of the successor mode.

Designing with the item Engineeringtool

Many different fields of study from the universities at the Aachen location are represented in Team Sonnenwagen Aachen e. V. – for many team members, design in CAD programs is not one of their main areas of training. This was also true for the workshop management, whose area of responsibility included the implementation of the transport solution for the Sonnenwagen. What was needed was an easy-to-use, yet professional design solution, ideally based on a flexible modular system. With this initial situation in mind, the team approached item with a sponsorship request. The customer consultant then suggested to the workshop management that they plan the transport solution online using the item engineering tool for further coordination.

Thanks to the intuitive user interface, the students were immediately inspired to make their first 3D design attempts. The free software offers numerous convenient functions such as rule-supported design, integrated error correction and simple placement of profiles via drag-and-drop. The automatic positioning of machining operations and connectors is also conveniently solved within the item engineering tool. With just a few clicks, the right components could be selected and placed in the three-dimensional workspace. The alignment and dimensions then had to be adjusted.

The current design of the transport solution could also be called up online from any Internet-capable end device via the web browser and could be shared with the other team members via its individual project number. By simply converting the design into a shopping cart, it was also quickly clear which components and profile cuts from item were needed to implement the project. Finally, the application of QR codes on the profile blanks was also convincing, enabling the students to read out directly on their smartphones which component belonged in which place and to which design.

Component sponsorship by item

Even before the final design queries were sent to support in the item engineering tool, it was clear that item wanted to actively support the sustainable commitment to renewable energies and alternative drives of the Sonnenwagen Aachen e. V. team. As a component sponsor, item therefore provided the complete shopping basket for the implementation of the transport frame. The engineers took on the assembly of the transport solution themselves, which was possible with minimal use of tools thanks to item’s innovative connection technology. The flexible screw connections were ultimately also the key to implementing the innovative two-part transport solution.

The first part of the concept is a flat transport roller onto which the sun trolley can be easily lifted. Transversely installed profiles lock the wheels onto the frame. Rollers bolted under the frame then allow the sun trolley to be easily navigated – in any direction and with minimal effort. For transport between race and PR events, the trolley is simply bolted to the additional transport frame via system groove 8. This makes a large part of the storage space in the transporter available under the sun trolley for additional boxes and other equipment. For the 2019 race, the transport rack was combined with a transport box. For the transport to Australia, the sun trolley and another vehicle cover had to be packed to save as much space as possible. Here it was very useful that the item Engineeringtool allows easy export of the designs to other CAD programs.

Conclusion

With the simple design in the item engineering tool and the maximum flexibility of the item MB Building Kit System, Team Sonnenwagen Aachen e. V. was able to construct an ideal transport solution that could also be easily adapted to the specific requirements of the successor model Covestro Solar Trolley. Together with item as component sponsor, Team Sonnenwagen took on the challenge of the 2019 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, where teams from Cambridge, TU Delft, Stanford University and MIT were among the competitors for the top spots. To support the race strategy, two support vehicles also had to be equipped with various frahling sensors, antennas and reference solar cells. When planning the necessary mounts, however, it was not yet clear which support vehicles would be available in Australia. By using the screw connectors from the item MB Building Kit System, it was possible to adapt the designs to the exact dimensions of the vehicles at short notice. 

In any case, the item profile technology was up to the challenges of the Outback. In the event of short-term challenges during the four-week preparation on site, the engineers were also able to rely on the sales network of a global market leader in Building Kit Systems for industrial applications and the support provided by item Australia.

Scope: 8,875

Date: February 02, 2021

Photos: 3

Caption 1 + 2: The Sonnenwagen 1 reaches an average speed of more than 80 km/h.

Caption 3: The students used item’s engineering tool to design the transport solution.

Ergonomically optimised workstations may be standard in offices already, but they are still making their way into production areas. The new study from item Industrietechnik GmbH showed that the majority of respondents in manual production are using tailored ergonomic solutions. However, the subject of ergonomics is generally considered done with some height-adjustable work benches and adjustable chairs – the holistic view is often missing. It takes numerous interconnected measures to create the perfect working environment for employees. The study shows the status quo in companies with manual production operations, shines a light on requirements and factors in the decision-making process, and provides indications of how implementation and application can run successfully.

The item survey of 153 participants from companies involved in manual production paints a clear picture – 83 percent of the respondents already use ergonomic industrial work benches. However, the subject of ergonomics is generally limited to two areas – 76 percent of participants in the study use adjustable work chairs and 75 percent use height-adjustable work benches. Lifting aids are used by 59 percent of respondents, 55 percent pay attention to the perfect lighting, but other components such as foot mats, systems for optimising the handling area, foot rests and arm rests are accorded less importance. Yet it is essential to implement numerous interconnected measures, while also taking account of what individual staff members require of the production environment.

Vital role of staff

Once a company decides to utilise ergonomic work benches, there are some points that need to be considered during implementation so as to ensure the highest possible level of acceptance among staff and make the most of the benefits such systems offer. Fundamentally, the use of ergonomic work bench systems should be seen as a strategic decision by the entire company. The reasoning and benefits must be understood at all levels of the hierarchy. To achieve this, employees must have input from the outset. One quarter of those who took part in the study actively involve their manual production staff in selecting suppliers and solutions when it comes to ergonomics. If they are given a role in the decision-making process, they are better motivated and less sceptical of the restructuring of their workplace. The use of “ergoscouts” also shows great promise. Individual members of staff are trained in a targeted way so as to introduce their colleagues to the new work bench systems and help use them properly.

Benefits of an ergonomically optimised working environment

If a holistic ergonomics concept is in place and employees are actively involved, companies benefit even more from the benefits of ergonomic solutions. Employees are more motivated in their work and concentrate better, making fewer mistakes and needing fewer sick days. Improvements to the working environment have a direct effect on staff satisfaction. The turnover rate decreases and work efficiency increases. While it remains difficult to express the advantages of using ergonomic work bench systems in hard numbers, there is no denying the positive effect on the health and well-being of staff, their performance, and thus the productivity of the company.

The full study can be downloaded for free.

Length: 3,719

Date: 30 September 2020

Photos: 1 (source: item)

Caption 1: The new study from item Industrietechnik GmbH showed that the majority of respondents in manual production are using tailored ergonomic solutions, but often without taking a holistic approach.

Clean indoor air is essential for maintaining long-term health, particularly in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Opening windows wide for brief periods to replace virus-filled air with clean air is one option. However, this measure is not so easy to put into practice in all locations, especially in winter. item CleanAirMobile is a new air purifier that systematically filters out aerosols from the air. Whether in the classroom, conference room or office, the highly efficient H14 HEPA filter ensures air is absolutely clean. A number of German regions are providing financial support for purchasing air purification equipment.

The coronavirus is continuing to spread, with rising numbers of cases and a high risk of infection. This calls for measures to protect ourselves effectively, in addition to following the general hygiene rules of opening windows wide for brief periods, maintaining social distancing and wearing face masks. One option for reliably eliminating aerosols and, consequently, viruses too from the air is to use the item CleanAirMobile air purifier. The filtration efficiency of the integrated high-performance HEPA filter is 99.995 percent. The device cleans the air of viruses, bacteria, particulates and pollen. Fitted with castors, the mobile air purifier from item is therefore easy to move to different locations. It is height-adjustable and, when extended, reaches the height of 2.5 metres necessary for optimum air flow. This, and the high volumetric flow rate, means item CleanAirMobile is significantly more effective than conventional units installed at low heights. Noise levels during operation are below 46 dB(A), making the units soothing and quiet. The air purifier offers easy plug-and-play installation, so all that remains to be done on site is to install the filter box, connect the unit to the mains and switch on the power.

Effectiveness successfully tested

Practical tests have shown that item CleanAirMobile is highly effective. The number of particles in the air in a 60-square-metre classroom was reduced by over 90 percent within 15 minutes. In just the first five minutes, the number of particles in the room fell by 60 percent. The mobile air purifier from item is thus a perfect addition to regular window opening. It provides reliable protection against viruses, particularly in rooms where regular ventilation is impossible or difficult. Buying mobile air purification equipment for schools is financially supported by several German regions. Corresponding funding programmes are available in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Hamburg, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.

See here how item CleanAirMobile was tested under real conditions in the classroom at the Humboldt school in Solingen.

Length: 3,121

Date: 13 January 2021

Photos: 3 (source: item)

Caption 1: The item CleanAirMobile air purifier makes it possible to reliably eliminate aerosols and, consequently, viruses too from the air.

Caption 2: The mobile air purifier from item is fitted with castors and is height-adjustable. When extended, it reaches the height of 2.5 metres necessary for optimum air flow.

Caption 3: The air purifier offers easy plug-and-play installation. All that remains to be done on site is to install the filter box, connect the unit to the mains and switch on the power.

End Caps and Transverse Fasteners – these are just two of the ten new components in the Lean Production Building Kit System from item. The pioneer in building kit systems for industrial applications is constantly expanding its portfolio and continuously making new solutions available for challenging and rapid factory equipment engineering. This is how material provisioning and picking and production processes can be optimised in the long term. As a raised end piece on Profile Tubes, the new End Cap secures materials during transport and prevents them from slipping. The new Transverse Fasteners enable stable connections between crossing profiles. They are available in two variants – firstly with a freely adjustable angle and secondly at a fixed 90° angle.

The new End Caps D30 H43 from the item Lean Production Building Kit System turn tubes into hooks. The preassembled claw fixing enables a torsion-resistant connection between the end pieces and Tubes D30 or Profile Tubes D30. They are fitted to the end-face simply by screwing the components together. Cables and other parts can be stored safely and securely, as the thick walls and rounded edges of the End Caps protect them from damage and prevent them from slipping from the (Profile) Tubes, even during transport. If the claw of the fixing is removed, the End Cap can be screwed to an M6 thread in Profile Tube D30 heavy duty or Profile 6 D30. For the ESD protection of transport trolleys and shelving units, the End Cap is also available in variant D30 H43 ESD.

Additional stability for crossing Profile Tubes

The new Transverse Fasteners D30-70 rotating provide a stable connection for crossing Profile Tubes. They can be set to any angle and can also be adjusted afterwards. This means gradients within a frame can be changed in next to no time. With a mounting dimension of 70 mm, the extremely compact Transverse Fastener is adapted for use with components that have flank geometry. In addition to the variable Transverse Fastener D30-70, there is also a variant with a fixed 90° angle – Transverse Fastener D30-60. This makes it possible to achieve a transverse fastening in the modular dimension. The preassembled Transverse Fastener is simply positioned on the Profile Tube and tightened. The two halves of the Fastener can also be placed separately to strengthen constructions in a targeted way. 

Numerous new components

Other New Products in the item Lean Production Building Kit System include Label Profile D30 e ESD and Label Profile D30 0-20° e ESD, which can be attached to the Profile Tube at various angles. In combination with Label Hanger Clip D30 T2, Display Hanger H57 31.2×1.5-93 ESD and Display Hanger Profile H57 31.2×1.5 ESD securely fasten displays for digital prices. The new Roller Conveyor Support 30-50 fixes roller conveyors to cross tubes for added stability. This prevents side movement. The new Castor Ball Insert D16-33 ESD provides low-friction movement of transported goods. Bearing Block 8 80×80-50 with Rotational Damper Sets 8Nm 4kt10 dampens rotational movement, preventing uncontrolled acceleration of assemblies in lean production. Assembly Tool D30/D5.2-30 is perfect for building conveyor lines with item Conveyor Rollers. It covers the axle of the bearing flange so that it can be installed without being damaged.

Length: 3,725

Date: 16 December 2020

Photos: 3 (source: item)

Caption 1: The new End Caps D30 H43 from the item Lean Production Building Kit System turn tubes into hooks – materials cannot slip during transport.

Caption 2: The new Transverse Fasteners D30-70 rotating provide a stable connection for crossing Profile Tubes. They can be set to any angle.

Caption 3: Transverse Fastener D30-60 has a fixed 90° angle, enabling a transverse connection in the modular dimension.

Contactless, convenient and COVID-safe – the Engineeringtool from item is the ideal assistant for design and construction tasks during the pandemic. This intelligent software connects staff working from home with their colleagues in the office. All users need is a device with a web browser and internet access and they can get straight down to work, creating and editing constructions based on profile technology and fasteners from item. The digital tool is intuitive and is now available in 41 countries and numerous languages. It also makes it very easy for users to share their designs with partners and customers anywhere in the world. All in all, the item Engineeringtool offers engineers everywhere maximum dependability for their work while also protecting their health.

The coronavirus pandemic is having a massive impact on the world of work. In a bid to severely limit person-to-person contact, lots of us are working from home now. Circumstances like these make it especially difficult to ensure engineering projects are completed within tight timeframes. The item Engineeringtool is a useful solution for this challenge – a digital engineering work bench for mechanical and factory equipment engineering. The intelligent software greatly simplifies and speeds up the entire project sequence and is based around the item MB Building Kit System and the item Lean Production Building Kit System. 

Design and communicate from anywhere

Since engineers can log in from any Computer with an internet connection, they can complete their work quickly and safely from anywhere – there’s no software to download and no expensive add-on solutions are necessary. The smart tool also offers a wide range of options for networking, enabling colleagues to work on their project simultaneously and share draft designs with partners and customers everywhere. The item Engineeringtool incorporates all the profiles from the item MB Building Kit System, corresponding fasteners and many other components besides. Users can also make the most of the components in the item Lean Production Building Kit System and therefore design factory equipment, FIFO racks and other frames in next to no time. The tool provides all the CAD data, creates the assembly guide and project documentation and gives users the option to order complete constructions directly online. Throughout the entire engineering process, item offers users comprehensive support in the form of help functions, explanatory videos and direct contact with item staff. The end result is that the item Engineeringtool is a convenient, fast, efficient – and COVID-safe – way of completing design and engineering work at a time when working conditions are difficult.

Length: 2,715

Date: 02 December 2020

Photos: 1 (Source: item)

Caption 1: Design efficiently even in the home office: The item engineering tool is the digital design workstation for machine and equipment construction.

Now also with a certificate – the item Academy now issues participants of its online training courses with a certificate after they have passed the exam. Interested parties can continue their training free of charge in the areas of mechanical engineering, workplace design, automation and lean production. There are special programs for fitters and design engineers with different focal points that conclude with a challenging test. 

Acquiring specialist knowledge is a basic requirement for success in the job. The proof of your own competence can open many a door. The item Academy now offers the perfect opportunity to do just that. Fitters and designers can obtain certification in two competence-oriented training programs. The item certified technician (ICT) training is aimed at fitters and practitioners who work directly with item products. Designers and planners who develop and prepare applications can train to become item certified engineers (ICE). Both programs are divided into three competency levels and contain a broadly diversified curriculum. The concluding questions relate to the content of the course. After passing the exam, item will send the certificates to the participants immediately; no costs are incurred.

Register online and start immediately

The main topics and contents of the item Academy in the areas of mechanical engineering, workplace design, automation and lean production are constantly being revised and expanded. After registering free of charge and providing a valid postal address, interested parties can use the training courses offered on the item website directly and also access all other online services without having to register again. In addition to the certification courses, numerous product manuals, practical tips and instructional videos are available. Users can acquire specialist knowledge in short learning sequences and flexibly organize their time. 

Length: 1,909

Date: 18 November 2020

Photos: 1 (source: item)

Caption 1: With the item Academy, fitters and designers can have themselves certified online.

Cost-efficient and intelligent – Karakuri, a central aspect of the lean philosophy, uses mechanical energy to create simple automation solutions. Among the many companies making the most of low-cost automation is Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile (TPCA) based in Kolín, Czech Republic. It is using a Karakuri bridge from item to transport air conditioning units for small vehicles in its production plant while ensuring tugger trains can travel underneath the bridge unhindered. This Karakuri application results in an efficient material flow and enhanced productivity.

At the Czech car manufacturer TPCA, the air conditioning units for the vehicle models Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 108 and Citroën C1 move from one production line to the next as if on a conveyor belt. However, this automatic transport is designed as a Karakuri application and, for the most part, is a purely mechanical process that uses gravity. 

Karakuri bridge for an uninterrupted material flow

Initially, TPCA used transport trolleys to bring the necessary air conditioning units to the production line. Unfortunately, these trolleys crossed the routes used by tugger trains, frequently forcing them to come to a halt and thereby interrupting the material flow and rendering processes inefficient. While searching for a cost-effective solution that would optimise these processes and boost productivity, TPCA turned to item – a market leader in building kit systems for industrial applications. The company has many years of experience working with Karakuri/LCA applications and closely collaborated with TPCA to develop a solution based on its Lean Production Building Kit System that was perfectly tailored to the production scenario. During training sessions, TPCA staff expanded their knowledge about the potential applications of the lean components from item. 

Today, the air conditioning units are transported across a Karakuri bridge six metres long, six metres wide and five metres tall. Materials are supplied via a shooter. One after the other, the air conditioning units, which have been placed into small load carriers (SLCs), are lifted up a tower by a linear axis and carried from one side to the other on roller conveyors over the tugger train route below. After being turned 90 degrees and travelling another three metres, the units reach a second tower, where they are lowered back down again using purely mechanical means and can be removed for further processing. The empty SLCs move into a third tower where a linear unit lifts them up. They are initially stacked, before roller conveyors then take them back over the tugger train route in stacks of four. Once they have been brought back down to ground level in the fourth and final tower, the stacked SLCs can be removed and refilled with new units. The entire construction has been built using linear technology, Profile Tube System D30 and matching fasteners from item. 

All in all, by deploying the Karakuri bridge, TPCA has been able to automate and optimise its production processes and take strain off its staff. This has resulted in far more efficient operations while keeping investment costs low compared to conventional automation systems.

Length: 3,355

Date: 8 October 2020

Photos: 3

Caption 1: In its production operations, car manufacturer TPCA transports air conditioning units for small vehicles across a Karakuri bridge from item.

Captions 2 and 3: One after the other, the air conditioning units, which have been placed into small load carriers (SLCs), are lifted up a tower by a linear axis and carried from one side to the other on roller conveyors over the tugger train route below.

Digitalisation is making steady strides in mechanical engineering. With the help of online tools, engineers are able to configure factory equipment in great detail. However, if they are to cope with the stringent demands and ever-increasing workloads in engineering, they require tools and configurators that can deliver clear productivity benefits. The item Engineeringtool offers users an intelligent and ingenious piece of software that combines the flexibility of a 3D engineering solution with an intuitive and straightforward user guidance system. Integrated filters and calculation tools make it easier for users to select the right components. These tools help them complete even highly complex engineering tasks more efficiently and much faster than when working in a conventional CAD environment.

Online tools have been a trusted aid for mechanical and factory equipment engineers for some time now. However, conventional product configurators often focus on a predetermined selection of variants and offer little flexibility when it comes to combining individual components. “Our in-house development – the item Engineeringtool – doesn’t restrict the selection or use of system components,” explains Christian Thiel, a product manager and online tools expert at item. “This digital engineering solution is also under constant review, and we’re always adding new functions and components.” Users have an extensive catalogue of products from the item MB Building Kit System and Lean Production Building Kit System at their disposal to help them complete their engineering project. At the start of the project, they select a profile and drag and drop it onto the large 3D engineering area. Profiles are clearly identified based on their design, number of grooves, product line and material thickness. There is also the option to define the maximum deflection and buckling permitted for a specific profile length. This way, engineers can use the appropriate filters to find the right profiles for their particular application. None of this requires any specialist expertise. This software also makes it easier for users to choose compatible accessories, such as Caps, Knuckle Feet and Castors. Any collisions between components are immediately flagged up and need to be rectified before the user can continue with the engineering process. What’s more, an integrated plausibility check prevents components from being placed incorrectly. All users have to do is drag profiles, fasteners and accessories close to the point on the profile where they are to be fixed in place and they are automatically incorporated in the correct position. The intelligent program ensures only compatible components can be selected, as appropriate to the details provided by the user. This rules-based engineering approach reduces the risk of errors occurring in the working process. Thanks to the integrated variant technology, engineers can modify the characteristics of the product configuration at any time and switch from standard profiles to a design using lightweight profiles, for example. Not only that, but the length of the profiles can be easily altered at any time.

Engineering made much easier

The item Engineeringtool lightens the workload for engineers. A good example of this is the process of adding caps or covers to the profile ends in a design, which usually involves searching through an extensive catalogue to track down the right size of cap for each profile one by one. In the item Engineeringtool, however, users only have to select the desired cap once, which they can then drag onto the ends of various profiles, at which point it immediately and automatically adapts in size. If users add floor elements such as Swivel Castors, they don’t have to specify any screws or other fixings. “The item Engineeringtool automatically knows which small parts are needed to fix components in place,” says Thiel. “This way, users can focus entirely on the engineering tasks at hand.” Repetitive engineering steps are easy to carry out, too. For instance, relevant components can be selected and duplicated with a simple double click, making it possible to create basic frames in next to no time. To connect individual components with absolute precision, users can enter exact length values for each component using their keyboard and use a lock function to keep components at the specified dimensions. The design can be viewed from various different angles, as the display can be rotated in all directions. Once the design is complete, all the components are listed in a summary, which can be used to subsequently change individual components or entire designs, such as the colour and design of the profiles or the type and number of grooves.

Export designs to common CAD programs and share them around the world

The item Engineeringtool can be used by almost anyone, without the need for extensive induction training. CAD skills are not required, and common standard tasks can be carried out quickly. Users can create designs anywhere on any end device with internet access – without any additional software. Once the design is complete, the price is calculated, the project documentation is generated, and the design can be further processed in CAD systems. “Our CAD data output function ensures customers can take projects completed in the item Engineeringtool and continue working on them in a conventional CAD environment,” says Thiel. “When exporting constructions to common CAD programs, the complete geometry is transferred.” After the customer has named the project and registered with item, the project is assigned an internationally unique project number. This makes it easy to share designs with colleagues around the world, ensuring everyone has the same information. Once a corresponding link has been sent or a QR code has been scanned, every recipient can access all the information about the current project without having to rely on a CAD program – and all from any end device, be it a smartphone or desktop workstation.

Documentation made easy

Design processes tend to involve a lot of administrative work for engineers. “The documentation process is at least as time-consuming as the engineering itself,” explains Thiel. “It’s not uncommon for it to take two hours or more to create a dimensioned drawing, the parts list and the machining plan.” The item Engineeringtool saves users a great deal of time. The software analyses the design and all its installed components, checks how the profiles are machined and connected, and creates the final documentation in next to no time. Users can choose between compact, detailed or complete documentation. A parts list, a detailed machining plan, a multiview projection, an isometric drawing showing all dimensions, an exploded view and a straightforward, step-by-step installation guide for assembling the systems are all included in the documentation. Using the digital twin, the item Engineeringtool identifies the necessary machining and assembly steps and arranges them in the correct sequence.

The clear advantages of a smart tool

By compiling complete, error-free data and transferring it to the parts list and machining plan, the item Engineeringtool delivers a process chain that is digital from start to finish. This helps prevent any misunderstandings and considerably reduces the overall throughput time for a project. Registered users can access all the parameters relating to orders and deliveries via the item Online Shop. Once an order has been placed, it is shipped as a complete construction kit within a very short time. A package is delivered with the necessary machined profiles and the associated small parts. Customers can also commission item to assemble the entire construction, if they wish. This way, they benefit from a high level of availability and keep their warehousing requirements to a minimum. “When developing the item Engineeringtool, we set out to offer engineers countless user-friendly functions designed to make their lives easier,” explains Thiel. “Thanks to integrated variant technology, optimum component placement, the automatic application of connection processing and the rapid generation of project documentation, engineers can concentrate entirely on their actual job – engineering.” item also responds to user feedback and is constantly developing its software solution. Users are always working with the most recent version of the software and can get an instant overview of the latest changes, product enhancements, updates and bug fixes in the item Engineeringtool change log.

Length: 9,190 characters including spaces 

Date: 29 September 2020

Photos: 4 (Source: item)

Caption 1: The item Engineeringtool lightens the workload for engineers – basic frames can be created in next to no time.

Caption 2: Engineering designs can be easily shared with colleagues around the world.

Caption 3: The online software is easy to use and can be accessed from any end device.

Caption 4: Christian Thiel, a product manager and online tools expert at item: “The item Engineeringtool makes it possible to complete even highly complex engineering tasks more efficiently and much faster than when working in a conventional CAD environment.”

With an ever-growing diversity of products and variants leading to frequent bottlenecks on the material area, material supply is playing an increasingly important role in assembly and manufacturing operations. Using the right software, the supply of materials in these operations can be easily enhanced. This is where the planning and optimisation software ipolog comes in, making material zone planning more efficient and transparent. Thanks to the connected item Engineeringtool, users can select and configure material supply racks at the touch of a button.

Keen to make the best possible use of resources and material areas, more and more companies are turning their attention to material supply processes in assembly and manufacturing. A duo of tools is offering the ideal solution to satisfy these growing needs and speed up planning. Using ipolog, a software program specially developed for production and logistics, companies can shape, visualise and simulate assembly and logistics processes efficiently, transparently and with ease. This software deploys intelligent algorithms to help users optimise material supply processes in assembly and production, thereby reducing the amount of time required for planning. Thanks to the connection to the item Engineeringtool, this task will become even easier in the future. “With the ipolog software and the connected, directly accessible item Engineeringtool, planning custom material zones is incredibly straightforward and convenient,” says Christian Thiel, product manager for online tools at item.

A symbiosis offering true-to-scale visualisations of factory equipment

2D and 3D visualisations in ipolog give an idea of what the end result will look like and make it easier to coordinate with decision-makers and service providers. Offering genuine efficiency, the solution works with true-to-scale representations of the actual factory equipment used. For this purpose, existing 3D models of racks, containers, environments and other objects can be imported from CAD programs, or models can be added straight from the catalogue in the ipolog software. The planning process is straightforward when using factory equipment based on item building kit systems. Standard FIFO racks from item are integrated directly into the ipolog catalogue for immediate use. Chosen templates can be opened with just one click and tailored to the precise requirements of the user. The project documentation built into the item Engineeringtool – encompassing everything from the parts list and the dimensioned rendering through to the assembly instructions for the configured factory equipment – provides all necessary information. As a result, users no longer have to worry about time-consuming manual follow-up work. What’s more, the connection to the item Online Shop also enhances the subsequent procurement process.

Summary

Users benefit thoroughly from this collaboration. The software-supported planning of material supply processes ensures users achieve their goals faster, delivers better results thanks to smart algorithms, and even makes it easier to procure and integrate factory equipment. A whole host of steps become more efficient, space is used to its full potential and waste is reduced. “The combination of ipolog and the item Engineeringtool means users can plan with the right material supply racks from an early stage and make the downstream procurement and fitting processes incredibly faster,” Thiel sums up. 

This webinar® recording provides a full overview (in German) of the item Engineeringtool and ipolog.

Length: 3,543 Characters including spaces

Date: 02 September 2020

Photos: 3 (source: item)

Caption 1: The software supports true-to-scale visualisations of factory equipment.

Maximum precision and functionality – the requirements placed on dispensing systems in the miniaturised liquid handling sector are high. BioFluidix GmbH specialises in developing and manufacturing automated liquid handling devices and dispensing modules, and tailoring them to specific customer needs. Its products are used to dispense liquids contact-free in volumes ranging from just a few picolitres to several microlitres. The microfluidics specialist uses numerous item components to build its automation systems. For example, it uses profiles, fasteners and fastening elements from the item MB Building Kit System, machine enclosures and Linear Units with linear guide systems, corresponding guide rails and carriages that move and position dispensing units with the utmost precision. Thanks to the wide-ranging portfolio of item components, their modular design and compatibility with one another, BioFluidix can easily adapt to new conditions and benefit from maximum flexibility when it comes to meeting customer requirements.

BioFluidix GmbH was established in 2005 as a spin-off from the Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK) at the University of Freiburg and currently employs 24 members of staff. The microfluidics and automation technology specialists develop high-end systems intended primarily for the fields of life sciences, pharmaceutical production, medical technology and substrate and surface coating solutions. The patented dispensing technologies are used in all scenarios that call for maximum precision and reliability. Besides supplying single-channel dispensing modules, BioFluidix can also combine different dispensing systems on a single automated working platform – the BioSpot workstation. “We enable our customers to implement miniaturised and optimised processes, thus offering enormous time and cost savings,” explains the CTO of BioFluidix GmbH. “To combine different processes and technologies, we needed a suitable structure and a corresponding platform. This is where item comes into play.” BioFluidix uses a wide range of item components – profiles and fasteners for building dispensing systems along with other elements for protective covers and enclosures. The company’s BioSpot workstation also runs on Linear Guide Rail PS 4-15 and Bearing Carriage PS 4-15, both of which are manufactured by the market leader in building kit systems for industrial applications. 

Flexibility – a major advantage

BioFluidix has been working closely with item ever since it was established. “We were still affiliated with the university when we first got in contact,” explains the CTO. “We were impressed even then by just how much flexibility the components offered.” When it comes to the protective enclosure, for example, this flexibility is a huge advantage over prefabricated, non-configurable machine cabins in standard formats. When working with fixed formats, it doesn’t take long before meeting specific customer requirements becomes a very expensive affair. BioFluidix set out to find a more customised solution without any restrictions, which could also be implemented with short delivery times and at competitive prices. Using item components means numerous designs can be implemented in next to no time and solutions can be extended with ease. Thanks to the building kit system’s modular design, BioFluidix is able to respond quickly and flexibly to the relevant customer requirements.

Manufacturing the BioSpot workstation to customer specifications

The BioSpot workstation can be used to combine various dispensing technologies in a single automated platform in order to implement a wide range of applications. Depending on what the customer wants, the devices are built to unique specifications and modified for the relevant requirements. The system’s load-bearing and functional elements are made with item profiles. BioFluidix is increasingly using Line X aluminium profiles from item, as they satisfy customers’ high standards in terms of design and functionality. Their unbroken surfaces and minimised edge radius ensure a smooth, seamless transition between profiles. item linear technology, such as the PS 4-20 linear guide system, is used to move the dispensing units. This system consists of guide rails, which are mounted on item Groove Profiles, and the matching Bearing Carriages. The dispensing unit of the BioSpot workstation is attached to the PS 4-20 carriages and guided securely and accurately throughout the dispensing process. The key features of item components are high load-carrying capacity, rigidity and compact design. BioFluidix manufactures the BioSpot workstation in a variety of dimensions, with the width set at 55 cm and the length varying as required by the customer – which is why the guide rails of the linear guide system and the connected components are customised as required. “Thanks to the item building kit system, these customised devices can be manufactured cost-effectively,” explains the project manager at BioFluidix. “This means our models can be parameterised, and we can ensure consistent functionality and quality.”

Configuring smart solutions using item online tools

BioFluidix has many uses for item components beyond just building its BioSpot workstation. This innovative Freiburg-based company also uses item profiles, fasteners and fastening elements to implement customer-specific systems and machinery that call for a completely unique structure. BioFluidix develops and integrates different components, sensors and control concepts to create bespoke solutions to order. “What makes all the difference is that we can use item components to develop and implement the perfect devices very quickly and in the dimensions specified by the customer,” says the project manager. “We also make the most of being able to order pre-configured parts via the item website.” Initially, BioFluidix was still having its components machined by an intermediary supplier, but soon realised this additional step was unnecessary. item offers profiles with high-precision cut-offs directly via its Online Shop. These keep to all tolerances, meaning BioFluidix can manufacture the devices as soon as they receive the parts. Profiles are selected and designed using the item Engineeringtool. BioFluidix integrates the 3D data for the appropriate configuration into its own CAD environment and orders the prefabricated construction kits directly through the website. “It’s easy and convenient to purchase the parts via the Online Shop instead of sending an order by e-mail and having to specify parts lists and tolerances, and, in some cases, negotiate prices,” says the project manager. Orders are placed with item through an online account that has been configured perfectly for BioFluidix. All conditions and agreements are stored there, which means orders can be processed quickly and reliably. As a result, item can supply a smart solution for all design variants. The entire process takes only a few days – from the initial order until the prefabricated components arrive. Since BioFluidix takes a “build-to-order” approach to production and does not keep warehouse stock, it is crucial that components are delivered on time. “In item, we have found a partner that delivers orders quickly and reliably,” says the CTO of BioFluidix. “For instance, there have been no break-downs or complaints in the many years we’ve been working together.”

High functionality and aesthetic appeal

The huge building kit system and its wide variety of compatible components give item a clear competitive edge. The profiles in Line X are also suitable for special application areas with particular requirements. Their largely unbroken surfaces, for example, offer a major advantage for applications in near-cleanroom conditions, as no dirt can penetrate the profiles and the surfaces are easy to clean. Covered grooves stop particles from accumulating in nooks and crannies. “In addition to functionality and quality, we also pay close attention to aesthetics when designing our systems,” says the CTO. “The clean contours of the profiles and the timeless design of the item components speak for themselves more than anything else.” BioFluidix is currently developing a new microfluidics device for which it also plans to use item profiles – meaning this successful collaboration is set to continue in the future.

Length: 9,104 characters including spaces

Date: 20 August 2020

Caption 1: BioFluidix uses a wide range of item components to construct the BioSpot workstation. 

Caption 2: The BioSpot workstation combines various dispensing technologies on a single automated platform. Depending on customer requirements, the devices are built to unique specifications and vary in length – which is no problem, thanks to the flexibility of the item building kit system.