Founded in 2010, Metal Craft Tamura has built a reputation for precision sheet metal fabrication, producing a wide range of components, everything from large railway vehicle parts and operator cabins for train track maintenance cars, to small precision components used in semiconductor manufacturing. And when some of your products exceed two meters in size, you need not only advanced technical skills but also exceptional adaptability.

From 2D to 3D: A turning point in manufacturing

In its early years, the company relied solely on 2D CAD. However, misinterpretation of customer drawings and the subsequent rework on the shop floor became recurring issues, especially with Metal Craft Tamura’s large and complex assemblies, such as railway operator cabins which can contain more than 200 individual parts. Visualizing the final product from 2D drawings often proved difficult, and discrepancies in interpretation between workers often led to costly mistakes.

To address these challenges, Metal Craft Tamura adopted Siemens Solid Edge, part of the Designcenter suite, into their workflow and began leveraging 3D assembly models. By reconstructing the final product in 3D from the customer-supplied 2D DXF drawings, the team dramatically improved both accuracy and efficiency.

“Using Solid Edge’s Create 3D capability, we build 3D models from the 2D DXF files provided by our customers. By converting our designs into 3D, we’re able to get a much clearer understanding of the product’s actual shape,” explains Hideki Kon, Section Manager at Metal Craft Tamura. “In some cases, we’ve even spotted errors in the original drawings that would have gone unnoticed until assembly. Catching these issues early has saved us from costly rework and delays. It’s been a really effective way to improve accuracy and efficiency.”

Cutting work time in half with 3D models

The shift to 3D modeling has had a profound impact on the design and production of many of Metal Craft Tamura’s products. Weld marking accuracy has improved, significantly reducing on-site corrections. Overall work time has been cut by nearly 50%. Fixture design has also evolved and now incorporates ergonomic considerations thanks to 3D visualization. By sharing models with shop floor workers, the team can collaboratively review designs, ensuring that fixtures accommodate torch movement and operator workflows during the welding process.

“Being able to edit part geometry parametrically has helped us reduce the effort required to produce similar components. I also find it useful that Solid Edge allows us to make changes to multiple parts within an assembly at the same time. This is a practical feature that supports our day-to-day work,” says Kon. “By switching to 3D for our production processes, we’ve been able to cut total man-hours in half compared to 2D.”

Bridging the gap between shop floor and customer

The company has installed PCs directly on the shop floor, making it easy for workers to freely manipulate and inspect 3D models at any time. This boosts decision-making and speeds up operations because workers don’t need to leave the shop floor for the office each time a change is needed.

3D models are also used in customer meetings, shown through laptop presentations or with 3D PDFs, and clear, detailed models make communication more intuitive and strengthen trust between Metal Craft Tamura and its customers.

Embracing 3D scanning for reverse engineering

Recently, Metal Craft Tamura began using 3D scanners for reverse engineering as the newest addition to their workflow. When tasked with replacing factory pipes or ducts, they scan the environment and import the data directly into Solid Edge assemblies. This enables precise placement and interference-free design, eliminating the need for on-site adjustments. They use the same approach for custom automotive parts, where scanning the actual vehicle ensures the final part is a perfect fit.

Looking ahead: Structural analysis and AI integration

The next frontier for Metal Craft Tamura is in-house structural analysis. Currently outsourced, bringing this capability in-house would allow the company to offer end-to-end design and validation, adding even more value for customers. They also plan to unify their fragmented internal databases — covering drawings, estimates and more — into a centralized system powered by AI.

“3D modeling has brought us remarkable efficiency gains,” says Hiroshi Tamura, President of Metal Craft Tamura. “Moving forward, we’ll continue to stay attuned to rapidly evolving technologies like AI, and explore new business opportunities.”

To learn more, visit Siemens Solid Edge.

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Planned annual shutdowns are a routine part of facility operations. Usually timed around slower seasons, they offer a chance to complete maintenance tasks that can’t be done while equipment is running. However, the opportunity is often underutilized.

“People will do very minimal planning, or sometimes even no planning,” says Bill Brown, chief engineer at Schneider Electric. “Without really taking a hard look at what needs to be done, inevitably some things get left out.”

In some cases, improvements to existing infrastructure take a backseat to more urgent tasks, such as construction projects. With the right support, however, shutdown periods can help facilities boost their operations uptime. Consulting services like Schneider Electric’s EcoConsult are giving teams the tools to plan smarter and make better use of their shutdown window.

Missed opportunities during planned downtime

Even when shutdowns are scheduled well in advance, teams often go in with limited visibility into actual system conditions. Maintenance tasks are typically guided by standard checklists—and while these may keep operations running in the short term, they also increase the risk of reactive maintenance. Opportunities to uncover deeper issues or improve equipment performance often go unnoticed.

“Without visibility to data, you end up doing too much guesswork,” says Brown. “When you do that and follow a set checklist, you’re not necessarily on the lookout for things that aren’t on the checklist but could very well make or break the reliability of the equipment if they’re not looked at and fixed.”

One common blind spot is equipment loading. If teams don’t have a clear understanding of whether components have been operating within their limits, they may miss signs of wear that can reduce equipment lifespan and lead to unplanned downtime later.

How EcoConsult helps teams prioritize and plan work

EcoConsult offers a more structured, data-driven approach to shutdown planning, starting with assessments of both safety risks and de-energization activities at the beginning of the process. In scenarios where facility teams don’t have an electrical maintenance plan in place, Schneider Electric works with them to build one from the ground up.

“We can use our expertise with these types of equipment and systems to make sure that the program is robust enough to keep things running reliably, that the right things are looked at during maintenance, and that things don’t get missed,” says Brown.

EcoConsult also helps facilities meet NFPA 70B requirements, including producing or updating one-line diagrams and completing studies such as short-circuit, protection coordination and arc flash analysis. These tools not only support compliance but also assist in determining which equipment needs attention during the shutdown.

“Let’s say, for example, we’re going through a facility, trying to find what the particular issues could be,” explains Brown. “If we find a piece of equipment that is overloaded, or a piece of equipment that doesn’t have a clear maintenance record, or we find a system where there’s some safety issue—some modification needed to make sure things stay safe—those types of findings can be pointed out in the report. With a report that outlines those issues, they become much easier to prioritize. They also become much more visible when presenting to the facility’s management.”

By looking at the state of the electrical system and identifying conditions that could otherwise be overlooked, EcoConsult helps teams further plan for modernization. “Depending on the make and model of the equipment, we know what can be done, how difficult it is, and all of that comes together to help plan a modernization project,” says Brown.

For example, if a facility has switchgear with obsolete circuit breakers but the overall structure is still in good condition, EcoConsult may recommend targeted replacements rather than full system overhauls. “Ultimately, we can make sure the proper budgeting support is put in place,” says Brown. “We know what kinds of upgrades provide a good bang for the buck and which ones don’t.”

Conclusion

With the right preparation and visibility, teams can use annual shutdown time to uncover risks, prioritize upgrades, and extend uptime. To make that possible, work needs to begin early—typically two to three months ahead of the scheduled outage. Time spent upfront ultimately allows more to be accomplished during the shutdown and ensures that teams are targeting the right priorities.

“The biggest reason companies aren’t as effective as they could be with their maintenance shutdowns is they simply lack resources,” says Brown. “They don’t have the time or the people to plan adequately—in which case, choosing the right partner becomes critical. We at Schneider Electric have got decades of experience doing this sort of thing. We have a lot of in-house experts. Because we know the equipment, and know it well, we can be a very effective partner to help make the most of a maintenance shutdown.”

To learn more, visit Schneider Electric.

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Most electrical equipment failures stem from inadequate maintenance. That’s exactly what the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B was established to prevent. It provides an electrical equipment maintenance framework to reduce the risk of equipment failure, costly downtime, and energy inefficiency. 

But despite its importance, many facilities, from office buildings and industrial plants to commercial sites, remain unprepared to meet the NFPA 70B requirements introduced in the 2023 update. That’s a growing concern, especially now that NFPA 70B, previously a recommended practice, has become a formal standard with mandatory language.

There are two main reasons for this gap. A study from Schneider Electric found nearly 89 percent of facilities lack a documented electrical single-line diagram, which is the most fundamental requirement for compliance. Approximately 84 percent of sites in the United States report that they lack the time and resources to implement the new standard.

Experts at Schneider Electric have simplified compliance for electrical equipment owners by structuring an eight-step Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) framework.

8 steps to compliance

With the shift from “Recommended Practice” to a “Standard” with mandatory requirements, organizations must take a structured approach to achieve compliance. Schneider Electric outlines an eight-step process to help streamline the process.

1. Assign an Electrical Maintenance Program Coordinator

The first step is to designate an individual to monitor the implementation and operation of the maintenance program. This coordinator serves as the central hub for the facility, ensuring that the maintenance plan includes all the necessary components and pieces of infrastructure.

2. Conduct a condition assessment of electrical infrastructure

Before establishing a maintenance plan, perform a comprehensive assessment of the current condition of all electrical equipment and infrastructure on site. “If there is no existing maintenance program, this can be an invasive inspection to see what condition everything is in and what the starting point should be for your maintenance plan,” Brown explains.

3. Update documentation (SLDs, studies, records)

This step involves updating all electrical documentation, including single-line diagrams, electrical drawings, arc flash analyses, short-circuit studies, and other relevant system studies. As outlined in NFPA 70B Chapter 6, once the existing documents are assessed, they must be updated at least every five years.

4. Perform remediation

In this step, the facility operator must execute remediation measures to address any issues or deficiencies found during the assessment. This step involves implementing the needed repairs, replacements, and improvements to the electrical equipment.

5. Define maintenance intervals

It is essential to define the scope of maintenance tasks and determine the maintenance intervals depending on the post-remediation conditions of each piece of equipment. In contrast to traditional maintenance schedules that occur every 2-3 years, NFPA 70B Chapter 9 provides guidelines for determining condition-based intervals.

6. Keep detailed EMP records

Maintaining detailed records is important for tracking compliance. Documentation will involve details on the maintenance activities, inspection findings, equipment conditions, and the schedule for each asset in the electrical infrastructure. “The EMP Coordinator will make sure everything stays up to date,” Brown notes. “The records are key because they tell us what must be maintained and when.

7. Audit EMP every 5 years or less

The coordinator must set up a regular audit to review the entire electrical maintenance program at intervals not more than five years. This step involves continuous improvement, comparing the current EMP records against NFPA 70B requirements and industry best practices.

8. Embrace digitalization

Digital tools enhance every step of the compliance process. By digitizing records, monitoring equipment health in real-time, and integrating analytics, facilities can shift from reactive to proactive maintenance. “Going forward, digitalization is going to be a huge part—or at least a highly recommended part—of efficiently maintaining a system,” Brown emphasizes.

Digital tools to support compliance

To support compliance with NFPA 70B, Schneider Electric offers a suite of digital tools and services to help facilities implement their Electrical Maintenance Program.

EcoCare is a membership-based service plan that gives facility owners access to Schneider Electric’s expert and emergency support. “Depending on the subscription level, EcoCare can offer everything from prioritized services and spare parts access to performance dashboards showing what’s covered under the plan,” Brown adds.

In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, downtime isn’t just inconvenient—it’s costly. That’s where EcoCare steps in, a next-generation service plan designed to keep operations running smoothly through a powerful blend of expert support, AI-driven analytics, and condition-based maintenance.

Members gain exclusive access and fast-track emergency support, a dedicated Customer Success Manager, and preferential rates on training, spare parts, and on-site interventions. “EcoCare isn’t just a service plan—it’s peace of mind, powered by innovation,” Brown explains.

Conclusion

The 2023 update of NFPA 70B has made electrical maintenance a key aspect for ensuring reliable operation and safety.

By following the eight-step outline above, from assigning a maintenance coordinator and assessing equipment conditions, to maintaining up-to-date records and leveraging digital tools, facilities can build an Electrical Maintenance Program that meets the standard.  

To learn more about Schneider Electric’s compliance solutions, visit their website.

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Traditional design workflows often follow a linear path, from concept creation to prototyping and finally performance analysis. However, when the performance analysis exposes a critical flaw late in the sequence, redesign would extend production cycles and increase development costs. To avoid this, many engineers are adopting simulation-driven design, a process that integrates analysis into the workflow from the start and throughout the entire process.

“By moving analysis earlier in the workflow, engineers can design for risk mitigation, quality, and performance,” says Jerry Raether, sales training program manager at PTC. “Instead of creating a part that passes validation, simulation-driven design enables them to refine and optimize until they achieve the best possible design.”

Integrated simulation also reduces development cycles by identifying and correcting potential flaws in real-time, thereby minimizing the back-and-forth between design and analysis teams. This allows engineering companies to bring products to market faster and reduce development costs.

To support this fundamental shift, PTC has integrated analysis tools directly within the Creo 3D CAD environment. Solutions such as Creo Simulation Live and Creo Ansys Simulation eliminate the need for data export or manual setup. The workflow offers a strategic advantage for product development teams, allowing them to refine a concept in real-time based on live performance data.

In this article, we will discuss two key workflows that use simulation-driven design in PTC Creo: one for new product development and another for existing product improvement. Each of these workflows demonstrates how extensions like Generative Topology Optimization (GTO), Creo Simulation Live (CSL), Behavioral Modeling Extension (BMX), and Creo Ansys Simulation enable an integrated design-analysis process.

Workflow 1: Simulation-driven new product design

In a new product design workflow, GTO is used as a concept design tool to rapidly explore and reveal innovative design solutions. GTO is 3D CAD capability that uses AI-driven algorithms and FEA to autonomously create optimal designs solving for user specified requirements and goals, including preferred materials and manufacturing methods.

The workflow starts using Creo multibody design to create the design spaces representing the starting geometry, preserved geometry and optional exclude geometry. Once the geometry is created, the user starts the GTO application and completes the setup by designating the design spaces, defining the physics, and design criteria. The last step is to generate the design by selecting the option to optimize. The user can run as many optimizations as desired to evaluate design alternatives while changing material selection, manufacturing methods and geometric constraints.

“Using generative, I define all these criteria, and then I tell it to optimize and solve for the part. What it’s going to do is come back with a really unique-looking part that will be something an engineer wouldn’t naturally think about designing that way. It speeds time to innovation because it shows a lot of different ways to create that part that an engineer would never think of,” explains Raether.

Jacobs Engineering used PTC Creo Generative Design to design and optimize two components of the NASA spacesuit Portable Life Support System: the O2 tank bracket and the CO2 sensor bracket. The company achieved significant improvements, with a 21 percent and 20 percent weight reduction, respectively.

After GTO has provided the conceptual blueprint, the engineer begins the recreation phase, using traditional Creo tools such as parametric design, surfacing, and freestyle, to create a cleaner, more manufacturable version. The generative output is not a final, manufacturable product, as it may not be suitable for die-casting or NC machining.

While the engineer reverse-engineers the GTO output, CSL runs in the background, providing real-time feedback on key performance metrics, such as stress, strain and deformation. The tool is purpose-built for the design engineer to prioritize speed and ease of use over the absolute accuracy required by a specialist analyst.

The value of this trade-off between speed and accuracy is profound. For example, an engineer can iterate rapidly, exploring multiple design alternatives and receiving feedback on the impact of each change. This enables the immediate correction of potential design flaws, reducing the time-consuming redesign cycles associated with traditional workflows.

Engineers also have the option to combine CSL with the BMX to run sensitivity studies to determine which variables most strongly affect stress. They can also run optimization studies, for example, to minimize mass while keeping stress below a target. This automates exploration of the design space. While BMX is not mandatory, engineers can also do this iteratively in CSL. However, it provides a structured way to identify and adjust the variables.

Once the engineer thinks that the design is ready, they can switch from CSL to Creo Ansys Simulation, which functions as a traditional analysis tool. The engineer stops making design edits and focuses purely on simulation accuracy. All boundary conditions (loads, constraints) are transferred into Creo Ansys Simulation for results that are higher fidelity and more precise.

“CSL may not be 100% accurate, but that’s acceptable given the speed at which I’m able to receive analysis feedback to evaluate design choices. While I’m actively designing and making changes to the geometry, the goal is speed and directionally correct feedback. When I’m ready to hand the design over to analysts or manufacturing, that’s when margin of error matters. This is when I switch to Creo Ansys Simulation  and focus on the accuracy of results to validate the final geometry,” Raether adds.

Workflow 2: Simulation-led continuous improvement

The Kaizen workflow supports the concept of continuous improvement. Simulation-driven design can also be equally useful for engineers who want to use an existing part’s geometry as the starting point for the generative process.

The key setup here is to use the “Limit Volume” constraint within GTO. The engineer can specify a target volume, for example, 70 percent of the existing part’s volume. GTO then systematically removes the least critical material. This shows which areas of the existing part contribute most to structural integrity, and what areas are less critical to the overall design. With this information, engineers can make informed decisions to enhance the quality and performance of next generation designs. Throughout the Kaizen process, engineers use CSL to evaluate design choices in pursuit of specified design goals and objectives.

As part of the SuperTruck project, Volvo used GTO to enhance an existing product, the forward engine mount, which was designed 17 years ago using cast iron and remains in production. The automotive manufacturer achieved a 75 percent weight reduction and an 82 percent decrease in peak stress.

The continuous improvement workflow has a direct impact on the company’s sustainability goals. By identifying and removing unnecessary material from existing parts, companies can reduce material costs and enhance product performance. For heavy-duty vehicles, even a slight weight reduction can lead to substantial gains in fuel efficiency.

Another option is to use CSL throughout the Kaizen workflow. The process starts using CSL to identify and document baseline measures such as stress, strain and deformation. These values serve as checkpoints when evaluating design modifications and changes throughout the Kaizen workflow. As the engineer makes changes to the design, real-time analysis reveals whether the change helped or hurt the design. Using CSL eliminates assumptions and guesswork when exploring design options and alternatives. Engineers can focus on design refinement and optimization to introduce innovation and quality into next generation designs. The final step in the process is to use Creo Ansys Simulation to perform high-fidelity analysis.

Creo adoption through MRC support

Maintenance Reseller Corporation (MRC), a long-standing PTC partner, has always been at the forefront in driving the adoption of PTC Creo. The primary role of MRC is to serve as a sales, renewal, and support channel for PTC software, including the Creo platform.

“Our focus has always been on ensuring that our customers utilize Creo to the most of their advantage, whether that’s by keeping them informed of extensions that can assist their design or optimization process, or by providing updates on each new Creo release or simulation update,” says Esthefany Hung, marketing manager at Maintenance Reseller Corporation.

Conclusion

Simulation-driven design, using PTC Creo and its extensions, provides a technique for developing products with a continuous feedback loop. This yields numerous benefits, including higher product quality, reduced development costs, faster time-to-market, and risk mitigation. In addition to this, simulation-driven workflows tend to deliver innovative solutions that drive the development of next-generation products across various industries.

It is now evident that traditional sequential workflows are no longer sufficient to maintain a competitive edge in today’s demanding market. The adoption of simulation-driven design is the next step for engineering teams.

Ready to take simulation-driven design further?

Download the free whitepaper “How Creo Supports Sustainable Product Development” to see how you can reduce costs, accelerate innovation and build more sustainable products. MRC is here to answer your questions and help you get the most out of Creo — reach out anytime.

The post Leveraging simulation-driven design with PTC Creo appeared first on Engineering.com.

Green energy initiatives are pushed out every year by companies in a variety of different industries and markets. While the concept of a “green initiative” is appealing on the surface, many companies relegate their environmentalism to a single line or moonshot project. CEE was founded on the idea that they wanted to be a clean tech supplier with a clear goal of pushing down CO2 emissions in energy intensive production processes.

While so many companies are founded on these green principles, CEE is looking to both talk the talk and walk the walk. Ray and Jules coffee was launched by CEE to be a centerpiece for the company to showcase what they can achieve with green technology and engineering, and demonstrate how it is not only possible, but also successful. 

“I’m a clean tech entrepreneur, and I have a formation as an engineer. My brother is an engineer; my father is an engineer. My father’s father is an engineer. So, we have a serious problem in the family,” jokes Koen Bosmans, CEE’s founder and CEO.

But all joking aside, it’s apparent that Bosmans is serious about green tech. He channels this generational expertise into transformative industrial solutions, aligning environmental sustainability with economic practicality.

CEE distinguishes itself through vertical integration, combining consulting, engineering and manufacturing under one roof. Unlike traditional firms specializing exclusively in one market, CEE’s approach allows a comprehensive and seamless service, enhancing the efficiency and feasibility of delivering complex technological innovations.

“Let’s say you have consulting companies, you have engineering companies, you have manufacturing companies,” Bosmans says. “And we decided, okay, let’s push all of this together under one umbrella in our niche of thermal treatment systems, energy efficiency, industrial energy efficiency. And voila! That’s what I’ve been doing the last 18 years.”

Engineering Meets Coffee

In 2014, CEE recognized a critical inefficiency in the roasting of bulk food products. Conventional methods relied heavily on batch roasting processes, characterized by high temperatures and significant energy consumption. Identifying an opportunity for meaningful impact, CEE developed a continuous roasting system that operated at lower temperatures and achieved significantly better energy conversion rates.

Like many established organizations, traditional industrial coffee roasters have a tendency to be extremely risk-averse, which means avoiding being an early adopter to new tech — especially when that tech requires capital investment or an overt shift in processes.

“Those big companies, they don’t like to take big risks in their eyes. In our eyes, it was not a big risk. It was like a calculated risk and one step at a time. Lots of tests and then a first pilot, and then a second pilot, and then the industrial scale. But those big established companies, let’s say they are risk averse and sitting on existing assets. They only move if they see it work elsewhere first, and that’s actually what we created. We created our own first reference for a certain technology ourselves,” Bosmans explains.

Determined to prove the viability of their technology and spread the influence of their energy-efficient opportunity, Bosmans and his team took the bold step of creating a sister company, Ray and Jules, in 2017 to prove the technology’s commercial viability. Ray and Jules became the world’s first zero-emission coffee roastery, exclusively powered by renewable energy and utilizing CEE’s innovative roasting system.

By acquiring an existing small coffee roastery, CEE combined their advanced technological knowledge with practical roasting expertise, bridging the gap between innovation and market acceptance. Over two years, they developed a fully operational facility, launching publicly in December 2019. Ray and Jules quickly gained traction, growing into a prominent brand in Belgium, now serving over 35,000 customers and clearly demonstrating consumer demand for sustainable alternatives.

Ray and Jules’ success provided a critical proof-of-concept, drawing attention from global leaders in the coffee, cocoa and malt industries. Companies previously cautious about adopting new technologies were now keen to explore the potential benefits. CEE strategically invited these industry giants to conduct tests with their own raw materials at Ray and Jules’ facility, providing tangible evidence of the technology’s effectiveness. This approach significantly lowered perceived risks, gradually fostering acceptance and adoption of CEE’s innovations within traditionally conservative industries.

“That’s what was needed to make them shift a little bit. That’s how Ray and Jules actually became part of the CEE group, and now it’s a well-known coffee brand in Belgium with a large number of clients,” Bosmans says.

Evidence-Based Engineering with the Help of Simulation

Central to CEE’s engineering process is their strategic deployment of Siemens’ Solid Edge software, part of the Designcenter suite, and their offering of 3D modeling, simulation and analysis capabilities. CEE has a need to create precise and meticulous designs, which is crucial for efficient and accurate on-site implementation. Nuts, bolts, washers and detailed assembly marks are added into the design, ensuring that installations proceed smoothly, rapidly and with minimal disruption to existing operations.

Solid Edge’s simulation capabilities, particularly in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), play a crucial role in CEE’s design process. By using Simcenter FLOEFD to perform CFD simulations, the company’s engineers are able to precisely analyze and optimize thermal interactions within roasting and drying systems, ensuring uniform heat distribution and consistent product quality. This detailed simulation and iterative refinement drastically reduce both technical and financial risks associated with scaling innovative industrial processes from laboratory concepts to full commercial operations. Arguably, it is a big part of the success that the Ray and Jules coffee company has achieved.

Additionally, CEE uses what Bosmans has coined as an evidence-based engineering approach, complementing Solid Edge simulations with rigorous laboratory testing. By collecting precise, empirical data from small-scale tests, engineers can benefit from holistic and data-rich digital twins provided through the Siemens Xcelerator software suite.

“You always need to put numbers, magic numbers, into the model. Since you’re not always certain about the product’s chemical composition. That’s where the tests come up,” Bosmans explains. “We say, let’s take the product of the client. Let’s put it in a certain thermal atmosphere and measure how it reacts. How fast does it heat up in a certain environment? How fast does it start to evaporate the liquid inside? And then we combine the two. That’s where the magic happens — because of course, we can’t run tests at full scale; it would be far too expensive. Instead, we conduct small-scale tests and use that data as input for the model. From there, we can scale the model up to full size. Evidence-based engineering is critical for us. We’re very good at collecting precise measurements and using them to feed our digital twins.”

This synergy between empirical evidence and advanced modeling significantly reduces uncertainty and accelerates the transition from prototype to production scale.

Critical Engineering for Coffee

CEE’s innovative reach extends beyond food processing into the construction materials sector, as well. Despite the apparent differences between these industries, both require sophisticated thermal management. CEE’s cross-sector expertise enables them to transfer insights and technological advancements seamlessly between different industries, continually driving innovation and efficiency improvements.

Looking to the future, CEE remains committed to broadening its global impact. Recognizing the limitations of regional markets, the company has proactively expanded its operational presence to North America, aiming to effectively serve its growing global client base. CEE’s strategic decision to focus deeply within their niche expertise rather than broadly diversifying their services ensures sustained specialization, innovation and competitive advantage.

“If you want to grow, you should go abroad. Because we are a Belgium-based company now, I cannot sell 50 dryers per year in Belgium. That’s impossible. The market is much too small. So then the question is, do we expand our services? Or do we say, no, we want to stay the specialist in our niche? We have clearly chosen this second option. But the result is then that we need to follow the clients wherever they go,” says Bosmans.

“That’s exactly what we’re doing right now. Our customers are pushing us to expand our expertise — and I think that’s a good thing. There’s nothing better than smart clients; they challenge you to reach the highest possible level.”

Ultimately, CEE’s mission goes beyond mere technological advancements. It embodies a vision where environmental sustainability and economic success are mutually reinforcing goals. By continuously pushing technological boundaries and leveraging tools like Solid Edge and embedded Simcenter FLOEFD, CEE provides a compelling example of how engineering innovation can offer pragmatic solutions to global environmental challenges.

Visit the Siemens blog to learn more about the CEE success story.

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Batteries may be the heart of modern electric systems, but it is the Battery Management System (BMS) that keeps them operating safely and efficiently. At its core, a BMS balances voltage across cells, regulates the flow of current, and monitors temperature. When any of these values move outside safe limits, the BMS disconnects the load from the source.

“A BMS protects both the battery and the load in a system,” says Mohammad Mohiuddin, design engineer at electrical components manufacturer Eaton.

This article examines the importance of BMS technology, its main building blocks and topologies, and the tools that Eaton provides to engineers designing these systems.

Why battery systems need a BMS

Any system that relies on a battery — whether it serves as the sole power source or provides auxiliary power, and whether the battery is rechargeable or not — must be aware of the battery’s status.

“BMS is a crucial component of any system using batteries,” says Mohiuddin. “It monitors, controls, and communicates the status of the batteries to the central computer. It is a supervisory component of the power source.”

Without proper monitoring and control, the battery can be damaged beyond repair, and the load can also be at risk. “Imagine an electric vehicle without a BMS,” explains Mohiuddin. “The operator of the EV would need to have knowledge of the battery capacity along with other information about the vehicle. For example, the range of the vehicle — how far will it travel before needing to recharge? This information becomes more important as the battery ages and the capacity of the battery decreases. During operation, information such as battery temperature or the buildup of hazardous gases in the battery compartment is critical. BMS monitors and keeps the operation in safe zones.”

The same safeguards apply to life-supporting medical equipment, where a faulty BMS could prevent a backup battery from working in an emergency. In energy harvesting systems, a BMS works with batteries and supercapacitors to act as a buffer against power fluctuations and gives operators time to shut down or switch to a backup source.

Primary building blocks of a BMS

A BMS is built from several interconnected subsystems: battery monitoring, state estimation, balancing, thermal management, protection and communication.

Battery monitoring

As discussed earlier, battery monitoring involves measuring the voltage, current and temperature of individual cells or a group of cells within the battery pack.

State estimation

This includes algorithms that estimate key battery conditions. These metrics help predict the remaining capacity and overall health of the battery.

State of Health (SoH) measures overall battery capacity in percentage amp-hours (%Ah), factoring in age, cycle count and temperature history.

State of Charge (SoC) reflects how much usable capacity remains since the last full or partial charge.

A common method to estimate state of charge is Coulomb Counting:

SoC _Present (%)= SoC _Initial (%) – Capacity _Utilized (%), where  

Where:

• I = Current (Amperes)
• Δt = Time interval
• Initial Capacity (Ah) = Rated capacity of the battery

State of Energy (SoE) is the remaining energy in the battery vs the maximum energy a battery can store.

Energy Change (ΔE):

• ΔE = P x Δt
• Where P = V x I
• Therefore Δ E = V x I x Δt

State of Energy (SoE):

• E _Present = E _Max – ΔE OR  

State of Power (SoP) comes from the relationship between voltage and current, while State of Energy compares remaining energy to the battery’s maximum capacity. As stated earlier, Power (P) is the product of Voltage (V) and current (I).

Balancing

Balancing ensures that all cells within a battery pack charge and discharge evenly. The BMS accomplishes this through passive balancing, which dissipates excess energy as heat, or active balancing, which redistributes energy among cells to maintain uniform charge levels..

Thermal management

Managing the battery pack’s temperature is critical for safety and performance. The BMS monitors and controls the cooling and heating systems to maintain optimal temperature ranges.

Protection

A BMS protects against potentially damaging conditions such as overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, short circuits and overheating.

Communication

The BMS subsystem interfaces with other systems — such as a vehicle’s control unit or a renewable energy system’s inverter — using widely adopted protocols like CAN bus, UART and I²C, either through wired or wireless connections.

BMS topologies

BMS topologies can range from simple to highly complex, depending on the scale of the application. The most basic topology uses a single BMS to control a small number of batteries, matching the number of cells to the available resources of a microcontroller or processor. This approach works well for compact systems such as power tools, small UPS units and laptops.

More complex systems include multiple BMS units, each overseeing several batteries and communicating with a principal BMS that relays information to the main computer. This arrangement suits applications like large UPS systems, e-bikes, and portable power stations.

At the highest level, multiple BMS units manage even more batteries, for applications like electric vehicles, solar backups, and data centers.

Eaton’s BMS tools and expertise

Eaton supports BMS development with a wide range of passive components, including magnetics, capacitors, circuit protection for overvoltage & overcurrent, sensors, crystal resonators, fast recovery diodes and terminal blocks. Engineers can also draw on application notes, component selection guides and whitepapers.

“It doesn’t matter where the design is being done,” says Mohiuddin. “We have live experts around the world who can help anyone designing the system.”

To learn more, visit Eaton.

The post Understanding battery management systems in electric design appeared first on Engineering.com.

Most commercial drones still depend on a human pilot for mission planning, takeoff, landing and battery management. NxtQube asked a simple question two years ago: If drones are “unmanned,” why do they always need someone on the ground?

“Everyone is making drones, and we see a very large-scale adoption of drones, but they always need a pilot on ground to operate the mission,” explains NxtQube’s Director and CEO, Nikhil Rajput. The answer became the company’s mission, and today they build “drone ports,” which are self-sustaining docking stations that house, charge, control and automate off-the-shelf drones so they can operate 24/7 in remote or industrial environments without a pilot on site.

Rajput adds that the company is essentially building a drone infrastructure to fully automate field drone operations, which would empower drone manufacturers and DSPs (drone service providers) and, according to his predictions, help surpass even the most aggressive global predictions for the industry.

Scaling Drone Adoption

From border security and rescue operations to crop monitoring and infrastructure inspection, drones promise enormous value — but only if they can deploy reliably and at scale. Traditional workflows force pilots and equipment to be on-location, plan each mission manually, swap batteries and troubleshoot in the field. Those logistical hurdles keep many organizations from moving beyond proof-of-concept trials. NxtQube’s vision is to turn any site with power into an autonomous drone launchpad that pilots manage from a single web dashboard.

The company is introducing what they are calling a “Drone in a Box” (DiaB) that is a weatherproof, tamper-resistant robotic enclosure equipped with climate control, redundant electromechanical systems and five-hour backup power. The drone carries out all the tasks that a pilot would normally perform on field to ensure the flight on the designated route while being controlled remotely via our web dashboard. The system is compatible with standard drones and common drone manufacturers, meaning modularity for organizations planning to utilize it. Software built around open-source and proprietary protocols gives each dock decision-making autonomy, which allows it to monitor flight status, diagnose failures remotely and execute programmed missions without human intervention.

“In the first two and a half to three months of starting NxtQube, we were very clear that we have to be an agnostic platform, where drones from multiple manufacturers could operate. That’s why we built modularity into the company from day one,” says Rajput.

By decoupling drone flight from on-site pilots and supporting standard airframes from a variety of manufacturers, NxtQube makes autonomous drone fleets as easy to deploy as networked security cameras.

Digital Transformation Through Simulation

Simulation and digital twins have become a mainstay for large organizations that are looking to optimize efficiency. For their CAE, NxtQube is using hypermesh data in Solid Edge, as well as mechanical CAD features, to design and manufacture their docking stations.

“Simulation was always a key component of our development. We are also proud to mention that we are the Altair startup challenge winner in India in the category ‘Innovative Startup in Defense and Aerospace’. We did initially face a lot of issues of standardization. Eventually, we built an expertise in robotics and the simulations around it, making it more and more reliable,” Rajput explains.

Initial prototypes were functional, but over-built and heavy, which was driving up costs and shipment complexity. Through iterative cycles of design, simulation and refinement, the team shed over 60% of the dock’s weight while beefing up landing-gear robustness and electronics reliability. They began using FEA and beam analysis tools in Solid Edge Simulation for thermal, structural and fatigue analyses, to determine optimal material thicknesses and seal tolerances, extending the expected field drastically.

“I’m happy to say that we are easily estimating a life cycle of somewhere in the range of four and a half to five years. And I think that predominantly has happened because of simulation.”

Simulation also underpins docking-station manufacturing. Early runs revealed wear-and-tear on moving parts and electromagnetic interference in the electromechanical systems. Performing virtual fatigue testing and flow-dynamics modeling in Solid Edge helped the engineers redesign seals and cable routing, ensuring consistent IP-rated performance even after thousands of open-close cycles. Today, each unit endures weeks of automated downpour, dust-ingress and mechanical-cycle testing before it ships.

Solid Edge for Startups Fuels Rapid Innovation

Before deciding to use Solid Edge, Rajput was already familiar with Siemens NX. He credits some of NxtQube’s agile development to the Solid Edge software, accessed through the Solid Edge for Startups program. As a member, NxtQube leverages the full Solid Edge suite for mechanical CAD and CAE simulation without the budget pressures typical of high-end engineering tools.

“We evaluated a number of engineering software companies, but Solid Edge struck the perfect balance of power and simplicity. It handles our solid modeling, sheet-metal design, assembly management and large assemblies at a fraction of the cost of other enterprise packages,” says Rajput.

Solid Edge’s simulation tools provided feedback on stress concentrations and thermal hotspots, closing the loop between design and test. Version control and collaborative workflows ensure iterations go straight from engineering to manufacturing without costly mistakes or rework.

“We all came from basic CAD backgrounds, and Solid Edge helped us refine our designs, making our designing process more effective and much more optimized moving forward,” he adds. “Specifically, the simplicity and the resilience of software for part and assembly modeling will help us be quicker than our competitors.”

Meanwhile the team has also designed a drone port that houses the system in Solid Edge. It is weatherproof and tamper-resistant to ensure safety at remote locations. Additionally, it is equipped with a climate control station to ensure safe flights. The drone port is capable of battery swapping or battery charging for various applications. This is done either by contact or wireless charging.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Global Deployments

Rajput’s team has a background in manufacturing, but they weren’t experts in automation and robotics. To remedy this gap, the whole team took to refining their skills and developing a robust understanding of these areas. Initially, their manufacturing was limited in these areas and typically took the easiest, often more expensive routes. As they collected mentors and developed solid standard operating procedures (SOPs), Rajput’s team has been able to refine their design and manufacturing processes for better quality and scaling.

Now, with annual production capacity ramping from 150 to 300 drone ports this year, NxtQube is poised to meet demand from emergency services, agriculture, utilities and logistics providers worldwide.

“We have the capability of 150 docks at the moment, but getting to 300, 350 or even 500 would not be a challenge because all of the systems are based on these robust processes of scaling and building something to a global standard,” Rajput says. NxtQube already has strategic partnerships with drone manufacturers, system integrators and service-providers in India, with plans to expand.

As a next step, NxtQube also aims to build the world’s first Agentic AI Platform for drones — combining autonomous hardware (Diab Dock), intelligent mission software and drone data analytics (Virtual Pilot), and a command centre (Mission Dashboard) that enables pilotless, round-the-clock drone operations at scale.

To summarize, NxtQube continues to refine its autonomy platform by adding AI-driven decision-making at the dock, multi-drone swarm support and logistics-grade payload handling, Solid Edge for Startups will remain a cornerstone of its digital-transformation toolkit as they look to grow in the coming years. By marrying frugal hardware design with rigorous simulation, NxtQube is working to turn the dream of truly unmanned operations into a reality.

Visit Siemens to learn more about the Solid Edge for Startups program.

The post Automating Drone Field Operations: Making UAVs Truly Unmanned appeared first on Engineering.com.

With the advent of the GP200 and other AI chip platforms, power consumption in data centers has grown exponentially. The amount of heat generated by these chips can no longer be managed by fans alone. Microchips are now enveloped in cold plates and connected through hoses and liquid cooling connectors to an outer system—typically a coolant distribution unit (CDU)—to circulate the liquid before funneling it back through the server.

As these liquid cooling components take on greater design importance, manufacturers like Amphenol Industrial are advancing fluid connection technologies to meet the needs of this rapidly evolving space.

One of the main considerations for engineers designing liquid cooling systems is intermateability. This is where the Open Compute Project (OCP) comes in. OCP is a collaboration of thought leaders and subject matter experts within the data center, AI, server, and microchip industry. They meet weekly in different workstreams to create a universal spec that can be adopted globally.

For example, the Open Rack Version 3 (ORV3) is a specific server rack that’s designed with defined height, length, number of drawers, and the way liquid cooling flows through it. It is a standard that manufacturers follow so that data center infrastructure globally intersects.

Through OCP, the specs are constantly changing. The ORV3 is going through another iteration where it is getting 6 inches deeper and about 200 pounds heavier because a bus bar has been added, which is now being liquid cooled. These kinds of changes are driven by the next generation of AI chips, which require more power consumption and create more heat.

“Common challenges right now with quick disconnects (QDs) are figuring out how to create more flow with the same or smaller footprint, without having pressure drops,” says Albert Pinto, business development manager at Amphenol Industrial.

Amphenol Industrial’s Universal Quick Disconnect (UQD) follows OCP standards and specs. The first version used a slide latch, which could be hard to disconnect in tight spaces. The second version introduced a push-button latch, which follows the same diameter and spec but is easier to use. According to Pinto, the next version will have chamfers on the plug side of the socket to address friction. The series features a dry-break mechanism and a compact, low-profile latch design to minimize fluid loss and accidental activation.

A second revision of the UQD/UQDB is also in development, aligned with the latest OCP specifications. This update introduces a new interoperability mode in which a UQD plug can be used with a UQDB socket.

In blind-mate systems, where trays slide in and connect without access to the rear of the cabinet, tolerance becomes a determining factor. “What’s interesting about the UQDB—Universal Quick Disconnect Blind Mate—is that it has 1 mm of radial flow misalignment tolerance,” says Pinto. “Even with slight misalignment, the tray will still engage and stay retained by the front of the server tray, whether by bolts or some kind of clamp.”

The next evolution of that design is the Blind Mate Quick Connect (BMQC). “The major difference is that it has 5 mm of radial and 2.7° angular misalignment tolerance,” says Pinto. “It has a much longer funnel and pin.”

The Pivot Blind Mate Coupling (PBMC) is still in development. It maintains a radial tolerance on the pin side but adds tolerance on the socket side as well, splitting the compensation between both ends and enabling a return to a smaller form factor.

Amphenol also plans to launch a new Large Quick Connector (LQC), compliant with OCP standards, in Q4 of this year.

“Liquid cooling in the connector side is evolving at breakneck speed,” Pinto says. “In AI, the heat requirements and space constraints are so demanding that there’s constant evolution in how to keep all these servers functioning by cooling them while maintaining a small footprint.”

Where Amphenol differentiates is in termination options, offering many variations in thread type, barb fits, and right-angle configurations. “One competitor has around 18 part numbers around UQDs and we have about 130,” says Pinto. “Also, our lead time is very competitive: six weeks at volume.”

The company also offers PTFE and EPDM hose solutions, along with custom manifolds for distributing coolant. “We provide complete solutions — from connectors and hoses to fully customized manifold designs for every coolant distribution point in a data center, including CDUs, server racks, immersion cooling tanks, rear‑door heat exchangers and in‑row cooling systems — as well as our standard Blind Mate Manifold (ORV3), an OCP‑compliant design,” says Pinto.

Pinto encourages engineers designing liquid cooling components to immerse themselves in OCP, especially if they work in the AI space.

“Stay in the know, because this industry is moving faster than anything I’ve ever seen,” says Pinto. “Things are becoming obsolete within months because there’s such a higher demand for cooling.”

To learn more about Amphenol Industrial, at TTI.com.

The post Designing fluid connections for AI-driven data centers appeared first on Engineering.com.

Robatech is a Swiss-based manufacturer of industrial adhesive application systems. With more than 670 employees in more than 80 countries, the company develops and supplies energy-efficient, high-precision solutions for applying hot melt and cold glue across a wide range of industries – including packaging, automotive, textiles, woodworking and bookbinding.

Their product portfolio includes adhesive melters, heated hoses, application heads for bead, dot and spray application, hand applicators and software-based process monitoring tools. Robatech focuses on delivering complete system solutions, where all components work together seamlessly to ensure precision, repeatability, and process reliability in adhesive application.

Whether it’s packaging, stabilizing pallets, labelling bottles, or binding books – Robatech systems help customers reduce waste, increase uptime, and improve productivity.

Industrial gluing may sound niche, but it is inherent in a wide array of applications and presents complex design challenges. Machines in the adhesive industry often operate at extreme temperatures (200°C is not uncommon) and can apply adhesives at speeds up to 800 dots per second. Maintaining insulation, optimizing bead placement and ensuring uniform adhesive application across broad surfaces all require exacting processes, which in turn requires meticulous engineering. Even a slight miscalculation in heat flow or nozzle positioning could result in material waste or downtime.

Essential CFD Simulation for Adhesives

To manage this complexity, Robatech relies heavily on Solid Edge, part of the Designcenter suite, According to Thomas Hilfiker, head of PLM & CAx at Robatech, the company has used the design software from Siemens since Version 6 and currently deploys 21 licenses to support a team of roughly two dozen users. “We use Solid Edge for everything from sheet metal modeling to full assembly builds,” Hilfiker notes. “We design and validate our entire product range, from precision components measuring to our largest assemblies with 1,500 parts, all using Solid Edge.”

The company leverages Solid Edge’s CFD, particularly the Frontloading Liquid and Other Engineering Fluid Dynamics (FLOEFD) add-on, to simulate heat distribution and behavior in thermal systems. “We apply adhesives across broad surfaces and need to calculate how temperatures shift inside a device over time. FLOEFD helps us optimize performance while minimizing energy use,” Hilfiker explains.

These simulations are especially critical when working with non-Newtonian fluids such as industrial adhesives, which behave unpredictably under different flow and heat conditions. FLOEFD lets the team preemptively solve potential issues before physical prototypes are built.

Leveraging CAD to Drive Sales

Beyond simulation and modeling, Robatech has recently made major strides in digital transformation through automation. Previously, when sales teams needed customized application heads for a new client, they had to contact the engineering department in Switzerland. Designers would then build new CAD models, assign part numbers and manually create quote documents and technical drawings. This can be a time-intensive process, and it didn’t always result in a sale.

“To provide the customer with a simplified 3D model and a dimension drawing, we required a tool that automatically assembles the preset models,” Hilfiker says. “For this CAD automation, we chose RuleDesigner since on the one hand, it is simple to set up, and on the other hand the library, API and interface to the CAD system are quite extensive. There is so much you can do. These were the key reasons why we created and selected this software.”

Robatech invested in a product configuration system to offload routine tasks from the engineering team. Partnering with Siemens Solution Partner Var Industries in order to develop a specific configuration of RuleDesigner, Robatech developed what they call the Applicator Head Configurator. This web-based tool allows sales representatives to input just a few parameters, like the number of spray components or valve types, and instantly generate a full Solid Edge 3D model, STEP files, pricing information and drawings.

“I find that the major point here is that these savings are not as important as the fact that the technology team is no longer taking part in the quote creation process,” he says.

The native Solid Edge files are stored in the company’s PLM system and can be reviewed and finalized by engineering once an order is placed. This automation not only speeds up quoting but also minimizes errors and reduces friction between departments. Though the configurator is currently limited to internal use, the company plans to extend access to end-users in the future, creating a streamlined path from inquiry to implementation.

This approach to configurator-driven automation reflects Robatech’s broader commitment to digital transformation. As we move through a world with progressing AI and widely adopted use of digital twins, the company continues to expand its use of PDM and ERP systems. Even customer-facing portals now allow users to access product information simply by scanning a QR code.

“We push to be as digital as possible all across our whole system,” Hilfiker says. “Even through the Customer Portal, for instance, where you can find information about our products straight away by simply entering the serial number and QR code, getting the relevant product details.”

Robatech’s partnership with Solid Edge underscores the value of a design software that goes beyond just the features, but also into how well they integrate into the organization’s workflow. For Robatech, Solid Edge plays a foundational role in product development, simulation, documentation and now automation. Additional tools like KeyShot help visualize products for marketing, while Technical Publishing Software tools linked to Solid Edge generate exploded views and spare parts documentation.

The infrastructure Robatech has built around Solid Edge has already yielded measurable results, such as needing only two hours for each configuration. As the company continues to evolve, it’s clear that their blend of precision engineering, customer-centric digital tools and smart software integration will keep them ahead in an increasingly competitive industrial landscape.

Visit Siemens to learn more about Solid Edge.

The post Gluing the Future Together: Robatech’s Journey Through Simulation and Automation appeared first on Engineering.com.

From compact sensors embedded in wearable medical devices to rugged components installed in oil and gas platforms, pressure sensors must perform reliably across a broad range of conditions. Each application brings its own demands — whether it’s precision in a dialysis machine, resistance to corrosive media in a hydraulic pump or consistent performance across thousands of test cycles in a validation lab.

Honeywell offers a pressure sensing portfolio that spans the full spectrum of use cases. The company supports customers in healthcare, industrial automation, and test and measurement (T&M) by producing sensors that vary widely in form and function.

“Honeywell’s been designing and manufacturing board mount pressure sensors for more than 40 years,” says Simon Anderson, product manager at Honeywell. “We manufacture our own sense dies that are used in our board mount pressure products and our packaged pressure products. Honeywell advanced sensing technology provides industry-leading accuracy and stability.”

The portfolio includes compact board mount sensors used in medical systems and consumer electronics, packaged pressure sensors for industrial systems, and T&M-grade sensors that span ultra-low to extremely high-pressure ranges.

Board mount sensors in healthcare

In healthcare, where equipment often carries a 10-year service life, sensors must maintain accuracy over time. Honeywell TruStability board mount pressure sensors — composed of the RSC, HSC and SSC Series — are engineered to meet these expectations.

The RSC Series offers the highest level of accuracy and is used in calibration equipment and aerodynamic testing. HSC sensors are temperature-calibrated from 0 to 50°C, making them well suited to critical care systems such as ventilators and dialysis machines. The SSC Series extends the range from -20 to 85°C for broader use in medical and non-medical environments.

“TruStability sensors provide excellent long-term stability, which means our sensors exhibit very low levels of drift,” says Anderson. “This prevents the need for customers to recalibrate equipment and also prevents risky unplanned downtime and reduces service costs.”

For home-care devices such as blood pressure monitors, oxygen concentrators and CPAP systems, Honeywell offers the ABP, ABP2 and MPR Series. These sensors are designed for compact size and cost-effective production in high-volume applications. ABP2 Series also includes extensive media compatibility and optional protective gels for use in applications like emissions monitoring.

To further support medical OEMs, Honeywell provides customization options such as specialized ports and enhanced calibration. These modifications can improve overall system performance while helping manufacturers differentiate and protect their designs.

Packaged pressure sensors in industrial

Industrial systems often require pressure sensors that can operate at higher pressures and withstand exposure to fluids, temperature shifts and mechanical stress. The Honeywell MLH and MIPS product lines offer flexible, durable sensing across a wide range of use cases and environments.

The MLH Series is rated for pressures up to 8,000 PSI and is commonly used in railways, transportation and heavy-duty industrial applications. It supports multiple input voltages and provides both voltage and current outputs for analog systems.

The MIP Series is intended for mid-range pressures, approximately 15 PSI to 1,000 PSI, and is used in HVAC systems, chillers, hydraulic pumps and smart irrigation. It is available in both analog and digital formats, the latter offering reduced power consumption and built-in diagnostic features.

MIPs sensors include a laser-welded, stainless-steel diaphragm and are compatible with common and emerging refrigerants, including R290. This supports long-term sensor performance in systems that involve repeated pressure cycling or exposure to corrosive fluids.

Test & Measurement pressure sensors

Test and measurement environments require sensors that can cover a wide operating range while maintaining consistent performance. The Honeywell T&M portfolio supports measurements from as low as 10 inches of water up to 100,000 PSI, addressing applications across oil and gas, automotive testing and power generation.

All-metal, hermetically welded construction ensures durability and media isolation, while eliminating exposed adhesives or die-attached materials that could degrade over time. These transducers are used in hydraulic and pneumatic test stands, fluid systems and component validation machinery.

“We have a very competitive total error band that is as low as 0.05%,” says Derek Chung, global product application engineer at Honeywell. “With the laser-welded hermetic joints that are completely media-isolated, they’re very good for corrosion resistance.”

Honeywell T&M pressure transducers are certified for hazardous locations and include diagnostic features. The company also extends these products into OEM applications, including aerospace sectors where long-term measurement accuracy and environmental durability are essential.

Beyond its catalog offerings, Honeywell works closely with OEMs to develop tailored sensing solutions that meet application-specific requirements.

“If you visited the Honeywell website and looked at the sensors, you’ll only see half of what we actually build, because a lot of what we do for customers is create those custom solutions,” says Anderson.

To learn more, visit Honeywell at TTI Inc.

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