PRESSESERVICE

Representing the entire GMC-Instruments Group, GOSSEN METRAWATT will showcase professional system solutions for comprehensive energy management from data acquisition and monitoring to analysis at the SPS tradeshow in Nuremberg, Germany, from 25 to 27 November 2025. Exhibits in hall 7A, at booth 420 will feature the latest product innovations from all GMC-Instruments brands. GOSSEN METRAWATT has announced the trade fair premiere of the new METRACAL CM handheld calibrator with intuitive operation, test routines and dual display mode for simultaneous calibration and measurement. The measurement technology specialist has also added a new MID-certified ENERGYMID energy meter featuring a radio interface in the LoRaWAN® standard. Radio communication simplifies integration into IoT structures and enables decentralized, billable energy data acquisition at locations without wired data transmission. Tradeshow highlights will also include power quality analyzers from the DRANETZ brand. CAMILLE BAUER will present PME radio modules, which allow users to extend the range of functions of the multifunctional indicators and network analyzers from the SINEAX AM, DM5000, CENTRAX CU or LINAX PQ series, thereby transforming them into full-fledged energy centers for highly exact measurements of low-voltage systems. These can record up to 100 currents, divided between the PME sensors for 3 or 4 conductors each, without any additional wiring effort and secured by AES encryption. The British sister company SEAWARD has developed a new test device for photovoltaic systems up to 1500 V DC and 25 A. The Seaward PV:1525 portable photovoltaics tester combines output analyses, electrical safety tests and intuitive operation in a compact system. Dynamic surge protection dampens the inrush current and prevents damage from strong power surges. The trade fair appearance will also include a wide range of tried-and-tested measurement and testing technology, professional solutions for renewable energies, telecommunications testers and an overview of the extensive range of services offered by the group of companies. GMC-I experts are looking forward to engaging conversations and professional exchange at the tradeshow booth.

Menzel Elektromotoren has manufactured a pump motor for the Red Cross in Syria. The vertical motor will help stabilize the water supply in communities destroyed in the civil war. The pump station operator required a straightforward drop-in replacement for an old V1-type motor, matching the existing mechanical interfaces without any constructional changes. This called for various complex features. The large vertical motor with a shaft height of 800 mm has the unusual cooling type IC 511 (tube cooling), with a smooth round welded steel housing in protection class IP54. Menzel built a special flange and fitted the slip ring motor with a short-circuiting and brush-lifting device, which lifts the carbon brushes after the motor start, thus reducing brush wear as well as the effort needed for regularly cleaning the slip ring chamber. The customer requested Menzel to fit the brush-lifting device on the drive side. The motor manufacturer also implemented this uncommon design expertly and within a manageable budget, including various additional works such as fabricating extension rings. Moreover, the family business manufactured a customized motor shaft and terminal boxes. Before shipping, Menzel thoroughly tested the pump motor, making use of the latest addition to its test field, a 3-MW right-angle gearbox that allows load tests in a vertical position. An independent test technician appointed by the customer supervised the load test. The bespoke motor is rated for 1150 kW, 6300 V, 14841 Nm and 740 rpm.
More about the motor cooling type IC 511 (tube cooling): https://www.menzel-motors.com/slip-ring-motor/ic511/

Special cable manufacturer SAB Bröckskes develops and produces sensor cables ‘Made in Germany’ optimized for NVH testing in a wide variety of designs.

A trouble-free connection between sensor and measuring system is essential in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) measurement technology, in vibration analyses or in the electric vehicle sector. As one of the leading cable manufacturers, SAB Bröckskes offers a broad portfolio of connecting cables for accelerometers that ensure superior signal quality and long-lasting performance. The special cable supplier’s NVH cables ensure precise data transmission even under demanding conditions. The range includes sensor cables for triaxial and uniaxial sensors that are compatible with IEPE or charge-based systems. The manufacturer supplies special low-noise coaxial cables for particularly sensitive charging applications, which operate with low interference voltage and reliably protect the measuring chain from electrostatic interference. The cables are optimally adapted to the specific requirements by using different sheath materials in order to provide the right cable variant for every installation situation, whether a robust IEPE sensor cable or a flexibly assembled special solution. While TPFK jackets are ideal for high temperatures and confined spaces, PUR jackets are ideal for mechanical stress and silicone for highly flexible applications with narrow bending radii. In addition to proven standard designs, SAB Bröckskes designs customized cable solutions such as specific connector configurations (e.g. for PAK II from Müller-BBM); HV-compatible variants for touch-safe applications; or special solutions like coaxial cable drums and multiple cables for NVH test benches. In addition, the manufacturer supports customers with comprehensive services, including very small production runs, delivery of individual cable lengths, customer-specific labeling and personal advice online or on site.

https://www.sab-cable.com/cables-wires-harnessing-temperature-measurement/measurement-solutions/connection-cables-for-nvh-testing.html

RAFI will be showcasing groundbreaking technologies and products for agricultural machinery operation at Agritechnica in Hanover from November 9 to 15; 2025. One of the main attractions at the booth (Hall 17, Stand B29) is the innovative Safety Touch technology platform, designed for the series production of industrial touchscreen control systems of performance level d for safety-critical applications. The safety concept, which is based on reliable and durable hardware components, redundant sensor architecture, and comprehensive diagnostic software, provides significantly greater flexibility than hard-wired safety features. Another highlight of the exhibition is the multifunctional UNI-TOUCH system, which RAFI developed for the latest UNIMOG generation from Mercedes-Benz. This system features a touchscreen, center console, and detachable joystick. The control system’s functions and button assignments can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of applications and attachments. One of the exhibited products is a recently developed steering joystick. The ergonomic, fully electronic steering stick can be customized as required in terms of steering force, steering angle, neutral position, and park position. TrueMotion technology and direct force feedback ensure an authentic driving experience. Another new feature is the Flex Knob, which uses wear-free Hall-effect sensors. The smart Flexcoder can be configured via software with individually programmable detent positions. For force feedback, the actuator can be coupled to a defined torque, enabling a realistic actuation feel in applications such as hydraulic systems. The HMI specialist will also be concentrating on advancing technology for autonomous agricultural machinery through its AUTONOMY KIT.

“We think big, even if transformations are often implemented in baby steps. We encourage you to check out our live HMI innovations, featuring SAFETY TOUCH and the AUTONOMY KIT. These are tools that take efficiency, safety, and autonomous processes in agricultural technology to the next level, ensuring your products and vehicles are prepared for the future,” explains Ladun Bakar, Head of Team Sales of Agriculture & Commercial Vehicles at RAFI.

The letter “K” has become a symbol for the fascinating world of plastics. The leading international trade fair K, which premiered over 70 years ago, is a global magnet and meeting place for the plastics and rubber industry. The next show is in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 8 to 15 October 2025 – and Biesse will be there, presenting new technologies to a live audience. K, the leading international trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry with over 3000 exhibitors from more than 60 countries attracts large numbers of experts from production, processing and related industries such as mechanical engineering, electronics, medical technology, automotive, packaging and construction from all over the world. Every three years, the industry event with a long tradition offers a forum for discussion and networking. A new era Biesse presents the new Explora Multi Pro M S. to set new standards in terms of performance and repeatability, redefining the machining of high-precision technical components for the automotive, aerospace and plastics processing industries. The Explora Multi Pro M S is designed to meet the most demanding applications, ensuring exceptional accuracy and repeatability. By integrating Siemens‘ next-generation components, such as high-performance motors, drives, and the SINUMERIK ONE numerical control system, the machine delivers top-tier results in every production cycle. It is equipped for exact machining of various materials, featuring a precise head, an automatic tool changer and a large tool magazine. Manufacturers who work with complex geometries and high-performance materials will particularly appreciate this solution. New naming concept, proven quality The renewed Biesse Machinery portfolio guarantees significant improvements in the functionality and performance of machines for all materials. It includes an innovative range of services and assistance, along with a new human-machine interaction. The new Human Machine Interface, clear and highly intuitive, has a unified design for all materials, improving the user experience and simplifying production processes. The manufacturer has introduced a new, logically structured naming concept across all material areas, based on the particular machine’s processing tasks and application segments. Experience diversity The new Explora Multi Pro M S will be running at full speed at K 2025, strikingly demonstrating its capabilities. Visitors to the booth will gain insights into the huge range of products, which comprises machining centres, waterjet cutting systems and cutting and thermoforming machines for processing plastics, composites, light metal alloys and thermoformed materials. The Biesse team is looking forward to welcoming visitors in Hall 3, at Booth B17. Biesse – We manufacture lines, machinery and components for making products, enhancing the potential of the wide range of materials processed by our customers. We simplify the production processes of customers working in the furniture, construction, automotive and aerospace sectors, courtesy of the skill of the people who work in our production sites around the world. Founded in Italy in 1969 and now listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, we are driven by our international calling, which is manifested through a global network of showrooms, where customers can enjoy a multi-material experience. 

SAB Bröckskes presents SABdynamic 900 and 910, a new generation of CSA and UL/cUL approved cables – made in Germany for worldwide use. The special cable manufacturer thus extends its range by permanently flexible control and data cables, which are equally suitable for drag chains and robot-compatible torsion applications. Both cable variants can withstand over 10 million bending cycles and over 10 million torsion cycles up to ±180°/m or 5 million up to ±360°/m. An added advantage of the new generation is the reduced cable capacitance. The SABdynamic 900 and 910 data variants achieve very high signal integrity, due to the reduced material thickness of the SABIX-based insulating sleeve. Therefore, they ensure interference-free and loss-free data transmission for real-time applications even with cable lengths over 20 m. The new SABdynamic 900 and 910 cable series, each manufactured in control and data versions, are designed for voltages up to 350 V and 600 V respectively and can withstand temperatures between -40 °C and 90 °C. In addition, they have an excellent TMPU-tested oil resistance according to EN 50363-10-2 and VDE 0207-363-10-2 as well as good chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, solvents and hydraulic fluids. They are UV-resistant according to HD 605, ozone-proof according to DIN EN 50396, saltwater-resistant according to UL 1309 as well as RoHS-compliant and LABS-non-critical. In addition, both versions are PFAS-free, which offers users operational safety even in the event of a PFAS ban. Thanks to the halogen-free material mix with a flame-retardant, self-extinguishing PUR jacket, both product series meet the approval criteria for the North American market. SAB Bröckskes supplies S900 Data by default in the format 12 x 0.14 mm˛ as a multi-core unshielded cable as well as in four multi-pair shielded variants. The S910 Data version is available in three standard versions. SAB Bröckskes offers standard control cables as two multi-core unshielded and two multi-core shielded options. On request, the manufacturer develops and produces bespoke solutions with customer-specific dimensions, different sheath colors and individual cable designs.

SAB Bröckskes designs special sensor cables for environmental monitoring, offering individual requirements engineering with regard to environmental compatibility, ruggedness, weight, insulation and sheath materials. Sensor-based biomarker tracking is gaining importance in environmental monitoring and ranges from long-term air and water quality monitoring to sample evaluation of farm surface water and real-time water level monitoring. The reliability and longevity of the sensor systems are crucial in all monitoring tasks. Wired connections have proven to be a robust and reliable solution. High transmission capacities and data rates can be achieved via USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet, depending on the sensor and measurement task. However, the ecological footprint has a negative impact if critical raw materials are combined or in case of less sustainable manufacturing processes. ‘For this reason, we attach great importance to sustainability in production and material selection,’ says Marc Gerlatzek, Business Development for the Medical Technology and Assembly Division at SAB Bröckskes. ‘For example, the jacket material in our SABorganic series consists of around 45 percent ecological, environmentally friendly raw materials. As a result, we reduce our CO2 footprint by an average of 25 percent compared to comparable fossil products. We source the materials from short, regional supply chains.’ Sustainable, resource-saving production processes are just as relevant for the life cycle assessment. SAB Bröckskes now generates around a quarter of its electricity needs from renewable sources from its own photovoltaics systems.

Deburring glove compartments, laminating interior trim, or welding ventilation pipes—these are just some of the tasks involving plastics processing in modern cars. Heat processes are often required in challenging corners, small spaces or along edges.
Infrared contour emitters are shaped precisely along these contours, which offers decisive advantages. Heat is applied precisely to the burr or fold, minimizing energy consumption and optimizing the production step.
“This automates a complex process with reproducible results,” says application specialist Michael Jauch. “We have customers who have now performed more than half a million deburring cycles with the same set of emitters!”
Excelitas will be presenting Noblelight solutions for plastics processing at the K trade fair in Düsseldorf in October, hall 11 stand D01. Infrared emitters that are precisely tailored to the product and process in terms of shape, voltage, and power, as well as UV technology for curing.

Clean and efficient plastic welding
Complex pipe systems, transport boxes, and storage containers for windshield washer fluid or brake fluid—many plastic products are assembled from several individual parts during the manufacturing process. The type of plastic, shape, wall thickness, and color have a significant influence on the process. It is worth taking a close look at these process parameters before installing a new joining system. Infrared emitters from Excelitas transfer heat without contact and can be used in programmed time cycles.
In most cases, an infrared emitter module moves between two plastic parts and heats the surfaces of both parts. When the specified temperature is reached, the infrared module moves out, the ends of the parts are pressed firmly together and thus welded to each other.
Infrared welding systems offer many advantages over contact plate systems. The welding process is usually faster and also much cleaner, as no plastic sticks to the heating tools.

Faster deburring, reduced scrap
Plastic handles, covers, and panels are often manufactured using injection molding. The formation of sharp burrs, for example at the mold parting line, cannot always be prevented. Removing burrs before further processing or coating can be a real challenge, especially with complexly shaped parts.
Manual deburring with gas flames or special tools does not deliver uniformly reproducible results. Infrared radiation heats plastic parts contact-free and precisely on the surface in a matter of seconds. Shaped emitters direct infrared radiation exactly where it is needed. This is made possible by reflectors that are applied as a coating directly to the shaped emitters. The light emission gap is selected so that the energy arrives precisely at a burr. This enables in-line production of plastic parts and significantly reduces the reject rate in the production of molded parts.

Targeted heating for laminating
Door panels, headliners, and other interior parts of a car are of higher quality when the decorative trim is bonded to the back of the workpiece. This lamination is usually done in a wrapping tool, where the adhesive on the decorative trim is activated by heat. Infrared contour emitters heat the wrapping area precisely, ensuring a very efficient heating process.

Infrared heat for efficient energy use
Infrared heating technology works by transferring electromagnetic waves, which then generate heat in the product. This requires neither direct contact with the material nor a transfer medium such as gas or air. Infrared emitters transfer energy into a plastic product and generate heat exactly where it is needed. This helps to solve many requirements.
Infrared systems with contour emitters can be optimally networked with robots or handling systems. The ability to switch infrared emitters on or off in a matter of seconds means that energy is used efficiently, time is saved, and ultimately production costs are reduced.

Replacing an explosion-proof size 1000 motor at short notice is an ambitious task. For the German family-run company Menzel Elektromotoren, it was a chance to prove once again its extensive expertise in the design, manufacture and certification of explosion-proof motors. A plastics producer had to replace an existing extruder motor with ignition protection type Ex d (flameproof encapsulation) very urgently. Menzel and the client found that a motor with the ignition protection type Ex ec (increased safety) would satisfy the current hazardous zone requirements. The motor manufacturer selected a suitable three-phase squirrel-cage motor from its extensive stock, individually adapting it for the drive task and the installation site. The project hinged on upgrading the motor for zone 2 hazardous areas with potentially explosive gas atmospheres and getting it the necessary ATEX certification. Menzel’s officially certified in-house experts labeled the motor II 3G Ex ec IIC T4 Gc. The new motor with a lower shaft height at 630 mm was brought up to the center height of the old motor by means of a welded base. Since the new motor has four winding systems instead of the two of the old one, Menzel also made electrical modifications for operation on the existing frequency converter. The project exposes the existing supply gap for explosion-proof motors in large sizes: the few existing suppliers can only offer building a motor from scratch – with the corresponding months-long delivery times. Menzel stands out from the competition with its large stock inventory and ability to configure and adapt stock electric motors in-house for hazardous areas and certify them according to the latest ATEX directives. In this instance, only two weeks passed from order placement to installation at the customer’s site. The customer came to Berlin for testing and acceptance and praised Menzel’s flexibility.

More about motors with ignition protection type Ex ec (increased safety) for zone 2 or 22 hazardous areas with gas or dust atmospheres:
https://www.menzel-motors.com/ex-na/

Berg, July 15, 2025 – Together with 200 guests from around the world, the RAFI Group – originally founded as the “Institut für Elektrotechnik, Optik & Mechanik” on November 15, 1900 – celebrated its anniversary at Inselhalle Lindau. As part of the Future Impact Symposium held under the slogan “Zeitgeist. Megatrends. Courage.” on July 10, the event offered a look at the company’s past. On October 11, interactive workshop sessions focused on contemporary topics such as AI applications, de-globalization, and innovation management.

Ernst Bucher established an electrical engineering business in Ravensburg under the name “Institut für Elektrotechnik Optik & Mechanik,” thus laying the cornerstone for RAFI. His successor, Raimund Finsterhölzl, registered RAFI as a trademark with the Imperial Patent Office in 1908. A lot has happened since then. Initially focusing on the development and production of switches and nurse call systems, the company from Upper Swabia has continuously evolved and reinvented itself over the past 125 years – not just in terms of its product line but also in its range of applications.

“Today, our involvement across such a wide spectrum of sectors sets us apart. We continually pursue innovations, keeping our customers at the cutting edge and pushing beyond current boundaries. Thinking ahead to tomorrow is embedded in our DNA. The primary reason for this is that people trust us and value our experience, especially since we are constantly surprising the market with new things,” says Dr. Lothar Seybold, CEO of the RAFI Group, during his welcome address on the first day of the Future Impact Symposium. “Our employees at our locations in Berg, Bad Waldsee, Überlingen, Shanghai, Milwaukee, Zielona Góra, Mezötúr, and Cambiago, along with our representative offices in France and Scandinavia, understand the value of quality, technological expertise, pragmatism, and courage, all of which drive our success.”

The markets in which RAFI operates are dynamic, fiercely competitive, and driven by technology. To keep pace as a supplier, you need to possess comprehensive expertise in development, design, and manufacturing, along with in-depth industry knowledge that enables multidimensional thought and action. The requirements in the medical technology, electromobility, and agricultural and construction machinery sectors differ from those in mechanical and plant engineering, as well as robotics and automation.

What would Alfred Nobel have thought about all this?

It was not without reason that RAFI moved its anniversary celebration from the Berg site near Ravensburg to Inselhalle Lindau: the Nobel Foundation, which has been awarding the Nobel Prize since 1901, was also established in the year RAFI was founded. Even though the Nobel Prizes are famously awarded in Oslo and Stockholm, the Nobel laureates meet each year on Lake Constance, specifically at Inselhalle Lindau, with this year marking the 74th such gathering. Nearly 600 guests attended the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting from June 29 to July 4. This time the scientific focus was on the field of chemistry.

Fittingly, the TechTalk “Zeitgeist. Megatrends. Courage.” began on the evening of July 10 with the following thematic introduction: Everything has changed – over the last 125 years. The industrial age. Consumer society. Science. Business. Nature. Technology. Mobility. Energy. Sport. Worldwide. Even the development of our workplaces compared to 10, 30, or 50 years ago. What might Alfred Nobel have thought about all of this?

The industrial age, consumer society, and RAFI over 125 years

The discussion featured panelists from a wide range of disciplines who engaged with these and other questions in an insightful and humorous manner: Christian Streich, former German soccer player and coach; Prof. Heiner Linke, Vice-President of the Board of Trustees of the Nobel Laureate Meetings and Professor of Nanophysics at Lund University; Albert Wasmeier, former CEO of RAFI; and Dr. Lothar Seybold, CEO of the RAFI Group.

Moderated by Dr. Ines Marbach, the event explored the innovative spirit at the dawn of the last century that laid the foundations for modern life, the economic boom following World War II, the rise of the computer age in the 1970s, and the emergence of new markets and opportunities after German reunification.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the digital transformation of the value chain provided the ideal lead-in for Mathias Haas, who, as a futurist who engages in “trend watching in the here & now,” gathers global insights in real time and advises companies on their future direction. RAFI’s significance in this context and era was illustrated through vivid anecdotes and key moments from the company’s history.