RFID – IndMacDig | Industrial Machinery Digest https://industrialmachinerydigest.com The Industry's Most Extensive Industiral Digest Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:04:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/newIMDWeb-100x100.png RFID – IndMacDig | Industrial Machinery Digest https://industrialmachinerydigest.com 32 32 RDNK : RFID, Stand Alone Safety Switch from Norstat https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/safety-maintenance/rdnk-rfid-stand-alone-safety-switch-from-norstat/ Fri, 04 Apr 2025 20:01:47 +0000 https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/?p=134991 Norstat now offers a compact, Non-Contact Electronic Safety Switch with tamper proof RFID switching.

The RDNK series from Mechan Controls are standalone, non-contact RFID safety switches with 2NO + 1NC contacts, capable of switching 500mA at 24Vdc. With their tamper proof RFID switching, the RDNK are suitable for use with safety relays with a low inrush current. A dual color, built in LED helps the operator with operation and fault diagnosis. The RDNK safety switches are available with either 3, 6 or 10 meter pre-wired cables or a quick disconnect option. Both are fully sealed making them ideally suited for use in most wet or harsh environments.

The RDNK has a resin filled, compact ABS housing that measures just 28 x 52 x 14mm making it ideal for smaller spaces. These switches are tested to perform up to 2,000,000 operations at full load, have a protection rating of IP67 and IP69 K and can operate in temperatures from -25°C to +60°C. Contact Norstat for additional information, price, and availability.

About Norstat

Since The early 1960’s, Norstat has been servicing the industrial automation marketplace by offering safety, automation and connectivity solutions to the machine, process control, robotic, and automation industries with a complete line of safety, control, automation and connectivity products. Our trained engineering staff at our Rockaway, NJ headquarters as well as our numerous representatives out in the field can offer expert solutions for all of your safety, automation, and connectivity requirements.

Our SAFETY program includes Safety Light Curtains, Muting Light Curtains & Safety Controllers, Safety Interlock switches, Non-Contact Safety Switches, Safety Relays as well as Optical and Audible Signaling Devices. Our AUTOMATION program consists of Sensors for Pressure, Vacuum, and Positioning, Photoelectric & Ultrasonic Sensors, Foot Switches, Limit Switches both IEC body and Miniature types for axis control as well as a full line of Push Buttons, Panel Mount Switches, Buzzers and Emergency Stop Switches. Our CONNECTIVITY program features DIN Connectors for Sensors and Solenoid Valves, M8/M12 Connectors for Sensors and Switches, Passive & Smart Distribution Boxes, Automotive Connectors ( D-Type ) as well as a full range of special connection solutions that can be custom designed to fit most any application. This complete program enables our customers to conform to both the domestic and international machine safety and compliance standards along with the knowledge that Norstat supports their products with a friendly and experienced customer service team.

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]]> RFID Imperium & Norstat: Next Generation Of Reset/Start Systems https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/events/rfid-imperium-norstat-next-generation-of-reset-start-systems/ Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:15:24 +0000 https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/?p=80936 Norstat now offers the RFID IMPERIUM RESET STATION, a stand alone reset electronic key fob.

The RFID IMPERIUM represents the next generation in reset / start systems. It utilizes RFID tags which ensure that only authorized personnel can reset safety mechanism, thereby providing a greater level of security compared to traditional methods. This new system is easy to implement, operate and adjust as well as being designed to comply with the most stringent of safety standards ( CAT 4 / SIL 3 ) making it highly reliable for use in critical safety applications. Each RFID tag is uniquely coded ( 4 billion codes ) which prevents unauthorized access.

The RFID IMPERIUM is built for durability and able to withstand harsh industrial conditions, including exposure to dust and mechanical impacts. Its design allows for easy mounting on machines or control panels and offers flexible wiring options which facilitate quick set up and integration. The device is also equipped with LED indicators for immediate visual feedback on system status.

Contact Norstat for additional information, pricing, and availability.

For additional information contact :

Norstat, Inc. 300 Roundhill Dr. Suite 4 Rockaway , NJ 07866

Tel : 973-586-2500 www.norstat.com btelesz@norstat.com

About Norstat

Since The early 1960’s, Norstat has been servicing the industrial automation marketplace by offering safety, automation and connectivity solutions to the machine, process control, robotic, and automation industries with a complete line of safety, control, automation and connectivity products. Our trained engineering staff at our Rockaway, NJ headquarters as well as our numerous representatives out in the field can offer expert solutions for all of your safety, automation, and connectivity requirements.

Our SAFETY program includes Safety Light Curtains, Muting Light Curtains & Safety Controllers, Safety Interlock switches, Non-Contact Safety Switches, Safety Relays as well as Optical and Audible Signaling Devices. Our AUTOMATION program consists of Sensors for Pressure, Vacuum, and Positioning, Photoelectric & Ultrasonic Sensors, Foot Switches, Limit Switches both IEC body and Miniature types for axis control as well as a full line of Push Buttons, Panel Mount Switches, Buzzers and Emergency Stop Switches. Our CONNECTIVITY program features DIN Connectors for Sensors and Solenoid Valves, M8/M12 Connectors for Sensors and Switches, Passive & Smart Distribution Boxes, Automotive Connectors ( D-Type ) as well as a full range of special connection solutions that can be custom designed to fit most any application. This complete program enables our customers to conform to both the domestic and international machine safety and compliance standards along with the knowledge that Norstat supports their products with a friendly and experienced customer service team.

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Industrial Machinery Digest
]]> R.SAFE : Next Generation RFID Switches from Reer & Norstat https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/safety-maintenance/r-safe-next-generation-rfid-switches-from-reer-norstat/ Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:34:32 +0000 https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/?p=80932 Norstat now offers the R.SAFE, a new line of RFID sensors for monitoring the position of gates and moveable guards.

The R.SAFE is the latest addition from ReeR, featuring three different levels of coding that allow the appropriate amount of tampering protection for any application. The highest level of coding the sensor to only be paired with the assigned actuator. The wear free technology also allows for a longer product life span. The R.Safe is available with an M12 connector, M12 with pigtail or with standard open end cable in 1, 3, 5 or 10 meter lengths. All switches come with anti-tampering screw protection caps and have a switching distance of 12 – 25 mm.

The R.SAFE is constructed using Nylon and Polyketone making them highly durable. These sensors are also ECOLAB certified due to their high resistance to cleaning and sanitization procedures. They carry an IP rating of IP 67 and IP69K making them ideal for even the most challenging applications in the food and beverage industries. The R.SAFE is available in several models depending on customer needs, have multiple safety output types and use 3 color LED’s for status indication. Contact Norstat for additional information, pricing, and availability.

For additional information contact :

Norstat, Inc. 300 Roundhill Dr. Suite 4 Rockaway , NJ 07866

Tel : 973-586-2500 www.norstat.com btelesz@norstat.com

About Norstat

Since The early 1960’s, Norstat has been servicing the industrial automation marketplace by offering safety, automation and connectivity solutions to the machine, process control, robotic, and automation industries with a complete line of safety, control, automation and connectivity products. Our trained engineering staff at our Rockaway, NJ headquarters as well as our numerous representatives out in the field can offer expert solutions for all of your safety, automation, and connectivity requirements.

Our SAFETY program includes Safety Light Curtains, Muting Light Curtains & Safety Controllers, Safety Interlock switches, Non-Contact Safety Switches, Safety Relays as well as Optical and Audible Signaling Devices. Our AUTOMATION program consists of Sensors for Pressure, Vacuum, and Positioning, Photoelectric & Ultrasonic Sensors, Foot Switches, Limit Switches both IEC body and Miniature types for axis control as well as a full line of Push Buttons, Panel Mount Switches, Buzzers and Emergency Stop Switches. Our CONNECTIVITY program features DIN Connectors for Sensors and Solenoid Valves, M8/M12 Connectors for Sensors and Switches, Passive & Smart Distribution Boxes, Automotive Connectors ( D-Type ) as well as a full range of special connection solutions that can be custom designed to fit most any application. This complete program enables our customers to conform to both the domestic and international machine safety and compliance standards along with the knowledge that Norstat supports their products with a friendly and experienced customer service team.

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]]> How Industrial Suppliers Can Collaborate to Improve Uptime Through Automated Inventory Management https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/robotics/rfid/how-industrial-suppliers-can-collaborate-to-improve-uptime-through-automated-inventory-management/ Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:00:07 +0000 https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/?p=77050 American manufacturing is experiencing unprecedented levels of investment with a significant focus on improving industrial supply chains. Manufacturers of all types and varieties are spending money to improve visibility and reliability, but the reliance on maintaining a lean foundation remains intact. With so many options in 2023, the goal becomes finding just the right technology mix to achieve an efficient and profitable balance.

For manufacturers considering a digital vendor managed inventory (VMI) solution, picture a world where real-time consumption data flows through a customizable, secure, cloud-based, easy-to-install and deploy platform that makes valuable information visible to both the suppliers and the consumers. As a bonus, this solution ensures a lean inventory pipeline with no stockouts.

The technology is robust, but simple to use. Consumption data is used to automatically generate the required supply chain documents, automating sales order entry for the suppliers and eliminating purchase order entry and receipt entry for the consumer.

This type of inventory automation is a big win for the entire supply chain. If you want to know what is on your shelf, a digital VMI platform provides complete visibility and massive amounts of data to track.

But there are even more advantages—such as collaboration among suppliers through data-driven CloudSourcingTM, which allows independent suppliers to work together with a consumer on a single RFID-powered supply chain platform to manage complex industrial supply chains.

The traditional approach to industrial distribution growth has been a business model in which various product verticals are added to an existing distribution network to grow revenue and add economies of scale. It’s worked that way for many large distributors for decades.

However, as markets have grown and matured, that traditional way has become less of an option for independent distributors as a long-term growth strategy.

The biggest pushback to the idea of collaborative CloudSourcing™ has been reassuring companies that their customer bases will not be poached by potential competitors. However, the upside outweighs the downside exponentially.

It’s natural to have the fear of sharing information about your customers. However, when industrial manufacturers begin adding suppliers to a digital VMI platform, collectively the suppliers become very efficient and intrinsically valuable to the manufacturing consumer.

By acting as one, the suppliers now become much more valuable to the consumer and less likely to lose market share to their individual competitors. The business is predictable. Long term stability means momentum can be built. Established business becomes concrete and stable.

Another advantage is that the collaboration business model offers a built-in referral system among suppliers. New opportunities are effectively delivered. Suppliers can also approach other suppliers that they have relationships with and invite them to join their digital VMI network to bring the best and brightest of industrial suppliers to a single consumer.

How Collaboration Improves Uptime

In industrial manufacturing plants, MRO parts cribs are organized to keep all of the machinery in the factory operational. It is critical to maintain inventory for some long-term, wearable product categories like abrasives, bearings, pillow blocks, belts and pulleys, and rollers.

Some digital VMI platforms offer the ability to host several MRO crib suppliers. Rather than having one crib supplier and hoping that the generalist can fill all those product categories, now it’s possible to use three or four specialists in your area and fill those product categories with several companies that look like one, feel like one, and all share the same magical user interface to access parts from the crib.

This type of collaboration among suppliers in a single digital VMI leads to better uptime because better MRO parts that are sourced from better companies are now available at better prices and with better engineering support. The suppliers pay closer attention to their particular supply chains because they are committed to providing particular parts—such as bearings, belts and pulleys, or robotic machinery parts.

Downtime is not just about manufacturing machines breaking down. Waiting on one particular component that is out of stock can result in hours, days, even weeks of downtime that can cost a factory hundreds of thousands of dollars every day.

Eskridge Senior Supply Coordinator Richard Griffin said he would spend hours, sometimes days, each week ordering O-rings, snap rings, seals, and other parts to keep production moving for the Kansas-based power transmissions solutions provider. “Now, I spend that time sending out quotes for cost savings, looking for new vendors, sending out quotes for new products—all important tasks that I simply did not have the time for previously.”

RFID-powered smart labels provide a magical user interface that allows Eskridge to know exactly what parts are on the shelf. “The last thing I want to do is hold up production of a $100,000 gearbox because I’m waiting for a .017 cent part,” Griffin said.

A robust digital VMI platform provides collaborating suppliers with real-time inventory and accurate, granular data that tells them exactly what is physically on the shelf at any time. Providing that on-hand, real-time information to suppliers is the best chance manufacturers have of not running out of critical parts and avoiding expensive downtime.

The real-time visibility is an advantage, along with the ability to work with independents who are focused on product verticals as opposed to generalists. The data visibility a digital VMI platform provides to the machinery users allows them to see exactly what is sitting on their own shelf.

Collaboration Changes the Game for Supply Chain Management

If an industrial manufacturer is working with four different parts suppliers to build a particular product, a digital VMI allows all those suppliers to be on the same platform without disclosing proprietary information. Within the digital platform, the suppliers can only see their own data and not the data of the other collaborating suppliers.

However, the manufacturer can quickly see which components are available from which suppliers because the collective data is visible to them. The consumer collaborates with their partners, but the partners don’t have to collaborate with each other.

The platform provides them with the flexibility to filter the data to look at only one product or one category supplier. They could also filter the data to look at items that are close to stocking out, or they could filter the data to look at items that cost more than $100, for instance. All these filters are designed to provide visibility and useful data across all the product category suppliers. For proprietary reasons, that visibility is only given to the consumer.

There has never been visibility or accountability with a traditional VMI—the supplier hordes the data and doesn’t provide the actual data to the consumer.

Before digital VMI technology existed, suppliers were forced to have multiple branch locations to physically deliver components to manufactures, as needed. Now, even small-town, remotely-located manufacturers have the ability to get parts quickly, efficiently, and without the risk of stockouts that can halt production indefinitely.

Another understated benefit of automation happens when onboarding a particular product vertical onto the digital VMI platform, for example O-rings—an inexpensive but frequently-used component. The MRO crib is populated with several bins of different sizes of O-rings that are always kept in stock. Historically, manufacturers run out of them frequently. With automation, industrial manufacturers can simply set the system to reorder the inventory automatically.

When you “set it and forget it” on several product verticals, the manufacturer can remove all kinds of daily clutter like multiple purchase orders and the physical counting of shelf inventory.

Machinery owners and facility managers can eliminate all the busy work and paperwork and focus on manufacturing their products with minimal downtime.

For example, Detroit-based Bearing Service supplies bearings and power transmission products to major manufacturers of steel and asphalt. Their MRO crib contains bearings and drive belts.

A digital VMI provides MRO suppliers eyes on their inventory 24/7 with accurate, granular consumption data in real time. It allows companies to work with several independent suppliers, which provides a better supply base than working with a single distributor of multiple products. A specific supplier list can be easily curated. Pushing the data to the consumer through the dashboard provides the machine plant manager their own dashboard to see exactly what’s on the shelf and what is running low.

In a traditional VMI scenario, when parts are not available for a manufacturing line, the operator must stop the machine, run to the warehouse, find the components, then return to the operating line. If the bin of O-rings, for example, is empty, production is halted until parts can be obtained. It’s a time-consuming, manual process.

They must call the O-ring supplier, order the parts, write a purchase order, do the paperwork, and then wait. Perhaps the supplier is located nearby and can drive the parts to the factory. But if the parts must be shipped, then there is a much longer delay. Meanwhile, the line is down. Production is stopped.

With a sophisticated digital VMI platform, that scenario becomes obsolete. The manufacturer never runs out of the needed parts because once the inventory reaches a pre-determined level, parts are automatically reordered and replaced on the shelf. Purchase orders are generated automatically. Because the data is accurate and granular, the inventory can remain at the leanest possible level without ever stocking out.

Automation and RFID Technology Enhances Inventory Management

A magical user interface, like RFID smart labels, eliminates the need for screens, keyboards, and handheld or peripheral devices—all of which most manufacturing floor operators find inconvenient and obtrusive.

Traditional VMI systems use barcodes to track products, but that system is outdated. It’s not practical for a consumer to scan hundreds of barcodes per day, and the data collected is limited.

With RFID technology, the user can collect a bag of 500 pieces along with 100 other various pieces in a tub. When placed on the scanning table, one RFID swipe calculates the entire inventory of all the pieces in the tub in seconds and with extremely accurate data.

Larry Hale, Eskridge Shipping/Receiving/Inventory Lead Man, said the accurate data is a game changer.

“We know if we take a bag of 10 out, when we scan the bag the parts are taken out of our system and we know we can make 10 units with that bag,” Hale explained. “If not, we need to figure out why we didn’t. We are much closer on our inventory this way. We are not losing as much, which saves us money. It’s pretty simple. You just set it on the table and when the light changes colors, you are good to go. It eliminates us having to call the vendor to tell them we are out of something. It’s automatic. When we get down to a certain number, they send us more parts.”

It’s important for manufacturers to consider ways to incrementally adopt technology. By creating more automated and robust supply chains that work more closely with the suppliers that are independent and specialized, a focus is placed on the product verticals that are needed to keep a manufacturing facility running.

By Andrew Johnson, CEO, ShelfAware

About the Author

Andrew Johnson is an entrepreneur, inventor, and business owner. Formerly the sales manager at the family distribution company, he is now the CEO of ShelfAware, which is redefining industrial supply chains by leveraging RFID technology, the internet, and the power of data. He can be reached at andrew@shelfawarevmi.com or (913) 270-8400.

]]> Norstat Reer R SAFE : RFID Technology For Mobile Gate & Guard Safety https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/safety-maintenance/norstat-reer-r-safe-rfid-technology-for-mobile-gate-guard-safety/ Tue, 11 Jul 2023 15:20:14 +0000 https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/?p=76067 Norstat continues to be an industry leader with the R SAFE, an RFID safety sensor designed specifically for mobile gates and guards.

The R SAFE is a next generation, sensor designed for machine safety utilizing RFID technology. This RFID technology allows the R SAFE to be coded in three different ways to allow the appropriate tampering protection needed for different applications. All R SAFE switches can be used as stand alone or wired in series while still maintaining a PL e/ SIL 3 safety rating. Operational status and diagnostics are viewed using high visibility LED’s and electrical connection is via M12 connector ( 5 or 8 pole ), Pigtail with M12 connector or 1, 3, 5 or 10m cable.

The R SAFE features a durable polyketone housing that is both shock and vibration resistant and mounts via M4 screws. It has a functional operating distance of 12mm and an assured release distance of 25mm. The R SAFE has 2 OSSD safety outputs, 2 safety inputs, 1 status output and operates off of 24 VDC. They can operate in temperatures ranging from -25°C to +70°C and have a protection rating of IP65/IP67 ( IP69K ) making them ideal for a variety of different applications. Contact Norstat for additional information, pricing, and availability.

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]]> RSS Series : Uniquely Coded RFID Safety Switches https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/safety-maintenance/rss-series-uniquely-coded-rfid-safety-switches/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:20:15 +0000 https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/?p=75739 The RSS-SERIES from Mechan Controls is a uniquely coded RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) safety switch with volt free contact outputs. They offer protection against manipulation and tampering making them ideal for use in high risk applications. The RSS-SERIES is also ‘teach’ enabled and allows for a new actuator to be resynced to one of 4 billion possible codes. This unique coding system makes code duplication near impossible, and the volt free contact outputs make the RSS-SERIES compatible with most safety relays on the market today.
The RSS-SERIES are vibration-proof safety switches constructed with an agent resistant, resin encapsulated, orange ABS housing. These switches are available with either open cable in 3, 6 or 10m lengths or M12 pigtail connectors. Stainless Steel versions are also available. Built and sealed to IP67 & IP69K, the RSS-Series is capable of working in wash-down areas making them ideal for use in the food processing / filling and packing industries as well as many other non-locking machine guard applications and can operate in temperatures ranging from -25° C to +60° C.

Contact Norstat for additional information, pricing, and availability.

About NORSTAT

Since The early 1960’s, Norstat has been servicing the industrial automation marketplace by offering safety, automation and connectivity solutions to the machine, process control, robotic, and automation industries with a complete line of safety, control, automation and connectivity products. Our trained engineering staff at our Rockaway, NJ headquarters as well as our numerous representatives out in the field can offer expert solutions for all of your safety, automation, and connectivity requirements.

Our SAFETY program includes Safety Light Curtains, Muting Light Curtains & Safety Controllers, Safety Interlock switches, Non-Contact Safety Switches, Safety Relays as well as Optical and Audible Signaling Devices. Our AUTOMATION program consists of Sensors for Pressure, Vacuum, and Positioning, Photoelectric & Ultrasonic Sensors, Foot Switches, Limit Switches both IEC body and Miniature types for axis control as well as a full line of Push Buttons, Panel Mount Switches, Buzzers and Emergency Stop Switches. Our CONNECTIVITY program features DIN Connectors for Sensors and Solenoid Valves, M8/M12 Connectors for Sensors and Switches, Passive & Smart Distribution Boxes, Automotive Connectors ( D-Type ) as well as a full range of special connection solutions that can be custom designed to fit most any application. This complete program enables our customers to conform to both the domestic and international machine safety and compliance standards along with the knowledge that Norstat supports their products with a friendly and experienced customer service team.

SUBSCRIBE to our Complimentary Publications:
]]> Pipeline Plastics https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/quality/pipeline-plastics/ Mon, 01 May 2023 15:34:11 +0000 https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/?p=75064 According to the IBISWorld Industry Report, the metal pipe and tube manufacturing industry in the US is expected to decline by 4.4% in 2023. The industry’s revenue is expected to reach $17.4 billion in 2023, down from $18.2 billion in 2022, and below the $18.0 billion in 2018. The decline in the metal pipe and tube manufacturing industry is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of plastic pipe, the rising cost of metal, and the growing demand for sustainable materials.

  • In 2022, the global metal pipe industry generated $123.98 billion in revenue.
  • In 2023, the global metal pipe industry is expected to generate $119.74 billion in revenue.
  • This represents a decline of 3.3% in revenue from 2022 to 2023.
  • The decline in revenue is expected to continue in the future, as plastic pipe becomes more popular and the cost of metal continues to rise.
  • Metal pipe is not a sustainable material as it requires significant energy to produce.

Growth of Plastics Pipe

HDPE pipe has been growing in popularity in recent years due to its many advantages over traditional metal pipe. In 2020, the global HDPE pipe market was valued at $36.9 billion and is expected to reach $52.1 billion by 2027. The growth of the HDPE pipe market is being driven by a number of factors, including:

  • The increasing demand for expansion and replacement of aging water and wastewater infrastructure
  • The need for corrosion-resistant pipe
  • The ease of installation of HDPE pipe
  • The cost-effectiveness of HDPE pipe

As a replacement for metal pipe opportunities, HDPE pipe has a number of advantages including:

  • Corrosion resistance: HDPE is resistant to corrosion from a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and salt, as well as soils and wastewater byproducts. This soil and wastewater byproduct resistance makes it ideal for use in applications such as water and wastewater treatment.
  • Flexibility: HDPE is a flexible material, which makes it easy to install in a variety of applications. It can be bent and shaped to fit around obstacles, which can save time and money on installation. HDPE is a more desired product for trenchless installation such as horizontal directional drilling (HDD).
  • Durability: HDPE is an extremely tough material that can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions and rigorous operating conditions of force mains. It is not affected by extreme temperature, or UV radiation.
  • Cost-effectiveness: HDPE pipe is often more cost-effective than traditional metal pipe. This is due to the fact that HDPE is a lighter material, which means it is easier to transport and install. HDPE is also less expensive to manufacture than metal pipe.

Municipalities and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Population increase in many metropolitan areas is stressing older infrastructure. In some cases this potable water and wastewater infrastructure is over 100 years old. As a result, many municipalities find themselves in a position of not just need but indeed requirement to change. HDPE demand is being driven in large part by these municipalities, especially as more of these factors emerge:

  • Rapid urbanization: As we previously mentioned, urbanization is a major driver of demand for municipal HDPE pipe. As cities grow, they need to invest in new infrastructure, including water and sewer systems.
  • Increased infrastructure spending: Governments around the world are investing in upgrading aging infrastructure, including water and sewer systems. This is driving demand for HDPE pipe, which is a popular material for these applications.
  • Demand for sustainable materials: There is a growing demand for sustainable materials, and HDPE is a sustainable material. It is made from polyethylene, which is a renewable resource.
  • Improved performance: HDPE pipe has improved performance over the years. It is now more durable and corrosion-resistant than ever before.
  • Cost-effectiveness: HDPE pipe is often more cost-effective than other materials, such as metal pipe.

As a result of these factors, the municipal HDPE demand is expected to continue to increase in the future. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global market for municipal HDPE pipe is expected to grow from $12.8 billion in 2022 to $21.2 billion by 2027. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2022 to 2027.

The report also projects that the Asia Pacific region will be the largest market for municipal HDPE pipe, followed by North America and Europe.

Well Positioned to Win

There are generally two types of HDPE pipe manufacturers in North America – those companies that are owned or controlled by resin manufacturers, and those that are free to choose the resin they want to use. Examples of the former include WL Plastics owned by Ineos, Performance Pipe owned by Chevron Phillips, and JM Eagle with family connections to Formosa, Agru, and others. “Converters,” as pipe manufacturers are generally referred, because they convert resin to pipe, include two category manufacturers which are 1) Solid Wall – pressure pipe (water and wastewater) and non pressure pipe (conduit for data, electrical), and 2) Corrugated – mainly storm water pipe which operated under gravity flow. Pipeline Plastics, based in Westlake, Texas, is the largest Solid Wall converter in the United States not owned by a resin company.

Mike Leathers, the President and CEO of Pipeline Plastics, believes they are best positioned to take advantage of the growth opportunity in HDPE. By 2024, Pipeline will have capacity for production of nearly half billion (480,000k) lbs across 4 plants. This is based on a growth plan to utilize existing available space for new lines and adding buildings. Not only are they filling capacity, but they are doing so with a tendency toward sustainability.

“We are one of the better companies from a sustainability perspective. With energy efficient equipment, safety culture, recycling and reuse helps keep our “footprints” [carbon] low. Lines that have really high output capacities assist these efficiencies.”

Jordan Latham, Vice-President of Manufacturing, also provided this insight on the company when asked about advanced manufacturing. “Our industry, as well as Pipeline Plastics, has transitioned into the 21st century with an enormous amount of automated processes to help ensure constant supply to the customer of quality products and to support company growth. 10 to 15 years ago, all of our process equipment still had analog control systems. You would manually calculate pounds per hour (PPH) because an extruder is just a volumetric pumping machine that is not entirely controlled.

Now with a push of a button, our gravimetric system and operating control systems allow us to control every aspect of our product precisely. With our inline wall monitor system, we can give customers the reassurance that the product is perfect. This, coupled with our automatic coiling system, helps to ensure that we will continue to make pipe even with the constraints in the staffing market now.

In the future, our facilities will become automated even further to overcome the shortage of skilled employees in the market. We have already started down this path for our 2023 and 2024 Capex.”

Leathers told us Pipeline provides water and wastewater pipe to municipalities, mining, agriculture, irrigation, industrial, and energy sector as well as pipe for natural gas distribution (NGD – yellow pipe). “Our pipe is a versatile product serving a diversified industry base – which really helps in balancing our business against the ups and downs of different industry segments.” Mike went on to let me know that they were providing pipe for a couple of semiconductor and battery fabs in Arizona and North Caroline, respectively. He was keenly aware of the CHIPS Act that we discussed in our March edition of IMD, and the positive impact to the semiconductor industry of the funding which has been made available by Congress to the semiconductor ecosystem. Further tailwinds for both oil & gas as well as municipal water funding are beginning.

Manufacturing HDPE Pipe

I asked for an overview of the manufacturing process, as my experience with plastics was limited to some injection molding lines at a facility in Erie, PA where large presses forced resin through precision dies to create enclosures and triggers for spray bottles. The presses were big and the dies were super heavy – causing change over challenges. I figured with a pipe it would be something close – but was proven wrong out of the gate.

“Is it pressure or temperature that melts the resin?” I asked. “Temp mainly but a combination of factors to provide highest outputs and quality” said Leathers. Ok, time to sit back and learn was my reaction.

The resin arrives via rail to the manufacturing locations, and is pumped via air into the silos. White pellets of virgin ethane-based resin (ethane, ethylene, other by-products of fossil fuels – so consuming waste from other processes) and Pipeline Plastics uses resin from US-based providers. It is considered a 5th generation resin, with a formulation designation of PE4710 which is the latest formulation. This resin is generally considered to produce a higher performance pipe, and provides for improved benefits along with great margins of safety against unforeseen operating challenges. The mix is called salt and pepper because the virgin white resin pellets are mixed with a 6% content of carbon black concentrate. My initial thought was that carbon black provided some type of structural integrity, but that was incorrect. It is primarily for UV radiation (sunlight) protection so if the pipe is in the sun it isn’t going to degrade the material integrity, after even decades of direct exposure.

Air moves the resin pellets from the silos to the line destinations, where the pellets are fed through blender and dryer system, and eventually through a gravimetric feed to a feed throat The feed throat delivers the material to screws which moves it through barrels that have different heat zones, which incrementally heat the material to keep it flowing. It then hits the die and pin and comes out in the shape of a pipe. A vacuum tank and puller begin the pipe down the line, where the pipe will encounter spray tanks and annealing zones.

The secret to success here is the measurement of variables and the reaction to the variables – how fast can the material heat up, how fast can the pipe be moved, how fast can it be cooled down. There is a closed loop feedback system to the puller and extruder to manage speed of pull and quantity of material being introduced. The typical approach is to keep the screw speed (extruder) consistent and vary the speed of pull based on the melt index – whether it is melting faster or slower than anticipated to hold wall thickness.

Removing Heat

Getting rid of the heat in the extruded pipe is the next extrusion challenge. Spray tanks are used on the lines. These spray tanks are different from the “older” extruded approach where the pipes would be submerged under water to be cooled. With technology, it was determined that water was acting more like an insulator in this situation – which limited thermal dissipation. Now the approach is basically to spray or mist the pipe rather than submerge the pipe into water. Water pumping and chiller equipment cool the water and enable water recycling for the line.

While water is being sprayed on the outside, cold air is being forced through the middle of the pipe. This dual cooling approach allows the pipe to be cooled from the inside and the outside.

Annealing zones between the spray tanks allow heat to radiate to the outside of the pipe to reduce any residual stresses caused by this differential cooling.

Nothing is Wasted

The continuous pipe run then moves through an automated saw on the line to cut the delivery lengths. For instance on large pipes, it is usually delivered in 50ft sticks. However, the delivery method depends on the pipe size and can be in a bundle of sticks, or in a coil depending on pipe dimensional characteristics. Sometimes this can be in the form of 2500 ft or 5000 ft coil of pipe. “We can make a mile of pipe as a single piece on 8” and lower,” said Leathers.

This entire process happens over a 300 ft section with auto saw cuts, then auto load to tables occurring as the last work step inside the four walls. A manual forklift moves the staged pipe to the yard and quality control checks and processes are completed.

Throughout the manufacturing process, any startup pipe or test pipe used for testing pressure performance, testing density, or testing mixtures of additives, is simply sent back to a grinder to be ground back into the resin pellets and used again.

To measure whether tolerances have been met for wall thicknesses, SONAR is used. Inoex provides the SONAR (Warp System) for measurements. The WARP system provides a 360 degree, continuous measurement of the OD and pipe walls to assure the pipe is uniform and complies with all dimensional requirements.

Changeovers and Interchangeable Lines

Pipeline Plastics has 4 plant locations with multiple lines at each location. Generally the production lines can be configured to do anything from ½” CTS going 80 fpm to 65.5”. Various lines can do changeovers to perform different sizes within a line group, for example. 1”-8”, 8”-16”, 12” – 24”, 24”-36”, then large lines up to 65”, which in aggregate provides the market with one of the largest size range options available. There is line redundancy for highest volume HDPE and NGD (natural gas distribution pipe).

Changeovers require a new die, new pin, seals for tanks, and half-moons that move the pipe.

Says Leathers, “We can make very thick or thin pipe. HDPE pipe is normally specified by its OD and diameter ratio, or DR – for example 24″ DR7. This means a nominal 24″ IPS outside diameter and a OD/DR ratio of 7. The lower the DR the thicker the pipe, and the more pressure it can take – to satisfy pressures like 100 psi, 200 psi, or 300 psi. The beauty of this product is that the connecting of pipes is just melting them together which is known as a heat fusion process. This creates a continuous pipe with no gaskets. There is nothing to crack or leak, and no cyclical fatigue if pressures change. Among other things, the pipe can also be ‘snaked’ – there is less need for fittings for minor directional changes.”

Managing Production and Building People – Safely

Pipeline Plastics uses a proprietary system which provides executives with a view of the plant performance in real-time. Production schedules, and production metrics can be reviewed at the click of a button, much like navigating spreadsheets. Data being captured includes production data and history, production output (PPH), downtime, and other metrics.

Quality and safety metrics are also part of the production operations system. Mike Leathers is proud of the company’s safety culture, driven largely by organic development of skills and resources. “We try to grow our people from within, “ explains Leathers, “there is significant training and investment in people.” A Step Progression program has been established for employee engagement and empowerment. This program ensures consistent floor training for safety and quality. Additionally, applied automation lessens labor impacts. Ultimately all of these focus points and supporting technology have created an employee culture of safety.

Replacing the Old and Building The Future

There is a bright future on the horizon according to some market figures from 2022. Pipeline Plastics sees over a 2 Billion pound market opportunity for HDPE, with a strong rebound from the Pandemic low of just over 1.6 Billion in 2020. In their view, the largest product segment is conduit which includes data, telephony, some electrical and was nearly 600,000k lbs of pipe in 2022. Some other segments have nice growth forecasts as well:

Oil & Gas pipe has increased nearly 70% since the pandemic. Pipeline Plastics pipe can be used to take frack water to the well site and to remove processed water off the well site. This produced water is collected for reuse many times, or moved by pipelines to disposal wells which eliminates thousands of trucks from roads daily.

2022 was the equal to the highest demand for clean water pipe ever, matching 2017 total.

NGD pipe hit a high in 2022. Industry and mining pipe is growing rapidly due to copper demands and lithium battery demands.

Part of the opportunity manifests through techniques and technology that is being used to replace the aging metal pipes and other older pipes like asbestos cement. A common technology uses a trenchless approach, such as pipe bursting which bursts the old pipe in place and pulls in new HDPE pipe behind it. Another is sliplining and swedging. Swedging is pulling the pipe through a die making it a smaller OD so that is can be pulled through a failing pipe, then releasing the tension – resulting in a new pipeline from the plastic pipe that has been swedged through.

Advancing Technology

A lot of production data capture is still manual entry. Pipeline is looking at the next large investments being sensor data, with more and more real-time feedback. Currently, Leathers says they are doing some sensor data capture and feedback looping as a pilot. Instead of manual entry, every operator would have an iPad that feeds back data to a central system. The data entry would be automated.

Additionally, inner cooling on all the lines that are not coiling – blowing cold air through a coil would be an interesting proposition.

Leathers feels continued improvements of resins and pipe extrusion technologies as well as installations are essential for long term successes building the future now!

Are embedded sensors in the pipe coming? He says possibly, and continues, “A good approach would be embedded RFID technology to be able to detect the pipe more easily – so reliance on as-built data would be lessened and could be tracked above ground more easily.”

No matter what technological advancements are achieved, the right people at every level of the organization that are hired, trained, and retained are essential for real success—having the best pipe makers and leaders all aligned with the same goals. Alignment with vendors, operators, end users, and distributors/customers must also be part of the solution.

Bursting on the Scene

In his last example of how Pipeline Plastics is replacing aging municipal infrastructure, he said “Our pipe is installed with pipe bursting which is putting a cutter on the front and pulling pipe through while the old pipe is being burst open, typically used for a ductile line that is starting to fail because it is 100 yrs old. The City of Arlington (Texas) recently did this using our pipe to replace some old asbestos cement pipe – and in this situation the nice thing for them is that they didn’t have to bring the asbestos to the surface and worry about environmental contaminants – the pipe can be left in the ground safely encapsulating it in the soil where it is not a danger.”

And that is how the old becomes new again. Right place, right time, right leadership, right product.

]]> IMD Industry X Blueprinting Workshop https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/software/imd-industry-x-blueprinting-workshop/ Sat, 01 Apr 2023 13:00:12 +0000 https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/?p=72183 We live in a world of now. Consumers can purchase just about anything, on their own schedule, for delivery when they wish, to an address they specify. And the item might be personalized very specifically to their requirements. It is a market-of-one environment for retail where the largest internet footprint has a dominating position for convenience. This is of course Amazon, which as a virtual bookstore sold its first book in 1995. The transformational impact on how consumers experience retail was swift – changing habits, changing marketing plans, driving new models. Behind this incredible transformation has been the expanding role of computers and digitalization.

Digitalization in the industrial machining and manufacturing segments has been similarly impacted and is undergoing generational transformation. Increasing speed of delivery to win orders, rapidly changing requirements that are configured to each order, wildly moving schedules, and different working models characterize today’s B2B environments. The changing requirements landscape is blended with step function changes in how items are produced today – the options are quite broad, and quite different from as recent as 10 years ago. Many today call this digital industrial revolution the move to Industry 4.0. However, there is mention now of Industry 5.0, and more evolved capabilities on the way. It’s difficult to stay hinged to a temporal point of view so we prefer to call this transformation the move to Industry X.

Drawing on our experiences, our industry viewpoints and insight, and our relationships with various subject matter experts, Industrial Machinery Digest is pleased to announce our Industry X Blueprinting Workshop program, through which clients can engage with IMD experts for half day or full day on-site (your site) sessions. The objective of the Workshop is to develop company-specific actionable Industry X capability blueprints, which can become the strategic foundation for a digital transformation program.

As a preliminary activity and informal opportunity for connecting, there will be an icebreaker dinner the night before each Workshop. This dinner will be sponsored by IMD and one of our industry partners. Workshop participants and the IMD team will use this event to build rapport that underpins the dialog for the Workshop session the next day – and to build rapport between attendees that may be from different functional areas within the company that has engaged IMD for the Workshop.

IMD is uniquely positioned to bring a viewpoint of the trends in industrial manufacturing, with this discussion framing the opening topic for a typical workshop. Capability segments such as robotic automation, additive manufacturing, data science and analytics, IIoT, RFID and related sensor technologies, relevant software advances, and new business-as-a-service models such as cloud computing or warehouse AMRs are just a few planned to be part of the trend overview, as well as an evolutionary history that has led to our current industrial operating state. How digital impacts the current environment will be one of the anchors for the discussion. Within each capability segment, we will also take a look at the various degrees of and approaches to adoption and operationalization within an industrial setting.

Following the Industry X trends discussion and a structured Q&A session, a previously arranged video conference with a topic expert will be part of the Workshop as well, as we aim to connect a broad set of relevant external deeply experienced SMEs on topics. In a preparation call, the various options for these on-demand SME video conferences will be defined and selected. An SME video conference will be a real-time video conference with interactive dialog, based on a content area with relevance to the engaging company operations environment or manufacturing environment.

The first two sessions set the foundation for direction of Industry. After those sessions, a 30-45 minute facility “walk” will provide a quick view of the current state of operations. During the “walk” a designated tour guide from the engaging company should take the Workshop team through the key manufacturing work centers or areas in the facility. Some of this data will have been discussed in a prep call with the Workshop Presenters from IMD. We will reconvene from the “walk” in the Workshop area for a brief break.

Following the break, a facilitated group discussion will yield the high priority challenges from the “walk” that need addressing in a near-term, mid-term, and longer-term horizon. An important outcome of this discussion is an introspective view from the Workshop team of the current situation and its needs and complications, as viewed from a broad lens (a recommended makeup of the Workshop team will be provided in the Workshop Prep Kit, which is provided to all engaging companies several weeks before the Workshop). A facilitated activity will be used to prioritize the needs and complications.

We will leverage our consulting backgrounds and provide the tools and guidance needed to break out into small groups and create the blueprints (actions and broad schedules) to address the needs and complications previously identified so that real benefits can be achieved. In addition, our tools will push the Workshop team to think more broadly on how to change the game and create step function improvements.

IMD Industry X Blueprinting Workshops can be set up for half-day or 8-hr day sessions, each with specific pricing.

To get pricing information and more details about these Workshops which are conducted onsite at your facility, email our Chief Editor at trey@indmacdig.com. [/alert-success

]]> Maintenance safeguarding “key in pocket” system from Pilz protects against restart and tampering. https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/safety-maintenance/maintenance-safeguarding-key-in-pocket-system-from-pilz-protects-against-restart-and-tampering/ Tue, 21 Feb 2023 16:59:31 +0000 https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/?p=71484 The new maintenance safeguarding “key-in-pocket” system from Pilz protects unauthorized machine restart, allowing maintenance work to be carried out safely. Digital maintenance safeguarding is based on the access permission system PITreader and guarantees safety and industrial security as only authorized personnel can access the plant or machine during the maintenance process.

Larger plants often have a number of danger zones, which are protected using safety fences. This places demands on safety and it is important that only authorized personnel have access for maintenance work. At the same time, it is essential to ensure that nobody is left in the danger zone when the plant restarts.

With “Key-in-pocket,” Pilz has created a digital maintenance safeguarding system which is flexible to meets the demands of both safety and industrial security. “Key-in-pocket” ensures that the machine does not restart while maintenance work is being done and that unauthorized personnel do not gain access. The solution offers safety in the face of a hazardous restart while at the same time, industrial security, because it is impossible to tamper with the maintenance work.

The system is based on the access permission system PITreader and is implemented using the configurable small controller PNOZmulti 2 or the automation system PSS 4000. Users are given an RFID key with their individual permissions, which can be read on the safety gate using PITreader. This way, one or more users who are authorized for maintenance work can authenticate themselves. At all times, the operator knows who has access for which task. Temporary permissions can also be assigned.

After successful authentication, a personalized security ID is stored for the user in the controller and is kept in a safe list. The machine can now be shut down, the safety gate opened, and the machine accessed. During this time, the RFID keys remain with the respective users

“Key-in-pocket.” Once maintenance is complete and people have left the danger zone, everyone signs out. The security IDs are removed from the safe list on the Pilz controller, and the machine can be restarted.

Digital maintenance safeguarding is specifically designed for machines with danger zones that are protected via safety fences. It offers an economical, efficient alternative to mechanical lockout-tagout maintenance safeguarding systems, which are attached to all safety gates. As it is possible to enter or leave the plant via various safety gates, “Key-in-pocket” offers staff greater flexibility and thus saves time during maintenance.

 About Pilz

Pilz is a technology leader in safe automation technology; consistently developing a role as a total solutions supplier with solutions for safety, automation, and industrial security technology. The objective of Pilz is to automate plant and machinery in such a way that the safety of human, machine and environment is always guaranteed. Pilz is represented by 42 subsidiaries and branches on all continents.

Pilz US is headquartered in Canton, Michigan.

Pilz offers complete automation solutions based around its core skill of safety – from sensor technology to control and actuator technology. The product range also includes corresponding software tools, diagnostic and visualization systems as well as services. Thus, complete system solutions emerge. Complete also means that our solutions consist of automation, safety, and security solutions.

Pilz also provides a comprehensive range of services worldwide, including safety advice, engineering, product training and seminars on the subject of machinery safety.

]]> BWP, LiCAP, and Siemens Establish Strategic Partnership for Mass Production of Dry Electrode Manufacturing Equipment https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/robotics/rfid/bwp-licap-and-siemens-establish-strategic-partnership-for-mass-production-of-dry-electrode-manufacturing-equipment/ Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:33:01 +0000 https://industrialmachinerydigest.com/?p=69068
BW Papersystems (BWP), a division of Barry-Wehmiller, is a capital equipment manufacturer for multiple industries; and is experienced in the successful merging of technologies to develop new solutions that create value for their customers. LiCAP Technologies, Inc. (LiCAP) is a developer of cost-effective and sustainable dry electrode manufacturing solutions for lithium-ion battery and solid-state battery technologies. Siemens is a global innovator focusing on digitalization, electrification and automation for the process and manufacturing industries. Today the companies are proud to announce that they have entered a strategic partnership to manufacture and commercialize innovative dry electrode manufacturing systems for the battery cell industry.

BW Papersystems has a people-centric focus in a way that pursues business growth and creates value. BW Papersystems, LiCAP and Siemens are all companies with technology – that together – fills a product line gap, diversifies the industry, and enhances a new market.

Rising demand for batteries comes with a huge jump in demand for battery cell manufacturing equipment. Today most incumbent battery cell manufacturing suppliers are based in Asia, already operating at more than 95 percent capacity. Moreover, they may prioritize orders from established customers (mostly leading incumbent cell manufacturers) over those from new market entrants from Europe and the United States. As a result, North American and European battery cell manufacturing companies and EV OEMs are likely to face a bottleneck in equipment supply that will place their planned start of production at risk.

The strategic partnership between BW Papersystems, LiCAP and Siemens will make the North American and European Gigafactories more competitive through industrialization of LiCAP’s cost-effective and sustainable Activated Dry Electrode™ technology. As a crucial manufacturing partner, Siemens will be integral in scaling production for both companies.

“For LiCAP, it was important that BW Papersystems and Siemens, as our manufacturing partners, already have the expertise and know-how in areas that are critical to successful commercialization of our Activated Dry Electrode™ technology. This is why we partnered up with them and have no doubt they can build manufacturing equipment for our electrode manufacturing process at much greater speed compared to any other company,” says Martin Zea, VP of Operations at LiCAP.

ABOUT BW PAPERSYSTEMS

BW Papersystems, part of Barry-Wehmiller, combines extremely strong brands, innovative technologies and long-standing global experience in the corrugating and finishing, sheeting and packaging, and stationery, and security-documents industries. BW Papersystems brings together 10 brands—BW Bielomatik (BWB), BWP Zerand, Curioni, JAG SYNCHRO, Kugler-Womako, MarquipWardUnited (MWU), SHM, VortX, WillPemcoBielomatik (WPB) and Wrapmatic—that synthesize manufacturing in the paper process industries. We offer market-leading technology for full corrugators in a variety of configurations, rugged rotary die cutters and flexo folder gluers, as well as starch-mixing systems. Customers rely on us for folio-size, cut-size and digital-size sheeting and packaging of paper, board and other materials. In addition, BW Papersystems’ portfolio includes stationery, passport production and specialized paper-converting applications, as well as book-on-demand binding lines, digital print finishing and RFID processing technology.

For more, go to bwpapersystems.com.

ABOUT BARRY-WEHMILLER

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world. CEO Bob Chapman shares the story of the company’s transformation in his book, Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family.

To learn more, go to barrywehmiller.com.

ABOUT LICAP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

LiCAP is a leading developer of the world’s most sustainable and cost-effective electrode manufacturing platform that will be a game changer for developers of solid-state batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion capacitors, and ultracapacitors. LiCAP’ core technology, Activated Dry ElectrodeTM, removes toxic NMP solvent from manufacturing, removes drying step and solvent recovery from electrode materials processing, reduces capital equipment, enables direct recycling of electrode scrap materials, and produces premium electrodes with ultra-high energy density and fast charging capability.

Co-founded and led by the original inventor of the “dry electrode” technology, LiCAP is headquartered in Sacramento, California and operates the world’s fastest commercial dry electrode manufacturing line for ultracapacitors and a pilot dry electrode line for lithium-ion batteries.

To learn more, visit www.licaptech.com.

ABOUT SIEMENS

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power. In fiscal 2021, which ended on September 30, 2021, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €62.3 billion and net income of €6.7 billion. As of September 30, 2021, the company had around 303,000 employees worldwide.

To learn more, visit www.siemens.com.

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