Archive January 2026

Hydronix examines how relative measurement values improve automation in bulk solids processing by offering high repeatability without the time-consuming complexities of traditional sensor calibration. Optimising Moisture Management in Bulk Solids Modern industrial processing relies on automation to maintain consistent quality. While moisture is a critical variable in production, manual testing is often too slow for real-time control. Inline sensors provide the necessary responsiveness, but the choice between absolute and relative values dictates the efficiency of the system. Differentiating Absolute and Relative Values Absolute moisture measurement represents the literal percentage of water in a material, requiring extensive laboratory testing and precise calibration. In contrast, relative values focus on the stability and repeatability of the sensor signal. This approach allows a controller to react to whether a material is wetter or drier than a set target. The Advantage of Repeatable Control Loops For automated processes like material conditioning or drying, absolute values are less critical than consistent feedback. A repeatable relative measurement allows…

Production, logistics and administration buildings are being built Kuppenheim/Schiltach. On 17 December, instrumentation manufacturer VEGA Grieshaber KG officially began construction of a new production facility in Kuppenheim. This major project marks a milestone in the company’s growth strategy and sustainable development. The builder is Grieshaber Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG. With the new location, VEGA is expanding its production capacity and strengthening its global logistics. Schiltach will continue to be the company’s headquarters. There, the space available for further growth has been exhausted. The project is being implemented as part of the “Ober-Hardrain” development plan and will give a significant economic boost to the entire region. “We’re creating additional capacity in order to remain competitive in the long term and offer our customers worldwide the quality that VEGA stands for. We’re deliberately investing in sustainable structures and in the future of our company in Germany,” emphasises managing…

The industry meeting place for circular economy and resource efficiency The 9th edition of RECYCLING-TECHNIK Dortmund, trade fair for recycling technologies takes place on the 18th and 19th of March 2026. Here visitors will find machines, systems and components for recycling and environmentally friendly disposal. The focus will be on the exchange of ideas between experts from the recycling industry on technologies and solutions for efficient and sustainable processes. SOLIDS Dortmund – the trade fair for granules, powders and bulk solids technologies – will take place in parallel, celebrating 20 years of SOLIDS Dortmund. The anniversary edition’s motto is ‘Ideas that move. Solutions that stay.’ Exhibiting companies will present the entire spectrum of mechanical process engineering: from conveying, dosing and screening technology to crushing, mixing and storage technology to dust extraction, filtration and process automation solutions for fine to coarse-grained materials. The close interconnection between the bulk solids and…

A new solution for the sustainable recycling of textile waste. Hosokawa Alpine is setting standards in textile shredding, making it possible to reuse textile scraps efficiently and sustainably. Textile recycling and the new EU directive In response to the new EU directive on the separate collection of used textiles, Hosokawa Alpine provides efficient processing that recovers valuable fibers for the circular economy. Efficient process chain for the circular economy Since January 1, 2025, an EU directive has mandated the separate collection of used textiles. To process these volumes economically, the Augsburg specialist for mechanical process engineering developed a specialized system. The process starts with shredding textile bales, followed by pneumatic transport for defibering. A downstream classifier separates the material into clean fibers and residue. Optimization through proven crushing technology * Performance increase of up to 50% due to special rotor design * Robust construction with a solid, durable cast housing * High throughput of up to 400 kg of textiles per hour * Integrated water cooling and pneumatic suction as options The Rotoplex…

Betzigau, January 2026 – UWT GmbH is strengthening its technical management level: At the beginning of 2026, Bernhard Schönmetzler assumed the position of Head of Technical Department. In this role, he supports Andreas Haug, Managing Director, in the area With this appointment, UWT is deliberately focusing on continuity, in-depth technical expertise and a long-term approach to technical management. Internal appointment with technical expertise Bernhard Schönmetzler has been part of the company since 2018. Most recently, he served as Manager of Approvals, where he significantly shaped this area both technically and organizationally. In this role, he was responsible for complex national and international approval processes and systematically expanded and developed his team. His many years of experience, particularly in the regulatory environment, form a key foundation for his new responsibilities. As Head of Technical Department, he also remains closely involved with the topic of approvals. Clear responsibilities and close coordination In his new role, Bernhard Schönmetzler is gradually taking on expanded leadership responsibilities. Coordination with Managing Director Andreas Haug is close and continuous. Existing…

Kalenborn presents innovative solutions for protecting industrial plants against material loss. Custom-fit linings increase service life, conserve resources, and sustainably reduce CO2 emissions. Wear Protection as a Key to Sustainable Production Wear refers to the progressive loss of material on surfaces caused by contact and movement. In industry, bulk materials such as ores, sand, or biomass lead to continuous abrasion. Kalenborn offers targeted measures to improve the resistance of components against friction and impact. This secures material flow and prevents costly downtime. Diverse Materials for Individual Requirements Every wear problem is unique and requires a specific solution. Kalenborn relies on a wide range of materials that are precisely matched to the respective load: * Mineral materials such as fused basalt * High-strength ceramics for extreme temperatures * Metallic solutions against heavy impact wear * Wear-resistant concrete and technical plastics Efficiency via Combination and Professional Installation Experts often combine different materials to achieve an optimal result. In addition to material selection, the fastening method…

According to a recent study by Deutsche Messe Technology Academy and Moxa, unplanned downtime is one of the biggest challenges facing industry. Downtime as a major cost factor in industry A recent study by the Deutsche Messe Technology Academy in cooperation with automation specialist Moxa provides insights into the reality of industrial production in Germany: 94 percent of the companies surveyed report at least one unplanned shutdown per month, with an average downtime of 3.3 hours. The effects are serious: according to the study, even one hour of production downtime can cause costs in the millions—especially in highly automated processes. The economic consequences range from missed delivery dates and increased personnel deployment to damage to the company’s reputation among customers. The study cites the following causes of unplanned downtime as particularly common: Main causes of production downtime * Failure of machine components or IT systems * Lack of transparency regarding the condition of the equipment * Difficulties and delays in procuring spare parts The consequences are well known: inefficiency,…

MoistTech identifies moisture variation as a primary cause of production slowdowns. Advanced real-time monitoring now allows manufacturers to ensure consistency, reduce waste, and maximize overall throughput. Inconsistent moisture levels are a silent profit killer in industrial manufacturing. When moisture fluctuates, it forces operators to pause production or deal with batches that fail quality standards. The Hidden Costs of Manual Sampling Traditional moisture testing relies on manual sampling and laboratory ovens, a process that can take hours. By the time results are ready, thousands of pounds of product may already be out of spec, leading to significant material waste and energy loss. Real-Time Sensors Drive Production Efficiency MoistTech’s Near-Infrared (NIR) technology provides non-contact, continuous measurement directly on the production line. This allows for immediate adjustments to dryers and mixers, ensuring that every batch meets the precise moisture requirements without the need for manual intervention. Key Benefits of NIR Technology * Precise moisture control reduces energy consumption. * Real-time data prevents expensive product recalls. *…

The 2026 conference “Belt Conveyors and Their Components” is the networking event of the year for manufacturers, users, and operators. Essen – On May 19 and 20, 2026, the bulk material handling industry will gather at the Haus der Technik (HDT) in Essen for the 22nd specialist conference “Belt Conveyors and Their Components.” This well-established event is regarded as the most important networking meeting of the year for manufacturers, users, and operators of belt conveyor systems. Experts from industry and research are expected to exchange views on the latest developments and proven solutions in belt conveyor technology. Program and Networking Specialist presentations by renowned experts will address current topics related to continuous conveying systems. As usual, the lecture program will be complemented by an attractive supporting program: a joint dinner at the end of the first day and an exclusive technical excursion will provide ample opportunity for informal exchange and networking. In a relaxed atmosphere, participants can make contacts and share experiences directly with speakers and…