PRODUCT REVIEWS
Smart respiratory protection for welders
EWM is introducing a fan unit, the Powershield Vent Pro, designed to ensure a reliable supply of fresh air during welding. For the first time, the device can be connected to its own app via a Bluetooth interface. This means that respiratory protection during welding can now be monitored and controlled smartly.
“ Anyone who welds is exposed to welding fumes. The fine dust and pollutants contained in these fumes put a strain on the respiratory tract and the user’ s health. Fresh air blowers supply filtered, fresh air to the welding helmet, thereby ensuring noticeably better working conditions. With the Powershield Vent Pro, we have expanded on this principle by adding a smart component: the fan communicates via Bluetooth with the Powershield Vent Pro app, providing real-time visibility of filter usage, battery status and airflow at all times. Users can keep an eye on their respiratory protection and adjust the settings directly via their smartphone,” explained EWM.
The app connection is complemented by controls on the device itself. The IPS colour display shows battery status, filter contamination and airflow in real time and
remains legible from any viewing angle. NFC filter monitoring automatically detects the filter type and usage time. If a filter comes loose or is missing, an automatic alarm system switches off the device and warns the user.
Visual and audible signals, as well as vibration alarms, also alert the user when the battery level is low, the airflow is too low or the filter is excessively dirty. These warning functions enhance workplace safety and reduce the workload for welding supervisors and safety officers. The display is designed for everyday welding use and can also be operated whilst wearing gloves.
“ The respirator complies with the EN 12941 TH3 standard. Its filtration efficiency is over 99.997 per cent. The supplied P3 particulate filter can be combined with a gas or odour filter, thereby covering a range of working environments from welding to grinding. The intelligent airflow monitoring system automatically adjusts the motor power to the filter load and maintains a constant air supply. The airflow can be set to three levels: 170, 190 and 210 litres per minute. Furthermore, the special outer casing can be used in magnetic environments. Thanks to automatic adaptation to different air densities, work at great heights is also possible,” added EWM.
Weighing 1,050 grams( including the fast-charging battery), the unit is suitable for prolonged wear. Depending upon the airflow, the standard battery provides up to ten hours of runtime, whilst the optional high-capacity battery extends the operating time to up to 19 hours. The fan unit is compatible with all Powershield helmets that are designed for the VENT Fresh-Air system.
Since 2025, EWM has been part of ESAB Corporation. n
www
. ewm-group. com
Tooling inventory management solutions
Tooling Intelligence exhibited at MACH 2026, a UK manufacturing exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham, to showcase its full range of technologies designed to improve inventory control, eliminate inventory waste, reduce downtime and“ deliver measurable cost savings” for UK manufacturers.
“ With manufacturers facing mounting pressure to improve operational efficiency whilst controlling costs, our offering addressed both challenges head-on. Our comprehensive range of solutions— from weight-based vending to electronic asset management— gives manufacturers real-time visibility, automated replenishment and detailed usage tracking that transforms inventory from a cost centre into a competitive advantage” said the company.
Commenting on the exhibition, Tooling Intelligence managing director Richard Swaffield said:“ It was great to be back at MACH showcasing our inventory management solutions powered by SupplyPro. The remarkable rise in cutting tool prices, driven by global carbide costs, is just one example of everyday industrial consumables now requiring ever-tighter management.”
The SmartBin weight-based inventory management system offers control over fasteners, tools, welding supplies, PPE and critical components, with precision weight-sensing as an option. Available in four configurations with 30, 40, 50 and 64 SKUs, SmartBin replaces manual counting and provides real-time stock visibility. RFID badge access enables quick authorisation, while automated orders prevent stockouts and reduce emergency buying. For manufacturers facing inventory shrinkage or inaccurate records, SmartBin’ s continuous monitoring is designed to ensure accountability and cut costs.
The SmartDrawer vending solution offers high-capacity storage in a compact size with custom drawers and locations. It dispenses items from tools and abrasives to instruments and PPE, with individual item control. LED guiding and touchscreen enable quick transactions. Its modular design lets manufacturers scale capacity. Rapid refill enables fast restocking without repackaging, minimising administrative tasks and maximising uptime.
For managing critical assets such as power tools, laptops, calibrated instruments and rechargeable equipment, the SupplyVend asset management locker range offers user access control, check-in / check-out and full audit trails by product and user. The SupplyBay, a high-volume dispensing system designed for tough industrial settings, has a capacity of 400 pieces, supports 70 SKUs and includes built-in charging for electrical equipment.
All systems demonstrated at MACH 2026 run on Tooling Intelligence’ s SupplySystem Intelligence Software( SSIS), a cloud platform that provides 24 / 7 access to scheduled reports. n
www. toolingintelligence. co. uk
48 | ismr. net | ISMR July / August 2026