Networks Europe Mar-Apr 2018 | Page 6

06 NEWS IN BRIEF Networks Europe helps you to understand the art of the possible as the news desk highlights some of the stories currently catching their attention. Volta Data Centre announces new partnership Cut and machine rails and cable ducts with ease Despite automated solutions, switchgear manufacturing still involves a great deal of manual work when it comes to cutting and machining busbars, support rails and cable ducts. In order to automate or part-automate this work, Rittal Automation Systems is now offering new and improved machines and tools. Cutting support rails and cable ducts to the right length is a task that many workshops still perform by hand. The required rail length is measured on the mounting plate and the support rail is then cut to the appropriate length. The rail may also be labelled using a felt-tip pen so that it can be allocated to an enclosure and, where necessary, to a position in the enclosure. The Secarex AC 15 cutting centre from Rittal, however, makes these tasks much easier, quicker and more efficient. An automatic length stop ensures accurate custom-cut rails. The cutting centre is very convenient to use, operating via an industrial PC with a keyboard and trackball. The process of cutting the rails to length is particularly efficient when the dimensions are transferred directly from design planning, which can be performed on the EPLAN Pro Panel, for example. Where multiple rails are required, the cutting centre calculates the optimal denomination in order to minimise waste. Copper bars used in switchgears for power distribution or as busbars must also be processed in the electronics workshop. In addition to cutting to length, other work steps such as bending or punching holes are often also necessary. These tasks can be performed more quickly and safely using the CW 120 (Copper Workstation) bending and hole-punching unit. The unit is available in two versions: A stationary benchtop unit for cutting, bending and hole-punching busbars, with external hydraulic supply. The machines produced by Rittal Automation Systems for processing support rails, cable ducts and busbars are a perfect complement to semi- automated production in switchgear manufacturing. They simplify many of the tasks that previously had to be performed manually, making the process far more efficient. The outcome is lower costs and better quality. n Vo lta Data Centre will go into partnership with global network solutions provider IX Reach. As part of the deal, Volta will be providing the space within its data centre which will enable IX Reach to offer its full range of solutions to Volta’s enterprise and carriers tenants, including its direct Cloud Connect service to Amazon AWS, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure, all from Volta’s scalable facility. IX Reach partnered with Volta after being impressed by its highly secured facility and ability to house scalable solutions to accommodate global businesses, along with its resilient power and UPS systems, along with its central location in the capital. Jonathan Arnold, Managing Director, Volta Data Centres, said: “We are always on the lookout for exciting partnerships and IX Reach certainly fit that bill in terms of the customers and clients it has and the work it does with companies around the world. Adding. “So much of modern business is based on using and streaming high amounts of data. Reducing latency and storing that data close to their source is becoming ever more important – we are confident we can meet and exceed the requirements of IX Reach and its clients with our secure and scalable solutions in the heart of London.” n NETWORKS EUROPE The magazine for network and data centre professionals If you have any news please email James Abbott, [email protected] www.networkseuropemagazine.com