Category Archives: Marking and Installation

Safety

From eunicechua | August 20, 2019

Don’t be surprised that safety precautions are the most important activity that is emphasized! In fact, there are an abundance of companies that invest heavily in health and safety.

As an established industrial business, you would not want to be known to operate in a place with high risks of work hazards. And how do the simplest warning labels help in doing so?

1 – Awareness

The key reason of having safety warnings all over a danger zone is to remind people never to let your guard down. This avoids the situation where people are not fully aware of the risk, keeps people alert and reduces the chance of someone injuring themselves. For new people, new employees who are not familiar with the environment, these warning labels serve to help them understand the risks involved.

2 – Compliance

There are a lot of standards and regulations that are laid down by the government and organizations to be in compliance with safety standards. To prevent people from scrimping on small costs for these warning labels, these safety standards are in place to ensure all the right labels and warnings are placed!

Ultimately, it is always beneficial to your business to keep it a safe environment. So there is no need to pay for any worker’s compensation payments, or incur additional costs to cover the injured employee’s scope of work. Of course, keep your business reputation at its tip top condition, being a safe environment for your employees!

Phoenix Contact has a range of plant markings that can be easily customized and printed. Check us out here!

Hey! We are also launching a Snap-Our-Label contest, with WARNING labels as the theme of the quarter. Stand a chance to win a Thermofox Set as well as many other prizes!

To get a free sample of the warning label, click the link below!

https://snapourlabel.phoenixcontactsea.com/

Want to find out more? Feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

Barcodes

From eunicechua | January 7, 2019

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Barcodes are machine-readable patterns that we see in most packaging for certain items. Especially today, when mass production is everywhere, barcodes are a big help to ease the production process. The data contained within barcodes allow users to identify, inform, or can even be used for marketing purposes.

We see such images on the streets nowadays. QR-codes are used to market the company’s products, barcodes on all products we purchase; every one contains a lot of information. Have you ever wondered why there are so many different types, and why they are used in that instance?

Don’t be afraid to say that you do not really know much about barcodes or data capture technology. Most of us know barcodes from their experience in retail shopping where the linear barcodes stated on the item purchased will capture the correct pricing when it goes through the scanner.

Barcodes are more than just that. It is an impressive solution to workflow headaches and process slowdowns, and provides big data answers enterprise-wide. Each barcode provides real-time information, and it plays an important role in businesses. With over 40 different barcode types out there, each with a specific purpose, it can be a little confusing how to differentiate and understand each purpose.

Before we look at the different barcodes, you need to know that there are 2 main categories for barcodes, One-Dimensional (1D) and Two-Dimensional (2D) barcodes.

An example of a 1D barcode

1D barcodes are called linear because the information placed is in a linear line, holding a dozen numeric or alphanumeric characters, represented by this spacing of parallel vertical lines. The entire barcode needs to fit within the reader’s range to decode. They are found commonly on consumer goods.

An example of a 2D barcode

2D barcodes are omnidirectional, and are able to contain large amounts of data both vertically and horizontally. Information is in matrix style and is highly secured. This type of barcode requires more sophisticated decoding software.

Here is a list of the common barcode types and where they are commonly used:

Code 128: This type of barcode is typically used in logistics, transportation and shipping industries. Code 128 is a versatile, high-density, variable-length barcode that can store diversified information as they can support letters, numbers and a variety of other ASCII characters. It complies with International Standard ISO/IEC 15417.

CODE 39: They are used to label goods across the automotive industry, defence department, and identification cards. Code39 barcodes are alphanumeric codes, that could only encode 39 characters (as the name suggests), which makes it less compact than Code 128. It complies with international standard ISO/IEC 16388

Codabar: Codabar is able to contain limited characters/numbers/symbols. It is an out-dated type of barcode used mainly in libraries, blood banks and overnight packaging industries. The main benefit is that it is easy to print and highly tolerant of minor printing imperfections.

EAN13: Worldwide usage in retail goods marking, and comply to International Standard ISO/IEC 15420. It encodes 13 characters, with the first 2 or 3 being country codes where the manufacturer is registered.

EAN-8: It is a shortened version of the EAN-13 code. It includes a 2 or 3 digit country code. The data digits in an EAN-8 symbol specifically identify a particular product and manufacturer. Since a limited number of EAN-8 codes are available in each country, they are issued only for products with insufficient space for a normal EAN-13 symbol. For example, a 2-digit country code permits a total of only 100,000 item numbers.

UPC-A: UPC stands for Universal Product Code. It is used for worldwide retail, and complies with International Standard ISO/IEC 15420. It identifies the manufacturer, and specific products, so that the register systems can automatically find the prices.

QR-Code: A matrix code that allows encoding of different characters, URL, music and images. This is frequently used to be scanned with smartphones.

After knowing the different types of barcodes, it is important to have a solution that can read and decode the information. Have you met cases where the barcode readers cannot capture the data, when barcodes are damaged, tiny, rubbed off or torn?

Phoenix Contact printing software allows you to print all the different barcodes, and the best part is… It is free!

At the same time, you do not have to worry about the printing process as Phoenix Contact printers ensure you have a seamless, clear printing process. Additionally, we assure you that as with all our prints, they are scratch proof, water proof, oil and chemical resistant! You will always have readable barcodes!

Want to find out more? Feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

Marking Materials for Solar Photovoltaic Application

From Lee Teck Fang | October 29, 2018

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With the implementation of large scale solar projects in Malaysia, there are more and more inquiries on special marking materials for cable marking, equipment marking, and plant marking that can withstand long hours of sunlight and harsh environments.

If you ever come across such a request from the project consultants or clients, Phoenix Contact marking materials are what you are looking for. We have various product offers that are UV-resistant and weather resistant, ranging from stainless steel to aluminium to high-quality thermoplastic polyether urethane.

Here are two examples of solar cable markers with different types of printing methods.

1) Stainless Steel and Aluminium markers:

Phoenix Contact LS-WMTB product range is available in stainless steel (V4A) or aluminium. It provides simple and fast installation with cable binders. This marker is suitable for the most demanding industrial requirements because it not only fulfils the harsh requirement in the solar industry, but it can also be applied in areas that require high resistance against salt water, chloride, and solvents.

With the use of modern laser technology, it creates highly resistant and permanent markings on these markers.

Examples of stainless steel cable markers

2) Polyether Urethane (PUR) markers:

An example of a polyether urethane cable label

Phoenix Contact WMTB HF range of product is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It is made of high-quality thermoplastic polyether urethane, halogen-free and flame-retardant material, with high tensile strength that is able to adapt to the bending of the cable conductors.

WMTB HF comes with an exciting selection of colours, from the commonly-used white, to yellow, red, blue, and green. Unlike the stainless steel marker, WMTB HF is printed using thermal transfer technology.

Other than the marking materials, Phoenix Contact also offers UV-resistant cable ties that work with the markers, as well as high quality printers with laser and thermal transfer technology. Please feel free to contact the Phoenix Contact sales team if you wish to know more about these products.

Three Good Reasons Why You Should TRADE IN Your Printer

From eunicechua | May 28, 2018

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Phoenix Contact has a wide variety of printing systems, capable of meeting all sorts of marking requirements, ranging from terminal markings, wire & cable markings, equipment labels and plant markings!

Terminal Marking	Wire & Cable Markings
Equipment Marking	Plant Marking

Label On-the-go

Every label requirement you need for your panels, inventory, workshop or even wiring is possible with our variety of printers in place! Print at your own convenience and save the hassle of pre-ordering them. You can also customize our printers to cater to your own specific printing needs, avoiding wastage due to unused or wrong labels!

What’s more is that Phoenix Contact is having a TRADE IN scheme now!

Three Good Reasons Why You Should TRADE IN Your Printer:

Get the most bang for your buck

Why not save your company some money if you can let go of your old printer, in exchange for a discount off the new one? The trade in scheme is meant to give customers more incentive to purchase a new printer from us! Speak to your local sales representative to get more information on how much discount you can get off your printer when you trade in yours now!

Upgrade your current technology

Have you been using your printer for many years, unaware of how much technology has progressed? Printing speed has increased tremendously over the years, not to mention the quality of prints! So, if you are wondering if it is time to get a better printer for greater efficiency, it is still not too late! The trade in scheme is the perfect platform for you to enquire more about the technology that goes into Phoenix Contact printers.

Save the environment

Instead of chucking your old printer in a corner, taking up space and collecting dust, we welcome all your used printers to Phoenix Contact, and you even get a discount when you purchase one from us!

If you still insist on disposing of your old printer, there are tons of toxins inside printers that hurt the environment! So, start thinking about our trade in scheme and do your part to save the earth!

Click here now if you are interested to get a trade in!

Product identification – Can you survive without any?

From eunicechua | November 21, 2017

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The need for product identification is not new. Since the early days of civilization, due to a lack of technological advancements, products traded and sold were identified in different ways. Clay jars, crates and sacks were distinguished through the shape of the vessels or unique markings made on them for identification purposes.

Dating back to 6000 BC, barter trading was the main system for the exchange of goods and services; this was before the invention of money.

By F.S. Church, published in Harper’s Weekly, January 17, 1874, p. 61. [Public domain]

The Need for Product Identification

Over time, the situation then transitioned into exchanging money for goods. With the evolution of business into mass production, previous methods of identification were not sustainable as products now needed to be identified through category, name and description.

Similar to the evolution of street names, housing numbers, or even zip/postal codes, the invention of such identification allowed people to easily identify where they were going. Consequently, with ever-increasing inventories of parts and products, manufacturers and stores required new control mechanisms to track their status. Product identification became important in business in terms of logistics and data analysis.

After knowing the brief history for production identifications, we have seen these requirements for marking and identification evolve tremendously and can be found in almost every aspect of our modern day life or business.

What is tagging and marking like these days?

Today, our tagging & marking typically need to serve 5 key purposes

Product Identity
The most basic and important purpose of labels is that it has to convey information on its identity mainly for tracking and tracing purposes. This can be in the form of descriptions, revisions, serial numbers or lot numbers. Another key identification purpose, especially in the Food & Beverage Industry, is to state the Manufacturing Start/Expiry date. Some labels would also need to include specific types of information as required by government legislation.

Security Risks
Labels play a crucial role to reduce security risks due to the proper identification written on it. When there is a need to prevent any unauthorized opening of the packaging, there can also be tamper resistance labels to avoid such happenings.Labels could also have authentication seals such as serial number, barcodes, RFID, to reduce the risk of forgery or tampering.

Marketing
The use of labels can also be for persuasion to encourage potential buyers to purchase a product. This is usually done with the use of graphic designs, attractive words and titles to entice the buyers. Most commonly, designed to reflect the brand’s message and speciality.

User-Convenience
Labels can contain information that could help the user/buyer by conveying instructions on handling, usage, display or sale.

Quantity Information
Quantity is another important piece of information that would typically be required on labels. It tells the buyer or user the number of item in a covered packaging without the need to open up the package.

An ideal label concept would allow a product to be able traceable from the hands of an end user all the way backwards through delivery, manufacturing, raw material processes and to the point where supplies of raw material are identified.

With these said, if you require such a labeling system, Phoenix Contact has the perfect solution to provide you such printing mechanics. Our range of printers can provide the optimal labels that you require. “Clip Project Marking”, our labeling software, allows you to create your own product identifications by adding letters, numbers, barcodes, symbols, logos and pictures!

From there, you can print with the range of printers and over 3000 different materials catered for different uses and surfaces! Leave us your contact details at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg to learn more about Phoenix Contact Printing system.

Phoenix Contact – Your Partner in Safety and Reliability for Railway Industry

From eexin | November 10, 2017

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Railway Phoenix Contact has been serving the railway industry for decades, especially for rolling stock and signalling. Safety and reliability has always been our number one concern when developing products for railway applications.

Safety on Board

The basic requirement for safety and reliability is standard compliance. Phoenix Contact has been certified by the International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS) since April 2008 and this standard is based on the quality management standard DIN EN ISO 9001, which has been extended with international railway-specific requirements. The ongoing tests during the development and production cycle of the products are essential to guarantee the product quality.

On top of that, all rail-specific products from Phoenix Contact fulfill the standards of DIN EN 50155, an international standard covering rolling stock; DIN EN 50121 electromagnetic compatibility; and EN 45545, fire protection on rail vehicle. Besides, shock and vibration test, material test and other fire protection is also critical for the railway application.

Safety should not be limited to the big ticket items and should even be extended to the passive component level. For example, the cable markings like shrink sleeve should be halogen-free and fulfill DIN 5510-2 with an oxygen index of 34.9%. besides being halogen-free, the cable ducts should enable individual bars to be broken without using any tools or resulting in any burr through defined breaking points according to EN 45545-2 (R22/R23:HL3). Behaviour in fire is another key concern and the plastic used for Phoenix Contact’s terminal blocks is halogen-free polyamide PA 6.6; which meets the highest safety requirement of UL 94 V0.

Push-in Terminal Blocks and Marking

Cable Management

Network on Board

Nowadays, commuters demand for “Internet on board” has made the information and infotainment systems essential in trains. The M12 network connectors with a mechanically robust design, in compliance with IEC 61076-2-101, together with high quality cables meeting the requirement of EN 45545-2 will ensure reliable communications. The heavy-duty connector, compliant with IEC 61373, with modular contact inserts form a flexible and safe transmission of signal and power circuit on rolling stock carriage connection and simultaneously ensures comprehensive protection in the event of electromagnetic interference fields.

Halogen-free Polyamide PA 6.6

M12 Network Connector

Surge Protection

Surge voltages and lightning strikes are common issues in signalling, hence the surge protective device (SPD) become significantly important to maintain reliable signal transmission. Phoenix Contact’s SPD has been tested according to IEC 61643-21 and the plug can be disconnected for test and maintenance by using the portable test laboratory. According to IEC 62305-3, the SPD must be tested regularly and the test values should be documented and traceable. Additional features like multi-stage monitoring (green – operating, red – fail and yellow – reach performance limit) for predictive maintenance and remote signalling for early detection of overloaded SPD can help to further enhance reliability.

HEAVYCON HPR	HEAVYCON Modular Inserts
Signal SPD with multi-stage monitoring (PT-IQ)	Signal SPD with remote signalling (TTC)

Power Supply

The power supply unit (PSU) is used to convert main AC to low-voltage regulated DC power and it should at least be compliant with EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, IEC 60950-1, DIN EN 61558-2-16 and UL 508. To ensure smooth operation and maximum uptime, the redundancy setup of the power supply cannot be overlooked.

A redundant system can made up of two power supplies and a diode or Phoenix Contact’s O-RING to prevent back flow of current. An ORING being a more advanced and modern redundancy module compared to the diode, comes with auto-current balancing (ACB) technology which ensures the power supplies work equally hard. This enables the power supplies to have a longer and more consistent lifespan.

The redundancy status as well as the status of the ORING can be monitored, whereas this cannot be done with a DIODE. The PSU becomes more reliable and dependable when it is capable of sending analogue signals to control system on measurement values such as real time current, voltage and power for early detection of operational fault as well as critical information to the user.

QUINT 4 Power Supply With Diode

QUINT ORING with ACB

Transporting You into the Future

Phoenix Contact will continue to develop the products or solutions that suit railway application and safety and reliability will always be the top concern on top of ease of installation, operation and maintenance.

To find out more about the solutions that Phoenix Contact has for the railway industry, check out our website or leave us your contact at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and I will get in touch with you as soon as I can.

Cut, Strip and Crimp – Tools to Ease Your Cabling Pains

From eunicechua | October 25, 2017

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Today, we enjoy the fruit of technology as we turn on our television, air-conditioner, lights or our smart devices. Have we thought about what are the nitty-gritty details that have led to our enjoyment in this day and age?

What is common amongst all this technology is the need for electricity, and more importantly, what carries electricity around are wires. Wires and cables are the root that carries electricity all round; it allows current to flow from one point to another. What is often missed out is the hard work spent by the electricians who, behind the scenes, manages this labyrinth of wires.

Photo by: Derek (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dcmorton/2446443103)

Cutting, Stripping and Crimping are steps that are very familiar to our electricians. However, they are not just merely steps; but in fact, they are techniques that we need to offer much respect to the electricians who handle them. Providing the right tools for the job makes it even more crucial to ensure they put their techniques into the right place.

Cutting, Stripping and Crimping of wires sound easy and effortless. However, using it on a daily basis requires the tool to be designed more than just a normal tool. Phoenix Contact takes ergonomics, usability into consideration and provides the optimal tools for its end users.

Tools to Cut, Strip & Crimp

Cut – CUTFOX 18

Safety Lock
Safety is a true concern in a workplace, and every effort to keep the workplace safe is extremely important. Slip guards are attached in our cutter which keeps the blades closed.
Less Fatigue
Spring-loaded pliers opens up automatically, which means users spend lesser energy. With the pivot near the cutting edge, it provides optimum power transfer.
Cutting Quality
Cut your wires perfectly with the special curved metal giving your wires a nice and squeeze-free cut.
Reliable Material
The steel material of the cutter has gone through heat and surface treatment ensuring your tool to be long lasting and corrosion resistant.
Comfort
Consisting of both soft and hard parts, meant for the best comfort for any hands. The curved designed of the handles and the angled head for the ultimate ergonomics.

Strip – WIREFOX 10

Easy Adjustment
Depth of the blades can be easily adjusted as required. Length of the stripped length can also be easily adjusted with the small measurement ruler and the stopper in place.
Flexibility
Interchangeable knife cassette gives you the option for all different wire sizes as required. One casing for all wire sizes!
Stopper
A wire stopper equipped in the knife cassette helps you to position your wire at the stripping length you need.
Convenient Cutter
Equipped with a cutter at the side, it gives you the convenience to cut your wires any time.
Comfort
Consisting of both soft and hard parts, meant for the best comfort for any hands. The curved designed of the handles and the angled head meant for the best stripping experience.

Crimp – CRIMPFOX CENTRUS 6S

Phoenix Contact Tools - CRIMPFOX CENTRUS 6S

Multi Range Die
Self-adjusting principals of the die covers a large cross section (0,14 – 6mm²), so you can use one tool for most of your needs.
Good and Complete Crimp
Built in ratchet mechanism is the key for a good crimp as it doesn’t allow the pliers to open until the process is complete. In this way, it ensures a proper and complete crimp.
No need for recalibration
Due to the special die closing process and its ball bearings, it reduces wearing out. Thus, eliminating the time and effort you need for re-calibration.
Less effort
Equipped with a rotating crimp mechanism, together with the tool size, ensures an optimum power transmission. In other words, you use less energy!
Comfort
Consisting of both soft and hard parts, meant for the best comfort for any hands. Its small size of 18cm tall, 6.5cm wide, and weighing at 380g serves as a compact and handy tool. The optimal positioning of the pivots gives the smallest opening handle angle in the market. Not forgetting the soft non-slip pressure pad supports your force transmission, so you can, for example, have it sit against a table surface!

After introducing the key features and ergonomically designs of our Phoenix Contact tools, would you like to experience it first hand on its comfort and ease of usage?

Get a “Cut, Strip & Crimp” Toolset kit today with our current promotion in Phoenix Contact! For more information on the promotion, just leave us your contact details at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and we will get back to you soon.

Marking @ Phoenix Contact

From Jarrett Yeo | January 4, 2017

Phoenix Contact Printers

Some call it marking, others call it printing. At the end of the day, we require objects in our lives to be labelled, just like how every of us have a name or identification number. Before I joined Phoenix Contact 2 years ago, never did I know that Phoenix Contact offers such a wide range of marking possibilities!

At Phoenix Contact, we have 3 different technologies involved in our marking systems:

Thermal Transfer
LED-UV
Laser

Thermal Transfer Printers

Our range of Thermal Transfer printers include Thermomark Roll, Thermomark Card, Thermomark Prime, and Thermofox.

Phoenix Contact’s Thermomark Roll, Thermomark Card, Thermomark Prime, and Thermofox utilise thermal transfer technology

This printing technology allows affording cost of printing, but yet allows text, graphics, batch numbers, and bar codes to be printed. Being economical and flexible, our Thermal Transfer printers allow users to do either batch printings, as well as continuous printings without wastage of materials!

LED-UV Printers

BLUEMARK CLED UV Printer

LED-UV: A revolutionary technology which is used in our Bluemark CLED printers. Not only does this marking system prints on plastic, it prints to aluminium too! The UV light will cure the ink and bond it to the material to ensure high resistance levels in various environments. The current markers allow marking of conductors, cables, and systems, covering the entire field of device and system marking!

Laser Printers

TOPMARK Laser Printer

Laser: Another groundbreaking marking system which uses a top class ytterbium fibre laser to mark on more than 400 different markers, ranging from stainless steel to aluminium to plastic. No ink or toner will be required due to the fact that the laser marks directly onto the marker material. Therefore, the resistance level of the markings are able to withstand the harshest environments and conditions, as long as the base material lasts!

CLIP PROJECT Software

CLIPPROECT Software

Just a single, free, software is required to design and send print jobs to Phoenix Contact’s range of printers. CLIP PROJECT has more functions that you can imagine, it even allows data to be automatically imported from Databases straight to prints. CLIP PROJECT and Eplan have been partners for quite some time, and this means that users can seamlessly allow direct printing in CLIP PROJECT straight from Eplan schematic. The CLIP PROJECT planning and marking software is all you need, and you may find more information of this software here.

Yes, it is free to download and free to use: No need to worry about having dongles for every computer, or annually paid subscriptions!

Marking Wherever You Want!

From Jarrett Yeo | September 27, 2016

THERMOFOX handheld printer

Mobile handheld printer

The handy THERMOFOX thermal transfer printer marks labels, signs, and shrink sleeves supplied in rolls directly on-site, and can be used in all areas of industrial marking.
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Electric Power and Renewable Energy 2016 Myanmar

From Amelia Yeh | September 15, 2016

Electric Power and Renewable Energy 2016 Myanmar

We will be participating at the 4^th International Electric Power and Renewable Energy 2016 Myanmar Exhibition from the 13^th – 15^th of October at the Myanmar Event Park (MEP) in Yangon.

Come down and join us to find out more about what we can do for you in the area of Power generation and transmission and solar. We are located at G16, Singapore Pavilion.

Click here to register at the event’s website.