When it comes to the precise processing of plastics, paper, textile and sheet metal it is necessary to unwind, wind or rewind continuous material webs with a defined tension to achieve perfect subsequent processing steps. That's why STOBER is focused on ensuring companies working in these industries, and others, get both quality and precision from every single roll.

When you use an optimised control platform, you reduce non-value-added development effort and can sometimes deliver to your customers faster. Aerotech is revolutionising precision motion and machine control with the Automation1 Precision Machine and Motion Control Platform. We talk to Patrick Wheeler, product manager at Aerotech.

The medical standard places the highest demands on the safety of medical devices. By implementing the standard, manufacturers achieve better and more reliable processes and product quality at the highest level. With the successful certification of the medical standard and the perfect selection of all components and processes, SCHURTER says top-class HMI solutions can be developed for medical applications.

What are the key aspects to consider when selecting a linear ballscrew actuator? Matara assesses accuracy versus cost, the risk of backdriving, critical speed, load, environmental conditions, lubrication and maintenance.

In many industries, colour implies quality. It is therefore crucial to match the correct colour shade in the production process and to produce it homogeneously throughout numerous batches, says Glenn Wedgbrow, business development manager at Micro-Epsilon UK.

While servo motors and drives are required for their precision and dynamism in food packaging machines, the motion solution is also subject to the stringent hygiene regulations that apply to machinery used in the sector. Gerard Bush, engineer at motion specialist INMOCO, discusses hygienic design and servo systems for food packaging machinery.

What do you do when a standard, off-the-shelf motor, gearbox or actuator can’t meet the requirements of the application? Stewart Goulding, managing director of EMS, discusses the design and manufacture of custom actuators.

Beckhoff UK was a gold sponsor at LabVIEW technical event GDevCON. Here, technical support engineer Chris Knight explains the vital function that inputs and outputs (I/O) communication plays in connecting systems, exchanging data and ensuring efficient automation.

ABSSAC continues to invest as part of the long-term vision of the company and its progressive UK manufacturing goals, most recently with the acquisition of a new ROMI GL250M CNC turning centre. We visited the company at its HQ in Evesham, Worcestershire, to see how the machine has transformed ABSSAC’s machining scope and capability.

From optimising designs to improving production processes, generative AI is set to have a massive impact on the manufacturing industry. Stephen Hayes, managing director of Beckhoff UK, explores the benefits and risks.