igus has announced that a mobile surgical microscope from Prechtl TechSolutions has won the 2025 manus plastic bearing competition. A jury of experts recognised the engineers who used lubrication-free polymer bearings and were able to increase the reliability of the microscope.

During a recent break-in at Apex Dynamics' UK headquarters, two gearboxes were used to smash through a wall at the back of their premises. Although the gearboxes suffered cosmetic damage and won't be sold, they are still going strong. Much like the company itself, which has expanded its UK operations following strong sales in 2024.

Euchner is excited to be sponsoring the flight simulator at MachineBuilding.North, where visitors can test their piloting skills flying a virtual P-38 Lightning twin-engine aircraft known for its distinctive design and precision handling. To add a little friendly competition on the day, Euchner is offering a prize to the top-scoring participant - a free 1-day or 2-day training course at the Euchner Academy in Chesterfield, worth almost £700.

More than 4 million tons of lubricants are produced and consumed in the EU every year. The majority of these lubricants are currently still obtained from fossil raw materials. There is enormous potential for avoiding CO2 emissions in the recovery of high-quality base materials from waste oil. A consortium of research institutes and industrial companies is developing effective recycling technologies for corresponding material cycles. Kluber Lubrication is the only manufacturer of specialty lubricants involved in the project.

Precision drive system specialist maxon has released a new handbook to help engineers select DC motors and drive system products. 'Selection of DC Drives - Guidelines with Calculations' provides a systematic approach to drive selection. The new book also explains the formulae and their relationships to confirm drive system choice.

VHS Hydraulic Components, which produces power packs and supplies a vast range of hydraulic components has announced its participation in two major trade exhibitions in Germany in Spring 2025.

Renishaw has renewed its partnership with the Greenpower Education Trust, a UK-based charity that ignites enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects by engaging students in the design, build and racing of electric cars.

MVTec Software and Pepperl+Fuchs are stepping up their technological collaboration in the field of machine vision. As part of this, Pepperl+Fuchs has joined the MVTec Technology Partner program.

Machine Building North is delighted to welcome Phoenix Contact product manager for safety, Andrew Maskell, as a speaker in the Networking theatre, discussing machinery safety in the digital age.

Machine Building North is excited to welcome Phoenix Contact automation product manager and application specialist Andrew Ellis as a speaker in the Networking Theatre, introducing Single Pair Ethernet, and discussing how it simplifies data transmission for industry.