Machine Building

News

2020/2021 Enclosure Hardware catalogue and supplement from EMKA

Of note to machine builders is that EMKA has just unveiled its all-new Main Catalogue for 2020/2021, covering a comprehensive range of locking technology options for cabinets and enclosures. It has earned the description of "everything but the enclosur" for the way in which specialist panel builders have come to rely on it for high quality, easy-to-assemble locks, handles, hinges, swinghandles and gaskets.

27th August 2020

igus opens new cleanroom laboratory

A new cleanroom laboratory, built by one of the leading applied research organisations, Franhofer IPA, has opened and is helping igus to "Ramp up its motion plastics development". Northampton-based igus are motion plastic suppliers and a global manufacturer of energy chain systems and polymer plain bearings. To allow the development of new igus particle-free motion plastic products suitable for use in cleanrooms, Fraunhofer IPA designed and built the tailor-made ISO Class 1 cleanroom laboratory at the igus test laboratory in Cologne, Germany.

27th August 2020

Functionality in small spaces from Lee Spring

When the design of a machine means that space is tight, Lee Spring is pointing out that its REDUX wave springs offer high functionality in space-critical applications. They are designed to replace conventional round wire compression springs and also to provide tight load deflection in a very small area - which enhances efficiency, reduces operational costs and permits smaller assemblies according to the company.

26th August 2020

Electrification cluster targets £10m of opportunities

A new manufacturing cluster has been established to target more than £10m of electrification opportunities over the next 12 months. Brandauer, C-MAC SMT and PP Control & Automation - all members of the Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN) - have come together to offer a single-source supply chain solution for electric motors, drivetrain components, battery cells, casings and housings, transfer laminations, PCB assemblies and wider infrastructure services. The partners have also enlisted the expertise of industrial automation specialist Balluff and have already secured £3m+ off-highway automotive contracts together with an order for an upwind turbine system from FuturEnergy.

26th August 2020

Procter Brothers Ltd announces Management Buyout

Procter Brothers Limited, the Caerphilly-based manufacturer and service provider, has announced the successful completion of its management buyout. The move ensures a secure future for Procter Machine Safety and Procter Contracts. Here is a statement from the company, received yesterday:

25th August 2020

G5-5 Harmonic legislation update via webinar

On Thursday 3rd September Mitsubishi Electric UK is hosting a webinar discussing the forthcoming changes to the G5-5 Harmonic Legislation. The company says that it will be telling machine designers and builders everything they need to know about the legislation, which is designed around harmonic voltage distortion and the connection of harmonic sources and/or resonant plant to transmission systems and distribution networks in the UK.

24th August 2020

New brochure from Nexen is of interest to machine builders

Nexen Group has published a new brochure entitled "˜Engineered Solutions', featuring its range of precision motion control components, power transmission, and web tension control products. The brochure presents Nexen's capabilities and products by applications, making it easier for users to identify the right product for their motion control application. Typical examples which can be seen in the brochure include:

21st August 2020

New modular connectors cut assembly and maintenance costs

Designed to cut machine assembly and maintenance costs to the minimum, the new CombiTac direqt family of modular connectors introduced by Stäubli features a Click-and-Connect system that enables all parts to be quickly assembled manually without the use of any special tools. The new connectors are said to offer a light, modern design incorporating the highest level of safety features, and can be fully customised to meet customer requirements. Each carrier and frame is coded, eliminating any possibility of assembly error or incorrect polarity mating between male and female connectors.

21st August 2020

Robot vision software update from OnRobot

OnRobot has launched a software update for its popular "˜Eyes' robot vision system, part of a broader application-focused strategy designed to give OnRobot customers ongoing enhancements across its product portfolio. The new features, which enable Eyes to be deployed in quality inspection applications and on mobile setups, include one-shot detection for multiple objects, colour and blob detection and automatic landmark calibration tools designed to speed cycle time for mobile robot setups. Eyes' new inspection features enable the system to easily sort, inspect, or pick & place unstructured objects using colour and contour detection.

18th August 2020

Pilz UK offers more places on Machinery Safety courses

Due to what it calls "An overwhelming demand" for extra 4-day City & Guilds Machinery Safety course places, Pilz UK has announced a series of extra dates on which it is holding them. Covering machinery safety, standards and risk management, each course embraces a proven formula of classroom sessions, practical exercises and examinations.

17th August 2020