Machine Building

Top 10 level-sensing technologies

Level sensing is one of the most common functions for process control but it also uses a wide range of different technologies to achieve the same goal; it is therefore important to select the correct design for each application to ensure a reliable and accurate system. Greg Wainhouse, Midlands Area Technical Sales and Sensors expert at Bürkert UK, offers an explanation on some of the various designs available.

28th July 2016

CE auditing and the need for specifications and documentation

Derek Coulson, a Technical Advisor with Safe Machine Ltd, offers the following advice on how to go about performing a CE Audit on machinery.

26th July 2016

How machined springs out-perform wire-wound springs

Simon Cattle of Abssac outlines some of the ways in which the unique benefits of machined springs can be used.

26th July 2016

10 things to know about non-contact displacement measurement

Chris Jones, Managing Director of Micro-Epsilon UK, outlines the ten most important factors to consider before purchasing a non-contact displacement measurement sensor.

21st July 2016

High-speed polymer gearboxes deliver material gains

The ongoing development of advanced, heat resistant materials such as polymers is increasingly providing today's machine designers with practical and effective products. A good example of this is the high-speed polymer gearboxes developed by ROTALINK which have been successfully used for diverse applications, ranging from welding wire feeders to coffee grinders.

20th July 2016

How additive manufacturing can boost machine reliability

Companies that rely on machines are continually seeking new ways to improve reliability and reduce operational costs. Neil Burns, director of Croft Additive Manufacturing, looks at how the manufacture of small components, such as filters, can play a significant role in improving operational efficiency and why machine builders should be taking advantage.

19th July 2016

Principles and applications of the axial piston pump

Throughout the industrial workplace, hydraulic pumps provide a great deal of motive power, efficiently translating the rotary motion of a prime mover into hydraulic oil flow that can be easily routed and used for a vast range of tasks. One of the most common hydraulic pumps is the axial piston pump, which is used in many industrial applications as well as off-highway and mining. Jim Cairney, Engineering Manager at Oilgear in the UK, explains the principles and applications of the axial piston pump.

15th July 2016

Retrofit safety using innovative control valves

The food and beverage industry has embraced automation - partly due to the necessity of reducing production costs, but also to help meet food safety standards and personnel safety legislation. By taking a modular approach to automation, plant owners can gradually introduce new technologies and expand the number of automated processes, in order to maintain productivity and keep up with the latest safety legislation.

14th July 2016

Brexit implications for machine safety standards and regulations

Steve Allen CMSE, a Member of UK standards committee BSI MCE/3 (Safeguarding of machinery), a Certified Machinery Safety Expert and National Sales Manager of Procter Machine Safety, explains the implications of various Brexit scenarios for machinery safety standards and regulations in the UK.

8th July 2016

Dispelling the myths surrounding linear guidance systems

Many engineers are comfortable with rotary bearing technology but view linear as complicated and over-engineered with complex maintenance requirements. Bob Love, Business Development Manager at Schaeffler UK dispels the common myths about linear bearing technology.

8th July 2016