Machine Building

Motors: the tip of the iceberg for drivetrain efficiency?

Fuelled by the introduction of more stringent IE efficiency classes, manufacturers are chasing headline efficiency figures which could only have been dreamed of just 10 years ago. There's no denying that this is a positive thing for industry, but is motor efficiency just the tip of the iceberg?

2nd September 2016

Change bad gear oil habits: accurately monitor oil condition

Here, Mark Burnett, VP of the Lubricants and Fuel Additives Innovation Platform at NCH Europe, explores how businesses can improve the effectiveness of their gear oil.

31st August 2016

Modular automation control supports Industrie 4.0

This article from Pilz explains how a modular automation platform - for controlling both safety and standard automation functions across separate machine modules - supports the adoption of Industrie 4.0.

30th August 2016

Intelligent rotary encoders help implement Industry 4.0

Jeff Smoot, VP of application engineering and motion control at CUI, discusses how intelligent rotary encoders can help machine builders implement Industry 4.0 principles.

29th August 2016

Infrared windows - a question of standards

The minimum requirements necessary for certifying a product to UL standards are usually sufficient to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the product; is that statement true or false? Well, in the case of an infrared (IR) window this is not necessarily true as specific application details must be factored in before its use can be deemed "˜safe'.

25th August 2016

10 top tips for specifying test equipment

The PEAK Group designs and builds electronic test rigs for a wide range of products - from domestic appliances to aero engine controllers. Some of the company's products are truly innovative and offer new levels of effectiveness, rapidity and thoroughness. Karl Miles, technical sales manager at PEAK Production Equipment Ltd, offers 10 top tips for specifying test equipment, whether for use as a standalone test system or for incorporation as a test station within an automated manufacturing system.

23rd August 2016

Keeping control valves clean, inside and out

Modern hygienic fluid control applications demand very high standards in terms of cleanliness, not only for the components directly in contact with the process medium, but also for the external surfaces. Designing and installing complete fluid control systems that meet these stringent criteria requires expert design capabilities and innovative manufacturing facilities, as well as a considerable understanding of the applications. Ian Webster, Field Segment Manager, Hygienic Processing pharmaceutical at Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, looks at the specific requirements of this sector and how they can be achieved.

22nd August 2016

Connecting motors to the Internet of Things

In the last few years, fitness tracking technology has been increasingly popular, with a range of devices available to help you become healthier, improve your fitness performance and ultimately live longer. These devices use non-invasive, easy to use sensors that connect directly to your smartphone or computer, giving you instant results to track your progress. At this year's Hanover Messe, a new fitness tracker was announced. Only this time, it's a fitness tracker for industrial motors. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of industrial equipment supplier EU Automation discusses how this new development helps bring legacy systems forward.

22nd August 2016

Specialist technologies making Industry 4.0 a practical reality

The opportunity for manufacturing companies to harness the power of the Internet of Things and move rapidly towards Industry 4.0 is now becoming more and more of a practical reality, according to Bosch Rexroth.

19th August 2016

Seven basic rules for good cables

igus has more than 25 years' experience developing and producing cables for moving applications. Over 2 billion double strokes are carried out in its 2750m2 test lab each year. Here the company sets out the seven basic rules for good dynamic motion cables.

18th August 2016