Machine Building

Graph technology and machine learning: making sense of big data

The theory of six degrees of separation, first proposed in 1929, suggested that every individual in the world was connected to anyone else in no more than five links. Today, social networking tools and graph technology can accurately map and extract valuable insights from the relationships between various entities in a network. Networks can also be analysed by machine learning, a technique in which a computer can adapt its own algorithms. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director at EU Automation looks at how both can be used to make sense of big data in the manufacturing industry.

15th August 2016

Upgrading process safety with compact control valves

Manufacturers in the food and beverage industry are finding that they need to upgrade the safety on their process plant. Fortunately, compact valves and relatively simple changes to control circuits make this a straightforward task.

11th August 2016

Connectivity and servitisation deliver success for manufacturers

Fabrizio Battaglia, Head of Manufacturing at HSO, explains how true connectivity, in conjunction with servitisation, can deliver significant benefits for manufacturers who have traditionally focussed on selling 'products' backed by a conventional warranty.

5th August 2016

Why a new generation of positioning controllers is needed

Biren Patel, the motion control engineering manager at maxon motor, discusses why industry needs a new generation of positioning controllers.

4th August 2016

Thermal fluid: what unnecessary risks are you taking?

What would you think if you saw someone using a shopping trolley as a car jack? Or a newspaper and sunglasses as an improvised welding mask? You'd probably ask yourself why anyone would put themselves in that kind of danger. Here, Andy Burns, technical business manager at thermal fluid specialist Global Heat Transfer, explains why companies should never take any chances, especially where testing and analysis are concerned.

28th July 2016

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