Machine Building

Twelve things you need to know about CC-Link networks

Experts on open factory automation networks will already know about CC-Link; however, even if you are in this camp, do you know everything you need to know? Network technologies are developing quickly and are likely to be an increasing part of our lives as technological progress continues to accelerate. Since gigabit Ethernet CC-Link IE and its fieldbus variant CC-Link are the predominant factory automation network systems in Asia and are growing quickly in popularity throughout the rest of the world, it is probably a good idea to be up-to-speed with the essentials. Here John Browett of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) offers some straightforward answers to the most important practical questions.

1st June 2016

Choosing the right coating cuts business maintenance costs

When it's cold and raining you can guarantee mothers everywhere are arguing with their children over why they need to wear a coat to protect them from the elements. However, this good advice can do more than just protect against ill health, it's something that can be carried across into corrosive protection in industrial settings. Peter Crossen, VP of the Maintenance and Partsmaster Innovation Platform at NCH Europe, explains how the right coating makes all the difference.

31st May 2016

80 GHz radar: a matter of frequency

With the recent launch of radar instruments in the 80GHz frequency range for liquid level measurement, now is a good time to examine what's behind this new direction in radar technology. So where does it come into its own and what are the benefits of using these new sensors in automated processes for control and inventory? This development signals a brave new world in level measurement, one where radar level measurement can go where it has never gone before. With high-frequency radar level devices on the rise, this is truly an exciting era in automation.

29th May 2016

Navigating safe Li-ion battery transport

There have been numerous stories in the news over recent years surrounding the transport of lithium-ion batteries on planes, particularly concerning the risk of them short circuiting during a flight. In light of this, it's easy to see why international regulations surrounding the shipment of Li-Ion batteries by air is evolving, as Michele Windsor, marketing manager for Accutronics, explains.

26th May 2016

Emerging food preservation technology requires precision control

Our ability to preserve food has a long history - with more recent developments being directed by the desire to maintain nutritional value in addition to the original taste and texture of the food. Research in this field within the UK is helping to develop new techniques that can be applied on an industrial scale and one company at the forefront of this field is Campden BRI.

26th May 2016

Machinery efficiency via advanced gearbox condition monitoring

With two in three manufacturers unaware of the true cost of system downtime and mechanical failure, Gill Sensors & Controls discuss how their new condition monitoring sensors help reduce downtime, associated costs and improve reliability of large manufacturing gearboxes.

25th May 2016

Trending tech for remote access: HTML5 vs. mobile apps

"There's an app for that". Encouraging the development of over 1 million mobile apps, Apple's ubiquitous catchphrase quickly became an icon of its time. Unsure what to have for dinner? Car broken down? Can't get to sleep? Don't fret, the app store probably has you covered. Even in the manufacturing industry, apps are finding a home as one of the best ways to access information. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of industrial automation supplier European Automation examines the use of apps in industrial environments, compared with their browser-based alternatives.

24th May 2016

Factors to consider in spring design and specification

Chris Petts, Managing Director of Lee Spring Ltd, discusses the factors to be considered when designing and specifying springs.

23rd May 2016

Sensor triggering in production and process automation

When measuring the position of moving targets in production and process automation environments, it is important to understand the different methods of sensor triggering, their impact on measurement cycle times and the benefits they can offer over continuous measurement, says Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK.

20th May 2016

How to manage PLC program quality in automotive production

In the automotive sector, high quality plays an important role - and this is already clearly visible in the production process. In order to handle the complex programs of logic controllers, it is advisable to introduce an analysis tool for measuring the quality. PLC Checker from Itris Automation has demonstrated in practice how it significantly enhances the quality of PLC programs written to run on PLCs from various suppliers.

19th May 2016