Machine Building

Precision power transmission component specification

Whether you're building a prototype, starting a new production run or sourcing replacement parts, specifying power transmission components that integrate with each other, run reliably and fit to the necessary footprint can prove challenging. Once real life commercial considerations are also factored in it can be hard to identify the right options for any given project. Working with knowledgeable distributors, like Drive Lines Technologies, gives engineers access to expert knowledge which can increase the profitability of many projects.

16th December 2015

Ten top torque tips

Driveshafts deliver power as a rotary force, and in most applications there is a need to know the amount of power in the system. But getting measurements from a turning shaft requires some engineering ingenuity, so here Tony Ingham from Sensor Technology in Banbury runs through the basics.

10th December 2015

Process control design - don't let ATEX restrict your plans

Manufacturers have developed a huge range of products and systems that can be combined and integrated to produce bespoke process control systems. However, when the application involves operating in potentially explosive atmospheres, designers could be forgiven for thinking that the choice of design might be restricted...

10th December 2015

The top three ways power quality affects your business

When lightning strikes sand a beautiful crystal, a fulgurite, is created. However, a lightning strike on the power grid is not as pleasant, as Google recently discovered. When lightning struck the local power grid supplying one of its data centres in Belgium - four times - several of the discs stored there were completely wiped. Here, Steve Hughes managing director of REO, takes a look at the top three ways power quality can affect your business's electronic systems.

4th December 2015

The importance of Management of Change in alarm rationalisation

For the process industries, it is essential to manage change when making modifications to alarms and alarm systems. Management of Change (MoC) should therefore be a fundamental process within the alarm management lifecycle, says Ian Brown, Alarm Rationalisation & Services Manager at M.A.C. Solutions.

2nd December 2015

Robotics key to making the most of our surgeons

According to research conducted by the Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU) in 2012, it costs over £560,000 to train a surgeon. This includes investment from both the prospective surgeon and the NHS, a steep price, considering the fact that tuition fees aren't getting any cheaper. There's a lot of press at the moment about collaborative robotic advancements being a threat to employment, but when it comes to the medical sector, surgical robots may actually help surgeons get the most out of their educational investment.

2nd December 2015

The future is (almost) now: Industry 4.0

Buzzwords fly around in industry like wasps at a picnic. Industry 4.0 is one of these hugely popular concepts, particularly when it comes to manufacturing. Here Steve Hughes, managing director of REO UK, gives further insight into Industry 4.0.

1st December 2015

Optimising measurement performance of IR thermal imaging cameras

There are many factors to consider when selecting a thermal imaging camera. While emissivity and wavelength are crucial when measuring the temperature of specific materials or objects, other factors such as ease of camera set up, software integration capabilities and compactness are equally important, says Glenn Wedgbrow, Sales Manager at Micro-Epsilon UK.

30th November 2015

IIoT: leveraging the power of cloud computing

In order to seamlessly integrate industrial data into the Industrial Internet of Things, a new communications platform is needed. Tony Paine, CEO of Kepware Technologies, identifies the requirements and features of such a platform.

27th November 2015

Free Guide: How to select the right robot gripper

Andrew Mason, the Automation Sales Manager at R.A. Rodriguez (UK) Limited, discusses how to select the right gripper for industrial robotic automation applications, particularly when using collaborative robots.

25th November 2015