Machine Building

Dispelling the myth of arc-resistant windows

There exists a dangerous misconception regarding the "˜arc rating' of infrared (IR) windows or viewing panes used for the thermal inspection of electrical systems. Many reliability and maintenance professionals are under the impression that an IR window will protect them in the event of an arc blast. Others believe the installation of IR windows will convert "˜non-arc-rated' switchgear or electrical equipment into "˜arc-rated' cabinets.

29th May 2015

Energy efficient machines - a practical point of view

Pressure is being put on to machine builders and operators by regional and national governments to increase the energy efficiency of machines and systems. This is a huge challenge for our industry. On the one hand this is forcing manufacturers to investigate ways to increase the throughput of machines thus reducing the energy required to produce each unit. On the other hand, ways need to be found to increase the overall energy efficiency of the machine in total. This can offer the machine end users a competitive advantage as it can increase process optimisation. For the machine builder, however, it can mean time-consuming analysis and implementation. Graham Traill, System Consultant at Murrelektronik, takes a closer look at energy efficiency and how small changes can have a big effect for operators and machine builders.

21st May 2015

Potato recall questions metal contamination prevention policy

Recent high-profile product recalls highlight the question every food business should be asking when deciding to invest in metal detection inspection equipment - how much is your company's reputation worth? Here, Sales Director Phil Brown, at Fortress Technology, discusses the impact and consequences.

21st May 2015

Industry 4.0 in the Food and Beverage industry

The practical advantages that the new cyber-physical interface of Industry 4.0 brings are acknowledged by engineers across a range of industries. Jeremy Shinton, Product Manager - Business Solutions at Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. Automation Systems Division, explains how food and drink manufacturers in particular can benefit from the implementation of Industry 4.0.

20th May 2015

Under Pressure - sensors in the spotlight

Pressure sensors are used in a whole range of applications, but understanding the differences in design and operation is crucial when specifying a new sensor. These vital components can facilitate a variety of tasks from displaying process information and performing control functions to operating alarms. Kieran Bennett, of process control specialist Bürkert, looks at the range of sensors available, the different technologies used in their design and how the application affects the specification.

19th May 2015

Vibration sensors for curve detection and derailment protection

Berndt Opitz, Development Manager at Micro-Sensor, part of the Micro-Epsilon Group, discusses how high-performance sensors are helping rail operators to increase train maintenance intervals by using curve detection and derailment protection with on-bogie vibration measurement.

15th May 2015

Pacepacker tells £500k plant equipment tax relief secret

As specialists in automation packing, processing and palletising equipment, Pacepacker Services knows its fair share about boosting production efficiency. But when it comes to tax, it was their accountants that recently alerted them to a £500K tax relief incentive on plant equipment (including packing automation systems).

11th May 2015

Isolating medical devices

The increased complexity of medical device setups is causing concern in the medical industry. As more and more healthcare professionals use a variety of electrical equipment as part of their diagnosis and measurement regime, there is a knock-on effect on the stability of the mains power supply. Here, Steve Hughes, managing director at REO UK, explains the importance of electrical isolation and good product design.

8th May 2015

Filling pallets - it's not always as easy as it looks!

If you are currently stacking pallets by hand, have you analysed the manual handling aspects of the people performing this vital function? How high can they reach (safely), how many times do they have to twist, how heavy is each case or sack - is the finished stack ideal for transportation? Paul Wilkinson, Business Development Manager, Pacepacker Services, discusses optimising palletisation.

7th May 2015

Industry 4.0: realising the revolution, cables and energy chains

Again this year Industry 4.0 will be the focus topic of many a seminar, conference and exhibition. Justin Leonard, director, igus asks: "Will the "˜smart factory' concept ever become reality?"

7th May 2015