Machine Building

Fact or fabrication: Busting the myths surrounding robotics

Pacepacker's Business Development Manager Paul Wilkinson addresses the most common preconceptions about the use of robot systems in the food and drink industry and tackles some of the most persistent myths.

9th July 2015

Safe motion standard EN 61800-5-2: more than Safe Torque Off

Ross Fenion, the business development manager for drives and motion control at Pilz, offers an insight into the application of the safe motion standard EN 61800-5-2.

8th July 2015

Why use a DC motor controller?

For most applications involving a DC or BLDC (brushless DC) motor, it is advisable to use a motor controller; in fact, if you are using a brushless (electrically commutated "EC") motor, then you have to use a controller to fire the correct phase winding at the right time.

2nd July 2015

Tips for using threadlockers and retaining compounds on machines

Colin Chapman, from the marketing department at Henkel Limited, offers ten tips for machine builders on the use of threadlocking adhesives and retaining compounds.

23rd June 2015

When should you specify standard, modified and custom gears?

Darren Reynolds, the Gears Product Manager at R.A. Rodriguez (U.K.) Limited, discusses the different situations in which it is appropriate to specify standard, modified and custom gears, particularly in relation to machine building.

22nd June 2015

Integrated design concept for bulk material-handling drives

When it comes to bulk materials handling, geared motors are used to power a wide variety of handling equipment from pumps to conveyors and bucket elevators. Different materials and operating conditions mean that each application can pose an individual challenge requiring expertise and a wide range of approaches in order to guarantee both product flexibility and universal reliability; real-world gains in efficiency, however, can only be achieved through an integrated design approach.

20th June 2015

Design of bearings to add value in aviation applications

Bearings are critical components in aviation and defence applications. Nick Dowding, Business Development Manager at The Barden Corporation (UK) Ltd, discusses how the design of bearings can be optimised in order to "˜add value over life' in aircraft actuation systems, auxiliary equipment and instrumentation applications.

17th June 2015

Robots in food processing are on the march

There have not been that many robots used in food processing industries to date but we are on the cusp of a sea change, says Chris Evans, Marketing & Operations Group Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. Automation Systems Division. Five years from now they will be very much the norm.

12th June 2015

A-Z of electrical enclosures

Selecting the right enclosure for a particular situation requires some thought, as there are several issues to consider. Chris Lloyd of Spelsberg offers this aide memoire to some of the more useful points.

12th June 2015

Five-point plan for best practice grease selection

With businesses under increasing pressure to improve productivity and safety while reducing costs, the importance of proper machine maintenance is growing. A crucial part of that maintenance is choosing the right grease. In a recent survey, ExxonMobil found that more than half of industrial equipment operators are unaware that selecting the right grease can positively impact the performance of their equipment.

9th June 2015