Machine Building

A guide to selecting the right linear guidance system

With numerous designs to choose from, specifying the right linear guidance system can be a daunting task. Mike Hughes, Applications Engineer at Schaeffler UK, provides an overview of the types of system available, as well as their main design features and typical areas of application.

1st October 2014

Linear motion - think beyond conventional linear ball guides

Linear bearings have been an established technology facilitating linear motion almost since the dawn of time - in a crude form, early man used rows of logs to transport heavy loads, removing the last log and transporting it to the front as the load moved along the ground. Although modern linear ball guide designs are somewhat more advanced, it does not mean they are without constraints.

1st October 2014

On-site conveyor maintenance: parked-off brake increases safety

A heavily laden conveyor can have an enormous amount of potential energy, so has to be treated with the utmost respect if accidents are to be avoided. Steve Powell, Product Manager for Twiflex Ltd., an Altra Industrial Motion company, looks at parked-off conveyor brakes, and how they can improve safety during maintenance.

29th September 2014

How to identify the most appropriate motor starting method

The mains supply is coming under growing strain as industry regains momentum, so the chances of motor starting corrupting it are increasing. Various techniques for reduced voltage during starting are available and Jerry Hodek of motor maker Marathon Electric, explores which is best for different applications.

23rd September 2014

Expanding on ESOS regulations for compressed air energy savings

The clock has begun ticking towards December 2015. That is the date by which all UK companies with 250 or more employees, or annual turnover in excess of £42m, must have completed a comprehensive audit of their energy use. The countdown has already been heeded by some firms but others remain unaware of the requirement, which has been introduced by the government under the Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS) in response to the EU's efficiency directive.

20th September 2014

Mobile harbour equipment automatically generates commercial data

Harbour sides are busy places, with ships docking, unloading one cargo, loading another and departing again as quickly as possible. Keeping track of all this activity and of their various and valuable cargoes is demanding yet vital, so it is best to automate as much as possible. Mark Ingham of Sensor Technology Ltd in the UK explains how the drive shafts of the various machines and mobile plant can instantly generate much of the information needed.

15th September 2014

Making the grade - achieving compliance with food standards

The International Featured Standard (IFS) Food is an internationally recognised certification which is intended to encourage consumer confidence and enhance the brand perception of companies involved in food production. It is argued that achieving the required standard can improve food safety and quality while also streamlining processes and improving efficiency. Marc Klingler, Segment Manager for Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, looks at the areas which may require specialist attention.

15th September 2014

Is a drill guard necessary or can you rely on operator skill?

Jeremy Procter, Managing Director of Procter Machine Guarding, a Member of BSI's MCE/3 committee, and former Convenor of the European Standards Committee responsible for Machine Guards (CEN TC114 WG11), draws on recent HSE reports of accidents and prosecutions to show how important it is for drilling machines to be adequately safeguarded.

5th September 2014

Tribo makes all the difference in plastic bearings

Rob Dumayne, Director at igus, reviews developments in plastic bearings, and how industrial manufacturers can use them to produce cost savings while increasing their environmental credentials.

5th September 2014

Calibrating crimp tools, torque wrenches and weighing scales

All instruments and measurement tools drift over time and will need calibration. Standards and traceability are closely related. The latter refers to procedures and records demonstrating that calibrations accurately represent the measurements explain Ibrahim Ibrahim and Eddy Jones of calibrate.co.uk.

3rd September 2014