Machine Building

An effective robot needs an effective controller

Since the development of the first industrial robot, by George Devol and Joseph Engelberger, in 1959, which was controlled by a programme on a magnetic drum, robots and their controllers have come a long way. However, one thing remains the same - the robot would be useless without its "˜brain', the controller.

6th January 2014

What makes a superior split roller bearing?

Split roller bearings have been on the market for many years and during that time their external appearances have not changed a great deal, but that is not to say that all designs are equal. New design techniques and changes in materials mean that some bearings can last far longer in operation than others. So what features should end users be looking for, and are they available across the board? Adrian Menzies, Sales and Marketing Director for Revolvo, describes some of the newest innovations and explains why Revolvo ensures that all its SRB products are fitted with them as standard.

3rd January 2014

Industrial cyber security - why prevention is better than cure

Wayne Ashworth, Product Manager of industrial IT provider SolutionsPT, addresses the increasing threat to industrial cyber security and why prevention is better than the cure.

18th December 2013

Advanced grease lubrication: keeping electric motors online

An electric motor is a vital piece of equipment in today's modern manufacturing processes - it can be found in practically every type of operation across a range of industries from iron and steel through to pulp and paper. With businesses under increasing pressure to reduce costs and increase productivity, the emphasis on care and maintenance of such equipment is rising. Part of that maintenance involves choosing the right grease.

18th December 2013

Using energy-efficient electric motors to meet Energy Directives

Legislation on the minimum efficiency levels for AC electric motors has been in force since 2011. These regulations, often known in Europe as the ErP (Energy related Products) Directive, will become increasingly stringent over the next 10 years. The ultimate aim is to reduce the effects of industrial activities on the environment. As electric motors are responsible for 40 per cent of energy use in industrial nations, they are clearly an essential target in the process of reducing our carbon footprint.

18th December 2013

Industrial gearboxes and geared motors: addressing market demand

Manufacturers of industrial gearboxes and geared motors need to address the market demand for higher operating efficiency and global availability, according to Philip Crowe, Marketing Manager of Bauer Gear Motor GmbH.

6th December 2013

Big data in manufacturing - how to make it work

Sue Roche, Business Unit Manager at SolutionsPT, looks at how some manufacturers are already using 'big data' and why more need to embrace it.

3rd December 2013

Emergency stop devices: the risks of installer liability

Alex D'Arcy, Sales Director at Hylec-APL, provides an insight into the current legislation relating to safety of electrical equipment, and explains how installers who fail to specify suitable components could be at risk.

27th November 2013

EN ISO 14119:2013, the standard for guard interlocking devices

EN ISO 14119:2013, 'Safety of machinery - Interlocking devices associated with guards - Principles for design and selection', has been harmonised to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and superseded its predecessor, EN 1088, on 30 April 2015. David Collier CMSE, Business Development Manager with Pilz Automation Technology, highlights the main changes to be aware of.

23rd November 2013

How to survive the recession: test more with less

Eric Starkloff, Vice President of Product Marketing For Test at National Instruments, explains that there are several things companies using test systems can do to help themselves survive and thrive, despite the current difficult economic conditions.

16th November 2013