Machine Building

Using constant current control for metal purification

In the vast world of power supply applications, we can identify two main categories for regulating the power applied to the load. The first is "˜constant voltage', where the control loop maintains a constant voltage to varying load current demands; the second is "˜constant current' where the current is maintained constant to vary the voltage applied to the load. Giacomo Mazzullo of TDK-Lambda explains.

22nd May 2013

Selecting a laser welding system with confidence

Purchasing a laser welding system for the first time may seem a daunting task to the uninitiated. How do you know that you are talking to the right companies? Do they have the best system for your application? Happily, the process of selection can be simplified and decisions made with confidence, by considering the points below

14th May 2013

Embedded virtualisation and security for industrial automation

Industrial controllers and HMIs seldom have protection for the IT and network security. This article explains how virtualisation could provide cyber-security for industrial automation, especially where embedded controllers are used.

24th April 2013

Capacitance modules are an easy route to energy efficiency

Andrew Davies of Bosch Rexroth explains how capacitance modules can be an easy and cost-effective way to improve the energy efficiency of machines.

18th April 2013

Guide to selecting the optimum shaft coupling

There are many kinds of flexible shaft couplings, and while they all fulfil their primary purpose, each has certain characteristics that make it more effective in one application than another.

27th March 2013

A guide to selecting non-contact sensors

Nowhere is the trend towards non-contact sensing more evident than in position measurement. With such a bewildering array of options, it can be difficult to select the most appropriate instrument for a specific application.

22nd March 2013

Angle sensors: do you know your arc-seconds from your gradians?

Angle sensors are generally rated and, just as importantly, priced according to their measurement performance. But performance is stated in a variety of ways and some manufacturers confuse matters by using crafty "˜spec-manship'. Mark Howard of Zettlex explains some of the terminology and provides an explanation of how to specify an angle sensor that is right for your application.

20th March 2013

Consumer technology will revitalise industrial automation

As the parent of teenage boys, Stuart Harvey is inclined to classify Playstations and Xboxes as the scourge of a generation. But as the forward-thinking managing director of Softstart UK, he sees them as technologies that could transform industrial automation.

28th February 2013

Industrial networking and protocols: gateway devices

The market for industrial networking is now over 20 years old, and has changed beyond recognition since the early days. However, its development has confounded the conventional economic theory: far from the expected rationalisation, we have more networks and protocols than ever according to David Folley of HMS Industrial Networks.

27th February 2013

Understanding ingress protection in electrical enclosures

One of the most critical factors in deciding which electrical enclosure or junction box should be used to protect your electrical systems and their connections is its IP rating. No matter where the housing will be located, you need to be sure that it will be able to withstand any hostilities its environment may throw at it. But how many people actually know how these IP ratings are achieved and, most importantly, the ways in which they can be compromised during installation. Chris Lloyd, General Manager for Spelsberg UK, explains how different IP ratings can be reached and how to maximise your enclosure's integrity.

20th February 2013