Machine Building

Sensors: the next big thing

Sensors being integrated into ever-more products and systems will be a key driver for technology developments for the next several decades; so says Mark Ingham of Sensor Technology Ltd in Banbury

13th July 2012

Robust rolling bearings for offshore drilling applications

Rolling bearings used in offshore drilling applications must withstand extremely harsh operating conditions. Drill rig operators must therefore select bearings that maximise machine availability and prevent unplanned downtime, says Dr Steve Lacey, Engineering Manager at Schaeffler UK

12th July 2012

Welcome to the Internet of Things for Industrial Automation

SolutionsPT, a specialist in industrial automation, argues that the Internet of Things (IoT) has come of age in automation.

7th July 2012

Accessible and affordable design software for machine builders

Colin Watson of Symetri explains that new design software developments and cloud technology are not just for high-end customers but also offer advantages for machine builders.

5th July 2012

Sourcing fasteners and standard parts gets easier and faster

Accessing expertise in fastening components and small standard parts can make a machine builder more competitive

4th July 2012

EtherCAT sensors enable real-time measurements

Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK, discusses the growing importance of EtherCAT in enabling the latest laser displacement sensors to transfer measurement data in real time in automated industrial environments

30th June 2012

Enhanced cycle efficiency thanks to rotary indexing machines

With excellent flexibility, fast setup times and very short non-productive times, rotary indexing machines like the Winema RV 10 Flexmaster are breaking into the domain of cam-controlled machines. Designer Eckhard Neth, Managing Director of Winema Maschinenbau GmbH discusses the road to maximum output

30th June 2012

Profisafe celebrates ten years of safety on a common cable

According to The Profibus Group, Profisafe is currently the global market leader with over 630,000 Profisafe nodes. Ten years ago, however, it was necessary to convince safety authorities, 25 renowned safety engineering companies, and users to accept the completely new technology.

22nd June 2012

Inverters include energy-saving technology for no extra cost

Optimum efficiency for standard AC asynchronous motors is achieved around full load, and the efficiency falls steeply at partial loads; however, Lenze says that for machinery with substantial load variations, reduced running costs can be achieved by using the company's 8400 series frequency inverters.

18th June 2012

Liquid-cooled drives can be an attractive option

Comparatively few specifiers or users of variable speed drives give serious consideration to liquid-cooled products yet, in appropriate applications, they offer many valuable benefits. Stephen Takhar of Vacon explains.

25th May 2012