Machine Building

Control for permanent magnet motors

For decades, induction motors have been the first choice for the majority of commercial and industrial applications. Now, however, attention is starting to shift to permanent magnet synchronous motors. But what are the benefits of using these, and how easy are they to control? Stephen Takhar of Vacon UK has the answers.

25th May 2012

Fault masking: is your machine as safe as you think?

David Collier of Pilz Automation Technology discusses how fault masking can result in machinery safety systems not being as safe as might be expected, and some alternative solutions to this problem.

25th May 2012

Benefits of dedicated Technical File Management software

Andrew Gordon, the Compliance manager at CESystems, outlines the risks associated with using office-orientated software for compiling and managing Technical Files for CE marking machinery, then he explains the benefits of using a system based on dedicated software.

22nd May 2012

Do Education. Do Experimentation. Do Engineering!

Robert Morton, BSc, MEng, MIET, the Managing Director of National Instruments UK & Ireland, has written an open letter in which he gives his views on the needs for the next generation of engineers in the UK.

22nd May 2012

Remanufacture option for equipment nearing end of life

Reliable operation of automation equipment nearing the end of its operational life is a high-risk strategy. Reducing productivity and increasing production costs are classic symptoms of this mode of operation for the end-user. What are the answers? Paul Hickman of Bosch Rexroth offers a solution.

17th May 2012

Selecting position sensors in high-vibration environments

Machines that are subject to harsh or prolonged vibration present challenges for many components - none more so than position and speed sensors. Here, Mark Howard of Zettlex lists 10 simple rules for design engineers when selecting position and speed sensors that must cope with shock or vibration.

4th May 2012

Bearing technology critical for small wind turbine performance

The design and specification of bearings and lubrication for small wind turbines can impact upon efficiency, reliability, noise and maintenance

4th May 2012

New applications for thermal imaging

Andrew Baker, the UK and Ireland Sales Manager for Flir Systems, discusses recent developments in thermal imaging and what the future holds.

2nd May 2012

Developments in the Chinese machine building market

Bosch Rexroth provides an interesting and informative insight into the Chinese market for machinery and automation.

28th April 2012

How machine builders can reduce time-to-market

Dr Steffen Haack, the Senior Vice President for Sales at the Factory Automation industry sector of Bosch Rexroth, explains how machine building companies can reduce time-to-market by accelerating engineering processes.

24th April 2012