Machine Building

Safeguarding machinery in compliance with BS 4163

Jeremy Procter of Procter Machine Guarding examines BS 4163: 2007 and explains the implications for machine safeguarding.

7th March 2008

Explaining the regulatory requirement to inspect light curtains

Stewart Robinson of Pilz Automation Technology explains the regulatory requirements for inspecting safety light curtains and the necessary inspection process.

27th February 2008

Using fieldbuses with multi-vendor automation systems

Steve Jones, General Manager of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA), reviews the principles behind fieldbus communications and looks at the advantages.

29th January 2008

Five trends for ATE engineers to watch in 2008

National Instruments believes that five trends will emerge in 2008 to help test engineers deliver more complex designs in less time and at lower cost.

16th January 2008

Top tips for buying used industrial robots

This article from RobotWorx provides some useful suggestions for what to look for and questions to ask when buying industrial robots, especially used or 'pre-owned' robots.

11th January 2008

How process control benefits from clustering

Paul Hurst, MD of Citect UK, explains what clustering is and how it benefits networks used for process control.

5th January 2008

Advice for spring design and specification

Michael Johnston, managing director of Lee Spring, explains how springs have changed to meet application requirements and offers some guidance on design and specification

4th January 2008

White paper: is it better to build or buy linear actuators?

This White Paper from Misumi considers the various options available to engineers sourcing a single-axis linear actuator and discusses whether it is better to build a unit from discrete components or buy one ready-assembled.

11th December 2007

Change to EN 1088 tightens guard interlocking requirements

Kevin Ives, a consultant with Pilz Automation Technology, explains the new addition to EN 1088 that makes important recommendations relating to the specification and installation of guard interlocks.

2nd December 2007

Beware of changing regulations for electrical equipment

Terry Spriggs, a product specialist at Hylec-APL, explains why designers operating in the industrial sector should take note of changes to European regulations covering domestic appliances.

22nd November 2007