Machine Building

How engineers benefit from integrated automation

Dave Withenshaw of Rockwell Automation presents the argument in favour of an integrated automation environment in which items of equipment communicate with each other and, more importantly, communications extend to the enterprise level.

10th May 2007

Update on CIM and MIM components

This article from Maxon Motor gives a brief summary of what can be achieved using ceramic injection moulding (CIM) and metal injection moulding (MIM) of small, high-precision components.

7th May 2007

Choosing the right window for infrared temperature sensors

Geoff Chapman of Calex Electronics discusses the selection of windows in applications where infrared sensors are used to measure temperatures.

2nd May 2007

Thermocouples in modern temperature measurement

Ken Jefferies of Labfacility argues that thermocouples, despite their humble origins, are still a versatile and valuable way of measuring temperature, especially in industrial applications.

2nd May 2007

What you need to know about temperature calibration

Ken Jefferies from Labfacility explains temperature calibration procedures and equipment, and how to choose the right technique, depending on the conflicting requirements for accuracy and ease of use.

2nd May 2007

How Profinet can provide data for MES and ERP systems

Profinet is a powerful communications technology that can provide access to process data and information which is needed by MES systems. In this article, Dr Peter Wenzel of PI (Profibus & Profinet International), Karlsruhe, Germany, explains how it provides excellent support for MES and ERP systems.

18th April 2007

Temperature measurement on low-emissivity targets

Geoff Chapman of Calex Electronics explains how infrared sensor selection can make all the difference when trying to measure the temperature of low-emissivity targets inside ovens.

5th April 2007

How to select the right type of temperature sensor

Selecting the right type of sensor is critical to the success of applications requiring temperature measurement. In this article, Labfacility offers some advice, based on the requirements of the automotive industry.

1st April 2007

How to convert serial data for transmission on Ethernet

As industrial applications migrate to industrial Ethernet, the huge installed base of serial devices has been somewhat ignored. David Moss of GarrettCom Europe discusses how these devices can be successfully integrated at low cost, creating a 'dynamic serial edge' for integrated industrial networks.

22nd March 2007