Machine Building

Phytron celebrates 30 years of contribution to space exploration

Phytron GmbH managing director Dr-Ing. Robert Stößer has contributed the following article, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing this year and also illustrating his company's significant contribution to the automation of precision instruments deployed on many other space missions over the last 30 years. As a leading UK-based motion control component supplier, customised systems integrator and designer, Mclennan works closely with Phytron and, through its expertise gained over several years, is actively involved in and looking for high-vacuum, extreme-temperature and other motion control applications in challenging environments.

22nd August 2019

Continuous monitoring and analysis of water quality

Water is used in so many ways throughout the food and beverage industry, even as the final product, which means the quality of that water needs to be carefully monitored. With such an influence on the finished product, precise water quality monitoring can provide the key to consistent quality output, so is it time to look at the next generation of compact continuous analysis solutions? Greg Wainhouse, UK Water Segment Manager for Bürkert, looks at water usage within the food and beverage sector, and the best practical method of continuous monitoring for various aspects of water quality as it enters the process.

21st August 2019

When and why to specify plastic springs?

The when and why of plastic springs is rarely a simple matter, made as they are from highly engineered composites and technically advanced new generation materials they are produced with lightweight and high-performance in mind for application in especially demanding industries such as medical, pharmaceutical, electronics, aerospace and similar. Typical properties include operation at elevated temperatures, neutral magnetic characteristics, light weight, low thermal conductivity, electrically insulating and ability to recycle at end of life.

20th August 2019

Tackling the gender gap in engineering

Research from Cornell University and McKinsey & Co., among others, suggests that a diverse workforce leads to increased creativity, motivation and morale, all qualities which are paramount when developing innovative engineering solutions. Efforts to cultivate female talent in engineering are therefore essential to consolidate the UK's position as a world-leading innovator in the field. Here Rebecca Bound, Education Outreach officer at global engineering technologies company Renishaw, explains what employers can do to tackle the gender gap.

19th August 2019

Smart manufacturing and automation

Chris Evans, Marketing & Operations Group Manager at Mitsubishi Electric, discusses the implementation of smart manufacturing projects incorporating intelligent machines, systems and networks.

19th August 2019

What is needed to improve fuel cell technology?

Fuel cells have been hailed as the energy source of the future; they can provide a non-polluting supply of power by re-combining hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity and water. The chemistry sounds very simple; however, creating a reliable, efficient and safe energy source requires considerable expertise, especially in the control of the fluids and gases that are involved in this exciting technology. Tony Brennan, Field Segment Manager, Fluid & Micro, at Bürkert, looks at the process in more detail, what is needed to develop the technology and make it more widely available.

14th August 2019

Accurate measurement of power supply efficiency

Bernhard Erdl, Founder, President and Chief Developer of PULS Power, discusses power supply efficiency and why design engineers should be wary of relying on the efficiencies quoted in power supply data sheets.

13th August 2019

Reducing machine tool energy consumption

No business should ever underestimate the large amount of energy consumed by machine tools. Cooling enclosures and spindles alone commonly account for more than 15 per cent of a company's annual energy bill. A test installation at a CNC lathe has demonstrated that Rittal Blue e+ chillers significantly reduce energy consumption while also being simple and easy to use.

13th August 2019

When and why to use exotic alloys for springs

Materials with high alloy content, known as super alloys or exotic alloys, offer enhanced performance properties including excellent strength and durability, and resistance to oxidation, corrosion and deforming at high temperatures or under extreme pressure. Because of these properties, super alloys make the best spring materials for demanding working conditions, which can be encountered across various industry sectors, including the Automotive, Marine and Aerospace sectors as well as oil and gas extraction, thermal processing, petrochemical processing and power generation.

5th August 2019

Innovative drive systems for Industry 4.0 smart factories

Intelligent drive technology is the prerequisite for digitalisation and automation of production, because it enables networked or autonomous production processes in "smart factories" and keeps them running. As a leading supplier in the sector, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS provides drive systems (hardware and software) and supports customers with its communication and application know-how for networking and connection of their Industry 4.0 environments.

5th August 2019