Machine Building

What does the future hold for motion control?

Industrial control is a highly developed field that advances year on year as the underlying technology advances. But will it and all its specialist sub-sets continue to thrive? Gerard Bush, a motion specialist with INMOCO, offers his opinion.

24th July 2019

Why V guide bearing systems meet the needs of food production

One of the largest industries globally, the food and beverage industry is a core element of the UK manufacturing economy. Comprising of many different sectors including the bakery sector, confectionary, meat processing, drinks industries, dairies and fish processing - the range is wide and demand is high.

24th July 2019

Advantages of auto-cushioning pneumatic cylinders

This article outlines the benefits for machine builders of specifying pneumatic cylinders with auto-cushioning.

18th July 2019

Data visualisation improves energy management in meat processing

From rearing to refrigeration, it's no secret that the meat processing industry is highly energy intensive. While newer, more energy efficient physical systems are developing to combat excessive electricity use in the sector, meat plant managers must first identify areas of high energy use. Here, George Walker, managing director of food control system provider Novotek UK and Ireland, explains how data visualisation software can help food manufacturers optimise their processes.

18th July 2019

Creep: why you should consider mechanical stress on materials

It's unlikely that any design engineer would knowingly develop a product that was unfit for purpose or unable to last. But without close attention to materials selection, this can be the fate of many products due to mechanical stress and natural creep. Here, Richard Huber, Materials Scientist at materials comparison site Matmatch, explains the impact of mechanical stress on commonly used materials.

5th July 2019

How IT/OT convergence can benefit industrial businesses

Today, we can freely communicate instantaneously with people on the other side of the world from wherever we are, whether it's the office, a bar, or walking between the two. This connectivity is a product of the internet, but it's facilitated by our smartphones, which are a prime example of technologies converging. Here, George Walker, managing director of industrial connectivity specialist Novotek UK and Ireland, explains how similar convergent technologies are benefitting industrial businesses.

5th July 2019

How to introduce collaborative robots and keep workers safe

According to reports by the International Federation of Robotics, in 2017 there was a global average of 74 robot units to every 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry. As the industry's reliance on robotics grows, manufacturers must ensure that they do all that they can to keep workers safe. In this article Jonathan Wilkins, director at industrial automation parts supplier, EU Automation explains what manufacturers should consider when introducing collaborative robots to the production line.

2nd July 2019

Lower-cost sensors pave the way for better plant maintenance

The Internet of Things (IoT) and recent technological advances in 3G/GSM/GRRS technology and connectivity together with sensor miniaturisation have resulted in the availability of a wide range of remote monitoring devices, which can be quickly installed and instantly connected. These offer real-time visibility to see not only what needs doing, but crucially, when it needs attention, for maintenance, FM or on a production line.

25th June 2019

Suppress interference to ensure drives work smoothly and safely

Mark Checkley of KEB Automation explains how OEMs and machine builders can choose from a variety of mains- or motor-side suppression accessories - or combinations of the two - to ensure drives comply with specific EMC requirements of the application.

24th June 2019

4D printing offers potential for machine builders

Human beings are often said to have five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. But what about intuition? Some people refer to this as the sixth sense. Now, a new manufacturing technique is adding an extra dimension - a "˜sixth sense' - to products with applications as varied as aerospace and medical. Additive manufacturing is no longer only in three dimensions, but four. Here Jonathan Wilkins, director at automation equipment supplier EU Automation, shares some insight into 4D printing and the impact we can expect it to have.

20th June 2019