Machine Building

Tackling the complexity of modern material selection

One of the key decisions in the development of every product is the selection of the materials of which it will be constructed. But as new materials and manufacturing methods have proliferated, this decision has become more complex. Here, Joshua Devlin, materials scientist at Matmatch, explains why material selection has traditionally been so difficult, and the importance of other factors involved in the decision-making process.

27th June 2018

Using automation to improve process water quality

Greg Wainhouse, Field Segment Manager for Water at Bürkert, explains the importance of maintaining water quality and how automation can help raise standards while also improving efficiency.

20th June 2018

Essential tips for temperature management in the food industry

In this article Rittal provides guidance on using enclosure climate control systems to prevent downtime and increase efficiency in food production.

18th June 2018

The benefits of modular, configurable safety controls

Kevan Cowley of Wieland Electric explains the key features that should be considered in order to maximise the benefits when using modular safety systems.

18th June 2018

Exploring the opportunities offered by virtual commissioning

Robert Glass, global food and beverage communications manager at ABB, explains how "˜virtual commissioning' can benefit the food industry.

14th June 2018

The next revolution in motor control: direct current grids

Philip Crowe, Marketing Manager, Bauer Gear Motor GmbH, explains how implementing a direct current grid within industrial premises can reduce operating costs and take advantage of renewable energy sources.

13th June 2018

Digitalisation and servitisation: the competitive advantage?

Professor Tim Baines, director of Aston Business School's Advanced Services Group and an international authority on servitisation, discusses how manufacturers can broaden the horizons of their digital transformation to capture more value from their products.

13th June 2018

Fastener security - requirements and options

When a manufacturer is considering security issues around fasteners, generally there are three aspects: The ability of the fastener to securely do its job and withstand problems such as vandalism; How secure will the fastener be in service, how for example will it seal or retain components and/or fluids? How confident can I be in my selection and my supply chain? These are vital matters addressed by Kevin Moorcroft and his team at Challenge Europe.

8th June 2018

Can you use liquid threadlockers on electrical fixings?

'Threadlocking' means preventing threaded fixings from loosening due to vibration. There are many mechanical ways to do this, including split pins, locking nuts and special washers, but the term 'threadlockers' usually refers to chemical products that retain a threaded joint. Liquid threadlockers have become popular because they reduce the parts inventory, are easy to apply and are low-cost. However, as global EMC specialist Keith Armstrong explains, if used incorrectly they can create significant problems for safety and EMC.

1st June 2018

Condition monitoring: a key part of I4.0 and the "˜Dark Factory'

While Condition Monitoring (CM) systems are continuing to prove their value in industrial applications, many companies are still unsure how CM should fit into their Industry 4.0 strategy and the automated "˜lights-out' factory, says Ian Pledger, Service Engineer at Schaeffler UK.

30th May 2018