Machine Building

Bearing reconditioning can save time and money

By reconditioning large rolling bearings rather than direct replacement, companies can save time and money, while ensuring that the bearings are restored to an acceptable, functionally reliable condition, says Dave Wall, Senior Applications Engineer at Schaeffler UK.

28th September 2017

Mobile robots solve customisation conundrum for manufacturers

While stationary robots are well-established and important parts of many factories and production plants, mobile platforms and manipulators will become an integral part of the factory of the future. Bruno Adam, Omron's Mobile Projects Director Europe answers how the manufacturing process is evolving and why factories, driven by greater product customisation, will move from traditional linear models of conveyors and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) to more intelligent types of mobile robots.

28th September 2017

How to choose an industrial adhesive

There has been a surprising number of mishaps with glue over the years. People commonly mistake the adhesive for eye drops or lip balm, leading to trips to A&E. When choosing their adhesive, engineers don't need to be quite as concerned as the general public, but should avoid making any costly mistakes to avoid bonded surfaces from failing. Here, Peter Crossen, VP of the Maintenance and Partsmaster Innovation Platform at NCH Europe, looks at the considerations to be made when choosing an industrial adhesive.

27th September 2017

The importance of cutting-edge software in Industry 4.0

The results of an Industry 4.0 study by PwC show that manufacturers intend to invest five per cent of their revenue on digitisation by 2020. The most substantial part of the 907-billion-dollar investment will be spent on digital hardware like sensors and human-machine interface (HMI) panels "" but what about the software that brings this equipment together? Here, Stefan Reuther, Chief Sales Officer of industrial software expert, COPA-DATA, explains the importance of using cutting-edge software in industrial facilities and the risks of using outdated systems.

26th September 2017

Injection moulding by collaborative robot arms

Rapid and accurate handling of injection moulds for prototyping and short-run manufacturing relieve injection-moulding machinery operators from physically demanding, repetitive work and eliminate the risk of injuries. Universal Robots (UR) can be used across all areas of plastic and polymer production, including injection moulding applications. They are able to run most applications autonomously, allowing your business to handle moulding even when employees have gone home.

22nd September 2017

How to optimise performance of food and beverage machinery

British Fluid Power Association and British Fluid Power Distributors Association member companies FPE Seals, MP Filtri UK and IMI Precision Engineering outline some of the current key areas of discussion within the food and beverage industry and consider how to aim to achieve optimum performance.

22nd September 2017

Automating with robots - how to get started

If you are thinking about automating and you are unsure where to start, Universal Robots presents a quick guide for your first steps towards automating manufacturing processes.

22nd September 2017

Wave of success for new flowmeters"¦

Flow measurement is an essential part of many manufacturing processes in both the food and the pharmaceutical industries. To serve this need, there is a vast array of measuring devices, from the most basic paddle wheel to an advanced Coriolis flowmeter. However, each has its own constraints and making the right choice is often a compromise. Damien Moran, Account Manager, Ireland, for Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, explains how recent advances in flowmeter design can benefit many hygienic processes.

21st September 2017

Is automation destined to rewrite all our futures?

Paul Wilkinson, Commercial & Information Systems Manager at Pacepacker Services, asks: Is automation destined to rewrite all our futures?

15th September 2017

Is Gigabit Industrial Ethernet key for Industry 4.0 goals?

While there may still be some debate about what Industry 4.0 really means, there is no denying that greater interconnectivity of devices and increased network capability will be the key drivers behind achieving the goals it sets out. John Browett, CLPA Europe General Manager, outlines the network requirements that will enable Industry 4.0.

6th September 2017