Machine Building

How electrical interference can cause pacemaker issues

During the French Revolution, beheading was the preferred method of execution. The guillotine was used for thousands of executions, meaning there was no shortage of experimental material for biologist Marie Francois Bichat. Bichat tested the electrical stimulation of hearts, which was instrumental in the development of the modern day pacemaker. Nowadays, pacemakers are commonly used to maintain a regular heart rate. Here, Keith Armstrong, worldwide electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) expert at EMC Standards, looks at how electrical interference can cause pacemaker issues.

23rd June 2017

Why it can pay to choose custom rather than standard sensors

Sam Drury, Sales & Marketing Director at Impress Sensors & Systems Ltd, explains why some engineers prefer custom pressure sensors over standard, off-the-shelf versions.

22nd June 2017

Load holding valves made simple

Load holding valves, also known as counterbalance valves, are a small but important part of any mobile machine. Though simple in design, their application can often frustrate even the most skilled and experienced engineers. Having a basic understanding of load holding valve operation and how to apply them can allow engineers to improve the stability and reduce cost in mobile equipment. Todd McIntyre of Eaton Hydraulics discusses load holding valves.

22nd June 2017

Optimas Solutions supplies global pedigree with a local touch

The phrase "˜global supplier' spurs thoughts of shipping containers travelling the world and large multinational corporations employing highly complex logistical operations; all controlled from a centralised super-hub. However, this is not an entirely accurate reflection of what it takes to be a successful global supply partner. Traditional global frameworks can be slow to respond to local concerns, while moving products around the world can also be costly and time consuming. Therefore, to effectively service demands with speed at a local level, a global approach must be blended with a local ethos - a scalability of service.

22nd June 2017

Miss M8ty - enabling Ethernet from the sensor to the cloud

Matthias Fritsche and Jonas Diekmann of Harting introduce Harting's new heroine, Miss M8ty, and explain how she and the company's new M8 D-coded connector will enable machine builders to provide Ethernet connectivity from field-level devices through to top-level monitoring and control systems, including the cloud.

22nd June 2017

WDS ball joints bring flexibility to wide range of systems

Most people use ball and socket joints every day, in the form of their hips. They allow people to move in many ways - from gentle strolls to rigorous exercise. In engineering terms, axial ball or ball and socket joints rotate smoothly in all directions, so can absorb considerable amounts of misalignment of shafts and structural elements. As such they are invaluable in a wide variety of machines and engineered systems.

21st June 2017

Five factors to consider when specifying automation

Mark Turner, Applications Manager at Lenze, explains five factors that machine builders need to consider when making choices about technologies, as the implications can be considerable over the full lifecycle of a machine.

21st June 2017

Boost cutting machine productivity: upgrade to newer technology

ESAB welding & cutting is offering customers with existing ESAB cutting machines the opportunity to upgrade and benefit from improved productivity, performance, reliability and cut quality. Thousands of customers throughout Europe could gain by upgrading their plasma, laser and oxy-fuel cutting systems to use newer technologies as some of the older machines could have now been operating for 30 years or more. Customers with very old machines are encouraged to upgrade to improve the machine performances, reliability, productivity and cutting quality.

19th June 2017

Inch or metric ball screws: not just a question of units

Because ball screws are available in both inch and metric dimensions, designers sometimes begin the specification process by selecting a product family based on the unit of measure. This decision may prematurely exclude the best product for the application and lead to significant losses in time, labour and money. This article explains how sizing and selection questions centred on performance - instead of monikers - can lead to more efficient linear motion designs.

15th June 2017

Pacepacker robots deep dive into BDUs

The average human arm measures just 63.5 centimetres. This makes placing heavy loads of products into deep food Bulk Display Units (BDUs) challenging and subjects manual handlers to high risk of repetitive strain injuries. Torso twisting and bending to reach into low corners is especially hazardous when repeated throughout the working day.

15th June 2017