Machine Building

Tips for specifying stainless steel hinges

This article from Southco will help machine builders and specifiers choose the right stainless steel hinge for given applications by presenting five questions that should be considered.

28th March 2017

Intelligent interlocking protects people and productivity

Fortress Interlocks is focused on machine safety and, while the product range still includes locks and keys, it now extends to complex electrical and electronic systems. The advent of Industry 4.0 presents another challenge, as we race towards 50 billion devices connected to the internet by 2020. We expect many of our products will be in that number. It is a huge step from our original interlocks, which have been protecting the workforce since the 1950s.

27th March 2017

Connector trends in Industry 4.0

Smaller, faster, safer, and more powerful. No, these words aren't describing the newest sports car but the future trends in connectors and connectivity.

24th March 2017

Robot economics - justifying the investment

Manufacturing is just starting its evolution into the digital world, and robotics is one of the key enabling technologies. But is it the right time to take the plunge? Robotics manufacturers such as FANUC can help manufacturers work through them all important return on investment calculations, Andrew Armstrong, FANUC's UK Sales and Marketing Manager explains.

24th March 2017

What screw head type should I use?

Kevin Moorcroft, MD at industrial threaded fastener specialists Challenge (Europe) Ltd recently discussed the question "˜What screw head type should I use?'

24th March 2017

Cabinet and enclosure hardware developments at EMKA

Much has happened since the Millennium where the feedback over those years from developing products to keep pace with industrial needs has driven the development of ubiquitous items like quarter-turn locks and latches which form a core range with companies such as EMKA (UK).

23rd March 2017

The immediate future for automation in the food industry

Chris Evans, Marketing and Operations Group Manager at Mitsubishi Electric - Automation Systems Division UK comments on what to look out for now and what is just round the corner in terms of automation for the food and beverage industry.

22nd March 2017

Developing an alternative to Coriolis

Coriolis flowmeters first came into commercial use in the 1970s and ever since they have been developed and refined to meet a growing number of applications across a wide range of industries. However, where fluid density is not required, there is an alternative that offers all of the accuracy of Coriolis as well as addressing many of its substantial drawbacks.

17th March 2017

Cyber attacks: heed the wise words of military tacticians

In order to better protect Industrial Control Systems from cyber attacks, companies should take heed from the wise words of successful military tacticians and the lessons learned from some of the greatest failures in military defence, says Tim Ricketts, Director of M.A.C. Solutions.

15th March 2017

How to extend an electric motor's life

Motors play a crucial part in the production process for many industries. However, through extended use, motors can become worn and less efficient, driving associated costs up for businesses. Although many think the cost of the motor itself is the biggest outlay a business faces, studies have found that this makes up just 2 per cent of its life-cycle cost. With maintenance and repairs occupying such a large cost share in relation to electric motors, it's in your best interest to extend the life of your electric motor wherever you can. Offering their expert advice, Houghton International explains the basics of extending your electric motor's life.

15th March 2017