Machine Building

How to optimise air preparation for pneumatic systems

Festo has developed a series of technical resources designed to help engineers optimise air preparation to improve process reliability, machine availability and service life in pneumatic systems.

20th February 2017

Rotating plant and machines: cloud-based condition monitoring

Condition monitoring (CM) no longer needs to be restricted to highly skilled, experienced engineers. With the advent of cloud-based CM systems, users can now share data with experts via the cloud, enabling improved fault diagnosis, faster reaction times and reduced machine downtime, says Dr Steve Lacey, Technology Centre Manager at Schaeffler UK.

17th February 2017

Working with multiple networks and growth in Asia

On a video released by the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA), Michael Volz, Managing Director of HMS's German operations, says: "Connectivity for control and communications is becoming more and more important as industrial companies move towards more integrated systems, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 (I4.0)."

15th February 2017

Understanding how colour measurement sensors work

Colour measurement sensors have been used for several years in R&D and production environments. However, in recent years significant improvements in measurement speed and accuracy have created many more uses for these sensors. Therefore, in order to successfully utilise the benefits that modern colour sensors can offer, it is important to understand how sensors measure colour, says Stephen Smith, Product Sales Engineer at Micro-Epsilon UK.

15th February 2017

Spring technology in the manufacturing industry

Lee Spring is proud of their close to 100 year tradition and are proud to reflect on the considerable growth in availability of springs and development in spring technology during that period. Chris Petts, Managing Director - Lee Spring UK discusses spring technology in the manufacturing industry.

13th February 2017

Material choices for threaded fastener systems

Threaded fastener systems - nuts, bolts, screws and washers used in manufacturing industry at large - are a time-served, well-developed, reliable and surprisingly sophisticated technology. They are also well known, but it is often not appreciated just how critical it may be to choose exactly the right material and finish. This is where Challenge Europe can be of real help.

8th February 2017

The future of inverter drives in the water industry

The challenges facing the water industry include climate change, rising energy costs, tightening legislation, population growth and increasing usage per head. The use of automated systems in order to make pumps and processes work more efficiently is helping keep pace with these demands; however, what does the future hold for one of the most pivotal products in the automation mix, the inverter drive? Matt Handley, Product Manager for Drive Systems, Mitsubishi Electric UK explains how inverter drive technology is evolving to help in an industry where equipment may be expected to run for 25 years and judging by current evidence, could be in operation for a century or more.

7th February 2017

Systems integrator selection: How to pick the right one

In the UK, there are many companies that specialise in automation projects. Some design and provide the technology, components or sub systems - these are usually called OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Others provide the full turnkey applications. Then there are system integrators - people or companies - that are specialists in crafting solutions, overseeing the engineering of automated systems, ensuring all the elements on a manufacturing and packing line work harmoniously together to optimise productivity, reduce waste and address rising manufacturing labour costs.

7th February 2017

The best of industrial automation is yet to come

The third Monday in January, also known as Blue Monday, is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. Despite emerging from marketing and pseudo-science, the idea holds a nugget of wisdom, considering the weather conditions, debt level, time passed since the winter holidays and time until the next holiday. If you are struggling to get over the post-holiday blues, don't despair. Sit back, relax and read all about some of the industrial technologies you can look forward to this year. Here, Leroy Spence, sales and business manager at industrial spare supplier EU Automation, discusses the industry super trends that will change the face of manufacturing in 2017.

6th February 2017

Delivering on the requirement for ATEX control panels

Designing and building process control panels requires considerable experience and expertise, especially when they are destined for hazardous areas. These potentially explosive atmospheres, or zoned areas, are more common than you'd think, with applications spread across a number of industries from obvious ones like oil & gas to less well recognised areas such as food & drink or rail.

3rd February 2017