Machine Building

Pacepacker proves its pet food pedigree with case loading cell

A bespoke pick and place cell, designed by Pacepacker Services for loading trays into autoclave baskets, has enabled a UK pet food manufacturer to capitalise on growing demand for wet food in trays and pots.

30th June 2016

Machine vision ensures quality in Altec's grommet sealant system

As a designer and manufacturer of Special Purpose Equipment, Altec Engineering is tasked with finding solutions to a wide variety of manufacturing processes. In every case, quality is paramount and in certain instances the only method of guaranteeing the quality and consistency of the manufacturing process is through the use of machine vision. In this application, Altec utilised machine vision to perform inspection and validation checks prior to and following the application of sealant to rubber grommets.

30th June 2016

Thermal imaging protects biofuel stock piles

The storage of large quantities of organic material always carry the risk of spontaneous combustion and fire. With Europe's commitment to bioenergy through initiatives like the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, this is a growing problem. For energy producers in this sector, such an outbreak is not only a major health and safety issue but also one that involves loss of raw material and production downtime.

28th June 2016

ASG supplies machine guarding for Kawasaki Robotics showroom

ASG has supplied and installed Satech modular perimeter machine guarding for Kawasaki Robotics' showroom.

27th June 2016

Press retrofit increases productivity, availability and safety

Pilz has completed a project to upgrade the control system for an eccentric press from the 1980s, resulting in a modified press that is seemingly as good as a new press in terms of productivity, availability and safety.

24th June 2016

Parker Racor continues its support of Team Aravi truck racing

The Racor Filter Division Europe of Parker Hannifin Corporation is continuing its long-term support of the Team Aravi truck racing team. The team is utilising the Racor Euro 5 HDEP fuel filter module with primary and secondary filtration along with a separately mounted 24 volt brushless pump with external gears on its trucks as it competes in the 2016 Coupe de France camions.

24th June 2016

Cardiff University utilises igus bearings for a smoother season

The challenge? To design, develop, build and market a single seater racing car for the IMechE's annual Formula Student competition. Made up of students from the School of Engineering, Cardiff Racing is currently the number one team in Wales and third in the UK. This year's car, the CR12, is the 12th car to be entered by the University in as many years. Paying particular attention to the car's aerodynamic performance, the undergraduates have implemented many new features.

24th June 2016

Hexapod+drone: new industrial & research applications

Hexapods are 6 DOF motion systems that derive 6-axis movement (XYZ, Pitch, Yaw) from actuators placed in parallel between a top and bottom platform. Available in a variety of sizes with bases ranging from 100mm to 1m, different stiffness configurations, and supportive of loads from 2kg to 1000+kg, PI hexapods share two common traits - precision and versatility- as seen in a new test of a drone-mounted camera on PI's H-840 hexapod as it goes thru a series of motions.

24th June 2016

Magnetic clamp pays for itself in three months

In March 2016, bespoke special purpose machine manufacturer and CNC machining subcontractor, Bowyer Engineering, bought its first magnetic workholding equipment, an Italian-made component clamping system from Tecnomagnete supplied through sole UK agent, 1st Machine Tool Accessories.

23rd June 2016

ZEMIC load cell selected for cabin luggage weighing machine

ZEMIC, the global load and force sensor manufacturer, represented in the UK by Variohm EuroSensor, has recently announced its participation in an innovative new machine for use at airports that scans, weighs and confirms that passenger's carry-on luggage meets the size and weight restrictions required by major airlines.

23rd June 2016