Machine Building

Henkel practises what it preaches with pipe repairs

Henkel's main manufacturing plant in Düsseldorf is criss-crossed by 18 kilometres of pipe bridges and 300 kilometres of pipelines. Over time, sections had become corroded and their repair was subcontracted to the company Xervon. In order to repair leaks quickly, safely and sustainably Xervon used Henkel's recently introduced LOCTITE Composite Repair System and, in so doing, created a reference site for the process.

1st June 2016

HBM load cells help Huub take the drag out of performance

As part of its latest research into demonstrating the effect of drag on different suits for world class swimmers, Huub Ltd. is launching its new M16 Drag Measurement System, using PW15iA load cells from HBM.

31st May 2016

Bending and forming machine at Cameron-Robb Wire products

Established in 1907 just a few yards from their current premises, Cameron-Robb originally made a name for itself in formed wire baskets, shelves and scoops aimed at the fish and chip and catering trades. It was in 1979 that David Snell's father Brian purchased Cameron and moved it to the current busy premises. Since then the company has expanded through acquisition and now covers a large works' area in Lombard Street, Birmingham.

29th May 2016

Pedal force sensor saves hard work on electric bike

ZEMIC, a manufacturer and designer of load cells, strain gauges and force sensors has developed an electric bike pedal force sensor in conjunction with the Netherlands firm SPARTA - the most successful e-bike brand in Europe. The sensor is a crucial component in the bike's drive and control system that detects the pedal force applied, and through software settings determines a proportional amount of assisted motor power at the wheel. Rather than a speed sensor, this control gives the rider a more intuitive riding experience with increased efficiency and longer battery life. The e-bike has several settings including Cruise, Tour and Sport.

29th May 2016

e-spools ease PA speaker array manoeuvring in university venue

Over the last two years the University of Liverpool has run an ambitious £14m [EUR18m] project to improve functionality and the utilisation of space, and to enhance the overall student experience at the Guild and Reilly Building, which is central to the Liverpool University campus. The project included technical upgrades and refurbishment for three venues - Mountford Hall, the Stanley Theatre and The Courtyard.

27th May 2016

In-wheel motors from PMW power innovative Rasa hydrogen car

The Rasa hydrogen fuel cell car developed by Riversimple has been attracting a lot of attention with its innovative design and impressive performance. A key feature is its four in-wheel electric motors which directly drive the vehicle's wheels.

27th May 2016

FANUC robots flex to medical blister filling needs

Compactness and dexterity were two important features of the anthropomorphic FANUC LR Mate 200iD robot selected by FlexLink for a cutting-edge medical assembly line located in Italy. Combined with a FANUC M-1iA delta robot and an integrated iRVision system, FlexLink completely re-engineered the blister packing operation, automating an intricate and time-intensive job that previously performed manually.

25th May 2016

FANUC re-shores production for cycling specialist

Ten years ago, the "˜rags to riches' story started for bicycle component business Superstar Components Ltd. The Lincoln business that started in a bedroom selling brake pads quickly progressed to sourcing manufactured products from Taiwan for the cycling enthusiast. As the business evolved into more expansive product ranges, the production lead-times from Taiwan were increasingly prolonged. The decision was made to manufacture and control production from the UK, and this is where FANUC came into the equation with its ROBODRILL D21MiA5 machining centre and FANUC M-10iA 10M robot loading system.

25th May 2016

Fastenings for the rail industry: fixings for FRP components

Just as other major global industries, mass transit continuously strives to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce running costs. For rail vehicle and passenger coach designers this has meant embracing new materials and production techniques, and one area that continues to thrive is the use of fibre-reinforced polymer composites (FRP) materials to produce structures and parts that are lightweight, have high strength and offer design flexibility. bigHead supports such innovation in the rail industry, supplying expertise and a wide range of standard or customised products that enable the safe, secure and discrete fixing of individual panels or complete modular sub-assemblies.

25th May 2016

Inside the world's quietest place at Microsoft

Microsoft has a vision to make its customer devices so effortless to use that they all but disappear and - since sound quality holds the key - the company built a series of anechoic chambers for testing, which include the quietest place in the world.

24th May 2016