Machine Building

Robotic pot-swap unit responds to retail demands

In response to rising retailer demand for mixed product trays, FANUC has collaborated with integrator Pacepacker Services to engineer a first-of-its-kind robotic pot-swap tray loading system.

4th February 2016

Peristaltic pumps maximise uptime for fluid transfer operation

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group has supplied peristaltic pumps to Novasep for its Sius TFF Skid, a tangential flow filtration system used in the biopharmaceutical industry to separate and concentrate biomolecules according to their size. The new skid is the first on the market to offer a 100 per cent single-use TFF system. Watson Marlow 520UN/R2 and 620UN/RE pumps were selected to facilitate the system's fluid transfer operations.

3rd February 2016

Compact underwater DC drives

Today's modern technology must be equipped to withstand the harsh conditions found deep in the ocean, including high pressure and high oxidation levels. maxon motor has worked closely with research institutes and universities to provide products that meet the many demanding challenges for electrical and mechanical components required for underwater systems.

3rd February 2016

Versatile profile system used for magnetic shield test room

The MiniTec aluminium profile system is most commonly associated with structures for machine building such as conveyors, machine guarding and handling systems, as well as assembly and manufacturing shop equipment. However, an unusual application for Magnetic Shields Ltd demonstrates the system's extreme versatility.

3rd February 2016

Tsubaki has the answer for automotive coating applications

Automotive manufacturers put incredible emphasis on the paint finish of their new vehicles. Not only is immaculate paintwork essential for that "˜showroom appearance', it is also a vital element in the long-term environmental protection of the body panels. Therefore paint shop plant and equipment must be of the highest calibre, and even the drive chains must be of a quality that ensures smooth operations and reliable long-term performance in harsh working conditions.

1st February 2016

HepcoMotion's HDS2 creates a modular honing machine

For over 50 years, Apperley Honing have been providing a first-class subcontract honing service, with over 20 fully commissioned honing machines available to hone bores between 3mm and 1050mm diameter. As well as using Sunnen, Barnes and Delapena horizontal honing machines in the subcontract department, the engineers at Apperley Honing have also been designing, developing and manufacturing their own brand of TUBEHONE, with the first Apperley horizontal honing machine built back in 1975 and still honing today in the subcontract department.

29th January 2016

Air motors stir it up in automotive paint shops

A number of automotive manufacturers have adopted Huco Dynatork Air Motors to drive the agitators in their paint shops, with hundreds already in use operating around the clock in plants across the UK, mainland Europe, North America and Asia. Piston air motors offer many advantages over electric or vane type air motors, including energy efficiency, simple installation, easy maintenance, longevity, controllability and spark-free operation.

29th January 2016

Herga 6442 pneumatic push button selected for shower system

Arknet Limited, based near Reading, has developed a PLC-controlled commercial shower system that offers installation and operational cost saving in a design that does not require plumbing behind tiled walls and usage benefits such as variable water delivery duration and individual shower head valve control. Aimed at sports clubs, spas, schools and other facilities that use large volumes of water, the Shower Saver Plus includes Herga 6442 push buttons and 6871 series air switches for user input and interfacing to the control system. A centralised PLC control and remote I/O blocks in each of the shower consoles provides scalability.

29th January 2016

ESAB consumables specified for the Queensferry Crossing

ESAB has been awarded the contract to supply welding consumables for constructing the Queensferry Crossing, which is a new road bridge to take most of the traffic from the existing road bridge over the Firth of Forth connecting Edinburgh with Fife.

28th January 2016

Automotive component leak testing

When a high-profile automotive supplier needed a suite of customised leak testing systems for their latest engine components, they had no hesitation in contacting Tec Systems who had previously provided several automation machines for their UK factory. In order to fulfil the customers' requirements, Tec Systems provided a total of six individual leak testing machines, each designed to suit specific engine components.

27th January 2016