Machine Building

Linear position sensors provide high accuracy steering

Precision Decisions Ltd specialise in hardware and software for agriculture that maximise yield potential through the use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) automatic vehicle guidance. The Yorkshire-based company are particularly strong in an area of agronomics known as controlled traffic farming (CTF) where satellite guidance is employed as a key element to reduce vehicle travel over the field to the very minimum.

26th January 2016

Cube67 fieldbus system: efficient wiring in complex machines

Transnova Ruf's state-of-the-art packaging systems use a large number of sensors and valves to ensure smooth, fully automated operation. Because the machines are so large, their electrical installation requires a "lean" system. By using Murrelektronik's Cube67 fieldbus system, they are able to achieve their goals and benefit from the modular nature of the system.

25th January 2016

Eaton helps bring water from the mountains to the valleys

Intelligent automation systems from Eaton help control two decentralised elevated tanks and a pump station for the water supply in Remchingen, Germany.

21st January 2016

Zero-backlash jaw couplings for optical inspection systems

Stop-and-go optical inspection systems often have aggressive acceleration/deceleration profiles that generate vibration and high torque values. The dampening characteristics of Ruland zero-backlash jaw couplings reduce settling time and shock loads resulting in more accurate system performance and decreased component wear.

20th January 2016

3DEXPERIENCE platform in chocolate mould design

Many products are designed to appeal to our senses. Chocolate is no exception. Although taste is one of the reasons chocolate is so popular, its visual appeal also is important. Switzerland-based Max Riner AG makes sure chocolate looks appetising.

20th January 2016

Software engineering makes resistor earthquake-proof

Cressall Resistors has designed a resistor that operates at 132kV and can withstand a high-voltage impulse of up to 650kV. Furthermore, because it's intended for use in Australia, it can survive an earthquake or cyclone on an epic scale. Here, Cressall's sales director, Martin Nicholls, explains how finite element analysis (FEA) helped ensure that the construction would withstand the most tempestuous elements.

19th January 2016

Non-contact laser sensor provides high measurement repeatability

A UK-based manufacturer of investment casting wax is using a laser displacement sensor from Micro-Epsilon to measure the distortion and contraction of wax materials used in investment casting. The non-contact, high performance sensor is providing 10 times higher measurement repeatability than the previous LVDTs and touch-probe gauges.

19th January 2016

Industrial cameras monitor track across London Underground

Stemmer Imaging has worked closely with London Underground to develop and deliver 104 industrial camera assemblies that are mounted directly onto passenger trains to provide image data on the condition of the wheel/rail interface and the track itself. By acquiring this data during normal timetable periods, more time is available during the 4-hour night closure period to maintain the network's 1000km of track, minimising any disruption to services and helping to make the new weekend extended operating times possible.

19th January 2016

Using machine tool probes for precision metrology

The automotive industry is fiercely competitive. Tier-one car manufacturers are constantly looking for breakthroughs in areas such as performance, safety and innovative design, all of which places ever stricter requirements on the processing of metal components. SuperAlloy Industrial Company Ltd. (SAI) is a supplier of high-quality lightweight forged metal products. The forged wheel and car chassis components SAI produce are used by the world's top car manufacturers, thanks to the company's insistence on premium quality and precision manufacturing. Renishaw machine tool probe systems, including the OLP40, RMP60, OMP60, and the NC4, are a great match for SAI, allowing SAI, assisted by Renishaw, to make progress on the route to high-end precision manufacturing.

18th January 2016

Thorlabs selects TONiC encoders for its motion stages

Thorlabs designs and manufactures a wide array of photonics equipment including motion control, imaging, light analysis, optoelectronics and optomechanics for the research, industrial, life science, medical and defence segments. Thorlabs subjected Renishaw's TONiC encoders to a battery of tests in direct competition with other optical encoder brands, with the TONiC encoders emerging as clear leaders.

18th January 2016