Machine Building

Adhesives cut costs and turnaround time, and improve aesthetics

Joker FX has found that using Loctite structural adhesives instead of traditional joining methods such as welding has enabled it to cut turnaround time from six weeks to as little as 24 hours, while also reducing costs, improving aesthetics and still providing durable joints.

12th December 2015

Intelligent filter systems achieve energy efficiency

Air filter systems are a must for many companies in the wood, plastics and textile industries in order to safeguard the health of those working in production. But, since the energy requirement for a filter system comprises up to 40 per cent of the total requirement of the actual production systems, energy efficiency is a key driver when ensuring high levels of safety. LS Automation specialises in intelligent control technology that provides for system optimisation and is achieving significant added value for its customers, in terms of energy efficiency, using Eaton technology.

10th December 2015

All-in-one PLC + HMI controls hydroelectric turbines

EV is a company that designs and manufactures hydroelectric turbines, and the company uses Unitronics all-in-one PLC + HMI units for their reliability, ease of use and competitive pricing.

10th December 2015

Bredel pumps handle abrasive and viscous bodywork prep compounds

A Bredel 40 hose pump from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group is the latest arrival at FarÃ©cla Products Ltd, a manufacturer of cutting compounds and finishing products principally for the automotive market, but also marine, industrial and aerospace industries, where it is being used on a mobile platform to serve filling lines. The pump joins existing Bredel 65 and Bredel 100 pumps on site that are being deployed to transfer a number of very abrasive, highly viscous products. The company has been relying on Bredel technology for around two decades.

9th December 2015

TONiC optical encoders for latest generation of COORD-3 CMMs

A continuous product development cycle, horizontal organisational structure and streamlined range of model sizes have made COORD-3 a global CMM brand. Renishaw supplies a wide-range of precision metrology products to COORD-3 and both companies benefit from a long-standing and successful partnership.

9th December 2015

Adhesives provide reliability despite repeated shock loading

A professional golfer's swing can cause the club head to reach speeds of over 190kmh, which puts very high loads on the club face, club head and the bond between the head and shaft - plus there is a significant shock load on the bond each time the ball is struck. Reliability of that joint is, of course, vital.

6th December 2015

Inverter drive cuts the cost of automation

Bottle and pouch fillers with electronic adjustment for filling volume offer important benefits over machines with manual adjustment but, until now, higher cost has limited their adoption. In the latest IMSB machines, however, an Eaton inverter drive replaces the costly servo-controlled filling system, making these novel machines much more affordable.

4th December 2015

Refurbishment of tilt bearings for Pendolino trains

Schaeffler (UK) Ltd is currently refurbishing thousands of yoke-type track roller bearings for Alstom, the company responsible for maintaining the entire West Coast Mainline fleet of 56 high-speed Virgin Pendolino trains. The 60-week refurbishment programme involves the refurbishment of nearly 5000 track rollers.

1st December 2015

Stealth enclosures for covert operations

In the world of engineering it's a truism that every application has its own unique challenges. However, some challenges are more noteworthy than others; such as specifying enclosures for external use on a vessel with stealth capabilities, for example. This is just one of the challenges that Spelsberg has been presented with which can be solved with the use of innovative coating technology.

1st December 2015

WDS components used for Warwick Uni's award-winning submarine

Design projects are a fantastic way for universities to give their engineering students real-world experience of the challenges they will face in their professional lives. They are also great for inspiring the next generation to take up engineering. This year Warwick University took part in just such a project, encouraging eight of their most promising young engineers to build a human-powered submarine to take part in the International Submarine Race in the USA. Thanks to companies like WDS Component Parts Ltd. providing sponsorship, the team was able to build a working submarine and win the competition's innovation award.

30th November 2015