Machine Building

Specialised support rig for advanced radar assembly and test

The Portsmouth, UK-based division of Airbus Defence and Space designs, builds and tests highly advanced payloads and scientific equipment for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation and scientific satellites. As part of its manufacturing programme for cutting-edge space-borne radars, LG Motion Ltd was recently commissioned to supply the company with a custom designed "˜Antenna Turnover Rig' to provide mounting and free access for assembly and test of large antennae panel assemblies that measure approximately 3m × 1m × 0.2m with a mass of 115kg.

5th March 2015

Tsubaki strengthens weak link in the chain for asphalt pavers

Resurfacing an asphalt road is one of those tasks that once started really shouldn't be stopped part-way through, especially not for a breakdown that may take several hours to repair. However, problems with the reliability and availability of OEM components can lead to unnecessary delays and mounting costs. Several companies in Holland have chosen to install higher specification chains and drive sprockets in order to improve reliability and reduce overall costs.

5th March 2015

Miniature VHS solenoid valves play role in 3D bio-printing

The rapid development of viable inkjet technology for highly specialised applications, such as printing human cells, continues to generate significant interest. If successful, the realisation of this technology for specialised biological applications, generally known as "˜biofabrication', has the potential to replace the long established (and often controversial) process of using animals for testing new drugs.

4th March 2015

All-in-one controllers used for packaging and labelling machines

Kolman has used Unitronics Vision570 and Vision560 all-in-one PLC, HMI and I/O devices in its latest generation of packaging and labelling machinery.

4th March 2015

Trace heating thermostats keep water treatment plants running

Each year those involved in the water treatment industry hope for a mild winter because prolonged low temperatures can cause pipes to burst, even those with lagging installed. More and more, treatment facilities are increasing the use of trace heating on external pipe sections which can be controlled via a pre-built thermostat from Spelsberg.

4th March 2015

Atlas Copco compressor system upgrade earns major savings

Following a major move from Rossendale to its 42,000 sq ft new premises in Burnley, subcontract engineering company Sparta Ltd anticipate substantial energy savings and carbon reduction from their Atlas Copco compressor system upgrade.

28th February 2015

NSK bearings deliver EUR46k savings for steel plate rolling mill

A major steel manufacturer experiencing high maintenance costs relating to bearings on a plate rolling mill has improved the situation with an application specific product replacement from NSK. The existing open roll bearings required a daily maintenance routine to ensure sufficient lubrication before analysis by NSK led to a proposal or the installation of its Sealed-Clean range, which proved well suited for use in this heavily contaminated environment.

26th February 2015

Major international contract win for Verotec modified products

Verotec has won a multi-year contract from a major North American manufacturer of flight simulators to supply more than 50,000 modified subrack front panels. Fifty different designs of panel, in heights of 3U and 6U and in widths from 2HP to 16HP, are needed. The IEEE1101.10-compliant panels are modified variants of Verotec's standard extruded aluminium panels.

25th February 2015

FAG SmartCheck monitors health of cable car drive systems

By installing a total of 18 FAG SmartCheck condition monitoring systems on drive motors, gearboxes, drive pulleys and cable sheaves, a cable car operator is now able, for the first time, to monitor the health of all process-critical systems.

24th February 2015