Machine Building

ABB motion controllers give scanning company global access

A company specialising in scanning systems is using ABB's global presence to help it provide worldwide support for its product ranges. SmartDrive, based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, uses ABB NextMove ES, NextMove e100 and NextMove ESB-2 motion controllers to control stepper motors that allow the accurate positioning and movement of digital scanners. These are used by the medical, museum and scientific sectors to give very detailed, high-resolution images of objects and artwork. The ability of the controllers and motors to provide accurate positioning and motion means the scanner can achieve flat, distortion free images of the scanned area, removing the image curvature that is an artefact of standard digital photography.

18th April 2014

Paper mill cuts out problems thanks to Siemens technology

Operational efficiencies in the form of reduced downtime, increased production capability and lower costs are just some of the key benefits being enjoyed by paper and paper product manufacturer Romiley Board Mill following a recent automation upgrade project on a critical production line.

18th April 2014

Shaft-hub connection saves set-up time on food conveyor

Abssac has supplied a stainless steel ETP EXPRESS R hydraulic shaft-hub connection for an application in food packaging machinery.

17th April 2014

High load combined bearings specified for world trade centre hub

The extensive Winkel range of high load combined bearing systems has been an important element of the HepcoMotion product programme for many years. These products are widely used in the manufacturing industry for heavy duty applications but their ability to withstand very high radial and axial loads is now finding favour in other sectors too. One of those is architectural engineering, as a new project at the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub in New York demonstrates.

17th April 2014

GA VSD+ compressor provides test lab air for Stannah Stairlifts

After a successful trial with Stannah Stairlifts, Atlas Copco's innovative energy-efficient GA VSD+ compressor is now providing vital 24/7 test lab air for the company's R&D operations at its site in Andover, Hampshire.

16th April 2014

Single point control for emergency vehicles

Emergency vehicles are outfitted with a number of complex and intricate systems that allow them to perform essential functions, from emergency lights and sirens through to radio communications and performance of pumping equipment. Recognising the potential for cost and time savings if control of these functions could be streamlined, Emergency One began its search for an alternative vehicle functionality control method.

16th April 2014

Integrated welding cell from ABB cuts production time

An ABB robotic welding cell is enabling agricultural machinery manufacturer Shelbourne Reynolds to reduce production times for its range of articulated hedge-cutting tractor attachments. Handling the several hundred welds entailed in the production of the attachments, the cell has so far cut welding process times by 66 per cent compared with the company's previous manufacturing process.

16th April 2014

E2S Warning Signals creates lifeboat launch alert

UK signalling manufacturer E2S Warning Signals has designed and developed a bespoke siren system to alert people nearby when an RNLI lifeboat is launching.

16th April 2014

Tsubaki delivers a number of savings on pallet conveyor system

For a brewery in Europe, as for many manufacturers, efficient pallet transportation was crucial to maintaining a cost-effective production regime. When it started to develop problems which led to increased maintenance costs and lost production time, a rapid and reliable solution was required which, in this case, required expert advice from Tsubaki and the ability to offer high-quality chain which would deliver improved performance as well as reducing maintenance costs.

11th April 2014

State-of-the-art safety upgrade for stainless steel rolling mill

ABB's new safety PLC has provided the platform for Sandvik Materials Technology to add zoned safety guarding to a large cold rolling mill at its Sandviken plant in Sweden. The mill is a key part of the production line for precision strip steel at the plant.

11th April 2014