Machine Building

igus bearings give dimensional stability when wet

Contrail MGN full-suspension bike from Bergamont is a top mountain bike model. The bike uses innovative technology, such as butted frame tubes with various wall thicknesses as well as carbon frame components to deliver Olympic-winning performances. Light polymer plain bearings from igus are also used to handle the severe stresses of the rear suspension.

27th November 2012

High-performance coolant saves costs through better tool life

The need to save costs whilst improving productivity prompted a Norwegian manufacturer's investigations into alternative metalworking fluids.

27th November 2012

Custom multi-beam coupling developed for rocket launcher

A combination of extreme heat, dust and combustion debris is not the best working environment for any coupling. But it proved ruinous for the initial brand that was specified for a position sensing system on a truck-mounted missile launcher.

26th November 2012

Jabsco flexible impeller pumps keep the wine flowing

Jabsco pumps from Xylem are keeping the wine flowing in wineries around the world, helping vintners work their magic while protecting this delicate product during processes and transfer operations, so the wine keeps its full character and distinctive flavour.

26th November 2012

Multi-application robot arm is simple to programme

Traditional robots can substantially boost productivity, but generally they are large devices that are complex to programme and, therefore, not easily assigned to multiple tasks. They need high production volumes to justify both capital cost and integration time. For a manufacturer new to robotics this can be off-putting and also uneconomical if products and batch sizes are many and varied.

26th November 2012

True-absolute measuring system for precision assembly systems

Reliable positioning without a reference run improves process reliability, reduces unproductive time and prevents expensive crashes. Renishaw's RESOLUTE encoder is an innovative, true-absolute measuring system that guarantees process reliability for precision assembly systems used in the micro-electronics and micro-optics industries.

22nd November 2012

Precision bearings for solar energy: long life, high efficiency

The efficiency of solar power plants - including photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technologies - depends on how closely the collectors are able to track the course of the sun. The more precise and trouble-free these collectors operate, the more efficient and therefore more profitable the plants will be.

22nd November 2012

Automated grading of bacon using vision technology

Vision specialists from Stemmer Imaging have worked closely with experts from Marel to integrate a vision-based grading option into Marel's IBS 2000 bacon slicers. Marel is a pioneer in the application of advanced computer and vision technology to look at and measure a cross section of product such as bacon prior to it being sliced. Vision is an enabling technology which allows the slicers to produce greater volumes of more accurate slices to a closer tolerance with consistent pack weights.

22nd November 2012

Custom variable speed drives for precision farming applications

Zero-Max designs, manufactures and assembles Custom Variable Speed Drives that meter and dispense seed and fertiliser guided by global positioning systems. Designed for the latest precision farming equipment, these custom drives provide accurate and repeatable settings to optimise the seeding and fertilising process.

19th November 2012

Meat processor more efficient with ACI blower-powered can drier

Talking about the successful installation of Air Control Industries can-drying tunnel at Scandia Food's meat products plant, Daniel Mitrofan, Manager Tehnic, says: "We needed a better drying system because one of the most important elements during the labelling process is the dryness of the can. With the ACI drying system we forgot about this problem."

19th November 2012