Machine Building

Robotic spot welder uses rodless pneumatic cylinder

A production problem at a vending machine manufacturer was solved recently by automation specialists Robotix of Rugby, which supplied a tailor-made spot welding machine with the precision movement provided by a rodless pneumatic cylinder from Hoerbiger-Origa.

3rd October 2006

PLC controls dancing sculpture at Yorkshire Dance Studio, Leeds

A recent overhaul of the ten-year-old moving art display saw many of the original components refurbished or replaced. Not so for the tiny Mitsubishi PLC: the same controller that was installed and programmed in 1995 was running as smoothly and reliably as ever, and with plenty if life left in it.

3rd October 2006

Screen printing machines benefit from motion control system

Mechanical drive systems are increasingly reaching the limits of their capabilities, but switching to electronic alternatives may require a partial or even complete redesign of the machine. One of the world's largest suppliers of printing machines has faced this dilemma, but a Mitsubishi Melsec Q Series motion controller solved the problems.

3rd October 2006

UTU Power Electronics selects FR-F700 power-saving inverters

Finland's longest established electrical contracting company, UTU Power Electronics, has selected the Mitsubishi FR-F700 series of power-saving inverter drives as its drive of choice for applications ranging from heating and ventilating and pumping, through to complex OEM applications in the timber and stone cutting industries.

3rd October 2006

Air knives enhance performance of infra red drying systems

Tests carried out by Heraeus Noblelight have demonstrated the effectiveness of combining infra red heaters with air knives in reducing the drying time of water-based coatings.

2nd October 2006

Advanced manufacturing system built around Festo components

Spirax Sarco has worked closely with Festo to design and build a replacement production line for thermostatic capsules. The investment is expected to pay for itself in just 3.5 years.

27th September 2006

Ethernet servo drives speed food tray sealing

Ishida's latest QX-1100 tray sealer employs servo motors throughout, controlled using Baldor's Ethernet-compatible MicroFlex e100 drives, which results in sealing rates twice as high as that offered by competitive machines.

27th September 2006

Laser cell uses latest positioning technology

TEC has used Mitsubishi Electric's MR J3 series servo amplifiers and motors to create a customisable laser marking cell for applying Data Matrix codes to computer peripherals.

27th September 2006

Terex Equipment sources emergency pump from Bosch Rexroth

When Terex Equipment, one of the UK's leading developers and manufacturers of off-highway earth-moving equipment needed a hydraulic pump to supply emergency power for the steering in its new TA35 and TA40 ranges of articulated dump trucks, the requirement seemed deceptively simple. But, as it turned out, Bosch Rexroth was the only one pump manufacturer able to supply the right product for the job.

26th September 2006

Safety upgrade boosts productivity at Corus pipe mill

As part of its continuous improvement programme, Corus has gained a potential 17 per cent increase in throughput on the 'tab attach' process in its 42inch pipe mill at Hartlepool, while still maintaining a safe working environment. This has been achieved by working with consultants from Pilz Automation Technology and by upgrading conventional safety relays to modular safety controllers that monitor crane motion and light curtains.

22nd September 2006