Machine Building

Threadlocker makes light work of solar panels

Solar panels are obviously exposed to a variety of weather conditions, with wind sometimes causing enough vibration for the panel mounting bolts to loosen over time. Further, differential thermal expansion and contraction can also cause the loosening of threaded fasteners, and a recent example of an operator overcoming the possibility of this loss of joint integrity has emerged from Japan

28th January 2021

Reverse engineered bearing lifts spirits at distillery

When a potential issue was identified with a slewing ring bearing on a bottling machine at the oldest continuous gin distillers in the world, the company turned to the expertise of R.A. Rodriguez (UK) Ltd

25th January 2021

Essentra Components cuts customer assembly time

The French company Conceptole specialises in the design and manufacture of standardised and custom metal parts and assemblies, and Essentra Components has just helped them save on their assembly costs

20th January 2021

Matrix converters control escalating costs

One of the largest escalator networks in Germany transports over half a billion people through Munich’s subway system every year, and engineers have taken steps to ensure continued fault-free and safe service by opting for YASKAWA’s U1000 Matrix Converters

14th January 2021

Robotics set the tone for Ricoh

The use of robotics has allowed Ricoh to manufacture its toner cartridges more efficiently

14th December 2020

Fully-electric wheel loader system unveiled

There is a growing demand for electric and hybrid versions of wheel loaders in the construction industry as the drive towards lowering CO2 and emissions continues

9th December 2020

Replacement linear guides give rise to savings at bakery

By switching to a type of linear system with integrated lubrication a large bakery is said to be saving more than €200,000 a year in maintenance and downtime costs

9th December 2020

Bakery bosses use their loaf with new bearings

A leading UK bakery was experiencing regular, unexpected stoppages due to the premature failure of pillow-block ball-bearing mounted units. The units are fitted to the recirculation fan of a high-temperature oven. After switching to NSK plummer blocks with high-capacity spherical roller bearings and labyrinth seals, the bakery is said to have obtained an annual cost saving of €34,907

7th December 2020

Canny robot decision brings cost savings

A new Kawasaki robot has been installed to help Ball Beverage Packaging improve its efficiency and save money. The machine replaced a near 20-year-old Kawasaki ZD130S robot at the Wakefield plant, bringing greater speed, precision and durability to the customer

2nd December 2020