Machine Building

Motion and machine control sub-system for pharma application

When ExpoPharma designed a new Process Analytical Technology (PAT) powder-stream conditioning chute (a full-scale development platform for characterising analytical sensors for use in continuous pharma or similar manufacturing processes), it turned to Mclennan for a standalone Ethernet-based three-axis micropositioning sub-system, complete with planetary gear units, pre-programmed HMI and a temperature controller.

30th July 2020

A robot that fights fires - and Coronavirus too

To disinfect surfaces without taking risks, Marseilles' Bataillon de Marins-Pompiers (marine fire service) has equipped itself with two Colossus robots, remote control and modular autonomous units which are proving to be valuable assets in the fight against Covid-19.

29th July 2020

Runway debris scanner uses low-profile electric motor

Clean runways are vital for air safety. Faced with the need for a compact, high accuracy motor to drive its runway scanning radar system, UK consultancy Plextek chose the XR15-05 direct drive torque motor from Printed Motor Works.

29th July 2020

Rittal's infrastructure protects compact IT data centre

Marshall Tufflex is a well-known and respected manufacturing company, based in East Sussex, that produces PVC trunking, cable trays and a range of other products for the construction industry. At one of its key plants, it was proposed that an area within the factory floor (that was then in use as a workshop) could be re-purposed as a space for a compact IT computing system that would run the factory's automated machinery.

15th July 2020

NSK TL bearings double service life in papermaking machinery

NSK spherical roller bearings with TL technology are being increasingly adopted in the papermaking industry as more machinery manufacturers and paper mills seek to maximise operating life and uptime. The company claims that the attributes of its TL (tough and long life) specification is proven to provide greater resistance to hoop stress, subsequently reducing inner ring fractures and thus delivering a service life more than twice that of conventional bearings with standard heat treatment.

14th July 2020

Condition monitoring saves serious money for logistics operator

By installing SmartCheck condition monitoring devices on 58 critical drives, Schaeffler's European Distribution Centre has seen a range of benefits, including the prevention of unplanned downtime, reduced maintenance costs and increased machine availability.

13th July 2020

Pilz keeps safety and production on the boil at Vaillant

At the tank-making factory of heating technology specialist Vaillant in Bergheim, Pilz's consultancy services have culminated in what Pilz calls "An exceptional safety solution". To keep an individual positioner's loading and unloading area free from obstructive superstructures, the transmitters of Pilz PSENopt II light curtains have been embedded horizontally in the floor, with the receivers mounted on a steel structure above the machine. As a result, two of Vaillant's older production lines can now be kept in safe operation for the coming years, and operated in full compliance with the required safety standards.

13th July 2020

Robots lift pastry sales

Sfoglia Torino is an Italian manufacturer of pastries that is well known for the quality of its products, and its vol-au-vent cases are especially popular, with millions being made at its plant. When the company identified a need to speed up production on the line making its vol-au-vent cases, it began discussions with system integrators and automation experts Tiesse, based in Visano, just south of Lake Garda.

9th July 2020

Pacific Islands chart a green course with SF6-free technology

EEC Engie provides energy to the Caledonian territory and has more than 65,000 customers, including private individuals and commercial enterprises. The Engie Group remains committed to promoting sustainable development and where possible, offering zero-carbon integrated solutions. So, with the embracing of new carbon free solutions as work-in-progress, the company has taken the opportunity to use new SF6-free switchgear technology recently introduced by Schneider Electric.

9th July 2020