Machine Building

Bumper applications for ultrasonic welding

For technical solutions to be optimised and operate most effectively, it is preferable that both the technology manufacturer and the end user work together closely and communicate clearly and concisely. This is certainly true for ultrasonics, where the greatest benefits will be realised when the ultrasonic specialist and the customer work together in the early stages of the project. It can lead to the incorporation of design features that could aid production processes.

12th June 2020

Monitoring reverse osmosis systems

Greg Wainhouse of Bürkert explains the process of reverse osmosis and looks at how a brewery has introduced new machines to help them with it.

11th June 2020

Automation in panel building and switchgear manufacturing

Ripploh Elektrotechnik und Engineering is just one example of a German company whose experience with automation illustrates what is possible, notably with wiring and robot-assisted wiring. Walk into Ripploh's large and tidy workshop, and you will see numerous enclosures and mounting plates waiting to be processed. While a few staff members are busy with the assembling and wiring, one thing is notable by its absence - paperwork. There is none anywhere, not even folders with schematic diagrams or GA drawings.

10th June 2020

igus helps autonomous vehicles in ocean research

As scientists delve into the study of climate change, new strategies, products and processes are evolving to help them uncover data that is driving the world's foremost concerns. The scientific community is obtaining significant information from international oceans, especially with the support of autonomous surface vehicles. Igus recently provided data cables and energy chains to support a recent assignment in ocean exploration.

4th June 2020

Mitsubishi MELSEC-L series PLC controls plasma treatment system

A new multi-function plasma surface treatment system uses a powerful, yet compact automation package from Mitsubishi Electric.

1st June 2020

Robots fabricate steel frames for manufacturer of modular homes

Japanese manufacturer Kyushu Sekisui Heim claims to be one of the oldest established manufacturers of new homes using the "˜Unit Construction' method in Japan, a process by which thousands of housing units of different designs and layouts are made using a modular system. Initially driven by an acute nationwide shortage of suitably trained and qualified welders, the company turned to robots for the assembling and welding of structural beams and critical joints in its modular homes. These beams and their associated joints are found throughout the steel structure that forms the "˜skeleton' (and therefore the strength) of the buildings, and Kawasaki Robotics was tasked to supply complete systems that would automate the entire assembly and welding process across all structures.

29th May 2020

Motion control improves waste recycling performance

As waste recycling industries increasingly look towards technology to improve efficiency and productivity, many are turning to motion control as part of automation systems that improve throughput and optimise processing quality. With the already ubiquitous use of sophisticated automated systems in large-scale industrial waste-processing plants where significant improvements continue to be made possible, manufacturers of special-purpose equipment are turning to solving problems relating to smaller food waste, general waste recycling and materials recovery requirements found, for instance, in industrial kitchens, restaurant groups, food outlet chains, supermarkets and logistics companies.

27th May 2020

2D-code readers key to success of tyre automation system

Autarky Automation is one of the leading British developers and manufacturers of automation and conveyor systems. To meet the demanding requirements on an automated tyre-fitting system, Autarky opted for the latest 2D-code readers from Leuze.

26th May 2020

Precision engineering firm benefits from modular PSL Datatrack

Bernard Holmes Precision Limited initially invested in PSL Datatrack production control software in order to streamline their entire production process from initial quotation through to final invoice. The decision was based on the desire to acquire ISO 9001 as many customers were demanding that their major supplier of subcontract engineering services should be accredited. Production Director Russell Thackray had recognised that the company's manual paper-based administration systems were simply not up to the required level to achieve the accreditation.

26th May 2020

Customised enclosures for extreme and challenging environments

Designing specialist electronic systems requires not only theoretical and practical knowledge, but access to the right components as well. For Jubilee Electronics, finding enclosures that offer flexibility and robust protection can be challenging. They often rely on the customisation services from Spelsberg UK and have started specifying the new GEOS range of rugged outdoor enclosures.

22nd May 2020