Machine Building

Ford Dagenham installs seven UR10 "˜cohabitant' robots

Ford Dagenham has invested in seven UR10 Universal Robots from RARUK Automation to automate the previously manual task of applying fasteners to engine blocks. The fasteners are now applied automatically to engines that arrive on the production line every 30 seconds, across a 24-hour, three-shift operation.

18th September 2019

Schaeffler spherical plain bearing is largest yet manufactured

Schaeffler has produced the largest spherical plain bearing in the company's history. This special bearing weighs around 4.7 tonnes and has an outside diameter of 1,900mm, a bore diameter of 1,500mm, and a height of 600mm. The bearing will be used on a cutter suction dredger that was designed and built by Royal IHC, a Dutch company that specialises in equipment, vessels and services for the offshore, dredging and wet mining markets.

11th September 2019

Ultrasonic sensors used in AquaBattery's innovative Blue Battery

With modest dimensions, sensors often can make the difference in many applications. One example of this is the Blue Battery from AquaBattery. The Blue Battery is an electrical energy storage system that uses membrane technology, water and kitchen salt. In order to measure the height of liquids in several tanks, tests were done in their own workshop with ultrasonic sensors from elobau. The robust ultrasonic sensors were selected because they provide the necessary reliability, accuracy, IP rating and are compatible with the control system.

2nd September 2019

Festo automates and boosts throughput of tube packing system

Cerulean, a manufacturer of tube packing systems, has collaborated with Festo to simplify the design of its popular FPS-1 tube packer to deliver an improved, more energy efficient, and future-proof packing system.

30th August 2019

Type 3 light curtains prove economical for system integrator

Austrian system integrator SRW Automation & Services GmbH is using Pilz PSENopt II safety light curtains for a variety of automation and safety tasks relating to robot applications, rotary table systems, and infeed and outfeed conveyors.

27th August 2019

ABB control system raises productivity for cable manufacturer

An ABB control system is increasing productivity, lowering waste and reducing energy costs for UK cable manufacturer.

23rd August 2019

Family firm cuts costs with entry-level Trumpf TruLaser

Cambridge Rapid Components, a fast-growing precision sheet-metal subcontractor serving the furnace, scientific, laboratory and security industries, has installed an entry-level Trumpf TruLaser 1030 fiber laser cutting machine to eliminate outsourcing costs and gain greater control over its production processes.

23rd August 2019

igus linear bearings used in childbirth simulator

3B Scientific GmbH specialises in didactic material for scientific, medical and patient education, ranging from artificial skeletons and human organ models to injection training arms, patient care mannequins and medical simulators. However, there is one important tool in its product range for the training of gynaecologists and midwives, the SIMone birth simulator.

21st August 2019

Engineering company benefits from production control software

Hydrafeed Limited of Milton Keynes has seen its business grow significantly over the last few years. There has been continued expansion of its subcontract engineering services and the company's renowned bar feed systems manufacturing expertise, alongside its new sole UK and Ireland agency for RoboJob's robotic solutions. PSL Datatrack production control software has continued to play a major role in the company's growth, becoming an essential part of the business and helping to smoothly progress each aspect of the business.

19th August 2019

Rittal housings and enclosures used in marine switchgear systems

Rittal's systems, from housing and enclosure systems, to climate control systems and to power distribution systems and IT infrastructure, are used by maritime operators across the globe. These include large numbers of shipyards, ships, harbours, offshore platforms and inland, with clients that include the major ships' chandlers and shipyards.

12th August 2019