Machine Building

Precision moulder boosts productivity with Kawasaki robot

A UK precision plastic moulder has installed a new Kawasaki robot to aid production - and, unusually, has chosen to install and commission the unit itself, rather than follow the traditional path of having either an integrator or the robot supplier do it for them. Based in Malvern, Worcestershire, SynthoTec Ltd is one of Europe's premier producers of injection-moulded ultra-high-precision components. The company has recently installed a Kawasaki RS20N robot, which has allowed it to boost production, cut costs and achieve a significant reduction in waste material in one of its most important manufacturing processes.

21st March 2019

Wiring harnesses have sensors to monitor motor temperature

Force Engineering develops and manufactures customised motion systems based on linear induction motors (LIMs), serving a wide base of industries with applications as diverse as medical scanning equipment and baggage handling conveyors. As an expert and innovator in the field of LIM technology, a large part of Force Engineering's activities centres on the amusement ride industry - adding heightened levels for thrill-seekers through ride launch and in-ride acceleration to 1.2g, and equally rapid braking performance along roller coaster tracks.

21st March 2019

Pizza manufacturer makes significant savings with NSK bearings

A manufacturer of frozen pizzas was experiencing failures every 4 weeks on the belt tensioner serving one of its food conveyors. However, a simple change to NSK Molded-Oil bearings resulted in significantly prolonged operating life, leading to annual cost savings of EUR15,360.

19th March 2019

igus energy chains, plastic bearings in de-icing aircraft

There is a lot of manual work involved in de-icing and washing aircraft. In sub-zero temperatures when many aircraft need to be de-iced at the same time, this becomes the bottleneck of airport operations and can cause serious flight delays. Cleaning aircraft is also time consuming; it can take up to 10 hours to manually wash a Boeing 737.

18th March 2019

Overhead conveyor CMS uses MICA Edge computers

A condition monitoring system based on Harting's MICA Edge computer system is being used for the early detection of wear in the overhead conveyor systems used in production lines in the automotive and other industries. The failure of individual support frames in these conveyors can lead to the stoppage of entire production lines, but the MICA-based system detects wear at an early stage and thus prevents unplanned downtime.

15th March 2019

maxon products perform crucial roles in robotic keyhole surgery

The Bristol Robotics Laboratory are incorporating maxon products as part of a project to develop Robot Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery (RAMIS).

15th March 2019

SKF develops bespoke seal for floor grinding machine

SKF has supported Swedish floor grinding machine manufacturer, Scanmaskin, by developing a tailored radial shaft seal for its latest, most high-performing machine, in a record lead-time of four months.

14th March 2019

ROBA-topstop brake systems protect gravity-loaded axes

CLOOS is one of the leading companies in welding technology. In its large, automated robot welding systems, CLOOS uses ROBA-topstop safety brakes by mayr power transmission to safeguard its gravity-loaded axes. These brakes are designed for application in all installation positions and provide reliable protection for people and materials.

13th March 2019

Custom conveyor system boosts productivity and quality

A custom designed and engineered conveyor system, from Autarky Automation, is playing a key role in helping Tyre-Line, a supplier of wheel and tyre assemblies, boost productivity and quality. Installed as part of major production line upgrade, along with a Hofmann high speed inflating machine, the new system has reduced assembly and inflation time by a factor of ten, from around 70 to just seven seconds.

12th March 2019

Welding structural beams at lower cost and no quality compromise

A common requirement in the construction sector is the production of H-section or I-section structural beams by joining three plates. Often the material will be rusty mill scale plate that has to be welded directly without any preparation. Cost pressures mean the welds must be made as quickly as possible and the need for rapid, trouble-free on-site assembly dictates that distortion and deformation are not acceptable.

27th February 2019