Machine Building

Subcontract engineering company adopts PSL Datatrack

"We find that PSL Datatrack is much more than just an IT software service provider. As they deal with so many businesses they are able to offer advice on practical solutions for the day-to-day running of Empire Manufacturing." That's the verdict of Director Stuart Wade, whose precision subcontract engineering company has now been using the production control software system across two generations of the family business.

25th January 2019

SMT production line uses RFID to identify PCBs and reduce errors

An RFID system in which PCBs communicate with their SMT production line and contain all the relevant manufacturing data has been developed by Harting. Based on the company's RFID-4-SMT auto-ID product, the new system cuts error rates, radically simplifies documentation requirements and forms the basis for automated PCB production in a batch size of 1.

24th January 2019

How sensing technologies are helping UK wine growers

Behind the rise and rise of English wine, British engineers and technologists are busy developing new systems and aids for the vine growing industry. Tony Ingham of Sensor Technology Ltd tells his part of this astonishing success story.

22nd January 2019

Custom-designed flexible cables designed into nanosatellite

Intelliconnect have had a number of custom-designed, flexible cables successfully launched into space as part of VESTA-1, a 3U nanosatellite technology demonstration mission. VESTA-1 was manufactured for Honeywell under funding from the UK Space Agency.

22nd January 2019

NSK solves conveyor failure issues at drinks plant

By changing to NSK Molded-Oil mounted-unit inserts, an international drinks producer has overcome repeated problems of premature insert failures on the drive system of four vital sorting conveyors. The move has improved service life notably, leading to an annual saving of more than EUR5000.

18th January 2019

Ri4Power electrical power distribution system used at steel mill

Rittal was approached to provide power distribution and motor control centre system for a replacement drives panel at a steel mill based in the North of England.

10th January 2019

Laser Machining Centre revolutionises control panel production

In a "UK first", LCA Group has switched its control panel operations from manual production to end-to-end automation, including laser-machining. The move is expected to transform its productivity and efficiency. Watch a short video here.

8th January 2019

Bearings for tidal power plants

Not only are tidal power plants invisible, they supply renewable energy regardless of weather conditions. This technology is being tested in countries such as France and The Netherlands - with help from Schaeffler.

21st December 2018

Corrosion-proof rivet nuts withstand shock and temperature

For designers of winter sports equipment, finding the right way to attach foot bindings onto snowboards can sometimes be a case of "˜straight from one slippery slope to another'. However, in a recent series of evaluations to establish the preferred fastening option, a manufacturer of snowboards has settled on Bollhoffs' RIVNUT blind rivet nuts to achieve the design objectives.

18th December 2018

Brewery upgrade improves reliability

For Marstons brewery in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, replacing control valves on the main chiller system would improve reliability. However, the process control components were initially looking expensive - that is until a call to Burkert revealed a much more cost-effective option.

13th December 2018