Machine Building

NASA specifies maxon DC motors for Martian drone

Two years from now, the US space agency NASA will send a new rover to the Red Planet. Included: a small helicopter, which will take the first aerial photos of Mars. The rotors will be controlled by robust DC motors from Switzerland.

2nd November 2018

Maximising efficiency, flexibility in an optical testing machine

Machine builders face increasing demands as manufacturers require simultaneous increases in efficiency and flexibility of systems; they have to completely rethink production cycles. For Gefasoft, the solution came in the combination of Beckhoff's eXtended Transport System (XTS) and HepcoMotion's innovative GFX guidance system.

2nd November 2018

Steel producer uses SmartCheck to reduce unscheduled stoppages

By installing Schaeffler SmartCheck condition monitoring devices on its furnace deflection rolls, steel producer ArcelorMittal has avoided any unplanned stoppages to the furnace and has improved its maintenance planning. Estimated annual savings (with a furnace stoppage) are 179,000 euros.

2nd November 2018

Lab equipment manufacturer achieves cost-effective automation

Many laboratories, needing to upscale their workflow, have found laboratory automation a costly and difficult option. On looking to develop an affordable entry-level system that provides sufficient functionality, Peak Analysis & Automation, a leader in the industry for the design and manufacture of automated laboratory equipment, consulted with the low-cost automation specialist igus. The result is the S-LAB automated plate handler, a small-and-place machine that is compatible with up to 300 different laboratory instruments.

31st October 2018

Cobots help B-Loony increase productivity and reduce costs

B-Loony Ltd is a UK SME manufacturer of bespoke promotional products such as burger flags, bunting and balloons, predominantly for high-street brands. By deploying five UR3 cobots it has been able to continue manufacturing in the UK and to be highly responsive to customer demands, all while remaining competitive and growing its market share. Through investment in automation it is now producing just under of 2 million metres bunting per annum and has stepped up its production of burger flags from 250 thousand to 15 million per year.

30th October 2018

HBM supplies hardware and software for canine gait analysis

When Hartpury College and University Centre recently undertook a study to investigate canine gait analysis and force exerted on a lead in a collar and harness, HBM was on hand to supply the necessary electronic strain gauges and software.

24th October 2018

Burkert contributes to more efficient fluid control system

Kemet International is at the forefront of precision lapping and polishing technology, creating diamond polishing compounds, slurries and machinery for a wide range of industrial processes. As part of a process improvement initiative, the company wanted to create a more efficient fluid control system, making the entire manufacturing process more productive.

19th October 2018

Lee miniature valves used in innovative pipeline isolation plug

How do you isolate, or plug an oil or gas pipeline safely and securely to enable repair or maintenance work to be carried out in-situ with a device which meets the toughest safety standards? There are very few companies in the world that make autonomous isolation plugs and those that do tend to make tools for large pipes, up to 56" in diameter. However, the UK based Safer Plug Company has successfully developed, patented and built, a pipeline isolation plug for 6" pipeline sizes which comprises an innovative titanium gateway manifold manufactured using the additive manufacturing DMLS process (Direct Metal Laser Sintering). Among the key components used in the manifold are those supplied by miniature component specialists The Lee Company.

19th October 2018

Machine Tool 4.0 - turning vision into reality

As a global automotive and industrial supplier, Schaeffler is digitally transforming its entire business, which involves the integration of its mechatronics components, systems and machines into the rapidly expanding world of the "˜Internet of Things'. Through its Machine Tool 4.0 project, Schaeffler wants to demonstrate that Industry 4.0 is not an abstract, remote vision, but can make a contribution to added value today.

18th October 2018

Custom-engineered bearings for satellite reaction wheels

Increasing numbers of smaller, more cost effective telecommunications satellites are being launched into the Earth's orbit, which has led to a growing need for high-precision, high-reliability bearings to support onboard sub-systems such as reaction wheels and other critical mechanisms, says Gary Hughes, Product Engineering Manager at Schaeffler subsidiary, The Barden Corporation (UK) Ltd.

18th October 2018