Machine Building

Customised sensor developed for lab automation robot

The exact and efficient transfer of samples in extremely small dosing volumes is essential in the life sciences industry. For this purpose, Integra Biosciences AG developed a compact pipetting robot called Assist Plus that draws and pipettes samples into the target container. Part of this process is the automatic loading and ejecting of pipette tips, monitored by a customer-specific sensor developed by Leuze electronic specially for Integra Biosciences based on the polarized PRK 3B retro-reflective photoelectric sensor.

13th October 2018

3D printed plastic gears out-perform machined alternatives

The time and costs involved in the production of prototypes can soon become challenging for start-ups. Easelink relies on the 3D printing service from igus, which enables components such as gears to be configured online, 3D printed cost-effectively and shipped within 24 hours.

12th October 2018

Maxon motors in new HallÃ©oojamaflipaphone musical instrument

An overheard conversation on a commuter train led to an exciting new venture for the Manchester based HallÃ© orchestra. HallÃ©'s Education Director, Steve Pickett, had listened in to Peter Green's engineering discussion and rightly concluded that this was the person to bring his ideas to reality.

12th October 2018

Line-scan camera and telecentric lens for surface inspection

Automation W+R has developed a surface inspection system that utilises machine vision components from Stemmer Imaging.

11th October 2018

Spelsberg enclosures speed fast-food kitchen fit-outs

Most industries take efficiency seriously, but for fast food companies it must pervade their every move; from serving customers right back to the original fitting out of the kitchens. Enclosure manufacturer, Spelsberg UK, thrives on the challenge of working with the makers of fast food kitchens, some of whom fit out restaurants all over the world for many of the biggest names in the convenience catering industry.

11th October 2018

Premium chocolate maker benefits from thermal inkjet coder

Artisanal chocolate maker Pump Street Chocolate has automated its date coding process by installing a Rotech RF Lite feeding system with iJet thermal inkjet coder, which has freed-up skilled labour for performing core tasks.

9th October 2018

Conveyor belts repaired in less than two hours

Optimum conveyor belt life is achieved when the belt cover and carcass wear out at the same time, but in the real world how often does that happen? Commonly the belt cover will wear through leaving the carcass intact, an outcome that limits the life expectancy of the system. If running repairs aren't incorporated into the maintenance strategy, the conveyor will inevitably need to be removed from service well before its time. And worse still, the damage may lead to abrupt failure resulting in loss of production, unscheduled maintenance downtime and even injury.

5th October 2018

Patties still a firm favourite thanks to 10-year-lasting valves

Incorporated 30 years ago in June this year, Cleone Foods produces Jamaican patties and distributes them under its Island Delight brand name. The company relies on its process equipment to ensure an uninterrupted supply of its tasty products, and Burkert has proven itself up to the task with process valves that have been in operation for 10 years before requiring a service.

3rd October 2018

Renishaw helps hand-powered cyclists break records

At the World Human Powered Speed Challenge at Battle Mountain, Nevada, USA, Paralympian Karen Darke, MBE and Ken Talbot broke world records for both male and female arm-powered speed. By reaching 46.05 mph and 51.86 mph respectively, Darke and Talbot are now the first and second fastest hand cyclists in history, with Darke exceeding the previous men's record. The records were achieved using a bike created through the ARION4 project run by the University of Liverpool Velocipede Team (ULV Team), with the support and expertise of engineering companies such as Renishaw.

26th September 2018

Designline IPCs prevent downtime in food and beverage production

Phoenix Contact has supplied its sealed Designline IPCs to Melitta for use in food and beverage production areas, which has eliminated failures and associated downtime, thereby saving the company around £3000 per quarter.

21st September 2018