Machine Building

Fail-safe rodlock cylinders improve safety of moulding process

While not a health and safety consultant, Simmatic can often apply its expertise in pneumatic and vacuum systems to enhance the safety of industrial processes, as was recently demonstrated in an application for a polyurethane moulding machine.

5th June 2018

SKF solves problem of hydraulic seal leakage on cherry picker

SKF comes to the aid of a manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders for mobile applications who had been experiencing problems with leaking seals on a cherry picker application.

4th June 2018

Smurfit Kappa upgrades to next-generation monitoring system

Increased level of control over machines from vibrations to pressure and temperatures with SKF's next generation IMx-8 monitoring system from SKF.

4th June 2018

NSK Molded-Oil bearings offer long life at food plants

In the food industry, comprehensive cleaning regimes are commonplace as companies look to meet stringent sector requirements on hygiene. However, such practices can prove detrimental to production line components, not least the bearings that provide motion in critical machinery, equipment and systems. Here, spraying with hot steam, high-pressure water jets or very strong cleaning agents can cause two principal problems: foreign objects entering the bearings; and lubricant being washed out of the bearings. For these reasons, NSK offers a comprehensive range of Molded-Oil bearings that is purpose-designed to deliver extended operating life in harsh food industry environments.

1st June 2018

Optimising repeatability and efficiency through automation

The roots of craft brewing come from experimentation and a creative process throughout which the brewer is closely involved with all aspects of the brew such as ingredients, timing and process variables. This hands-on and artisanal aspect of the process is what put the "Craft" in craft brewing and as such the idea of relinquishing control of any of the steps through automation tends to come with a stigma of losing that craft nature in the final product.

29th May 2018

Potential applications of high-performance polymers in forklifts

To avoid machine downtime, it is important to use robust and long-lasting machine elements. Here, self-lubricating and maintenance-free high-performance plastics from igus show their advantages. Using industrial forklifts as an example, the areas where motion plastics from igus can be used are highlighted.

23rd May 2018

Slip rings use CC-Link IE for gigabit data transfer

Conductix-Wampfler has chosen CC-Link IE open gigabit Ethernet to provide a high-performance connection system for its range of slip rings. Traditionally used to provide continuous power and data communication to equipment mounted on a rotating assembly, the slip rings have been developed to help new and existing machinery enter the Industry 4.0 era with high-speed data connectivity.

23rd May 2018

Backlash-free shaft couplings in machines for dÃ©cor printing

The company Rotodecor is one of the world's leading manufacturers for gravure printing, varnishing and special machines for the dÃ©cor printing and packaging sector. All machines are equipped with a sophisticated and high-precision power transmission. When selecting an appropriate coupling, the company therefore also relies on the backlash-free and high-performance ROBA-DS disk pack couplings by mayr power transmission for the accurate transmission of torques.

22nd May 2018

I/O connectors with integrated surge protection save space

Modern highly automated production plants rely on industrial connectors for the supply of energy, the communication of data and, above all else, the reliable and efficient transmission of signals from measuring, control and regulation technology. Here, transmission quality depends on the performance of both the key interconnection devices for inputs and outputs in the central electrical control cabinet and the protective devices applied within signal circuits.

21st May 2018

NSK solves repeat failures of machine tool spindle bearings

NSK has resolved the issue of repeated spindle bearing failures on four CNC machining centres at the plant of an automotive industry supplier. Having identified the root cause of why the spindle bearings were failing every two weeks, the facility is now enjoying savings of EUR32,880 per annum.

18th May 2018