Machine Building

Investment in PSL Datatrack during new start for Newtech

In early 2017, Newtech High Speed Turning Ltd (Newtech) decided to move to better premises at their base in Kirkby, Liverpool. It seemed the right time for the company owners to finally invest in PSL Datatrack production control software. "It had been on the cards for a while," says Director Alan Riley, "and with the relocation we knew it was the right time to make the investment. I wish we had made it years ago!"

29th November 2017

SKF delivers its largest sealed spherical roller bearing

SKF's Gothenburg factory has produced the company's largest sealed spherical roller bearing (SRB) to date. The '241/900' SRB is 50 per cent larger and three times heavier than the previous largest SKF sealed SRB.

28th November 2017

Rittal's new laser machining centre to transform productivity

In a UK first, Runcorn and Ewloe-based electrical engineering firm, LCA Controls, has switched its control panel operations from manual production to laser-machining. The move is expected to transform its productivity and efficiency.

28th November 2017

Two UR10 robots speed up in-mould labelling process

New Zealand-based plastic manufacturer, Talbot Technologies, combines plastic thermoforming and injection moulding technologies to deliver a wide range of high-quality products. In the past, the company relied heavily on manual handling of products. However, due to the rapid growth of the company production had to be streamlined. Having tried a fixed rail robot for the complex in-mould labelling process with little success, Talbot Technologies realised that they needed a more versatile solution.

27th November 2017

PRT2 Track System for high-performance digital printing

Till GmbH, Germany, develop and manufacture specialised digital printing machines for the drinks industry. Their most recent development is the SmartPrint digital print machine, which is capable of printing directly onto 3D containers without requiring a label. The system is the most powerful in their range and is currently being developed in Kelkheim, Germany, before delivery to customers. The SmartPrint process is fully automated and can be adapted batch by batch, offering the ability to print a variety of motifs on regular and contoured containers. The printing process can therefore be tailored to the precise needs of individual customers, which reduces costs and capital commitments. These conditions, however, place certain technical requirements on the production process.

27th November 2017

Precision tension measurement boosts throughput and quality

TTS Systems was recently asked by a customer to solve the following problem: measure the tension in a 25mm-wide tape as it is wound onto a specially shaped production mandrel; in addition, the tension must be varied as the component is wound.

24th November 2017

Variable speed drive eliminates grinder stoppages

Regular stoppages of a grinder used in the production of animal feed have been eliminated with the installation of an ABB variable speed drive (VSD) to control the input of ingredients.

24th November 2017

Micro-Epsilon sensors help successful run of BLOODHOUND SSC

BLOODHOUND SSC reached a major milestone in October, as it made its first public run at the Aerohub in Newquay. However, the event wasn't just about driving the car successfully down the runway and showing it to spectators; it was also about testing the car and putting it through its paces, in particular, testing of hundreds of on-vehicle sensors that they were performing correctly under such extreme operating conditions.

23rd November 2017

SKF and Scotrenewables partner to advance floating tidal power

SKF's Scotland based Ocean Energy team has been on board with Scotrenewables Tidal Power Limited (Scotrenewables) from the very beginning, including collaboration in the design work on the company's very first small-scale hydrokinetic prototype. SKF divisional companies have since played an important role in the world-beating SR2000 turbine development project.

22nd November 2017

Bearings from igus help mapping specialist capture world in 3D

3D Laser Mapping (3DLM) is a cutting-edge innovator, specialising in technology to help capture all terrains in 3D. From environmental monitoring software to laser scanning systems, the company's technology supports the delivery of data across a range of industries including mining, urban infrastructure, geohazards and the emergency services.

22nd November 2017