Machine Building

Six-axis robot turns 3D printing into an art form

A project at the Centre for Fine Print Research (CFPR) is looking at 3D printing from a totally different angle - where the emphasis is placed on meaningful expression, rather than the accurate reproduction of digital data. A flexible Mitsubishi Electric MELFA RV-7FLM articulated arm industrial robot is at the centre of the project.

17th November 2017

Safety for man and machine

Experience, tradition and passion - these values ensure the five-star quality at the five-brother company Bühler Bedachungen und Bauspenglerei from Romanshorn in Switzerland, a business specialising in roofing and architectural sheet metal. Quality is the top priority for the family business - particularly when it comes to selecting its partners and suppliers. Among these is the Swiss company Jorns AG, which supplied the new double bending machine, model TP-150G-RH-UV-SL-1250-CP200-6.4-mp, including safety concept for the architectural sheet metal area as well as the manufacturer for optical sensors, which ensures the corresponding safety at work for man and machine, Leuze electronic.

17th November 2017

Integrated drive speeds up assembly of rebar bending machines

Looking for ways to improve their machines' usability and to economise on manufacturing costs, Swedish company Comeco decided to launch a new line of rebar benders with electric drives instead of hydraulics. Nord Drivesystems supported the company from the early planning phase through to production, configuring an AC vector drive with an integrated PLC that controls all machine functions. The current system is simpler, more robust, and easier to maintain. In addition to substantial savings for procured parts, the assembly time was halved.

16th November 2017

Non-contact torque transducer used on powertrain test rig

A wireless rotary torque transducer from Sensor Technology Ltd is at the heart of a test rig to develop next-generation technologies for electric and hybrid vehicle powertrains. With expertise in the electric motors and electronics used across the key powertrain technologies, AVID Technology relies on the innovative torque transducer as part of an automated approach to motor characterisation.

16th November 2017

The many benefits of thermal imaging for biofuel fire prevention

The growth in the use of biofuels to generate power has led to an important new application for infrared monitoring. Common biofuel sources such as forestry waste and wood chips are stored in massive heaps but the big problem with these organic materials is the danger of self-combustion. Left unchecked an outbreak of fire can lead to huge production losses and clean-up costs. To mitigate this risk, many facilities are turning to thermal imaging as a cost-effective and efficient method of early fire detection and prevention.

15th November 2017

Modular cable feed system from igus for safe shore power supply

In order to reduce the CO2, NOx, SOx and fine-particle emissions from the ship's engines while docked in port, more and more energy supplies are being provided directly from the shore. To manage these cables safely, igus has developed an alternative to traditional cable feed systems, the e-chain dispenser, which has already been successfully installed near Bergen, Norway.

15th November 2017

Vibration monitoring and analysis helps prolong equipment life

Schaeffler is providing route-based condition monitoring services to a cement works in Buxton, Derbyshire. By analysing the vibration data from a range of critical plant and equipment at the site, Schaeffler is able to detect damage to components such as rolling bearings and gears early, therefore reducing costly, unplanned downtime and prolonging the life of the equipment.

13th November 2017

Sensor Technology keeps hydraulic projects on course

Innovative TorqSense wireless sensors from Sensor Technology are playing an important role in new product development for Hydraulic Projects Limited (Hy-Pro), one of the UK's leading developers and suppliers of hydraulic drive units for marine steering and autopilot systems.

10th November 2017

Festo automation helps commercial production of battery modules

The trend for electric vehicles is clear, with many countries and manufacturers looking to adopt electric and hybrid drive technologies for future car propulsion. For example, Volvo has announced that it is switching from 100 per cent reliance upon the internal combustion engine to electric based propulsion. The recently completed London Taxi Company factory will be producing electric taxis, supported by a government funded network of charging points. In Europe, France has announced it wants all cars sold after 2040 to be electric.

10th November 2017

Renishaw vacuum casting technology accelerates innovation

Renishaw has collaborated with designer and manufacturer of automatic juicers, Zumex, to facilitate a faster development cycle and cut third party costs. Renishaw supplied a 5/01 PLC vacuum casting machine, as well as tailored machine training, so that Zumex could produce prototypes for its innovative juicer designs faster than ever before.

9th November 2017