Machine Building

HBM load cells in LGC Automation weighing/packaging machines

When LGC Automation in France decided to develop its weighing and packaging machines, fitting a weight sensor which incorporated PW20i load cells from HBM was the obvious answer.

11th July 2017

igus gives articulated arm to the University of Southampton

As part of its YES (Young Engineers Support) programme, igus has backed many universities for several years with free engineering advice and products - supporting university teams participating in the Eurobot challenge is one such programme. The winning team of the Eurobot UK final are from the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment at the University of Southampton, which received a robolink articulated robotic arm from igus.

7th July 2017

ESAB welding and cutting kit provides versatility for sculptures

ESAB welding and cutting equipment is renowned for its quality, reliability and versatility, and these are all characteristics that have been greatly appreciated by Julien Allegre, a French sculptor who uses predominantly recycled metals for his breathtaking sculptures that have been exhibited in galleries throughout Europe, as well as in the USA and South Korea.

5th July 2017

Distribution board helps keep divers' pressure stable

AK Air condensation-free IP65-rated distribution boards from Spelsberg have proven themselves on one of the world's most demanding applications, decompression chambers for deep sea divers.

4th July 2017

PROFI-enabled interlock gate switch for brick and tile plants

Brick, block and tile manufacturing plants are notorious for their dusty, arduous environments and high-vibration machinery. This plays havoc with traditional safety interlocks, routinely causing tripping faults. To overcome this problem, Fortress Interlocks has developed its PROFI-enabled amGardpro interlock gate switch with built-in machine control technology, built to withstand the most strenuous conditions. With a locking force of 10,000N, the PROFI-enabled switch eliminates virtually all nuisance tripping faults, making amGardpro the most robust networked safety interlock on the market.

3rd July 2017

Repeatable product testing with UR3 robot & Robotiq gripper

As part of its continued investment in product development, Edinburgh-headquartered Zonal Retail Data Systems has introduced a robotic arm to aid R&D and ensure the company meets the highest demands in product testing. Selected for its nimble movement and adaptable configuration, Zonal opted for a Universal Robot UR3 table-top robotic arm and Robotiq 2-finger adaptive gripper supplied by RARUK Automation.

30th June 2017

Automatic lubrication system prevents unplanned downtime at BMW

A downtime of several hours of the painting facility's large fan was no longer acceptable for BMW. The objective was to improve the machine's availability by means of an optimised lubricant supply and reduce the maintenance outlay at the same time.

28th June 2017

Reliable couplings, clutches and brakes for top-class sports

Whether the Football World Cup, the Olympic Games or the Four Hills Ski Jumping Tournament - mayr brakes and clutches are live on scene, ensuring reliable machine movements in front of and behind the scenes. The company also provides systems for high-tech test stands in the field of motorsports, which are specially tailored to the high demands in this sector.

27th June 2017

Mitutoyo delivers precision for seal manufacturer

When CDK Seals won an order for the production of metal components from a new aerospace customer, the manufacturer of seals for the food, pharmaceutical and petrochemical sectors had to employ new production equipment and methods. Historically, the Yeovil manufacturer has produced its seals on specialist machines from a variety of PTFE composites; however, the new £100,000+ order required a 3-part assembly with steel, ally-bronze and PTFE.

27th June 2017

Energy chains manage on-board cables and hoses

Popular on ships where dynamic positioning operations take place - such as during the installation of sea-based wind turbines - an azimuth thruster is a configuration of marine propellers that can be rotated 360 degrees around the vertical axis. The unit provides propulsion, steering and positioning thrust for much better manoeuvrability compared to the traditional fixed propeller and rudder system. Retractable thrusters can be retracted into the hull when not in use, thereby reducing the ship's drag.

22nd June 2017