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Talking to both machine builders and suppliers at last week's Machine Building & Automation show gave me an (unscientific) insight into current trends in this market. Whether you are a machine builders or supplier, I would be interested to hear whether you agree or disagree with these trends, or if you feel there are others worth highlighting.
- More demand for added-value services from suppliers.
- Shorter machine cycle times (necessitating lighter parts with lower inertia).
- Machines (and components) that exhibit less noise and vibration.
- Greater use of in-process checks during automated assembly.
- Automated imaging systems being used in more sophisticated ways (eg taking measurements for use in statistical process control systems).
- An increasing emphasis on the cost of ownership rather than just the price of machines.
- A greater awareness of the need to comply with safety regulations and standards (though not necessarily with the knowledge of how to do so).
You can email your views to me at
EDITOR'S CHOICE
 Slewing ring bearings are more compact and cost-effective
Igus has developed a second-generation slewing ring whose simplified design offers several advantages over its predecessor and alternative types. More?
 Integrated pick-and-place unit - Schunk launches PPU-E30
This compact unit incorporates everything you need (apart from gripper fingers) for an all-in-one, high-speed, high-accuracy pick-and-place module. More?
 Miniature linear servo motors now in a larger size
EMS is offering the Faulhaber LM 2070 series linear DC servomotors that are larger (20x28x70mm), more powerful (27N) variants of this type of mini actuator. More?
 Mid-range linear slides are simple to install
Thinking Space Systems says the new Kanya slides are a lower-cost alternative to linear bearings yet they offer advantages over drawer slides. More?
 Industrial USB connectors feature locking mechanism
Tyco is launching industrial USB (type A) connectors with an integrated locking mechanism - and they are compatible with standard USB sockets. More?
EVENTS
 User Conference: Profibus, Profinet, ProfiEnergy and ProfiSafe
This event will have technical papers, presentations from users, hands-on workshop sessions and an area for vendors to showcase their latest products. More?
 Seminars at Drives & Controls and co-located shows
Next month's shows are complemented by an extensive programme of seminars covering everything from safety to energy efficiency and business issues. More?
SPONSORED ANNOUNCEMENTS
 EcoShape tubular framing system joins round to square sections
Bosch Rexroth's EcoShape modular tubular framing system makes it quicker to build workstations, material shuttles, flow racks and similar structures. More?
 Robotics webcast series explains the latest technologies
National Instruments is running a four-part webcast series from 24-28 May that will cover new robotics technologies and applications. More?
 CE services help machine builders comply with legislation
CE marking expertise from Pilz consultants can benefit people building or modifying machinery, as well as those importing machinery from non-EU countries. More?
 Festo unveils new concept in compliant robotics
Inspired by nature, Festo's new robotic manipulator concept is designed to be strong yet compliant so that it can be used safely alongside humans. More?
 How to select an infrared temperature sensor
Read an introduction to the key criteria and request a copy of 'The Basics of Non-Contact Temperature Measurement.' More?
 Absolute encoders are central to success of theatrical effects
Heidenhain absolute encoders are used extensively in systems for moving sets, scenery, people and objects accurately and safely around theatre stages. More?
SITE HIGHLIGHT
Newsletter archive
Recent newsletters have covered a variety of important topics relating to machinery safety. If you did not see the newsletters when they were first published, take a look at the archive now or use the left-hand menu item from any page on the website.
DAILY DILBERT
A new Dilbert cartoon strip every day
Take a look at our Daily Dilbert cartoon - or set it to be your browser's Home page so you never miss the latest instalment. More?
Jonathan Severn
Editor
Andrew Turner
Sales Manager
Telephone: +44 (0) 1483 560314 |
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