This month we have more on machine safety standards - see 'Useful resources' below - but, meanwhile, I have a question for all of you readers, whether you are a machine builder, system integrator, component supplier or end user. How can people who buy machines be persuaded to spend a little more on energy-efficiency measures that will reduce the cost of ownership?

It seems that many of the people placing orders for machines are still primarily interested in the initial purchase price, and the operating costs are viewed as somebody else's problem. But spending slightly more for an energy-efficient machine could reduce running costs such that the extra capital expenditure is recovered in less than a year.

So come on, tell me what arguments - or other methods of persuasion - work best for you? Please email me at editor@machinebuilding.net.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Bryant TuffCore conveyor pulleys reduce weight and cost
R. A. Rodriguez is introducing patent-pending Bryant TuffCore conveyor pulleys that reduce weight and cost without compromising performance. More?

W9-3 photoelectric proximity sensors offer exceptional performance
Sick's new photoelectric sensors are extremely rugged, have a range of up to 800mm and background suppression that is claimed to be the best possible. More?

Omron OS32C laser scanners are compact and user-friendly
These laser scanners are said to be the smallest on the market, and the sensor module can be replaced without disturbing the I/O or configuration settings. More?

Valueline Industrial PCs available in 200,000 configurations
Phoenix Contact's new Valueline Industrial PCs are offered with a choice of processor, optional touch displays and PCI extension modules. More?

HSL Machinery Safety Clinics provide project-specific advice
The HSL is now offering fixed-price Machinery Safety Clinics that cover preparation, an hour's consultation and the provision of project-specific advice. More?

EVENTS

Ingenious ways to remove cost from products
Visit this month's FAST and IASE shows to find out how the latest fastening and adhesives technologies can boost your competitiveness. More?

Dates and venues for University Certificate in Machinery Safety
This month Laidler Associates will be running week-long University courses in machinery safety and electrical safety, plus one-day functional safety seminars. More?

Paper industry conference to focus on health and safety
Pilz is sponsoring the CPI's Biennial Health and Safety Conference, and will also exhibit safety products, systems and services for the paper industry. More?

SPONSORED ANNOUNCEMENTS

See Lee Spring at FAST and Cibus Tec in October 2011
During October Lee Spring will be exhibiting at the FAST show in the UK and at Cibus Tec in Parma, Italy. More?

Lenze automation system boosts packaging output by 20 per cent
By upgrading to automation components from Lenze, Waechter has raised the throughput of a packaging machine from 25 to 30 cartons per minute. More?

Aluminium machine guards - comprehensive range and service
MiniTec offers an extensive range of components for aluminium machine guards, plus it provides any level of service and support required. More?

Smart camera checks barcodes, 2D codes and characters
Stemmer Imaging has introduced the compact BOA IDR auto identification camera for checking barcodes, 2D matrix codes, text and graphics. More?

Latest-generation pressure transducers enhance performance
Gems Sensors & Controls explains the benefits of pressure transducers featuring extreme sensitivity and sophisticated electronics. More?

Data recorder eliminates the need for a separate PC
HBM's new CX22W data recorder provides local storage for measurement data, so there is no need to connect the standalone DAQ system to a PC. More?

Miniature internal gear pumps with integral controls
The MZR series micro-annular internal gear pumps feature integral drives and controls to deliver precise, accurate, pulse-free flows from a compact package. More?

DAILY DILBERT

How to be more creative
This week we are introduced to the 'ideationista' - and Wally proposes replacing 99 per cent of engineers with... [wait for Thursday - Ed]. More?

USEFUL RESOURCE

Machine tool safety standards
Two resources this month, in the form of machine tool safety standard reviews: BS EN 13128, for milling machines, and BS EN ISO 23125, for turning machines.

Jonathan Severn
Editor

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