Machine Building News and Information
MachineBuilding.net publishes news and information about suppliers, products and systems for machine building. The website and newsletter are invaluable resources for machine builders and system integrators working on one-off machines, special-purpose machinery, series machines, industrial automation and engineered equipment.

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Brexit Update: UK Designated Standards for Machinery
Dated 1 January 2021, the UK Government published a consolidated list of Standards for Machinery, supporting the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (S.I 2008/1597). You can view it by clicking on the link above to access MachineBuilding’s unique Guide. At some point in 2022, the EU will publish updates to the current Machinery Directive and this will also be available here.
Free Guide to the Machinery Directive
The latest edition (January 2021) of our Guide to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC has been published and contains updated information for machine builders.
Free Guide to Food & Beverage Industry Machine Design
Now published is the MachineBuilding.net Guide to Food & Beverage Industry Machine Design. You can download a free copy here.
Daily Dilbert Cartoon
MachineBuilding.net has a daily Dilbert cartoon. And if you miss any, you can scroll back through the Dilbert archives.
Video of the Month
The ELC 100 safety light curtains from Leuze focus on the essentials when safeguarding points of operation. For applications with an operating range of up to six metres, the robust devices are perfect for cost-effective machine designs.
Machine Building Videos
ELC 100 safety light curtains from Leuze
The ELC 100 safety light curtains from Leuze focus on the essentials when safeguarding points of operation. For applications with an operating range of up to six metres, the robust devices are perfect for cost-effective machine designs.
Axis Harvesting and Igus automate mushroom harvesting
Automating production is becoming the focus of many companies and Axis Harvesting is no exception. From weighing to packaging the punnets, automation helps alongside humans to process over 90 tonnes of mushrooms per week.
Precise, reliable detection of marks and colour contrast
Sensing and instrumentation specialist Baumer’s new range of OC50 / OC60 contrast and luminescence sensors provide reliable and precise detection of minute and invisible print marks even at very fast speeds thanks to low jitter>7µs.
Igus highlights why e-skin flat is ideal for cleanrooms
The modular e-skin flat was developed by Igus especially for cleanrooms and for applications with limited space.
What happens when all products group align?
With Igus having so many product groups across the company, it is amazing to see how they can all work together in perfect harmony.
Unlock the gateway to the future of factory automation
Bosch Rexroth has posted a video providing a tour of its stand at the 2022 Hannover Messe. Here you can see how the company is unlocking the future of factory automation.
Events and Webinars
Industry 4.0 and the next generation of interconnects
Join Mouser and Amphenol for a brand-new webinar exploring the challenges of Industry 4.0 applications.
Safe radar and optoelectronic technologies for greater productivity
Pilz Automation Technology is continuing its series of free machinery safety webinars throughout 2022, and on 27 May it will introduce safe radar systems and optoelectronic sensor technology for greater productivity.
Understanding the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
Pilz is hosting a free webinar on 14 April 2022 covering the essentials of PUWER, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.
Understanding EN ISO 14119 – interlock devices
Pilz is hosting a free webinar, covering the essentials of safety with interlocking devices.
Featured Machine Builder
7 months ago
Design & Automation Solutions
Design & Automation Solutions was formed in 2012 by Chartered Mechanical Engineer Mick Stallwood to provide a “Concept to Completion” service for manufacturing businesses and research organisations
White Papers
White Paper addresses assembly challenges
Resolve assembly challenges instantly with Henkel’s new high performance LOCTITE 402, an innovative instant adhesive that also improves workplace safety. Download the all-new white paper here.
Technology report: More safety in harsh environments
3D safety systems provide a good option for reliably monitoring danger zones
Free Guide to mechanical power transmission couplings
A newly updated Guide from jbj Techniques provides engineers with a valuable insight into the considerations needed when specifying couplings for power transmission applications ranging from 12Nm to 7,200,000 Nm
White Paper: Industry 4.0 and the dual channel principle
Increasing digitisation is opening up new possibilities in automation technology
Latest News
Mouser Electronics receives TDK’s top distribution awards

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HVACR OEM relies on Emka locking technology

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LEM holds inauguration ceremony for new production plant

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ITI acquires digital manufacturing specialist Cimlogic

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Atlas Copco saves precision sheet metal manufacturer over £6,000 a month

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Timber plant reduces downtime with NSK linear guides

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Renishaw announces investment of over £50 million for UK site

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Manufacturing and Engineering Week opens its doors to innovation

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HepcoMotion apprentice raises awareness of disabilities

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Reliance achieves world first machining success

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Yamaha demonstrates the power of robot teamwork

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Telsonic UK doubles floorspace to meet demand

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Delta helps packaging manufacturer centralise control of facility

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Robot cell increases productivity in pneumatic valve assembly

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Omron’s Flexible Manufacturing Roadshow comes to the UK

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Reliable cable guiding on industrial robots

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RS recognises industrial players at annual awards event

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Emka locking technology suits international enclosure OEM

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Reliance supplies motion control parts to Malvern Panalytical

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Newly released white paper on conveyor guarding

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Pneumatic fluid control components support sustainability

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Fanuc to open dedicated new robotics facility in Ireland

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Neilson Hydraulics announced as Bosch Rexroth certified excellence partner

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Sorted feeding and item collection for mail order business

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Future-ready production through robotics and automation

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Automation know-how in 23 instalments

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Variable speed drives save energy on Archimedes’ screws

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Schneider Electric launches inaugural sustainability awards

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World first at Engineering Expo as Igus unveils urban bike

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Industrial camera manufacturer IDS celebrates 25th anniversary

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New Products
34 minutes ago
Modular system for automated industrial identification
With the new Thermomark E Series product family, Phoenix Contact is providing a new solution for simple and efficient industrial identification. For the first time, the system automatically combines the printing and application of markings in one process step, thus achieving time savings of 60 percent compared with carrying out the work steps manually.
2 hours ago
Ensure your machines go the distance
As sustainability moves towards the forefront of people's minds, the whole lifecycle of products comes under scrutiny, including manufacturing equipment – no matter the industry. Therefore as designers the importance of condition based maintenance has never been more prevalent.
23 hours ago
Pilz holistic solutions for secured access and secure data
In every company there are areas that need to be protected from unwanted access. However, it's important not only to protect the human from the machine, but also the machine from the human. As a result, it’s necessary to consider machinery safety and industrial security in equal measure.
1 day ago
Electrify your cylinders
There are many reasons why to switch from hydraulic cylinders to electromechanical cylinders. Heavy duty electromechanical cylinders ensure high linear speed even at high loads, precise control of positioning and accuracy, consistent speed and force, less energy consumption and lower installation costs.
1 day ago
Abssac delivers ready to fit precision lead screw and nut designs
Working together with its customers Abssac strives to reduce customer scrap rates by supplying ball and leadscrew solutions that fit directly into the application.
1 day ago
Maintenance-free urban bike is made from recycled plastics
Introducing the world’s first bicycle made from recycled plastic: a maintenance-free urban bike that is lubrication-free.
1 day ago
AC induction motors address the global chip shortage
Simple, standard applications are well served by AC induction motors, says Oriental Motor’s Paul Jepson. In this global chip shortage, the appeal of a chip-less motor with high IP ratings and low lead times has never been more apparent.
2 days ago
IFM releases new flow sensor for high-pressure applications
Designed specifically for accurate measurement of liquid flow rates in high-pressure applications, even if the flow rate is fluctuating rapidly, the new SBZ224 flow sensor from IFM Electronic is said to be ideal for monitoring and logging the performance of high-pressure cleaning systems.
2 days ago
Large DIY palletiser robot from Igus at a low price
Igus says its drylin XXL gantry robot is up to 60% cheaper than comparable robot solutions and is particularly easy to put into service, with free online configuration help.
2 days ago
Contactless monitoring of Igus cables in e-chains
Smart monitoring of bus and data cables from Igus has entered the next phase with the launch of the new i.Sense CF.D monitoring sensors.
2 days ago
Engineering software for control cabinet building
Phoenix Contact says its clipx Engineer software provides increased efficiency, with time and effort in the design process being reduced through the use of prefabricated projects.
2 days ago
Nord DuoDrive now with powers of up to 3 kW
The patented DuoDrive integrated gear unit/motor concept from in a hygienic wash-down design Nord Drivesystems is now available in power ranges of up to 3 kW.
2 days ago
Flexible design integration for clean in place servo motor
Kollmorgen’s AKMH servo motor for clean in place (CIP) applications now has an extended OEM integration capability with an increased range of design options available.
3 days ago
Aluminium handwheel range now includes solid dish design
WDS Components has extended its three spoke aluminium handwheel range, adding a solid wheel plus a two spoke design. The solid handwheels increase safety by removing the risk of finger trap.
3 days ago
High-resolution module for 3D depth sensing and vision systems
Analog Devices is claiming an industry first with a high-resolution, industrial quality, indirect Time-of-Flight (iToF) module for 3D depth sensing and vision systems.
3 days ago
Cool successor with sustainable DNA
Rittal is expanding its smart cooling unit solutions by adding the new Blue e+ S range. This latest generation of cooling units with their lower output categories of 300, 500, and 1,000 W have been designed for efficiency, ensuring a smaller footprint and lower costs.
3 days ago
Pinet hinges with parallelogram links from the FDB Online store
FDB Panel Fittings now offers concealed, internal hinges from Pinet with parallelogram links as typically used in small cabinets or wall-mounted enclosures.
4 days ago
Fronius launches CWC-S cobot welding cell
High acquisition costs for welding robots and professional programming expertise are at odds with small batch sizes, but the CWC-S cobot welding cell from Fronius provides a solution to this mismatch.
6 days ago
Closing the market gap between industrial camera and webcam
Unlike webcams from the consumer sector, the uEye XC from IDS is specially designed for industrial requirements. Its components score with long availability – a must for industrial applications.
1 week ago
One robot – endless possibilities
New from RARUK Automation is a series of automated transportation robots (AMRs) whose flexibility is greatly extended by the inclusion of a collaborative robot arm.
1 week ago
The diverse world of theatre and stage with Igus
Over the decades, Igus has helped keep theatres, stages and venues running by providing lubrication-free energy systems, maintenance-free linear systems and hard-wearing plain bearings for various areas of the industry.
1 week ago
Aerotech revolutionises motion control with Automation1
Aerotech has updated its Automation1 control platform, which comes with several new features in the current release 2.2.
1 week ago
IFM delivers reliable sensing where space is limited
The new OCF500 fibre-optic sensor modules from IFM Electronic provide a convenient and reliable solution to the problem of detecting small components and transparent targets in applications where conventional sensors cannot be used because of space restrictions or challenging operating conditions.
1 week ago
High-temperature seal increases productivity in semiconductor subfabs
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions launches its Isolast K-Fab seal designed to provide long-term sealing and increased productivity in high-temperature semiconductor subfab applications.
1 week ago
The complete 3D sensor portfolio for every industrial application
Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has further extended its 3D sensor portfolio to include four different sensor ranges that perform 3D measurements on a wide variety of target objects and surface types in industrial environments.
1 week ago
Low uncertainty for comparison measurements up to 20 MN
To help test houses and laboratories improve their measuring capabilities, Hottinger Brüel and Kjær (HBK) has launched the C5 reference force sensor range, which can be used for intercomparisons between calibration systems or as a reference transducer, for calibration machines with hydraulic force generation.
1 week ago
Quickly and safely find hidden issues in difficult-to-access locations
To enable the widest range of visual inspections, the Flir VS80 is designed as the most versatile and powerful videoscope in its class.
1 week ago
All-in-one connectivity for motor power, signal and data
TTI is now stocking the Intercontec M12 one cable technology (OTC) motor connectors from TE Connectivity.
2 weeks ago
Modular high-torque gears for heavy loads
Cycloidal gear specialist Nabtesco is expanding its Neco series of gears to include models that are dimensioned for heavy-duty applications.
2 weeks ago
The best solution for modern building technology
The PTI installation terminal blocks from Phoenix Contact are designed to facilitate the quick and space-saving configuration of building distribution boards.
2 weeks ago
What’s in the cloud for me?
Lots of people asking about the cloud and what is in it for them. Why should they use it, etc? Turck Banner managing director Tony Coghlan explains the fundamentals as they relate to manufacturing sites.
2 weeks ago
Saving energy with the right compressed air solution
Now is an opportune moment for energy-intensive organisations to take advantage of heat recovery, oil-free technology and digital analytics, says one of the industrial compressed air leaders, CompAir.
2 weeks ago
Accuracy made simple with precision signal chain platform
Analog Devices has introduced a precision narrow bandwidth signal chain platform that optimises system performance for signal bandwidths of DC to approximately 10kHz in industrial and instrumentation applications.
2 weeks ago
Kistler launches small joining module for low force applications
The new NCFE Type 2162A electromechanical joining module is designed specifically for applications where low joining forces between 2 and 5 kN are needed.
2 weeks ago
Redundancy for automation and critical Infrastructure
Delta has announced the immediate availability of its VTScada software, enabling manufacturers in many industries to implement redundant and complex infrastructures.
2 weeks ago
Automating battery production for e-mobility applications
Powerful batteries for electromobility applications are manufactured in highly automated processes. Numerous sensors using various measurement procedures ensure efficient control of machines and plants.
3 weeks ago
Pressure, level and temperature sensors with IO-Link protocol
PVL, a leading distributor of industrial automation, switches and sensors is pleased to announce the launch of a new range of IO-Link equipped sensors for deploying in Industry 4.0. systems.
3 weeks ago
Powertrain knowhow combined in the virtual and real world
With the launch of a new building block for automation, the Digital Hub Industry, Lenze CTO Frank Maier explores the possibilities of digitalisation for industrial applications.

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