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 versatile 1500 Series enclosure from CamdenBoss is suitable for wall and corner mounting due to its unique shape and purpose built 45 degree angle mounting bracket.
Machine Building Videos
Plain guides interchangeable with recirculating ball bearing guides
Being able to interchange between different suppliers can be priceless when looking for replacements. The drylin T range from Igus is an exact replacement for other linear guides, with the same dimensions and same hole positions; but the drylin T slides instead of rolls.
Stop unplanned downtime with pre-warning of failures
Downtime costs money. To help prevent this Igus has the i-cee:plus and you can see for yourself how simple and easy to system is in this video.
1500 Series wall and corner mounting enclosure
The versatile 1500 Series enclosure from CamdenBoss is suitable for wall and corner mounting due to its unique shape and purpose built 45 degree angle mounting bracket.
Igus components making your ride more comfortable
When you think of car seat, you probably don’t think of the components designed and used within the mechanism of that seat. Why would you?
Igus e-chains bring smooth motion to Mercedes simulator
Igus e-chains are used in a host of interesting applications, and in a new video the company shows them being used to move a Mercedes simulator in a smooth and uninterrupted way. Adding the smart plastics technology also helps eliminate unplanned downtime, saving the customer money.
Pick and place applications with low-cost robotics
Robotic pick and place applications are becoming increasingly popular within companies wanting to automate processes. These could be anything from simple movements to complex actions, but fundamentally they all need the same thing: to be smooth running. In this new video you can see how Igus products ranging from energy chains to linear gantries all work in harmony linked with the iRC, Igus Robot control. With an overhead camera mounted, this allows the software to accurately control the machines movements.
Events and Webinars
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.
maxon in the driving seat
Drive Technology Insight Day lined up with partner Harmonic Drive UK
Featured Machine Builder
6 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
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
Contrinex celebrates its 50th anniversary

2 days ago

A full programme to inspire, inform and entertain

2 days ago

Maxon’s Drive Technology Insight day is a great success

2 days ago

Nord Drivesystems exhibits at ‘all about automation’ 2022

3 days ago

TÜV Süd certifies Pilz product development as safe and secure

3 days ago

Enclosures provide safety and ease of use for laser interlocks

3 days ago

Camozzi launches new UK short form catalogue

4 days ago

NSK roller guides increase uptime of blow moulding machines

5 days ago

Design your future at Design Engineering Expo 2022

5 days ago

Tray handling system gently handles medical-use glass cartridges

5 days ago

WDS reinforces stock availability with production machine upgrade

6 days ago

Bostik present details of new 2K cyanoacrylate prototype

6 days ago

Virtual factory and showroom tours provide access to best practices

1 week ago

Food-safe, tribo-optimised coating increases packaging throughput

1 week ago

Unlocking the benefits of micromotors at Design Engineering Expo

1 week ago

Advanced Engineering partners with SMMT and ADS

1 week ago

Telford based supplier has a handle on Truckman Tops

1 week ago

Digital appraisal service reveals energy saving opportunities

1 week ago

BCN3D and Henkel announce collaboration on VLM technology

1 week ago

Whitepaper details how smart sensors enable the Intelligent IoT

1 week ago

New liquid dispenser to shake up lab automation

1 week ago

Image processing as a key technology for Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory

1 week ago

RS demonstrates commitment to innovation in British manufacturing

2 weeks ago

Klüber Lubrication awarded Gold for sustainability

2 weeks ago

Free motor evaluation service highlights untapped efficiency potential

2 weeks ago

Moving from automated to autonomous production

2 weeks ago

Stober’s One Cable Solution (OCS) wins Product of the Year award

2 weeks ago

New website is an essential resource centre for fastening and assembly

2 weeks ago

SolutionsPT highlighted as EMEA Partner of the Year from Claroty

2 weeks ago

Farnell signs new distribution agreement with Kunbus

2 weeks ago

Greene Tweed recognised at Manufacturing Leadership Awards

2 weeks ago

Learn about AI in food and farm automation at IDS web session

2 weeks ago

New production technology creates superior metal enclosures

3 weeks ago

WDS expands UK production capacity to increase stock holding

3 weeks ago

Nord presents drive solutions for intralogstics at LogiMAT

3 weeks ago

Bespoke AI technique delivers ‘utopian’ vision of product presentation

3 weeks ago

RARUK Automation wins European partner of the year award from Robotiq

3 weeks ago

Nord Drivesystems highlights drive solutions for the meat industry

3 weeks ago

Stratus wins Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork Ecosystem Award

3 weeks ago

New Products
2 days ago
Rockwell Automation delivers smarter drive capabilities
Rockwell Automation is expanding the PowerFlex AC variable frequency drive portfolio to support a broader range of motor control applications. This will give customers more flexibility, performance and intelligence in their next generation drive.
2 days ago
The benefits of overmoulded solenoid valve connectors
Solenoid valve connectors from Atam are now available with control circuits providing additional tangible benefits to OEM design engineers and end customers’ maintenance engineers.
2 days ago
Condition monitoring device for predictive maintenance of heaters
Omron has launched the K7TM condition monitor for heater equipment used especially in automotive and FMCG industries. The K7TM visualises deterioration tendencies to enable predictive maintenance and contributes to the realisation of a carbon-free society.
2 days ago
‘Smart’ profile sensors for simple inline testing and control
The latest ‘smart’ profile sensors now available from Baumer are designed to be the most compact and easy-to-use 2D multi-tool measuring device, with no easier way to implement inline quality control.
3 days ago
A new generation of enhanced projected capacitive touch solutions
Review Display Systems (RDS) has announced the availability of a new generation of projected capacitive (PCAP) touchscreens from leading touch solutions specialist AMT.
3 days ago
High performance, compact design and integrated Industrial Ethernet
Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon continues the development of its optoNCDT 1900 series of laser triangulation sensors with the addition of the optoNCDT 1900-EtherCAT.
3 days ago
Accuracy and reliability in tough environments
Distributed in the UK by Inmoco, Celera’s Lintran linear position transducer is designed for applications where electrical contacts or optical transducers would prove unreliable.
4 days ago
Material-handling solutions for the food and pharmaceutical industries
Interroll is expanding its existing product offering of conveyor solutions for additional industries with the launch of new platform technologies that meet stringent hygienic requirements.
4 days ago
See, understand and evaluate AI Vision
Can manufacturers increase transparency and lower entry barriers? Or are AI methods rather a game for start-ups? Spoiler: in machine vision, there are solutions available for industrial use.
4 days ago
Enclosure gaskets to fit frame edges available ex-stock and online
Clip-on profiles now available from the FDB Online store combine the characteristics of edge protection profiles and sealing profiles.
4 days ago
Robot alignment software increasing electronics manufacturing speed
ABB Robotics says its new High Speed Alignment software is the first to offer manufacturers the ability to increase the speed of 6-axis robots by 70 percent, and accuracy by 50 percent – significantly reducing time-to-market while increasing accuracy levels.
5 days ago
Double-sheet detection sensors from Contrinex
Contrinex claims its innovative double-sheet detection sensors offer double-sheet detection at a drastically reduced price to other solutions.
5 days ago
Real-time monitoring of robots planned with gear-specific data
Nabtesco is working on solutions for real-time monitoring of robots by means of digital gear models with the goal of providing predictive maintenance for maximum cost effectiveness and robot availability.
6 days ago
Emka smart lock management for Sichert outdoor cabinets
Thanks to Emka, Sichert outdoor enclosures can now be locked mechanically without a physical key, increasing security but without compromising aesthetics.
6 days ago
Live demonstrations on multi-axis precision motion systems
PI’s booth at the 2022 Robotics Summit featured new applications for high precision 6-axis stages based on hexapod parallel kinematic robots and gantries (cartesian linear robots).
6 days ago
Festo pneumatic robot heralds new era of human-robot collaboration
What if there was a robot that was easy to operate, did not require a safety fence and was also attractively priced? That would introduce a whole new era in human-robot collaboration. Festo says this new era is now dawning – with the world’s first pneumatic robot.
6 days ago
Tough enclosures for desktop and wall-mount electronics
Electronics designers are specifying Metcase’s tough UNIDESK aluminium enclosures for desktop and wall-mount applications too challenging for plastic housings.
6 days ago
Simplified gripper configuration and integration processes
The task of configuring bespoke vacuum gripper systems, which will meet the specific requirements of individual applications has never been easier, thanks to the comprehensive Digital Configuration Services now offered by industry leader Schmalz.
1 week ago
IFM takes conductivity sensing to the next level
The new LDL101 conductivity sensor from IFM Electronic accurately measures conductivity levels as low as 0.04 µS/cm, as well as offering high resolution that allows even small deviations from target values to be detected reliably.
1 week ago
Linear position sensors gain from design optimisation
Novotechnik has announced design improvements for one of its oldest and most produced linear potentiometer position sensors, the LWH series.
1 week ago
Improving safety and increasing uptime in hazardous applications
Emerson’s TopWorxTM DX PST units with HART 7 provide valuable valve data and diagnostic information, enabling the digital transformation of process applications.
1 week ago
Vacuum pumps offer intelligent networking of pump and process
Atlas Copco says its new GHS 1402-2002 VSD+ series of vacuum pumps have a new design for better performance, optimal oil separation, a smaller footprint and a new controller which puts the customer in gear for Industry 4.0.
1 week ago
SKF food-grade bearing sets high standards in hygienic design
A new ball bearing from SKF, with food-grade grease and an integral seal, requires no relubrication – which helps maintain both machine performance and hygiene standards.
1 week ago
New modular flow sorting system is fast, flexible and energy efficient
Fath Components has announced the arrival of its Flowsort automated diverting units, said to herald a new era of affordable, flexible sorting in conveying, handling and logistics.
1 week ago
Compact and reliable metal frame power supplies
Idec has introduced a new line of products to its power supply family with its PS3V Series. These switching power supplies are said to provide an excellent price/performance ratio and build upon the previous generation’s reputation for reliability and functionality, while adding new features like push-in connections for simplified installation.
1 week ago
Inductive sensors rated for high pressures
Contrinex HIGH-Pressure rated Inductive sensors can operate at a peak pressure of 1,000 bar and sense at up to 3mm, ensuring reliable, accurate sensing in the most demanding pneumatic and hydraulic applications.
1 week ago
FO couplings and pigtails from Phoenix Contact
New couplings and pigtails extend the fibre optics (FO) range from Phoenix Contact. The company says the couplings and pigtails are particularly well-suited for splice boxes and other distributors.
1 week ago
New multi-axis and single-axis motion controllers with EtherCat
New controllers from PI optimise the performance of linear stages, rotary stages, and gantry robots, equipped with direct-drive servo motors, stepper motors, and voice-coil motors.
2 weeks ago
New multi-axis servo drive provides performance control up to 750W
Trio Motion Technology has launched a multi-axis servo drive to provide precision motion coordination for space critical, lower power machines up to 750W.
2 weeks ago
Cure your components with high intensity LED UV light
To help manufacturers boost production speed, consistency, and reliability with LED UV curing, adhesives specialist Intertronics has introduced the new Dymax BlueWave FX-1250 LED UV Curing Flood Lamp to its range.
2 weeks ago
New feature for predictive maintenance is simple to implement
Stober has developed a new feature for the predictive maintenance of its geared motors that needs no additional sensors, cables, software, or other hardware components.
2 weeks ago
Dispensing single-component thermal interface materials
Nordson Electronics Solution introduces a system-solution for dispensing single-component (1K) thermal interface materials by integrating the ASYMTEK Helios SD-960 Series fluid dispensing platform with the new FS-EP1 fluid supply/feeding system one-gallon pail pump.
2 weeks ago
Condensation-free distribution board enclosure suited to outdoor use
Spelsberg says its AK Air condensation-free enclosure for electrical distribution boards is increasingly gaining prominence for outdoor use, in addition to indoor installation.
2 weeks ago
Servo motors are powerful solutions when the going gets tough
Demanding tasks that require high torque are the servo motor’s primary discipline, and KEB says its DL4 servo motors set new performance standards for power while being particularly flexible in their connection to machine designs.
2 weeks ago
Tool-free cabling with M12 Push-Lock connectors
Confined spaces and customised cable lengths are becoming increasingly common when it comes to the cabling of machines and systems. Whether for signal, data, or power transmission, the Phoenix Contact M12 Push-Lock connectors designed for assembly enable easy and reliable conductor connection.
2 weeks ago
EtherCAT delivers performance for machine builders
As the popularity of EtherCAT rises, Carlo Gavazzi has launched an additional IIoT device to its range of NRG solid state relays.
2 weeks ago
Lead screws and lubrication-free lead screw nuts achieve 82% efficiency
Igus has refined the classic trapezoidal thread, achieving, it says, a 30% service life extension – a huge increase for a well-established mechanical part.
2 weeks ago
Looking at the full picture
Schaeffler has expanded its food programme to include the corrosion-resistant, sealed standard deep groove ball bearings, which are supplied with an initial application of lubricants produced to food industry standards.

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