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, the EU and UK will publish updates to the current Machinery Directive and this will also be available here.
Free Guide to the Machinery Directive
The latest edition 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.
Video of the Month
From design to serial production, Schurter produces PCAP touchscreens for use in the most demanding markets. At its high-end production facilities, the company produces small to large series of customised PCAP touchscreens.
Video highlights castors and wheels from Fath Components
Just released by Aldershot-based Fath Components is a short video describing selected wheels and castors drawn from the company’s extensive range.
Bosch turns to Igus for robotic cable protection
Using triflex energy chains from Igus, Bosch protects cables from damage on its robots while still maintaining the freedom of movement.
Schurter PCAP touchscreen solutions
From design to serial production, Schurter produces PCAP touchscreens for use in the most demanding markets. At its high-end production facilities, the company produces small to large series of customised PCAP touchscreens.
Unleash your engineering power through play with ‘enjoyneering’
The digital era is well and truly upon us and this year Igus introduces ‘enjoyneering’ as a term to encourage engineers to use more digital methods to help design and problem solving.
e-chains at work in various automotive applications
With the automotive industry being such a high cost per hour, it is vital that all machinery runs as smoothly as possible and with minimal maintenance. Energy chains from Igus have proved key.
Abssac bolsters its precision CNC machining services
Combining its expertise in lead screws with precision machining capability, Abssac works closely with customers to provide finished, ready-to-fit linear products that not only reduce their scrap rates, but also ensure that the lead screw and nut fit tolerances are maintained every time.
Educational programme announced for Manufacturing and Engineering Week
With just under two weeks until Manufacturing and Engineering Week 2023 and its centrepiece exhibitions open their doors on 7th and 8th of June at Birmingham’s NEC, the full educational programme has been announced.
Machinery safety legislation – upcoming changes and what they mean
The machinery safety landscape is ever evolving bringing with it a raft of changes to current legislation to cope with issues such as increasing digitisation and flexibility requirements. Pilz will host a webinar on 28 April from 9:30 am to 10:30 am to examine the latest changes to the machinery safety legislation.
Bringing industrial automation and robotics to life
Automation UK will run at the CBS Arena, Coventry, from 20-21 June, showcasing the latest products and services in this fast-fast-growing automation and robotics sector to visitors. It is poised to be one of the largest annual gatherings of industry experts under one roof in the UK.
The most comprehensive line-up of processing and packaging solutions
The UK’s largest event for processing equipment, packaging machinery, industrial robots and machine vision systems, the PPMA Show, returns to the NEC, Birmingham from 26-28 September 2023.
Spiers Engineering Safety publishes the ultimate guide to PUWER
Getting your head around PUWER inspections and PUWER planning can be difficult when you have many other things to be thinking about too. Spiers Engineering Safety has created the Ultimate Guide to PUWER which will walk you through the basics, and help you make informed decisions. This guide will also support learners working towards their Certified PUWER Assessor Qualification (CPA).
White paper sheds light on the challenges and solutions when using optical senso
A free-to-download white paper from sensing and instrumentation specialist Baumer considers all the challenges of why ambient light has such a significant influence on the performance of optical sensors and provides some practical solutions.
Traceability 4.0: The fundamental element of global manufacturing
Omron has produced a whitepaper looking to developments in traceability, highlighting how so called ‘Traceability 4.0’ connects digital and physical technology to optimise and improve yield.
Whitepaper explores traceability in the FMCG sector
Recognising how traceability has evolved due to the implementation of technology, Omron has produced a Whitepaper that explores the evolution of traceability and explains why the latest phase, Traceability 4.0, is not just about tracking products throughout the supply chain but also optimising productivity, quality and brand reputation within the manufacturing operation by tying product to process parameters.
Wave of new product development investment is coming, and Igus ready to support

49 minutes ago

Selective robot integration adds value in pharmaceutical manufacturing

20 hours ago

Mouser Electronics wins gold in 2023 TDK European Distribution Awards

23 hours ago

International online event from Eplan addresses best practice

1 day ago

Cranfield University team up with the RBTX UK team

4 days ago

Lenze opens door to digitalisation at ITMA

4 days ago

New Norgren website offers extended self-serve functionality

5 days ago

Spelsberg UK announces nationwide roadshow and open day

6 days ago

Single controller for robot and machine axes optimises productivity

1 week ago

Schaeffler rewards suppliers for outstanding performance

1 week ago

Streamlining banding machines for sustainable packaging

1 week ago

Acorn partners with Bosch Rexroth

1 week ago

See the latest and greatest in Machine Vision Technology at MVC 2023

1 week ago

Unlocking success for UK manufacturers amid industry challenges

1 week ago

ABB closes automation skills gap with new robotics education package

1 week ago

Exciting array of speakers announced for Automation UK seminar programme

2 weeks ago

Essentra exceeds sustainability targets and launches new customer-led strategy

2 weeks ago

MiniTec UK highlights aluminium profile system at MachineBuilding.Live

2 weeks ago

Delta presents Codesys-based motion controllers at SPS Italia

2 weeks ago

LG Motion highlights electro-mechanical motion control systems

2 weeks ago

SolutionsPT sets out to simplify industrial cyber security

2 weeks ago

Wireless operator panels and motion control products

2 weeks ago

Lutze highlights connectivity solutions for automation and control systems

2 weeks ago

Leuze brings sensing innovations to MachineBuilding.Live

2 weeks ago

Copa-Data demonstrates modularisation with MTP

2 weeks ago

ABB and B&R demonstrate integrated automation capabilities

2 weeks ago

Matara to exhibit at inaugural Automation UK event

2 weeks ago

Advanced Engineering opens competition for top UK start-ups

2 weeks ago

CKF delivers the right ingredients for sweet success

2 weeks ago

Comau unveiled as Intrinsic’s first industrial and innovation partner

2 weeks ago

Thorite awarded Pro-Partner status by Piab

3 weeks ago

Enabling Expert Technologies Group to sell remote access as a service

3 weeks ago

Pilz exhibits control and safety technology

3 weeks ago

Nabby and Tessy give Nabtesco a face

3 weeks ago

Robots from RARUK Automation used in augmented reality project

3 weeks ago

Plastics specialist brings engineering and sales into virtual reality

3 weeks ago

KEB, Lenze and Weidmüller work together for greater energy efficiency

3 weeks ago

Nothing should stop you from catching the automation wave

3 weeks ago

Mitsubishi Electric and Ashdale Engineering celebrate 35 years of partnership

3 weeks ago

33 minutes ago
Three worked examples of potting PCB assemblies
Darren Rea, sales executive of adhesives supplier Intertronics, discusses three recent potting examples, sharing details on the different properties of available materials.
19 hours ago
First managed switches for Single Pair Ethernet
With the new Single Pair Ethernet switches from Phoenix Contact, modern sensors and field devices can be integrated directly into the Ethernet network.
23 hours ago
Delta launches Codesys-based controllers compatible with AS Series IO
Delta is introducing the compact, mid-range AX-300N and AX-324N PLC controllers. These AX-3 series controllers offer a Codesys development environment to enable intelligent industrial automation applications.
1 day ago
Specifying a motor for precision motion applications
Gerard Bush of Inmoco discusses the principles of motor selection for precision motion applications.
4 days ago
Highly compact Ex i signal conditioners with SIL 3 functional safety
The new intrinsically safe versions of the MINI Analog Pro signal conditioners and measuring transducers from Phoenix Contact provide explosion protection and functional safety in a compact design.
4 days ago
Levelling the playing field between industrial robot and cobot palletising
Omron recently launched its new TM20 collaborative (cobot) robot with a payload of 20kg, whilst keeping its small footprint and providing a reach of 1.3 metres, making the new cobot ideal for tasks such as palletising.
4 days ago
New controllers help achieve high production quality
Omron has announced that it will release the NX-series NX502 CPU automation controllers with advanced information control and safety control, simultaneously with the new NX-EIP201 EtherNet/ IPTM units.
4 days ago
Sensors integrated in the connectors
Atam presents a new smart version of Form A connectors which integrates tested micro-sensors to measure and transmit important physical quantities, enabling engineers to monitor the health of the solenoid valve connected to the connector-coil assembly.
5 days ago
New crimper power unit offers greater flexibility and productivity
Parker Polymer Hose Division Europe, a division of Parker Hannifin, has launched a flexible crimper power unit (85CE-PDP). The new unit joins the wide array of portable crimper power units from Parker, to increase productivity and versatility for smaller hose assembly needs, with more flexible options for customers.
6 days ago
Slim panel mount power supply with built-in active PFC
Delta has expanded its panel mount power supply PMR series by releasing the new 240 W model, which is applicable to industrial, commercial, and household applications.
1 week ago
Camozzi brings Series D pneumatic valve island to MachineBuilding.Live
On the Camozzi Automation stand at MachineBuilding.Live, you can experience the user-friendly Series D pneumatic valve island. It simplifies setup, control, and maintenance, allowing effortless execution of complex pneumatic functions.
1 week ago
From live photo to Igus products with the new igusGo tool
The igusGO tool is new digital tool for engineers which uses a live photo of a machine to show where Igus products can provide a potential improvement or cost saving.
1 week ago
Labour saving 3D vision solution ensures presentation is top of the chocs
Scorpion Vision has developed a sophisticated 3D stereo vision-based inspection solution that ensures perfect presentation for chocolate gifting trays. By performing with near 100% accuracy a task that is usually carried out by one or two humans, Scorpion’s system can help confectionery manufacturers and packers to combat unskilled labour shortages, whilst increasing line efficiency.
1 week ago
Automated wiring for all types of conductors
In addition to the XTV terminal blocks with lateral conductor routing, the first terminal blocks with frontal Push-X connection are now available from Phoenix Contact. The XT portfolio consists of feed-through and multi-conductor terminal blocks as well as function versions for using disconnect knives, plug-in fuses, and components.
1 week ago
Lenze takes drive performance to the next level with i750 servo inverter
High-performance drive solutions are crucial for efficient and automated production processes. In order to optimally equip tomorrow’s machines for demanding motion tasks, Lenze is expanding its portfolio with a new servo inverter, the i750.
1 week ago
Apex Dynamics unveils new BKM high efficiency gearbox line
Apex Dynamics is debuting its new generation, high efficiency BKM gearbox range at the new Automation UK trade event this summer.
1 week ago
High-performance 5G cellular router for industrial applications
The new 5G cellular router from Phoenix Contact, now in series production, provides high data rates in public and private 5G cellular networks. Equipped with a powerful processor and four Gigabit Ethernet ports, the TC router offers a high bandwidth for industrial applications.
1 week ago
Modular aluminium industrial workstations provide adaptable solution
Matara UK, specialist in automation, pneumatics and linear motion products, is also one of the UK’s leading providers of ergonomically designed aluminium industrial workstations and workbenches, modular in nature for maximum flexibility.
1 week ago
HMS Networks expands range of next-generation gateways
HMS has launched the Anybus Communicator EtherCAT Main Device, a high-performance gateway that provides an easy and reliable way to connect EtherCAT subordinate devices to different industrial networks and control systems.
2 weeks ago
New Igus polymer coating tool simplifies selecting coatings
With the new iglidur Coating Designer, you can have high wear components coated with the in just three steps, and cost and delivery is calculated before you buy.
2 weeks ago
PCB connectors with innovative Push-X technology
The XPC 1,5 PCB connector from Phoenix Contact features direct plug-in connection with Push-X and thus enables fast and tool-free connection of various conductor types and cross-sections.
2 weeks ago
Southco introduces new ejectors for E1.S solid state drives
Southco has expanded its line of inject/eject mechanisms with a new line to fit the E1.S form factor. Southco’s new P7 ejector is specifically designed to assist in the insertion and extraction of E1.S drives. This ensures optimum performance, ergonomics, and aesthetics.
2 weeks ago
As narrow as a safety relay, but as powerful as a safety controller
Pilz has added the PNOZ m C0 standalone base unit to the PNOZmulti 2 range of safe configurable small controllers. The extremely compact base unit is just 22.5 mm wide and monitors up to four safety functions on machines.
2 weeks ago
Pick and place with thermal imaging cameras
Machine vision inspections using visual cameras can occasionally cause recognition problems if the product and background have too little colour contrast. In such cases, thermal imaging cameras can be a practical solution – especially if the product has a different temperature than the transport medium, say the experts at Teledyne Flir.
2 weeks ago
Gripper technology supports collaborative robot applications
The adoption of collaborative robots, across multiple sectors, continues at a pace as increasing numbers of manufacturers realise the potential these robots have to provide a cost effective and productive solution to a wide range of applications. And gripper technology from Schmalz is supporting this growth.
2 weeks ago
Does personality affect manufacturing performance?
Martyn Williams, managing director of Copa-Data UK examines how business leaders can use personality theory in their businesses to improve manufacturing performance.
2 weeks ago
Master your engineering challenges with shaft couplings from Norelem
From precise torque transmission, vibration damping and motion control, couplings from Norelem can be used in various applications and are readily available in different designs. The full range includes metal bellows couplings, elastomer dog couplings, beam couplings, Oldham-type couplings and rigid couplings.
2 weeks ago
Regenerative drives improve energy efficiency
Yaskawa has introduced a compact range of regenerative drives which it says are ideally suited to the ever-increasing demands to achieve ‘greener, energy efficient’ in manufacturing processes. The range includes the U1000 Low Harmonics Regenerative Matrix Converter, the D1000 Regenerative Converter Unit and the R1000 Regenerative Unit.
3 weeks ago
IIoT: When the real world merges with the digital one
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is one of the driving forces behind Industry 4.0, transforming automation and production. As an automation building block, ctrlX AUTOMATION from Bosch Rexorth offers a solution to unite IT and OT as well as to increase the efficiency of plants and machines.
3 weeks ago
Cable carriers offer more functionality on a very small footprint
The next generation of plastic cable carriers from Kabelschlepp – UNIFLEX Advanced 1250 and QuickTrax/EasyTrax 0250 – have one thing in common: their compact size makes them ideal for applications in printing, automation, the packaging industry and material handling.
3 weeks ago
Lenze helps boost machine availability
Lenze offers an easy-to-implement, scalable solution to boost machine availability that turns productions more transparent.
3 weeks ago
Mechanical drive train becomes green
How can mechanical parts be beneficial for the energy consumption of your machine? How can a belt drive or a clutch make your machine a little bit greener? The experts at Lenze Selection explain with some examples.
3 weeks ago
Integrated brushless DC motor offers high power density
Recently announced by JVL, and available from Mclennan, the new MAC320-L integrated brushless DC motor doubles the power of its NEMA 23 frame Mini-Mac series in a compact, high torque density, all-in-one positioning solution for OEM machine builders.
3 weeks ago
NSK selected as CDP2022 Supplier Engagement Leader
The work of NSK across its global and European supply chains on climate change issues has led to notable recognition for the third consecutive year. CDP, a global non-profit, non-governmental organisation specialising in environmental disclosure, has bestowed the highest leadership level on NSK in its 2022 Supplier Engagement Rating (SER) initiative.
3 weeks ago
Advances in automation technology – practical solutions
Digital transformation, Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) and Industry 4.0 are just a few of the reoccurring themes that dominate when discussing advancing technology for industrial automation. As a manufacturer or machine builder, the question is how to translate these themes into effective solutions that could benefit your current automation processes. Korina Parker, marketing manager at Murrelektronik UK, looks at workable solutions for these advances that are easy to integrate and have long-lastin...
3 weeks ago
Ensuring semiconductor quality by getting up close with KEYENCE
The all-in-one VHX-7000 Series digital microscope from Keyence obviates the need to buy several different microscopes and is highly cost-effective when compared to a scanning electron microscope. Also, the unit can be upgraded and customised, representing an investment in the future.
3 weeks ago
Backlash-free, torsionally rigid, all-steel, multi-plate couplings
jbj Techniques offers a wide range of backlash-free, torsionally rigid, all-steel, multi-plate couplings in torque capacities up to 2,000,000 Nm.
3 weeks ago
New Han solution for easier field termination
Harting is expanding its range of connection technologies to include the new Han Push-In technology, which requires no tools. As a result, the company says assembly times in the field are reduced by up to 30%.

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