Machine Building

News

ABB recycling and remanufacturing thousands of old robots

ABB continues to remanufacture robots, controllers and manipulators, refurbishing them to give them a second life. The company says that remanufactured robots help customers unlock new functionalities and advanced services whilst reducing maintenance costs and maximising return on investment. It also means extended lifetimes for robots that may otherwise be scrapped.

9th July 2020

Robots in the food and drink industry: webinar date confirmed

The British Automation & Robot Association (BARA) has confirmed the date and time of its forthcoming "˜Round table' webinar, this one focusing on the adoption and use of robots in the food and drink industry.

9th July 2020

New range of pneumatic cylinders from norelem

Norelem is introducing a range of pneumatic cylinders, consisting of standard, compact and round versions which offer straightforward installation. The includes a DIN ISO 21287 compact cylinder which is equipped with position sensing for proximity switches and elastic damping on both sides, allowing the cylinder to return to its original shape after absorbing shock or vibration. Also included in the line-up is a DIN ISO 15552 standard cylinder, offering a sustainable design. norelem remains keen to focus on sustainable products and with this standard cylinder, 20 per cent of the material can be saved during production as the tube is made of anodised aluminium.

8th July 2020

New sheet metal fasteners from TR

TR Fastenings is expanding its range of Hank self-clinch fasteners and also launching a new range of its K-Series thin nuts. The company manufactures in the UK and can produce fasteners as small as M2 and as large as M36 to cover a wide range of industry sectors. One of the drivers behind the introduction of the new products is the recent surge in demand for sheet metal fasteners from the medical equipment industry, says TR.

7th July 2020

B&R takes intuitive switch technology operation to new level

B&R says it has "Enabled a unique new form of intuitive operator guidanc" with a fresh generation of switch technology: typical operating functions are now incorporated directly into the glass of B&R touch screen panels. Amongst other advantages, the advance is said to eliminate the need for hardware switches in many applications, therefore leaving no opportunity for dirt and grime to either collect or enter a "˜traditional' switch device. This is one reason why B&R states that the new panels are especially suitable for environments demanding the strictest hygienic standards.

7th July 2020

Harting webinar: Pre-assembled cabling solutions for conveyors

Harting has a webinar on 8th July at 0900 that may be of interest to designers, installers and operators of conveying equipment. It will be looking at the advantages of simplifying procedures and procurement by using cables that are pre-assembled for applications in modular conveyor technology.

7th July 2020

New Python software application note from Mclennan

Applied Motion Products Inc. (AMP) has released a new application note for programmers using Python, the computer programming language. Available from Mclennan, AMP's European distribution partner, the application note includes sample Python scripts and resource information for establishing RS-232/RS-485 or Ethernet communications, along with streaming commands and handling replies for single- and/or multi-axis drive set-ups using AMP's "˜SCL Mode' - which is one of many control options available across its range of intelligent stepper and servomotor drives and integrated drives.

7th July 2020

Sensonics achieves ISO 45001:2018 Certification

Machine builders who know Sensonics might already be aware of this but we're pleased to report that the company has recently been awarded ISO 45001 certification and now has a fully integrated management system which also encompasses ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. This, says Sensonics, "Is in line with its ongoing commitment to provide customers with the most innovative products and services, whilst maintaining the highest quality standards, minimising the environmental impact of our operations and proactively managing health and safety".

6th July 2020

Counterfeit bearings - know the risks

NSK Bearings joins a number of other key brands warning buyers against the perils presented by counterfeit bearings, which is now a global problem. The company says that it remains focused on eradicating the issue, recognising (as well all do) that these fakes put safety at risk and can also lead to users experiencing reduced reliability and higher lifecycle costs. The company cautions against the drive across all industries to remain competitive and profitable to such a point that some purchasing decisions become based solely on unit price, ignoring other factors such as total cost of ownership (TCO) performance and sourcing from a known and trustworthy supplier.

6th July 2020

New arrangement announced between CT-UK and STW

Machine builders may be interested to learn that Control Technologies UK Ltd has signed a partnership and distribution agreement with Sensor-Technik Wiedemann GmbH of Kaufbeuren, Germany. Sensor-Technik Wiedemann (STW) has been involved in the digitisation, automation and electrification of machines for over 30 years. Control Technologies UK (CT-UK) is a control systems integrator and solutions provider which specialises in intelligent machine systems and offers expertise to a wide range of industries including off-highway, EVs, marine, renewables and more. The company says that it "Combines tried and tested design and development methodologies with cutting edge hardware and mechatronic engineering skills" and has some years of experience working with STW products. Several of the team, including MD Mark Wood, have worked for STW in previous roles.

3rd July 2020