Machine Building

News

Dig this - JCB leads world with first hydrogen powered excavator

JCB chairman Lord Bamford and his son Jo, who runs Ryse Hydrogen and Wrightbus, have spent two years working on the construction industry's first ever hydrogen-powered excavator, plus a further year testing the prototype. The company says that this "˜world-first' will enable JCB to continue leading the sector on zero and low-carbon technologies and also continue Ryse Hydrogen's push to kickstart the UK's hydrogen economy.

2nd July 2020

Entry-level robots to kick-start new factory automation projects

Mitsubishi Electric is expanding its MELFA CR series of robots by adding a new, slim, long-reach articulated arm model which has an 8kg carrying capacity. The RV-8CRL is suited for users seeking economical machines for low-to-medium complexity applications, allowing a choice between SCARA and six-axis solutions at a similar price point.

2nd July 2020

SICK launches IntegrationSpace digital services platform

SICK has established a new web-based platform, known as SICK IntegrationSpace, to be the home for its growing data-based digital software and services portfolio. Seen as a strategic development for the company, its aim is to align the operating efficiency goals of its customers in automated factory, process and logistics applications with enterprise-wide business improvement systems. As the distribution channel for a modular portfolio of digital tools, services and cloud-based applications, SICK says that IntegrationSpace will enable users to vertically integrate sensor data from device through to the Cloud, creating transparency for users both to the sensors themselves, and the data they generate.

1st July 2020

New bearings for conveyor belt rollers in adverse conditions

Conveyor designers and manufacturers producing equipment for harsher applications such as transporting sand or rock for mining might be interested in new products now available from NKE Austria GmbH. The company has developed new single-row deep groove ball bearings that are designed to last in such applications.

1st July 2020

Fast entry into low-cost automation

igus has developed control software for its low-cost automation products that allows users to easily program their robots. Available online and free of charge, the igus robot control software enables different robot kinematics to be programmed-in and controlled. A digital twin simulates the movements, allowing the user to program a suitable solution before purchase. Tasks such as picking up goods from a box, helping to take samples and dispensing items from a machine are all typical jobs that can be done by robots: and whether it is articulated robolink robot arms, drylin delta robots or drylin linear robots, users can now try out in advance which robot is best suited for their application.

1st July 2020

Rivals combine to establish a standard for M12 connectors

Eight well-known manufacturers of M12 connectors - Phoenix Contact, Harting, Molex, Murrelektronik Electronic, Binder, Conec, Escha and Weidmüller - have come together to establish a standard covering the push-pull locking mechanism of M12 connectors. In doing so, the objective is to provide users with compatability across leading manufacturers.

1st July 2020

Parker releases new software tool for IQAN module maintenance

Parker Hannifin has developed a user-friendly service and maintenance tool for its IQAN series of controllers and displays. The advent of IQANgo now enables service technicians or machine owners to connect wirelessly to IQAN modules in their machines, allowing them to perform a broad range of actions such as system status checks and troubleshooting errors or alarms. It is iOS and Android-compatible, and connects to IQAN modules via WiFi, Bluetooth or the Internet, providing remote access to information in real time. The tool has been designed with a compact interface that fits the screens of both tablets and smartphones, displaying all relevant data and graphs in a clear and easy-to-read manner.

1st July 2020

Schneider Electric switchgear up for an award

Schneider Electric's new SF6-free switchgear technology (using pure air) has been nominated for a HERMES Award. The new medium voltage switchgear, which uses a combination of pure air and vacuum interruption instead of the industry-standard SF6 greenhouse gas, is among three contenders for this year's coveted recognition. Additionally, the new switchgear technology is among 15 finalists for the Industrial Energy Efficiency Award.

30th June 2020

Capacitive switches update

Capacitive switches are completely free of wear and tear, and in some applications can be a valuable asset to machine designers and operators. Their mode of operation is fundamentally different to that of mechanical switches because there is no stroke and there are no moving parts either. Simply touching the sensor area with the finger alters an electrical field which in turn triggers a change of the switch state. All this happens without any pressure on the sensor: a better understanding of the subject can be gained by taking a look at a new document just published by Schurter.

30th June 2020

Novotek launches new e-store

Novotek UK and Ireland is launching a new e-store that allows users to source industrial automation hardware online at www.novotek-estore.com. The site contains more than 70 of what Novotek says are the most commonly used hardware products from Emerson Automation Solutions, ranging from operator interfaces to products in the PACSystems range of programmable automation controllers (PACs). Engineers and managers can use these systems to replace existing controllers and upgrade existing systems with more modern automation solutions.

29th June 2020