Flexible manufacturing through automated engineering

Science fiction has taught us to fear things that are out of our control. Whether its alien invaders from another planet, highly-evolved apes or artificially intelligent robots, sci-fi culture is built on humanity's fear of being second in command. With that being said, automated equipment and robotics are the basis of any smart factory, meaning that to stay competitive, manufacturers must learn to embrace this technology. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of EU Automation, discusses automated engineering.

Flexible machines to produce at batch size 1

Lenze as an automation provider view Industry 4.0 is simply another phase in the increasing automation that has been underway for many years. Automation is being consistently advanced by digitisation, networking and the use of new communication systems. This progress allows automation providers to provide smart systems that satisfy the changing demands of makers of machinery who in turn must fulfil the market needs. One of these demands is the growing individualisation of products. A car maker no longer simply offers a wide range of models, nowadays buyers can select a mix of options that is only produced once for their car. This is batch size 1.

Using Ethernet alongside a dedicated motion network

Open communications are an ever-growing requirement and with industrial Ethernet offering speeds high enough for even demanding deterministic motion control applications, is there still a role for dedicated motion networks? Mitsubishi Electric's Product Manager Barry Weller argues that there is"¦

Oxy-fuel safety: it's everyone's responsibility

Oxy-fuel processes such as heating, cutting, brazing and welding create a potential danger from flames, sparks and intense heat. Despite these hazards, millions of people work accident free. By design, manufacturers build safe equipment. This decreases the likelihood of a potential incident. However, good oxy-fuel operators know that their own safety, as well as the safety of those around them, depends on proper and responsible use of oxy-fuel equipment. This article by Paul Woodford, Global Product Manager, ESAB, provides guidelines for proper set-up and shutdown procedures, as well as technical and safety principles.

Alloys and Super Alloys in spring specification

Normal alloy steels have various elements added in small quantities to improve their material strength, hardenability, temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and other properties and any level of carbon can be combined with these alloying elements.

11 challenges machine designers face

Machine design has seen rapid developments in recent years, especially with increasing popularity of smart machines. These advances include the development of intelligent components, better communication between operator and machine, automated machine decisions and more. Smart machines are more efficient, with interconnected components expanding the capabilities of machines to communicate with and respond to their surroundings like never before. By Evan Artis, Global product manager, Eaton Electronic Controls and Software.

Reuse this record

Re-imagining machine configuration through intelligent drives

Mike Lomax of Bosch Rexroth examines the role of intelligent drive systems in optimising machine configuration and performance.

Solving tomorrow's hydraulic problems through innovation

Industrial hydraulic engineering is not renowned for rapid leaps in technology, rather a gradual progression that overcomes problems and incorporates evolving technologies as they arise. However, every challenge needs a champion and at the forefront of the product development process is a company that excels in delivering innovation. Jim Cairney, Engineering Manager at Oilgear (UK), examines the processes involved in developing new products to meet the latest expectations.

A simple business case for integrated robotic vision

As the need for flexibility and adaptability within packaging operations grows, Steve Capon, technical manager of FANUC UK looks at how integrated vision technology can help businesses respond to evolving market requirements more easily and package more complexly shaped products.