Machine Building

Lockout/tagout: prevent 15-20 per cent of workplace accidents

Lockout/Tagout can save lives during machine maintenance and interventions in production facilities. Some 15-20 per cent of workplace accidents can be avoided with Lockout/Tagout, which is why the procedure should be part of any ambitious go-for-zero programme that bans accidents from the workplace.

1st March 2016

How to specify simple, reliable and adaptable screw jacks

Screw jacks are often the right approach for precise linear motion and positioning applications; they can even be supplied as a bespoke system complete with their own dedicated control system for particular applications. However, without proper consideration during the specification stage, it's possible to miss some of the design advantages that the latest technology offers. Ian Carr, Managing Director of Drive Lines, explains the key considerations that should be made when specifying screw jacks.

26th February 2016

Sensors and systems for intralogistics

Intralogistics require a variety of different sensors, all optimized to suit the different operating requirements. This article looks at some of the applications in this sector and some products that meet the needs - all of which are available from a single source.

24th February 2016

Precise thickness measurement using laser displacement sensors

If measurements from two non-contact laser displacement sensors are evaluated together, the thickness of an object can be determined. However, the accuracy of thickness measurements is determined by a number of important factors and not just linearity, says Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK.

24th February 2016

Beyond IoT: pervasive sensing

Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of obsolete components supplier European Automation, discusses pervasive sensing techniques and technologies, and the impact they're having on manufacturing.

16th February 2016

Smart sensors reduce PLC processing overhead and boost uptime

Sick's engineers have been developing new 'intelligent' sensors that undertake some of the processing that would normally take place within the PLC or PAC. This article explains the advantages 'smart sensors' offer machine builders, system integrators and end users.

15th February 2016

Sensor fusion offers benefits for designers and end users

Morrie Goldman of Mouser Electronics discusses 'sensor fusion' and the benefits this offers for machine builders and product designers.

14th February 2016

Advances in industrial and embedded optical communications

Carolyn Mathas of Mouser discusses the latest developments in industrial and embedded optical communications and how these can benefit machine builders, system integrators and end users.

13th February 2016

A guide to specifying the right winch drive

The variety of winch and hoist designs is vast and the number of applications almost too numerous to count. However there are some common features and design attributes that can be applied to almost every winch design. Martin Terjesen, Winch Specialist at Brevini, offers some advice on how to specify the correct winch drive.

12th February 2016

Inspecting for contaminants: nuts about snack satisfaction

Midnight cereal snacks, energy sports bars and on-the-go breakfast replacements are shaping the snacks market with UK consumption expected to reach £3.8bn this year. Given this increasing demand for healthy convenience, snacks producers are turning to efficiency driven automation and utilising the latest machinery to deliver consumer satisfaction and maintain safe, high-quality snacks. Sarah Ketchin, managing director at Fortress Technology explores the varied challenges of inspecting for contaminants and the options available.

12th February 2016