Machine Building

How cloud computing is changing industrial automation

Traditionally, the manufacturing industry has been slow to embrace new technological platforms, but in recent years the introduction and success of cloud computing has meant this technology is becoming vital for manufacturers. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of industrial automation supplier European Automation examines how cloud computing is disrupting industrial automation.

18th January 2016

The art of design validation and verification

We've all seen Russian nesting dolls, each perfectly decorated doll giving way to a smaller one inside. Every one of those little dolls is hand turned, carefully decorated and finished with a fine gloss. Medical device design operates on a similar concept, layering smaller components together to form one machine, each component tailored to the needs of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Design verification and validation are akin to the finishing gloss, and aren't reserved for the largest doll - or completed product; each component gets the same gloss. Here, Gareth Hancox, engineering and commercial support manager at Accutronics, explains the layers of verification and validation.

15th January 2016

Sensitive about sphere size: food inspection metal detectors

The standard technique for measuring the sensitivity of food inspection metal detectors is to use metal test spheres. Although this type of spherical testing tool is typically expressed by diameter in millimetres, in the real world metal contaminants are more likely to be non-spherical or an irregular shape. Phil Brown, Sales Director at Fortress Technology explains why spheres are used and why a size detection improvement as little as 0.5mm can cut the risk of metal fragments entering the production chain.

15th January 2016

Three things you didn't know about IIoT

The human brain is a wonderful thing that works tirelessly from the day we are born until the day we die, only stopping on special occasions, like when presenting in front of large audiences. We have been studying the brain for many centuries, but we still know relatively little about the trillions of connections that make it work. Creating a road map of the brain is a bit like trying to map out the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). IIoT is a concept that has intrigued industry for several years now, but much like the human brain, is not yet fully understood.

13th January 2016

Efficient sealing systems in fluid technology

The market for high-performance fluid technology is growing all the time: hydraulic and pneumatic systems are increasingly in demand in mechanical engineering. The integration of new materials and state-of-the-art electronics is creating ever more intelligent drive systems in fluid technology. At the same time, fluid technology manufacturers are facing the challenge of constantly increasing the reliability and efficiency of their products. The joining process of adhesion plays a significant role here. Under its Loctite, Bonderite, Technomelt and Teroson brands, Henkel offers a full portfolio of adhesives and sealants that cater to the market requirements.

9th January 2016

Pros and cons of alternative code reading technologies

Tim Stokes, an auto ident specialist with Sick (UK), discusses the alternative technologies that are available for automatic part identification, and how to select the right one for a given application.

8th January 2016

Reinvesting in your palletising operation: 2016 AIA tax relief

Since 2008, the HMRC annual investment allowance (AIA) has been revised four times and from 1st January 2016 will drop from an interim allowance of £500k to the highest permanent AIA ever of £200k. Managing Director of Pacepacker Services, Dennis Allison, shows how much £200,000 could buy you in automated palletising equipment, illustrates the ROI and explains why it is better to invest in new business assets than simply give the tax authority your hard earned profits.

7th January 2016

Resurgence for two-speed motors

Two-speed motors can bring flexibility to many machines, and more engineers are coming to appreciate the technology. Lucie Hodkova of Exico explains why they can be the right option for many applications.

19th December 2015

Measuring pH in a food-safe environment

Food processing covers a wide range of activities all of which require both food safety and quality standards to be met to ensure that consumers receive high-quality products. One of the more vital parameters that plays a part in this is pH, since it governs both physical and chemical reactions during food production as well as inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Ian Webster, Hygienic Processing Segment Manager at Bürkert UK, looks at the importance of measuring pH and the most efficient methods of achieving accurate pH control.

19th December 2015

Nanometre resolution non-contact confocal displacement sensors

Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK, discusses how non-contact confocal displacement sensors are helping companies to inspect the shape, size and surface topography of MEMS structures to nanometre resolution.

19th December 2015