Machine Building

EN ISO 14120 and electrically conductive parts of machine guards

Warren Spiers of Spiers Engineering Safety discusses the replacement of machine guarding standard EN 953 by EN ISO 14120:2015, with particular reference to electrical aspects.

25th November 2015

Benefits of 'bottom up' installation for automation systems

The design and installation of automation systems is often approached with a 'top down' perspective, from the control platform down to the sensors and actuators. But Murrelektronik has adopted a 'bottom up' philosophy that it says is more cost-effective and efficient.

24th November 2015

What is the future for 3D printing?

Despite the recent fall of 30 per cent in certain 3D company stocks*, Kieron Salter of additive manufacturing specialist KWSP believes the long-term future for the sector is still positive.

20th November 2015

Why both new and existing machines need PUWER assessments

Neil Dyson, Business Line Manager for Machinery Safety at TUV SUD Product Service, a global product testing and certification organisation, discusses the need for PUWER assessments, even on new machinery.

19th November 2015

Industrial gearboxes: you get what you pay for"¦

What constitutes value for money when buying an industrial gearbox? It would be a mistake to judge a product by its purchase price alone. Brevini is a manufacturer of power transmission and fluid power components for industry. UK Sales Manager, Dave Brown, explains how OEMs and end-users can rely on the expertise of suppliers to ensure they see the best value for money.

17th November 2015

Why do motors fail?

Motors don't just fail because they are old. We have all seen examples of how a motor, if properly taken care of, can far exceed its expected operational lifespan. However, these tend to be the exception to the rule, and nearly every motor will eventually succumb to age and fatigue if not adequately maintained.

16th November 2015

Sensors for packaging

Packaging technology is diverse, as are the sensors that are used. Wet environments, harsh conditions, limited space: everything needs to happen very quickly. Efficiency, reliability and cost effectiveness have top priority here: a true challenge for the sensors and their manufacturers. Leuze electronic is well positioned, as this article shows using selected case studies and sensors.

13th November 2015

Hygienic servo system design for food processing and packaging

Jon Howard, Managing Director of Heason Technology considers motion control and hygienic design for food and beverage packaging automation.

13th November 2015

Energy efficient obsolete technology now has a new name

You may already be familiar with the phrase "˜Eco Obsolete Technology' (EOT), but you may not be aware of what it refers to or how it came about. The phrase was created by European Automation as a way of referring to obsolete technology that is energy efficient and therefore compliant with the latest energy efficiency standards.

12th November 2015

Industrial automation trends for 2016

Martyn Williams, Managing Director of industrial automation software expert COPA-DATA UK, highlights four industrial automation trends to watch in 2016.

11th November 2015