Machine Building

How to improve machine reliability using threadlocking adhesives

Robert Dunkel PEng, Director of Technical Service at Henkel Corporation, explains how the use of threadlocking adhesives can dramatically improve the reliability of machines assembled using threaded fasteners, partly due to the way threadlockers prevent fasteners from loosening, and partly due to threadlockers acting as a lubricant during assembly and removing the variability that occurs when tightening as-received fasteners.

9th November 2015

Explainer: threadlockers, sealants and anti-seize compounds

Andy Bardon, a Senior Application Engineer at Henkel Corporation, outlines the main characteristics of threadlockers, sealants and anti-seize compounds, and explains how these different thread treatment options benefit machine builders, end users and maintenance technicians.

9th November 2015

Constant development keeps chain at forefront of technology

Chain is one of the unsung heroes of the engineering world. Although a long established technology, it continues to develop and improve, so remains one of the most efficient methods of power transmission available today. Greg Sharp, Engineering Manager at Tsubaki Chain in Nottingham, looks at some of the recent developments and shows how they appeal to new markets.

5th November 2015

Maximising bearing service life

Although every bearing has a pre-calculated service life, research has shown that two-thirds fall short of their potential lifecycle. Here Peter Townsend, product manager bearings at ERIKS, offers a 10-point plan to help customers get the most from their bearings.

2nd November 2015

IO-Link and connectivity in the age of Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 will only become reality via standardised communication interfaces, since data and communication are key elements here. For this reason, IO-Link plays a prominent role with simple sensors, whereas Ethernet and Ethernet-based field buses are more prominent with sensors that are more high-performance and bigger.

29th October 2015

Time to ride the wave of reshoring?

China's slowing economy means it is time to jump on the wave of reshoring says Mark Anderson of Fascia Graphics.

26th October 2015

Ten reasons for coding offline

Richard Pether, director at Rotech, explains why sometimes it simply makes sense to code offline, even for highly automated manufacturing and packing operations.

26th October 2015

How to use laser scanners correctly for machine safety

Dr Martin Kidman, a Safety Specialist with Sick UK, explains that selecting the correct safety equipment - such as laser scanners - will only get you half way to a safe machine; getting the rest of the way requires that the safety equipment is used correctly.

16th October 2015

Why do drives fail?

A drive could theoretically last for a lifetime, but only if properly taken care of. Modern variable-speed drives (VSDs) are exceptionally reliable these days, but they are not indestructible. That said, if you notice similar persistent or repeated trips in a VSD, then chances are that the drive is not actually the problem. If such trips are ignored (eg overtemperature), they can sometimes result in the failure of the drive. Here we outline some of the primary factors that can contribute to why variable-speed drives trip and/or fail.

15th October 2015

Designs for controlling hot processes - it's all material

Angled seat process control valves form an integral part of process engineering in a huge number of applications and getting the right specification can boost reliability and productivity. One of the most important factors is temperature, both of the process media under control and the ambient temperature. Ian Webster, Hygienic Segment Manager for UK & Ireland at Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, looks at the impact that temperature has on valve design and how to achieve the most cost-effective solution.

12th October 2015