Machine Building

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

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