Machine Building

Integrated design concept for bulk material-handling drives

When it comes to bulk materials handling, geared motors are used to power a wide variety of handling equipment from pumps to conveyors and bucket elevators. Different materials and operating conditions mean that each application can pose an individual challenge requiring expertise and a wide range of approaches in order to guarantee both product flexibility and universal reliability; real-world gains in efficiency, however, can only be achieved through an integrated design approach.

20th June 2015

Design of bearings to add value in aviation applications

Bearings are critical components in aviation and defence applications. Nick Dowding, Business Development Manager at The Barden Corporation (UK) Ltd, discusses how the design of bearings can be optimised in order to "˜add value over life' in aircraft actuation systems, auxiliary equipment and instrumentation applications.

17th June 2015

Robots in food processing are on the march

There have not been that many robots used in food processing industries to date but we are on the cusp of a sea change, says Chris Evans, Marketing & Operations Group Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. Automation Systems Division. Five years from now they will be very much the norm.

12th June 2015

A-Z of electrical enclosures

Selecting the right enclosure for a particular situation requires some thought, as there are several issues to consider. Chris Lloyd of Spelsberg offers this aide memoire to some of the more useful points.

12th June 2015

Five-point plan for best practice grease selection

With businesses under increasing pressure to improve productivity and safety while reducing costs, the importance of proper machine maintenance is growing. A crucial part of that maintenance is choosing the right grease. In a recent survey, ExxonMobil found that more than half of industrial equipment operators are unaware that selecting the right grease can positively impact the performance of their equipment.

9th June 2015

Palletisers and depalletisers - make or buy?

Andrew Mason, the Automation Sales Manager at R.A. Rodriguez (U.K.) Limited, discusses palletisers and depalletisers, and the important question of whether it is better for machine builders to design and manufacture their own or buy-in complete standard or customised units.

8th June 2015

Industry 4.0 needs smart devices

Industry 4.0, or the "˜Connected Industry', is a huge talking point within the manufacturing sector. The ultimate goal is to produce smarter factories which are more resource efficient, more productive and more competitive in a globalised economy. This presents new opportunities for manufacturers, but also new challenges in order to implement the vision of a connected industry successfully. Lance Croutear, Business Unit Manager, Factory Automation, at Bosch Rexroth comments.

7th June 2015

How to select the right grease for rolling bearings

Often overlooked by design and maintenance engineers, selecting the most suitable grease for a rolling bearing can prevent premature bearing failure, while also ensuring high reliability and optimum operating life, says Dr Steve Lacey, engineering manager at Schaeffler UK.

7th June 2015

Dispelling the myth of arc-resistant windows

There exists a dangerous misconception regarding the "˜arc rating' of infrared (IR) windows or viewing panes used for the thermal inspection of electrical systems. Many reliability and maintenance professionals are under the impression that an IR window will protect them in the event of an arc blast. Others believe the installation of IR windows will convert "˜non-arc-rated' switchgear or electrical equipment into "˜arc-rated' cabinets.

29th May 2015

Energy efficient machines - a practical point of view

Pressure is being put on to machine builders and operators by regional and national governments to increase the energy efficiency of machines and systems. This is a huge challenge for our industry. On the one hand this is forcing manufacturers to investigate ways to increase the throughput of machines thus reducing the energy required to produce each unit. On the other hand, ways need to be found to increase the overall energy efficiency of the machine in total. This can offer the machine end users a competitive advantage as it can increase process optimisation. For the machine builder, however, it can mean time-consuming analysis and implementation. Graham Traill, System Consultant at Murrelektronik, takes a closer look at energy efficiency and how small changes can have a big effect for operators and machine builders.

21st May 2015