Machine Building

Gas detection from past to present

Testing for gasses has come a long way since the days when Victorian miners would take a canary down a mineshaft as an early warning indicator of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, methane or carbon dioxide. This article outlines some of the options available today for gas leakage testing, and Intrinsically Safe instruments for other testing applications.

12th November 2014

TÜV SÜD warns manufacturers to be wary of wireless modules

TÜV SÜD Product Service is warning machine builders who integrate wireless modules into their products that they may be selling non-compliant equipment.

12th November 2014

Lack of stores and stockroom investment can reduce productivity

Lack of effective store and stockroom processes and procedures is having a major effect on businesses efficiency, productivity and profitability. The warning has been issued from ERIKS due to increasing concerns that small, daily inefficiencies are continually reducing business operations, profits and tying up capital.

11th November 2014

Removing contaminants from compressed air

Unlike other utilities, the quality and cost of compressed air are the user's responsibility, meaning the user must understand potential issues affecting air quality, the major one being contaminants.

5th November 2014

Protecting drive chain systems - what are the options?

Drive chain systems are used in a vast array of applications, from the largest machines built by man - such as open mine bucket excavators - to the humble printer; and they all need some form of protection device to prevent overloading of the drive chains. However, there are a large number of options with various mechanical and electronic devices available. Greg Sharpe, Engineering Manager for Tsubaki Europe, provides some insight.

31st October 2014

The top five things that cause inverter failure

Jonathan Wilkins of European Automation, a supplier of spare parts for industrial automation components, outlines the top five causes of inverter failures.

30th October 2014

M2M communications bring sophistication to the water industry

The "˜Internet of Things' is coming to the water industry, delivering new levels of data that will enable water companies to control remote assets with increased sophistication, minimise risk, ensure security of supply, save energy and meet ever more stringent EU directives. Jeremy Shinton, Product Manager - Business Solutions & Software for Mitsubishi Electric, discusses the role of machine-to-machine communications as a driver for change.

29th October 2014

How do I get the perfect finish on stainless steel?

Nigel Willcock, Technical Sevice Engineer at 3M Abrasive Systems Division, discusses the use of Metal Finishing Products to achieve the desired finish for stainless steel.

28th October 2014

A fresh start for mobile applications with Qseven

Standardised computer modules make life easier for many developers, but the standards often come with a legacy. Qseven overcomes legacy limitations, is particularly suitable for mobile applications and is equally at home in all processor worlds, writes Zeljko Loncaric, Marketing Engineer, congatec AG

28th October 2014

How to use modern standstill monitors to maximise productivity

Once a risk assessment has indicated that certain safety features need to be incorporated, it makes sense to investigate which technologies can facilitate compliance. Paul Considine of Wieland Electric explains how the latest generation of standstill monitors can facilitate compliance while helping to maximise productivity.

27th October 2014