Machine Building

Industrial Ethernet connects systems, improves energy efficiency

The drive to improve energy management has become so urgent that efficient installation and reliable operation have become imperative. Fortunately, there are many well-publicised technologies available to help. Here John Browett, General Manager (Europe) of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) explains how Industrial Ethernet is playing a key role in providing efficient and reliable solutions.

17th June 2014

Safety networks: The route from zero accidents to zero risk

As global competition continues to increase, how can you meet ever more stringent safety standards and still optimise productivity? As John Browett of CLPA explains, modern safety networks can hold the key.

11th June 2014

Mitsubishi's M2M system opens up new world of communications

Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications holds the key to a new paradigm of industrial automation and production. Jeremy Shinton, Product Manager - Business Solutions & Software for Mitsubishi Electric, explains how.

10th June 2014

Design and components for pneumatic control automation systems

The use of pneumatic process control systems has been adopted by a wide variety of industries and as the complexity of these control systems grows, so it becomes even more important to ensure high levels of reliability and integrity. However, not every system requires a huge valve island or bus communication to achieve the required level of automation. Neil Saunders, General Manager at Bürkert Fluid Control Systems looks at the common components and processes involved; from the most basic design to a complete production line.

10th June 2014

The barrier to tidal energy is not a mechanical one

The cost of energy generated by tidal power generation is, at this stage of device development, still more expensive than that offered by offshore and onshore wind, and solar arrays in sunnier climes; however, fossil fuels will not last forever and investment is still going into accessing tidal power, one of the most reliable and predictable of renewable energy sources. Anthony George, from the Heavy Duty Clutch and Brake (HDCB) Division of Altra Industrial Motion has been involved in engineering a number of offshore energy projects and offers some analysis on the real-world viability of these schemes.

4th June 2014

Disc coupling range to suit all applications

Applications requiring disc couplings are found throughout industry, wherever the transfer of torque from driving to driven equipment is necessary. Typical applications include pumps, compressors, machine tools, engine driving equipment, food processing equipment, blowers and fans, covering a wide range of power requirements.

4th June 2014

Heat Pipes - Theory, Design and Applications, book review

Jon Severn, the Editor of MachineBuilding.net, reviews Heat Pipes - Theory, Design and Applications, sixth edition, by David Reay, Peter Kew and Ryan McGlen.}

4th June 2014

Alarm management systems: the benefits of third party software

When it comes to selecting an enterprise-wide alarm management system, businesses should consider the pros and cons of a third party specific alarm management tool over a DCS vendor's offering, says Jason Cook, Product Manager at MAC Solutions.

23rd May 2014

Understanding how fatigue contributes to rolling bearing failure

Fatigue is one of the primary causes of rolling bearing failure. In this article, Dr Steve Lacey, Engineering Manager at Schaeffler UK, describes the various types of fatigue and what measures can be taken to correct any problems that occur.

23rd May 2014

What are the changes to IEC 61496-1 (EN 61496-1)?

The capabilities of light curtains and other optically-based ESPE (electro sensitive protective equipment or devices) have been something of a grey area in the past when assessing SIL levels to IEC 62061 or performance levels to ISO 13849. Now substantial revisions to IEC 61496 (EN 61496) at the start of 2014 are attempting to put that right. Dr Martin Kidman, a Safety Specialist at SICK (UK), answers the question 'What are the changes to IEC 61496-1?' and explains how the changes affect the selection of appropriate protective devices in relation to the required performance level of the safety function.

14th May 2014