Machine Building

Why does my instrument need calibrating?

Instruments are used to measure and monitor processes, including component manufacture, throughout all industries. In order to maintain confidence in these processes any instruments which are used to measure or monitor such processes should be calibrated.

12th November 2013

How to select correct IP ratings for electrical enclosures

Manufacturers of enclosures are required to provide an IP rating for every product, which allows designers and installers to ensure that they select the correct product for each application. But what exactly do all the numbers mean and how can you be sure you have made the correct choice? Chris Lloyd, Managing Director for Spelsberg els UK, offers an insight into IP ratings and how it affects product selection.

8th November 2013

Torque limitation for heavy plant protection

Protecting machinery and systems against expensive failures and costly downtime is critical in today's competitive market, but what are the relative benefits of electrical options versus mechanical in high-torque applications? Andrew Bargh of Bibby Turboflex, part of Altra's Couplings Division, looks at the technologies available to protect machinery against overloads.

7th November 2013

Fixings for fixed machine guards - further clarification

Jeremy Procter provides further clarification of the requirements relating to fixings for fixed machine guards (the author is the Managing Director of Procter Machine Guarding, a Member of BSI's MCE/3 committee, and the former Convenor of the European Standards Committee CEN TC114 WG11 responsible for Machine Guards).

4th November 2013

How to cascade safety switches and comply with EN ISO 14119

Dr Martin Kidman, a Safety Specialist at Sick (UK) explains the implications of EN ISO 14119 and how there is now an easier way to implement cascaded safety switches and sensors in the light of the standard, thereby benefiting machine builders through lower costs, reducing cabling and improved diagnostics.

31st October 2013

Are inverter-rated motors essential: Yes or No?

There are documented cases of motors that have given 20 or 30 years' sterling service only to fail within hours of being fitted with a variable speed drive which was meant to save energy and protect the motor from high load on start-up. It is a fairly unusual occurrence, but production engineers planning an upgrade to their facilities should be aware of the possibility. Here, Jerry Hodek, Managing Director of Rotor (UK) Limited explores the problem and looks at solutions and alternatives.

30th October 2013

Global logistics and support for big power transmission projects

The key to supplying and supporting large operationally critical power transmission equipment on a global basis is a combination of experience, planning and having the right people available on site virtually anywhere in the world, says Neil Wright, MD of Wichita Clutch.

29th October 2013

Industrial automation changes up a gear with CC Link

Speed matters, especially when building modern production machinery to offer the highest levels of productivity, so it is no surprise to see gigabit Ethernet speeds in industrial networks. John Browett of CLPA looks at where these networks are currently being used, and speculates on how they will become the norm in many applications.

28th October 2013

Windows XP in automation - time for action

The extended support and availability of security updates for Microsoft Windows XP will expire in April 2014. Asset owners with a need to continue secure operation of industrial Windows XP applications beyond that deadline should soon think about their course of action. Upgrading to a newer operating system is not the only option.

23rd October 2013

An introduction to electrical enclosure specification

Whether you're an electrical installer, design engineer or an OEM, the chances are that you deal with electrical enclosures on a day-to-day basis. While on the face of it the humble enclosure may seem to be one of the simplest components to specify, in reality the variety of choice available on the market may mean that the most obvious option isn't always the best in terms of reliability and long-term profitability. Chris Lloyd, General Manager of Spelsberg ELS, explains the basic decisions which need to be made when specifying an enclosure and how the right choice can reduce installation time and cost, and improve reliability.

21st October 2013