Machine Building

Industrial networking and protocols: gateway devices

The market for industrial networking is now over 20 years old, and has changed beyond recognition since the early days. However, its development has confounded the conventional economic theory: far from the expected rationalisation, we have more networks and protocols than ever according to David Folley of HMS Industrial Networks.

27th February 2013

Understanding ingress protection in electrical enclosures

One of the most critical factors in deciding which electrical enclosure or junction box should be used to protect your electrical systems and their connections is its IP rating. No matter where the housing will be located, you need to be sure that it will be able to withstand any hostilities its environment may throw at it. But how many people actually know how these IP ratings are achieved and, most importantly, the ways in which they can be compromised during installation. Chris Lloyd, General Manager for Spelsberg UK, explains how different IP ratings can be reached and how to maximise your enclosure's integrity.

20th February 2013

What you need to know about spring quality

Many products rely on the strength and durability of springs but, as Lee Spring warns, it is important to ensure high quality springs are selected in order to avoid a potentially disastrous premature spring failure.

18th February 2013

Five top tips for industrial wireless applications

Mark Harries, Business Development Manager for I/O and Networks at Phoenix Contact, discusses tips for industrial wireless applications.

28th January 2013

Easy ways to extend the life of machinery

Stuart Harvey of Softstart (UK) discusses ways to reduce mechanical and electrical stresses in motor-driven machinery, and the benefits that accrue from this - including a longer operating life, reduced energy consumption and financial savings.

28th January 2013

Stepper motors: advanced techniques

In a previous article, Gerard Bush of INMOCO explained the fundamentals of stepper motor design and usage. Here he delves into some advanced control techniques that improve their motion smoothness and stability.

25th January 2013

Microcapsules in adhesive dispensing technology

These days, we can find microcapsules in almost every industrial sector, where they take numerous roles. However, dispensing these fragile materials can be a problem since clearly it is important that the microcapsules be undamaged by the dispensing process.

15th January 2013

Disc Couplings 101 - Making the World go round

As with most of the components that keep high-power industrial transmissions running smoothly and efficiently, most of us probably do not notice the spinning cylinder mounted between the torque supply and the driven device. While high-quality couplings can be left to operate problem free for decades, knowledge of how a disc coupling works and how designs differ is invaluable to ensure that when it comes time to specify a new component, the right equipment is selected; after all, a disc coupling's job is to protect the expensive connected equipment.

10th January 2013

Bespoke bearings for energy-saving electric drives

Throughout industry, there is a growing focus on the energy efficiency of electrically powered machinery and equipment. The chosen bearings also affect energy consumption. It may prove worthwhile for machine manufacturers and operators to draw on domestic appliance producers' and carmakers' experience of using reduced-friction bearings. Tailoring bearings individually to the specific application is the only way to achieve optimum efficiency.

21st December 2012

Engineers should no longer oversize motors

Engineers have traditionally oversized electric motors to allow for worst-case operating conditions and to provide an extra margin for 'peace of mind.' However, Stuart Harvey of Softstart UK explains why this is no longer wise, given today's need to reduce energy consumption.

18th December 2012