Machine Building

Choosing the right technology for positioning applications

Positioning applications are typically fulfilled using servo technology, but Lenze argues that many such projects can now be implemented more cost-effectively, and with adequate performance, using the latest generation of inverter drives.

20th May 2011

How metal working fluids can boost machine shop productivity

Umut Urkun, Industrial Marketing for Europe, Africa and the Middle East at ExxonMobil Lubricants and Specialties, explains how selecting the right metal working fluids can boost machine shop productivity.

10th May 2011

The need for validation of safety-related control system designs

Paul Laidler of Laidler Associates explains why machine builders need to ensure that their designs for EN ISO 13849-1 safety-related control systems are properly validated.

10th May 2011

Cost-effective machine-to-machine communications using GSM

Jon Severn, the Editor of MachineBuilding.net, recently met with Mark Lucas, the Sales Director of Eseye, to find out how machines and machine builders can benefit from machine-to-machine (M2M) communications using GSM technology.

15th April 2011

CE marking modified machinery - what machine users need to know

Stewart Robinson, a Consultant Engineer at Pilz Automation Technology, explains what machine users need to know about CE marking when modifying or upgrading individual machines or interlinking machines that were previously separate.

21st March 2011

Industrial network gateways - the benefits for automation

Bjorn Franzen of HMS Industrial Networks explains how gateways can benefit industrial automation systems utilising serial, fieldbus and industrial Ethernet communications.

16th March 2011

IEC 61800-5-2, functional safety of variable-speed drives

This article from Underwriters Laboratories discusses IEC 61800-5-2, Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems - Part 5-2: Safety requirements - Functional, and how it can benefit machine builders.

11th March 2011

How robots can reduce costs and enhance production flexibility

Barry Weller of Mitsubishi Electric explains how robots can reduce production costs and provide flexibility for future changes in requirements.

25th February 2011

Safety expert urges machine builders to adopt latest standard

Kevin Ives, a Machinery Safety Consultant with Pilz Automation Technology, is urging machine builders to adopt EN ISO 13849-1 sooner rather than later, in order to comply with the new Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

15th February 2011

Miniature non-contact displacement sensors

Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon, discusses the continuing trend towards miniaturisation of displacement transducers and the incorporation of electronics to create 'smart' sensors.

7th February 2011