Machine Building

Using fieldbuses with multi-vendor automation systems

Steve Jones, General Manager of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA), reviews the principles behind fieldbus communications and looks at the advantages.

29th January 2008

Five trends for ATE engineers to watch in 2008

National Instruments believes that five trends will emerge in 2008 to help test engineers deliver more complex designs in less time and at lower cost.

16th January 2008

Top tips for buying used industrial robots

This article from RobotWorx provides some useful suggestions for what to look for and questions to ask when buying industrial robots, especially used or 'pre-owned' robots.

11th January 2008

How process control benefits from clustering

Paul Hurst, MD of Citect UK, explains what clustering is and how it benefits networks used for process control.

5th January 2008

Advice for spring design and specification

Michael Johnston, managing director of Lee Spring, explains how springs have changed to meet application requirements and offers some guidance on design and specification

4th January 2008

White paper: is it better to build or buy linear actuators?

This White Paper from Misumi considers the various options available to engineers sourcing a single-axis linear actuator and discusses whether it is better to build a unit from discrete components or buy one ready-assembled.

11th December 2007

Change to EN 1088 tightens guard interlocking requirements

Kevin Ives, a consultant with Pilz Automation Technology, explains the new addition to EN 1088 that makes important recommendations relating to the specification and installation of guard interlocks.

2nd December 2007

Beware of changing regulations for electrical equipment

Terry Spriggs, a product specialist at Hylec-APL, explains why designers operating in the industrial sector should take note of changes to European regulations covering domestic appliances.

22nd November 2007

How the EU can lead the way on climate change

Jeff Whiting, Energy Spokesman for Mitsubishi Electric, believes that recent developments mean the EU will lead the way on climate change and reap major benefits.

15th November 2007

An introduction to hazardous areas, ATEX and IECEx

This article from Kopex International explains the different types of hazardous areas, the European ATEX Directive and the similar international IECEx scheme.

13th November 2007