Machine Building

CANopen application layer Version 4.1

Version 4.1 of the CANopen application layer (CiA 301) has recently been released by the non-profit arm of CAN in Automation, CiA e. V. This specification is - for the time being - available to CiA members only.

23rd October 2006

Ten good commercial reasons to use robotics

Barr and Paatz, which has designed and installed many automated systems using cutting-edge Stäubli, Mitsubishi and Bosch Rexroth hardware, is suggesting 10 commercially-sound reasons to use industrial robots.

13th October 2006

Electric motors, inverters and the ATEX Directive

Motor users have expressed concern that changes in the ATEX Directive have lead to a requirement to test EEx d motors and inverters together for compliance when variable speed drive systems are used in potentially flammable or explosive atmospheres. However, this is emphatically not the case, as Martin Swindell, Technical Director of motor manufacturer Brook Crompton, explains.

4th October 2006

Rapid prototyping, rapid 3D printing and rapid manufacturing

The phrase 'rapid prototyping' means different things to different people. But the concept is now sufficiently established for its supporting vocabulary to be moving from confusing jargon to fixed and well understood definitions. Here Martin Stevens, MD of Unimatic, gives an overview of the techniques and reviews its benefits.

4th October 2006

Gas analysis technologies for pharmaceutical production

Pharmaceutical production involves numerous processes where gas analysis is either essential in order to comply with regulatory requirements or highly beneficial in terms of plant safety or operational efficiency. Choosing the correct technology is vital, as there is a trade-off between purchase price and cost of ownership.

27th September 2006

Review: PD 5304:2005 'Guidance on safe use of machinery'

Procter Machinery Guarding takes a close look at PD 5304:2005, 'Guidance on safe use of machinery' and compares it with the version dating from 2000.

27th September 2006

The implications of IEC 62061 becoming EN 62061

Although it is all but identical to IEC 62061, BS EN 62061 (Safety of machinery, Functional safety of safety-related electrical, electronic and programmable electronic control systems) is now harmonised to the Machinery Directive, which makes a subtle but important difference. This article explains the implications for machine builders and those modifying machinery, and looks in detail at what the standard contains.

26th September 2006