Machine Building

Five facts about hydraulics that may surprise automators

This article from Bosch Rexroth dispels some of the myths surrounding hydraulics for automation and machine building.

21st February 2020

Intelligent monitoring of safety brakes

In this interview, Andreas Merz from Product Management at mayr power transmission explains how sensorless, networked brake monitoring can support efficient and proactive machine maintenance.

20th February 2020

How tilt sensors ensure stability of platforms, lifts and cranes

elobau offers a large number of sensors and other electrical components. They monitor the working condition of machines when these are in operation, and work in situations or conditions where slopes and angles may be important or simply need to be measured. This also includes tilt sensors, which are used throughout the machine and vehicle industry. They monitor the position of platforms, forks of forklifts, etc. Tilt sensors also report any imbalances that activate an engine's stop, alarms or brakes.

20th February 2020

Flexible impeller pumps and their advantages

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) often require versatile, cost-effective, compact and reliable pumps for their equipment. All these qualities are often very difficult to find in one pump type, and it is in these situations where flexible impeller pumps shine.

14th February 2020

The lubrication options for ultra-low-friction bearings

The F1 in Schools competition sees students from around the world compete to design and race the fastest miniature car model. The UK took home the world champion title at the 2019 world finals in Abu Dhabi, but what can design engineers learn from this success? Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier, SMB Bearings, explores the design options for ultra-low friction applications.

10th February 2020

Should I choose a collaborative or cooperative robot?

Robots are becoming increasingly easy to use, more economical and suitable for a higher number of industrial applications. As human operators and robots increasingly share a common space in the manufacturing environment, the choice between a collaborative or cooperative machine is naturally being given more consideration. Barry Weller, Product Manager at Mitsubishi Electric, looks at the key features of collaborative and cooperative robots and how to quickly identify the best system for an intended application.

7th February 2020

25 years of CE Marking machinery

Derek Coulson, a Technical Advisor with Safe Machine Ltd, looks back to 1995 when CE marking of machinery was first required, and what has happened since then.

4th February 2020

Hose re-ending: the fallacies behind "˜saving a bit of money'

Hose re-ending is a very risky business. When you put a cost on downtime, maintenance and safety, how much money do you really save?

24th January 2020

Achieving functional safety within drives without using encoders

What is the goal of functional safety? To minimise the risks posed by technical equipment to humans and the environment. Machine tools, for example, can endanger operators and technicians with tools that rotate at high speeds. Drive technology that ensures the required safety functions without encoders offers the user various advantages, says Mark Checkley of KEB.

10th January 2020

How to choose the right process control valves

Modern process control valves offer a wide range of features and benefits for industries that require precise control over fluids, steam and other gases. With so many control valves on the market, it is important to establish the features that will deliver the most cost-effective design for a particular application. Damien Moran, Field Segment Manager, Hygienic - Pharmaceutical at Bürkert, looks at some of the basic differentiators as well as some recent design developments.

10th January 2020