Machine Building

Should you use a safety PLC or a standard PLC and safety relays?

When Apple released the iPhone X in 2017, some critics suggested the improvements compared with its predecessor were not worth the extra cost. However, if you could benefit from facial identification and an OLED display, the iPhone X may be a good choice. Manufacturers must also consider the specifications they need when choosing between a standard programmable logic controller (PLC) and a safety PLC. Here, Bernard Zwickler, director of automation parts supplier EU Automation GmbH, explains.

22nd November 2019

What goes into a custom display?

Display systems are at the heart of what RDS does. The company has been designing and developing custom displays and systems for many years. This article outlines what goes into a display when it is built to a customer's specification.

22nd November 2019

maxon products - designed by engineers for engineers

maxon is renowned for its precision DC drives. maxon offers standard and customised products as well as completely bespoke systems. This article introduces maxon's Business Units and industry specialists covering the UK and Ireland. The Sales Engineer's role is to support customers with their projects and applications. These specialists work with customers to find a matching drive and controller for the application or look to develop a tailored solution.

20th November 2019

How Aerotech's new IGM concept redefines motion platforms

Precision machining starts with exact positioning. With the IGM motion platform, Aerotech has developed a new series that is significantly more versatile and scalable than conventional positioning tables.

19th November 2019

What is a rotameter and how does it work?

Premier Control Technologies introduces rotameters and explains how these versatile flow meters operate with liquids and gases.

8th November 2019

Material/finish options for cabinet/enclosure sealing profiles

In the busy life of a manufacturing engineer it is easy to lose sight of standard options where the default choice will do - so it is useful to consider some of simple EMKA options of extruded gasket profiles to suit varying applications for industrial cabinets/enclosures, specialist vehicles, HVACR, railways and similar.

6th November 2019

Sick's smart factory for sensor production

Sick has built a truly Industry 4.0 factory for the production of its latest sensors. This article explains what was involved and the benefits being delivered by the new smart factory.

30th October 2019

What are suitable applications for thin-section bearings?

Carter Manufacturing's Mike Page outlines some application examples showing how thin-section bearings have brought benefits to designers and end users alike.

29th October 2019

How manufacturing businesses can reduce their carbon footprint

According to National Grid, more of Britain's electricity production will come from zero carbon energy sources than from fossil fuels in 2019 "" the first time since the Industrial Revolution. This is positive progress towards the UK Government achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Here Ben Goodare, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at global engineering technologies company, Renishaw, shares the changes businesses can make on their energy management journeys.

28th October 2019

What are the advantages of thin-section bearings?

Thin-section bearings can provide design engineers with significant advantages when space is tight, tolerances are extreme and weight-saving is also a defining attribute. Here, Carter Manufacturing's Mike Page explains what thin-section bearings are and what they can do.

28th October 2019