Machine Building

Keep cabinets cool to avoid expensive downtime

Karl Lycett, Rittal UK's Product Manager for Climate Control, explains the importance of cabinet cooling and how IT equipment operates more reliably if kept at the right temperature.

5th March 2020

Motor selection for automated guided vehicles

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are most often used in industrial applications to transport heavy materials around warehouses or factories. It is critical AGVs don't fail. The choice of motorisation is key.

5th March 2020

Incompatible safety systems and how to avoid them

Robin J Carver EurOSHM CMIOSH MIET MIntMC FIIRSM RSP explores the important topic of incompatible safety systems, which although mentioned in EN ISO 12100 has received little coverage elsewhere.

4th March 2020

How gamification is transforming Industry 4.0

What's the best way to boost employee morale? Can we make human-machine interfaces (HMIs) more interactive? How can autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) become easier to programme? The answer to some of the most common questions in manufacturing may not lie in typical approaches, but rather in gamification. Neil Ballinger, head of EMEA sales at automation parts supplier EU Automation, explains how playful elements could benefit Industry 4.0.

3rd March 2020

How smart bearings aid predictive maintenance in manufacturing

So, you find yourself at an emergency dentist appointment - wouldn't it be convenient if you could have foreseen the tooth decay, and stopped it in its tracks? Plant managers feel the same way about unplanned maintenance, especially given associated costs, risks and equipment failure. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearings supplier, SMB Bearings, explains the crucial role smart bearings play in predictive maintenance.

3rd March 2020

What to consider when selecting brakes for servomotors

Whether in industrial robots, vertical axes in machine tools or in servo axes in medical engineering - moved loads must not drop or crash in an uncontrolled manner after power switch-off or in case of power failure or emergency stop. Safety brakes, which hold the axes in their position reliably and safely, ensure that this does not happen. Incorrect selection or dimensioning of these brakes can lead to serious injuries and/or damage to property. Therefore, it is essential that you take a critical look at the technical product details and the performance spectrum of the provider when selecting brakes for servomotors.

21st February 2020

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