Machine Building

Condition monitoring for predictive maintenance concepts

The system from Nord Drivesystems regularly or permanently records drive and status data in order to optimise the operational safety and efficiency of machines and plants. Based on this information, concepts for predictive maintenance can also be developed. Fast, efficient and comprehensive evaluation of analogue and digital data (measurements, signals and operating parameters) by the intelligent PLC in the drive electronics forms the basis.

5th December 2019

Benefits of black oxide finish for rolling bearings

Black oxide finish has a long tradition. It forms a protective layer for steel parts. David Schaljo, head of application engineering with NKE in Steyr, Austria, explains the benefits and illustrates them with practical examples.

5th December 2019

Customised energy-efficient pumps offer many user benefits

Michael Gundlach, Product Manager at Parker Hannifin, explains how the integration of energy-saving, customisable hydraulic systems can reduce footprint, noise and energy consumption of hydraulics while retaining or even increasing equipment longevity.

28th November 2019

What can graphene do for lubricating bearings?

Design engineers have long searched for material coating methods to reduce friction. But, could the restructuring of newly found materials reduce friction on macroscopic scales? Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of EZO bearings supplier SMB Bearings, explains how future surface treatments, including innovations in graphene and grapheme-related materials (GRM) could enable better, or limitless, bearing wear.

28th November 2019

Gas flow control: how to balance cost against specification

Within the field of gas mass flow control there are several manufacturers vying to supply their equipment into industry. Each has their own strengths, and each has their own weaknesses, although all have their merits within their chosen industry sector or application segment. An alternative view is to take a given flow control process and then apply the best, most cost-effective, technique or solution within the constraints of cost:specification balancing.

26th November 2019

Maximise bearing life by considering load-carrying capacity

Chris Johnson, managing director of SMB Bearings, explains bearing loads - and how a bearing's ability to deal with it can help maximise bearing longevity.

25th November 2019

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