Machine Building

How IT/OT convergence can benefit industrial businesses

Today, we can freely communicate instantaneously with people on the other side of the world from wherever we are, whether it's the office, a bar, or walking between the two. This connectivity is a product of the internet, but it's facilitated by our smartphones, which are a prime example of technologies converging. Here, George Walker, managing director of industrial connectivity specialist Novotek UK and Ireland, explains how similar convergent technologies are benefitting industrial businesses.

5th July 2019

How to introduce collaborative robots and keep workers safe

According to reports by the International Federation of Robotics, in 2017 there was a global average of 74 robot units to every 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry. As the industry's reliance on robotics grows, manufacturers must ensure that they do all that they can to keep workers safe. In this article Jonathan Wilkins, director at industrial automation parts supplier, EU Automation explains what manufacturers should consider when introducing collaborative robots to the production line.

2nd July 2019

Lower-cost sensors pave the way for better plant maintenance

The Internet of Things (IoT) and recent technological advances in 3G/GSM/GRRS technology and connectivity together with sensor miniaturisation have resulted in the availability of a wide range of remote monitoring devices, which can be quickly installed and instantly connected. These offer real-time visibility to see not only what needs doing, but crucially, when it needs attention, for maintenance, FM or on a production line.

25th June 2019

Suppress interference to ensure drives work smoothly and safely

Mark Checkley of KEB Automation explains how OEMs and machine builders can choose from a variety of mains- or motor-side suppression accessories - or combinations of the two - to ensure drives comply with specific EMC requirements of the application.

24th June 2019

4D printing offers potential for machine builders

Human beings are often said to have five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. But what about intuition? Some people refer to this as the sixth sense. Now, a new manufacturing technique is adding an extra dimension - a "˜sixth sense' - to products with applications as varied as aerospace and medical. Additive manufacturing is no longer only in three dimensions, but four. Here Jonathan Wilkins, director at automation equipment supplier EU Automation, shares some insight into 4D printing and the impact we can expect it to have.

20th June 2019

Improving the design and manufacture of switchgear cabinets

Paresh Kansara, Rittal's Product Manager for Industrial & Outdoor Enclosures, explains how Rittal and Eplan develop individual system portfolios, then combine value-enhancing process steps to create a seamless value chain for the benefit of customers.

19th June 2019

Gas monitoring issues faced in storage of cereals

Guaranteeing food supplies is a growing issue. With a growing global population, climate change and ocean acidification disrupting crops and fish stocks, many countries face serious challenges in ensuring food security. As well as issues affecting food production worldwide, another important aspect for food security is food storage and preservation.

17th June 2019

Tackling the STEM skills gap in UK manufacturing

When asking someone to list their top ten most glamorous careers, it is a fairly safe bet that engineering doesn't feature, let alone appear near the top. Yet, despite the stereotypical image many people have, engineering is fundamental to so many of the things we take for granted in life - from roads and buildings to bridges, utilities such as power and water, right through to manufacturing everything we use, wear, touch or eat in everyday life.

13th June 2019

Benefits of gantry systems for heavy loads and large work areas

Automation in the manufacturing industry is continuing to grow in demand and can be applied to nearly every application from processing, assembly, inspection to packaging. Gantries and 6-axis industrial robots are widely used to achieve automation for applications such as palletising, sorting, and pick & place to name but a few. When specifying a gantry or robot, consideration needs to be given to the required task and payload, the grippers that will be attached to the system, and the distance and speeds required.

12th June 2019

Machinery health and safety: consider the small things

Health and safety in manufacturing and engineering is the sum of all parts, no matter how big or small. Even the most unnoticeable components, like grips, handles and knobs, must be carefully selected and assessed, explains Marcus Schneck, CEO of standard components specialists norelem.

6th June 2019