Machine Building

What eggs can teach us about traceability

In summer 2017, 15 EU states, Switzerland and Hong Kong were affected by the Fipronil contamination scandal. The scandal originated in the Netherlands but had global effects. Around ten million tainted eggs were imported into Germany, with not only eggs themselves being contaminated, but also egg products such as sandwich fillers. Here, Shan Zhan, Global Business Manager for Food & Beverage within the ABB Control Technologies business unit, looks at what the scandal can teach food manufacturers about the importance of traceability processes.

31st March 2018

Precision control for CIP processes

Clean-in-place (CIP) has been used for maintaining the cleanliness of process equipment in the pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries for over 50 years. However, specifying the most appropriate valves and sensors to control a CIP process can make a huge difference in terms of how effective and efficient the system is, which in-turn has a significant impact on operating costs.

31st March 2018

Safety in automation: monitoring systems for crane brakes

As global port operators increasingly utilise more advanced IT systems within both manned and unmanned cranes and container handling equipment, the subject of automation remains a much discussed topic.

29th March 2018

Exploring the benefits of the PLCnext Technology Platform

Tony Deane CST/Technical Manager at Phoenix Contact, explains the company's new PLCnext Technology Platform and the benefits it offers in terms of technological capabilities and making the most of current and future programming talent.

26th March 2018

Sensor data available globally: beyond the local company cloud

Making sensor data and information from different sources available globally and linking this data and information in a meaningful way - this is the crux of Industry 4.0. New business ideas make it necessary to make this information globally available and accessible not only within a company but also beyond the boundaries of the company and its location.

22nd March 2018

Smart Process Gating: Leuze reinvents light curtain muting

Smart Process Gating is the name of a new process from Leuze electronic through which muting processes are made more economical, simpler and safer.

22nd March 2018

How to achieve cyber-security in a Smart Factory

Jan Koch, Lenze's Global Head of Industry Sales, explains how machine builders and operators can, in the era of the Smart Factory, adopt a risk-based approach so as to protect connected machines and devices from cyber-security threats.

21st March 2018

An introduction to tantalum and how to select suppliers

Last month, comic book fans flocked to cinemas as Black Panther hit the screens. Underpinning the film's plot was fictional metal vibranium, which powered the titular hero's kingdom of Wakanda. Interestingly, this metal was, in part, inspired by tantalum. So, what of the marvellous metal's real-life counterpart? Here, Heiko Wildner, refractory metals specialist for materials comparison site Matmatch, examines the value and considerations of using tantalum.

20th March 2018

New thinking is breaking the gearbox repair cycle

Failing industrial gearboxes can be a real problem in any industry, but particularly so wherever there is ageing plant, older equipment, arduous applications or harsh environments. One plant manager, at a company producing construction materials, described the job of keeping production going as "˜a real scramble' every time a gearbox failure occurred.

7th March 2018

Miniature motors for medical applications

With DC motors as small 4mm diameter, it is not surprising that 45 per cent of maxon motor's business is from the medical industry. Patrick Vega, Technical Engineer at maxon motor uk, discusses some of the applications in which maxon's motors have featured.

2nd March 2018