Machine Building

Using Industry 4.0 to optimise process control

Almost every industrial process is capable of adopting aspects of the fourth industrial revolution, the interconnection and digitisation of products, business models and value chains, otherwise known as Industry 4.0. As more manufacturers and businesses adopt the principles and more common protocols are implemented, so the benefits become more accessible. Paul Trevitt, Operations and Engineering Manager, for Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, looks at the advantages of this evolving concept and how it can be implemented in process control scenarios.

19th February 2018

Cobots boost cost-competitiveness and responsiveness

The longstanding practice of offsourcing manufacturing operations to low-cost parts of the world to keep manufacturing costs down has recently taken a turn, with cobots playing an important role.

16th February 2018

Robot applications for maxon motors and gearheads

Amir Janjua, Technical Engineer, maxon motor UK, discusses which maxon products are best suited to robot applications and why.

14th February 2018

Three tips for testing cabling

While we may like to think of the modern world as being wireless, cabling remains an important element in almost all electrical systems. It is therefore essential that engineers know how to test cables effectively to ensure they are fit for purpose. Here, Matt Collins, business development manager at ide Systems, explains what engineers should look for when testing electrical cabling.

14th February 2018

Making smarter investments in automation

Highlighted in the Government's Made Smarter Review, industrial digitalisation technologies (IDTs) are transforming the manufacturing industry "" that's artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing, intelligent software, virtual reality and cutting-edge robotics. Here, Nigel Smith, managing director at TM Robotics, explains why manufacturers in Britain shouldn't blindly invest in IDTs and instead, should use Made Smarter to make smarter automation investments.

13th February 2018

Using Industry 4:0 to future-proof automation projects

In the UK, there are many companies that specialise in automation projects. Some design and provide the technology, components or sub systems, usually called Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Others provide the full turnkey applications. Then, there are system integrators that are specialists in crafting solutions, overseeing the engineering of automated systems, ensuring all the elements on a manufacturing and packing line work harmoniously together to optimise productivity, reduce waste and address rising manufacturing labour costs.

9th February 2018

Collaborative robots - risks and rewards

When you are contemplating how to complete a challenging, tedious, dirty (or even dangerous) job there is usually a heightened sense of satisfaction when you actually get it completed. That sense of accomplishment on completing the job will occur the first time you do it and perhaps even after the first few times. However, over time, these types of jobs are likely to become more tedious and subsequently could have a negative impact on operators and may also prevent them from spending time on higher value tasks in the manufacturing plant. This may come as a surprise, but installing an industrial robot to take over tedious or monotonous work may not always be the answer. That's because not all robots are equal. Jonny Grey, UK Sales & Marketing Manager, Motoman Yaskawa, discusses the options.

7th February 2018

Factors to consider when selecting draw wire position sensors

When selecting draw wire position sensors, a number of factors need to be considered, including their size and compactness, measuring range, output options and ease of customisation for high volume OEM applications, says Chris Jones of Micro-Epsilon.

5th February 2018

How materials and surface treatments improve bearing reliability

The use of application-specific bearing steels and surface treatments enables the reliability of bearings to be increased significantly, which, in turn, contributes to reductions in the total cost of ownership of machinery and equipment.

2nd February 2018

Re-engineering diaphragm valves

The diaphragm valve provides an economical control option for many process applications in a wide range of industries. The ability to select valve seat and body materials to suit a range of fluids and pick from different control options has resulted in a very flexible product. Bürkert, however, has taken this a stage further in a project to re-engineer its diaphragm valves to continue to optimise performance while also improving longevity and operating efficiency.

2nd February 2018