Machine Building

PLCs and PACs - which one is right for you?

A survey carried out by flavoured syrup supplier, Monin, in October, 2017 found that 61 per cent of Brits prefer coffee over tea. Here Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of EU Automation explores the pros and cons of using traditional programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and newer programmable automation controllers (PACs).

1st February 2018

Taking pneumatic process control to a new level

Automated process control has delivered a host of benefits to industries such as water treatment, food & beverage and pharmaceuticals. Increasing productivity, safety and cleanliness are just a few of the advantages to controlling a range of processes with either centralised or distributed pneumatic automation. Craig Kerr, UK Product Champion at Bürkert looks at some of the developments and features that are providing even more functionality for a host of applications.

30th January 2018

PLC modules: What's on the rack"¦

The increasing modularity of PLC components means that in principle life has been getting easier for systems integrators of late, with the ability to implement complete automation systems on a single backplane. However, with a host of new PLC modules making it feasible to implement full control of a complete production line without ever leaving the PLC rack, are we at risk of over-complicating a simple idea? Barry Weller of Mitsubishi Electric argues that, actually, this is all for the better.

29th January 2018

Authorisation in machine automation - safety and security

This article from Pilz discusses machinery safety, operational security and ways in which access can be authorised.

29th January 2018

Implementing digital transformation in the automotive sector

British Fluid Power Association member companies Festo and SMC Pneumatics consider the growing trend towards automation and digitalisation within the automotive industry, and the enduring importance of more traditional technologies such as pneumatics within the fast-developing digital transformation landscape.

28th January 2018

Component compatibility can make or break a good system

Selecting the right components and sub-systems when designing modern machines and technical equipment requires the consideration of many factors; some more obvious than others. Gerard Bush of INMOCO offers some insight into the process.

23rd January 2018

Screws from Challenge Europe with confidence and support

Screws from Challenge Europe come in an extensive range of general and niche ex-stock products, each with its own special features. Especially they come with the strong background support of the Challenge Europe team so useful to customers seeking just a bit more than simply placing an order without the benefit of guidance and support.

22nd January 2018

Non-contact technology simplifies torque monitoring

Monitoring torque in a drive shaft is one of the best ways of assessing the performance of plant and machinery. However, because drive shafts rotate, hard wiring a sensor into place usually requires the use of a delicate slip ring. An alternative is to use a non-contact radio frequency detector to monitor "˜Surface Acoustic Waves' (SAWs), as Mark Ingham of Sensor Technology Ltd explains.

18th January 2018

Changing business models with IoT

In the 1960s, Rolls Royce pioneered the concept of power by the hour - a pay per use system for its engines. Instead of purchasing the product upfront, the customer was offered a performance-based contract. This helped align the incentives of the manufacturer and operator - reliability, reduced expenditure and accurate cost prediction. Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director at industrial automation equipment supplier, EU Automation, explains how automation is changing business models.

15th January 2018

HIMA assesses new cyberthreat after safety controller hack

In late 2017 the ICS cybersecurity specialist Dragos announced that a safety controller (SIS) of a HIMA competitor in a process facility in the Middle East had been targeted by a new malware attack and successfully hacked. The SIS was compromised, leading to a shutdown of the facility. The professional execution of the attack again clearly shows that facility operators need to take the subject of cybersecurity very seriously. HIMA therefore offers to provide expert consulting on the subject of cybersecurity in safety-critical systems.

12th January 2018