Machine Building

The state of Time-Sensitive Networking in the IIoT

Recent market reports recognise the Industrial Internet of Things as a burgeoning opportunity and game changer for the industrial automation equipment market. A 2017 report from IHS forecasts the industrial sector as being one-third of the total connected IoT devices by 2020 (Source: IoT Trend Watch).

20th April 2018

How much stock should your bearing supplier hold?

One of the most important asset of any bearings business is stock because it provides the ability to react quickly to customer needs. But customers also stand to benefit in other ways when their bearing supplier holds high levels of stock, as Craig Clydesdale of Bowman International explains.

19th April 2018

Comparing flowmeters: Coriolis vs. Surface Acoustic Wave

Flow measurement of liquids is an essential requirement for the control of many manufacturing processes, because accurate control improves efficiency and guarantees quality. Whilst there are a number of different technologies available, when high accuracy is the requirement the Coriolis flowmeter has so far been the default choice. However, the development of Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology for use in flowmeters has presented a challenger in the market with potentially a host of additional benefits. Ian Webster, Field Segment Manager .hygienic - Pharmaceutical for Bürkert Fluid Control Systems UK and Ireland, looks at how these two top-spec alternatives match up.

18th April 2018

Artificial intelligence for product research and development

What do the microwave, penicillin and Velcro have in common? All three were founded on an accidental discovery. With the rate of technological change faster than ever, companies can't leave their research and development (R&D) to chance. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director at obsolete industrial parts supplier EU Automation, explains how artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a role in product development.

17th April 2018

Putting the customer at the centre of your digital strategy

Colin Masson, global industry director of manufacturing solutions at Microsoft and a strategic advisor to major automation vendors such as Invensys and Rockwell Automation, says manufacturers need to break down internal barriers to deliver highly tailored products and services.

11th April 2018

Lee Spring Extension Springs complete the assembly

Extension Springs from Lee Spring provide a solution to problems of linking components in a way that absorbs and stores energy, as well as creating resistance to a pulling force. They are pre-loaded to create an initial resistance which keeps linked components in place with a variety of end types possible. Where pre-load is not required they can be supplied with inter-coil spacing for zero initial tension.

5th April 2018

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