Machine Building

Top-three requirements for machine control systems

David Randall, Business Development Manager at Lenze UK, offers three key requirements for modern industrial control systems as seen from the viewpoint of machine builders and OEMs.

21st December 2017

How to adopt modularisation in the Industry 4.0 era

Neil Beaumont of Lenze discusses the challenges and offers some solutions for integration and communications when adopting modularisation, particularly in the context of Industry 4.0.

21st December 2017

Burkert: managing a culture of innovation

Many businesses dream of being led by innovation, yet struggle to generate the revenues that only large-scale manufacturing can deliver. Bürkert Fluid Control Systems appears to have achieved both, so how is a genuine culture of innovation balanced by commercial pressures? In a candid interview Bürkert CEO Heribert Rohrbeck explains his outlook and how a "˜techie's' take on the world can make for good business"¦

1st December 2017

Bolt-on strain gauge sensors are versatile and cost-effective

Bolt-on strain gauge sensors are extremely versatile for industrial applications. The following article outlines some of the diverse applications for which these sensors are suitable.

28th November 2017

Using 2D and 3D sensing technologies to safeguard machines

Compared with fixed and movable machine guards, some applications can benefit considerably from two- and three-dimensional safety sensors, with both optical and pressure-sensitive types of sensor having roles to play.

24th November 2017

Why machine builders must adapt to digital supply chains

Richard Hell of Oliver Wyman's Harbour Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering practice explains why machine builders must adapt as their supply chains go digital.

22nd November 2017

How to simplify the prototyping of embedded vision systems

In recent years there has been a rapid evolution of classical machine vision towards embedded vision. Although these compact systems have been made possible by the increased availability of small platforms containing extremely powerful CPUs, developing an embedded vision device can be very time-consuming and cost-intensive. To overcome these limitations, IDS has introduced an embedded vision construction kit that utilises off-the-shelf components.

22nd November 2017

Efficient sealing systems in fluid power applications

Even the smallest of leaks in hydraulic and pneumatic systems can cause appalling damage, so adequate protection against this potential problem is a top priority for fluid technology manufacturers. Here, high-performance adhesives and sealants are the key to success, offering a huge boost to efficiency and cost structure in the production of hydraulic and pneumatic components such as pumps, compressors, cylinders and valves.

21st November 2017

Benefits of using 'smart' connectors for identification

Ralf Reicks, a Product Manager at Harting Technology Group, explains how 'smart' connectors are starting to be used for a wider variety of identification tasks.

20th November 2017

Choose the right regulator to reduce gas cylinder risks

Industrial gases are widely used for cutting and welding, and the hazards associated with heat, flames and flammable gases are generally understood. However, less well appreciated are the consequences of a gas cylinder being knocked over, perhaps because somebody trips over a hose, a forklift truck knocks a cylinder or something falls against or onto a cylinder.

17th November 2017