Machine Building

Best practice for big data management

Big data is one of the most talked-about technology trends of the past decade. However, the catalyst for big data occurred in the 1960s. A 1967 paper by B.A Marron discussed the growing amount of data that the world was producing - referred to as the "˜information explosion'. In the paper, Marron imagined the potential of an automatic processor that could collect and store valuable pieces of information for its users - technology that we now experience in almost every part of our lives. Here, Lee Sullivan, Regional Manager at industrial software expert, COPA-DATA UK, explains the value of big data in the manufacturing industry and the best practice for industrial data acquisition and visualisation.

3rd August 2017

Benefits of magnetic bearings when used with high-speed motors

A combination of magnetic bearings and high-speed motors ensures almost friction-free operation and the opportunity to create a new generation of high-efficiency machines, says Phil Burge, Marketing and Communications Manager at SKF.

1st August 2017

Now is the time for Food and Drink SMEs to invest in automation

There's never been a better time for food and drink SMEs to invest in robots for the workplace. Sales and exports are booming, and robots are more powerful than ever. Paul Wilkinson, Commercial & Information Systems Manager at Pacepacker Services, examines the current challenges of the food and drink industry and details how robots can assist SMEs to boost productivity and compete with larger industry players.

28th July 2017

Cybersecurity at the heart of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

A technical evolution has taken place, which has made cyber threats more potent than at any other time in our history. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, over half of British businesses will suffer cyber attacks by 2018. As businesses seek to embrace Industry 4.0, cybersecurity protection must be a top priority for Industrial Control Systems (ICS). These attacks are financially crippling, reduce production and business innovation, and cost lives. Dave Sutton, Product Marketing Manager, Schneider Electric, discusses Cybersecurity at the heart of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

24th July 2017

Anticipatory maintenance prevents unplanned downtime

Tapio Torikka of Bosch Rexroth examines some of the limitations of existing maintenance regimes and looks at new systems that are, for the first time, harnessing real-time data to enable a truly anticipatory approach to be taken to machine maintenance.

20th July 2017

Production-oriented fasteners from Challenge Europe

The needs of manufacturing industry can generally be listed under the headings "reliability, speed, quality and cost" in varying order - but whatever the exact balance, design is always at the heart of achieving a successful outcome - as professed by specialist fastener suppliers Challenge Europe.

13th July 2017

What will happen to UK machine safety legislation after Brexit?

Doug Florence, senior consultant at SafeMech, considers what might happen to machinery safety legislation in the UK after Brexit.

12th July 2017

Optimum level and flow control for food industry processes

Process control equipment used in the food and beverage industry has to operate effectively with a wide variety of fluids, granules and powders. Add to this different viscosities and the requirement for a hygienic environment, plus, the ability to keep process lines clean and sterile, then the scale of challenge in managing effective flow and level control in a food processing line becomes apparent. Mark Lilley, Field Segment Manager .Hygienic - Food and Beverage for Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, looks at the essential features required to maintain effective and efficient level and flow control.

12th July 2017

Smart Screwdrivers combine control and monitoring functions

John Miewald of SMAC Moving Coil Actuators explains how Smart Screwdrivers offer multiple advantages over manual screwdriving and conventional technologies such as pneumatic drivers.

12th July 2017

Are your enclosures ready for the summer?

Rittal is warning users of manufacturing automation systems to check that they are prepared for the summer heat and, if necessary, arrange for an inspection of their equipment to check the level of risk. High temperatures are the most common cause of sensitive electrical and electronic components tripping or even failing.

11th July 2017