Machine Building

Three tips for heat transfer systems

The Oxford Electric Bell has been ringing constantly for over 175 years - so much so, that the apparatus has been dubbed the world's most durable battery. But after all this time, it is still a scientific mystery how the bell has functioned for so long. For operators of thermal fluid systems, keeping operations running doesn't have to be a mystery. Here, Clive Jones, managing director Global Heat Transfer, gives three considerations for manufacturers operating thermal fluid heat transfer systems to safeguard the system's future for the long term.

10th July 2017

When and where will Industry 4.0 actually happen?

There are a great many people now invested in working towards achieving the goals set out by Industry 4.0. For a concept that started life as a German government strategy project, it is fair to say that it has captured the imaginations of many engineers and futurists from around the globe. This article is an evaluation of the current status for realising Industry 4.0, from Chris Evans Marketing & Operations Group Manager at Mitsubishi Electric - Automation Systems Division - UK.

10th July 2017

The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations

MCP, as a major provider of industrial training, offers this overview on the more significant amendments to the regulations due to be published on 1 July 2018. Although nearly 15 months away it is not too early to review your company's training, procedures, methods and safety overview.

10th July 2017

Understanding the methods of robot programming

In 1984, The Learning Company released Robot Odyssey, which has been called the hardest computer game of all time with players having to program and control three robots to find home. Luckily, today's robots are easier to manage. Here Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director at obsolete industrial parts supplier, EU Automation, explores the three main methods of robot programming.

6th July 2017

Minimising waste in hygienic control valve applications

Manufacturing processes that operate under hygienic conditions are arguably under more pressures to increase efficiency and reduce waste due to high relative operating costs. However, this specialist area is required to prioritise cleanliness and precision ahead of other considerations, which can lead to some cost saving opportunities being missed. Ian Webster, Field Segment Manager .hygienic - Pharmaceutical at Bürkert UK, looks at how all these considerations can be accommodated, with an emphasis on minimising the use of energy and raw materials.

3rd July 2017

What is pushing the development of "˜future-proof' SCADA?

With the role of SCADA changing within the industry, it pays for plant managers to become familiar with the trends that are shaping the development of next-generation SCADA systems. With modern technology pushing operating capabilities ever further, what key features will denote "˜future-proof' SCADA? Paul Hurst, Director at Products4Automation, exclusive UK distributor for popular Progea products Movicon SCADA and Automation Platform.NExT, explores the characteristics of modern and future SCADA platforms.

3rd July 2017

The advantages of hardware-independent software

According to the Smart Factories and the Modern Manufacturer report, investments in smart manufacturing are set to drive a 27 per cent increase in efficiency over the next five years, boosting the global economy by a colossal $500 billion. Here, Lee Sullivan, regional manager for COPA-DATA UK, examines one of the key choices manufacturers will make during their digital transformation "" choosing the right software.

26th June 2017

Five ways to future-proof industrial products

David Kelly, Regional Product Manager at Southco presents five concepts that manufacturers need to embrace when future-proofing industrial products and applications in order to ensure long-term success.

26th June 2017