Machine Building

The SKF smart manufacturing transformation

Digital technologies are helping SKF revolutionise the speed and flexibility of its production operations. For customers, that means shorter lead-times, smaller inventories and lower costs.

13th June 2017

How to prevent threaded joints from working loose?

Many applications require a threaded joint that is dismountable yet durable, but often the freedom to dismantle comes at a price because the chosen securing method has limitations. Many of the traditional thread-locking devices are unable to maintain bolt tension and clamping forces, resulting in premature failure and, potentially, costly downtime. This present article explores the alternative options for preventing threaded joints from self-loosening.

12th June 2017

SKF is paving the path to a digital future

Further digitalisation of established technologies such as condition monitoring and smart sensors could have a revolutionary effect on manufacturing, says Bernie van Leeuwen, Director Product Management Digitalization at SKF.

10th June 2017

Augmented reality: efficient access to engineering expertise

During the last few years, virtual reality technologies have taken global consumer markets by storm. However, their industrial use has been limited, mainly because they only enable the user access to a digital model, without taking actual surroundings into account. But with the advent of augmented, or mixed reality devices, the game is changing, especially for industrial end-users.

10th June 2017

PLM vs. ERP- do you really need both?

The human body contains over 600 muscles and more than 200 bones. Although the muscular and skeletal systems fulfil separate functions, they also work together to facilitate movement. In many ways, the analogy is relevant for companies deciding between implementing Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Here, Bob Hillier, managing director Design Rule, shares the best practice for companies caught up in the PLM vs. ERP debate.

7th June 2017

When were your light curtains last tested?

Light curtains are common place in today's manufacturing and packaging facilities. They fall into the category of ESPE (Electro Sensitive Protective Equipment). They use AOPD (Active Opto-electronic Protection Devices) for safeguarding persons when interacting with machinery.

7th June 2017

Turning up the lights on dark data

In 1945, an engineer named Percy Spencer was testing energy sources for radar equipment in a laboratory, when he realised a chocolate bar in his pocket had somehow melted. Not long after, the microwave oven was born. In the manufacturing industry, it is also possible to make accidental discoveries; one avenue which is proving particularly fruitful is the use of dark data. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director at EU Automation, discusses how manufacturers can use their dark data for commercial benefit.

6th June 2017

The top five challenges of relubricating bearings

Chris Johnson, managing director of SMB Bearings, explains the top five challenges of relubricating bearings.

6th June 2017

Top five factors to consider when replacing linear systems

Bob Love, Business Development Manager at Schaeffler UK, outlines the top five points that engineers, maintenance technicians and service providers should consider when replacing linear profile rail systems in existing machinery.

6th June 2017

Using smart sensors: what do your motors really do?

In 1969, the first home security system was born, consisting of four peepholes and a camera that could be moved to look through any of them, broadcasting the images to a monitor. Nowadays, we can now stream and view a feed of our home security cameras on our mobiles, giving homeowners greater piece of mind. Here, Markus Brettschneider, of ABB's food and beverage program, explains how food plant managers can add a similar level of connectivity to retrofit most motors with smart sensors to bring their plants to the digital age.

1st June 2017