Machine Building

How to improve metal additive manufacturing processes

This article from Aerotech discusses the current state of metal additive manufacturing technology and presents ways to improve the process.

26th May 2017

Optimising safety with Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 conjures up images of a highly dynamic working environment, able to respond almost immediately to shifts in customer requirements through rapid reorganisation and reconfiguration of manufacturing processes. In this scenario, individual production lines and cells can transform their operations and output almost at will, based on information garnered and analysed in real time. Mike Lomax, Head of Product Management UK, Bosch Rexroth, discusses optimising safety with Industry 4.0.}

26th May 2017

How to choose between brushed and brushless DC motors

Amir Janjua, an engineer with maxon motor UK, explains how to choose between brushed and brushless technologies when specifying DC motors.

25th May 2017

How to extend service life of plain bearings and reduce costs

Replacing traditional metallic bearings with high-performance tribopolymer parts will extend service life and reduce costs, particularly in demanding environments where water or caustic chemicals are present. Typical applications include equipment used outdoors and those requiring wash-down, such as food and beverage or pharmaceutical processing.

25th May 2017

Shaft collars for machine tools

To match the varied needs of machine tool manufacturers, Ruland Manufacturing Co., Inc. offers over 2500 standard shaft collars. Machine tool manufacturers require round bore, threaded, and bearing locknut type shaft collars to meet the diverse needs of mills, lathes, bar feeders, coilers and other CNC-controlled equipment. Ruland clamp style shaft collars are manufactured from select materials, have fine finishes, high holding power and precise face to bore perpendicularity, making them well suited for the demands of machine tools.

24th May 2017

Bonding systems: A track record of safety and success

The use of bonding systems is gaining increasing popularity among machine builders as more and more come to recognise the potential advantages on offer. For instance, bonding systems enable manufacturers to incorporate new materials into their designs, combining their properties to best effect. Indeed, taking a design approach that embraces adhesives and sealants means that imagination becomes the only restriction in creating a new generation of class-leading machines.

22nd May 2017

How to save money when specifying process valves

Kai Feller, Product Manager for Process Automation at Festo, says customers often over-specify process valves, which can result in them paying significantly more than they need to. The following advice will help to ensure that the optimum valve is specified each time, resulting in cost savings but without compromising performance or reliability.

19th May 2017

Save time with automated cable identification

Well-identified cables often are a customer requirement. They are also necessary to deliver standardised cable assemblies and to produce more efficiently. However, identifying cables can be very time consuming, especially if it is done manually. By automating cable identification you can save time, comply with customer requirements, deliver standardised assemblies and produce more efficiently all at once.

18th May 2017

Line scan bar - how it works, the benefits and applications

Stemmer Imaging has produced a short video guide that explains what a line scan bar is, how it works, its benefits, and some typical applications.

17th May 2017

Solving the productivity puzzle with technology and training

With manufacturing productivity in Q4 2016 growing by 1.7 per cent on the previous quarter - but overall growth still lagging behind the curve - the UK economy continues to be haunted by the "productivity puzzle". Engineering adhesives specialist Intertronics works with its customers to enhance their productivity in order to compete in both home and export markets.

17th May 2017