Machine Building

The braking resistors that will not break

One of the most popular works of Renaissance sculpture is Michelangelo's David, a piece that has become synonymous with human strength and beauty. Despite its seemingly perfect proportions, a basic design flaw of the statue has recently been brought to light. Recurring micro-fractures in the ankles might cause the statue to collapse under its own weight. Here, David Atkins, projects director at Cressall Resistors, explains why design is essential not only in art, but also in industry, especially when designing equipment such as power resistors for demanding environments like oil and gas.

29th November 2016

Getting things right first time with PLM and BOM

The creation of a Bill of Materials (BOM) is a fundamental part of product development. However, manufacturers are often unsure at what stage of the product development the BOM comes in. Best practice dictates that the BOM needs to travel fluently through the different development stages, evolving and changing as products are designed, built and eventually, circulated. Here, Geoff Turner, product lifecycle management (PLM) consultant at Design Rule, examines the value of getting the BOM right in the early stages of a project.

29th November 2016

Gears for packaging machines

Most people probably open tens of packaged goods a day without even realising it. Opening jars, cereal packets and sandwich boxes are all part of our daily routine, but we don't tend to notice the packaging until something goes wrong. When milk cartons burst, drinks spill in your bag or crisps go stale when they're not properly sealed, it can be infuriating. Here, Graham Mackrell, managing director of Harmonic Drive UK looks at how gears for packaging machines keep your goods fresh.

29th November 2016

How ERP supports the engineer-to-order approach

Rapidly increasing demand for customised products has led to a ramp-up in the number of engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturers over recent years. In line with the growth in digital routes to market and the rise of servitisation as a core manufacturing methodology, consumers have become attuned to having product offerings tailored to their preferences and are often prepared to pay a premium for this level of service. Fabrizio Battaglia, Head of Manufacturing & Distribution, HSO, discusses how ERP supports the ETO approach.

24th November 2016

Lee Spring innovations meet environmental standards

Environmental thinking at Lee Spring runs through the whole design production process with a focus on quality in all aspects where higher quality connects to greater reliability and reduced replacements. Similarly, in design details like the choice to offer round wire die springs in place of older style square sections with resulting lower energy costs.

23rd November 2016

Systems integration for Industry 4.0

Our world is getting smaller every day. Never before have remote locations been more accessible thanks to communications technology, smartphones and the internet. Connected devices have infiltrated every aspect of our lives, including the most traditional industry sectors. Here, Nick Boughton, sales manager of Boulting Technology, discusses the challenges connectivity poses for industry, particularly with regard to systems integration and the water industry.

22nd November 2016

Industrial automation technologies for 2017

Innovation is the driver of progress in industrial automation. From the conception of the programmable logic controller (PLC) in 1968 to the introduction of the collaborative robots we see in industry today, technological developments continuously shape the industrial automation landscape. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of obsolete equipment supplier EU Automation discusses a few key technologies that will shape industrial automation in the year ahead.

22nd November 2016

Steam control valves: getting the most from this vital component

Process control in hygienic applications, such as the food and beverage sector, demands a great deal from the components that are used to manage the manufacturing and cleaning processes. Choosing the right steam control valve can bring a number of benefits including precision, reliability, minimal maintenance and durability in challenging environments. Mark Lilley, Field Segment Manager, Hygienic Food & Beverage at Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, explains the benefits of making an informed decision when it comes to general purpose steam control valves.

21st November 2016

What changed in BS EN ISO 13849-1:2015?

David Collier of Pilz Automation Technology explains the changes that were introduced in the third edition of BS EN ISO 13849-1, published in December 2015, which is identical to international standard ISO 13849-1:2015 and European harmonised standard EN ISO 13849-1:2015. He also shares his observations of the impact these changes will have.

21st November 2016

Thermal stability and non-contact displacement sensor accuracy

In non-contact displacement measurement applications, engineers often overlook the effects of temperature variations on the measurement accuracy of the sensor. It is therefore critical to check supplier datasheets, says Chris Jones of Micro-Epsilon.

18th November 2016