Machine Building

Hexapod+drone: new industrial & research applications

Hexapods are 6 DOF motion systems that derive 6-axis movement (XYZ, Pitch, Yaw) from actuators placed in parallel between a top and bottom platform. Available in a variety of sizes with bases ranging from 100mm to 1m, different stiffness configurations, and supportive of loads from 2kg to 1000+kg, PI hexapods share two common traits - precision and versatility- as seen in a new test of a drone-mounted camera on PI's H-840 hexapod as it goes thru a series of motions.

24th June 2016

Magnetic clamp pays for itself in three months

In March 2016, bespoke special purpose machine manufacturer and CNC machining subcontractor, Bowyer Engineering, bought its first magnetic workholding equipment, an Italian-made component clamping system from Tecnomagnete supplied through sole UK agent, 1st Machine Tool Accessories.

23rd June 2016

ZEMIC load cell selected for cabin luggage weighing machine

ZEMIC, the global load and force sensor manufacturer, represented in the UK by Variohm EuroSensor, has recently announced its participation in an innovative new machine for use at airports that scans, weighs and confirms that passenger's carry-on luggage meets the size and weight restrictions required by major airlines.

23rd June 2016

Parker's GVM electric motor supports TT event record speed

The Automation Group of Parker Hannifin saw its GVM electric motor technology help Victory Racing achieve an impressive second place overall in the recent Isle of Man zero-emission TT Zero race for electric superbikes.

23rd June 2016

Design, manufacture and repair of specialist drive systems

Renold Gears designs and manufactures a complete range of specialist drive systems for the huge air preheaters found at gas, oil and coal-fired power stations. It also provides global service and repair, along with ongoing support, even for units manufactured by other companies. This all-round service is an important factor in ensuring all the drive units at a power plant function efficiently, reliably and downtime is minimised.

23rd June 2016

Two-year ROI forecast on robot installation at CED Thurrock

CED Stone Group based in Thurrock in Essex, has experienced a number of improvements to its palletising process since upgrading its robot installation to an ABB Premium Refurbished IRB6640 model. The IRB 6640 has the ability to stack the 25kg sacks of aggregate quicker and higher than its 25 year old predecessor, resulting in an average of 1680 bags palletised per day.

22nd June 2016

Microswitch reliability assured by spring design

For many years Goss Springs has supplied springs for use in microswitches, which find applications in thousands of industrial and household products, systems and machines.

22nd June 2016

Harting current sensors in renewable energy power conversion

Harting current sensors are presently ensuring the continuous and reliable operation of wind turbines for major wind farm installations around the world. One of the world's major wind turbine manufacturers is using 1000A-rated Harting HCS 1000 Hall-effect sensors to monitor the input & output power feeds of the main power inverter.

21st June 2016

A reliable resistor supply

Plant managers across the UK have struggled for years to replace damaged power resistors for one reason or another. Often, the original supplier no longer exists in the UK market, or does not supply resistors any longer, so managers are forced to look for the required components elsewhere. Whether the application is crane control, pumps, fans or compressors, replacement resistors are still needed for legacy systems. Here, Martin Nicholls, sales director of Cressall Resistors describes the time that the specialist resistor firm was called out to help Ketton Cement replace like-for-like its three-section speed control resistor on its main 2.7MW limestone crusher.

21st June 2016

Movicon SCADA provides visualisation and control for biodigester

The entrepreneurial spirit is strong with Henry du Val de Beaulieu who is building a giant 10,000 cubic metre fourth biodigester tank at his farm estate in Hampshire. Providing site visibility and remote control over most aspects of this already large anaerobic digestion enterprise site, including key parameters such as equipment status, temperature, pressure and gas / electricity generation is the robust and easy to use Movicon SCADA system provided by Products4Automation (P4A).

20th June 2016