Machine Building

Air motors stir it up in automotive paint shops

A number of automotive manufacturers have adopted Huco Dynatork Air Motors to drive the agitators in their paint shops, with hundreds already in use operating around the clock in plants across the UK, mainland Europe, North America and Asia. Piston air motors offer many advantages over electric or vane type air motors, including energy efficiency, simple installation, easy maintenance, longevity, controllability and spark-free operation.

29th January 2016

Herga 6442 pneumatic push button selected for shower system

Arknet Limited, based near Reading, has developed a PLC-controlled commercial shower system that offers installation and operational cost saving in a design that does not require plumbing behind tiled walls and usage benefits such as variable water delivery duration and individual shower head valve control. Aimed at sports clubs, spas, schools and other facilities that use large volumes of water, the Shower Saver Plus includes Herga 6442 push buttons and 6871 series air switches for user input and interfacing to the control system. A centralised PLC control and remote I/O blocks in each of the shower consoles provides scalability.

29th January 2016

ESAB consumables specified for the Queensferry Crossing

ESAB has been awarded the contract to supply welding consumables for constructing the Queensferry Crossing, which is a new road bridge to take most of the traffic from the existing road bridge over the Firth of Forth connecting Edinburgh with Fife.

28th January 2016

Automotive component leak testing

When a high-profile automotive supplier needed a suite of customised leak testing systems for their latest engine components, they had no hesitation in contacting Tec Systems who had previously provided several automation machines for their UK factory. In order to fulfil the customers' requirements, Tec Systems provided a total of six individual leak testing machines, each designed to suit specific engine components.

27th January 2016

Linear position sensors provide high accuracy steering

Precision Decisions Ltd specialise in hardware and software for agriculture that maximise yield potential through the use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) automatic vehicle guidance. The Yorkshire-based company are particularly strong in an area of agronomics known as controlled traffic farming (CTF) where satellite guidance is employed as a key element to reduce vehicle travel over the field to the very minimum.

26th January 2016

Cube67 fieldbus system: efficient wiring in complex machines

Transnova Ruf's state-of-the-art packaging systems use a large number of sensors and valves to ensure smooth, fully automated operation. Because the machines are so large, their electrical installation requires a "lean" system. By using Murrelektronik's Cube67 fieldbus system, they are able to achieve their goals and benefit from the modular nature of the system.

25th January 2016

Eaton helps bring water from the mountains to the valleys

Intelligent automation systems from Eaton help control two decentralised elevated tanks and a pump station for the water supply in Remchingen, Germany.

21st January 2016

Zero-backlash jaw couplings for optical inspection systems

Stop-and-go optical inspection systems often have aggressive acceleration/deceleration profiles that generate vibration and high torque values. The dampening characteristics of Ruland zero-backlash jaw couplings reduce settling time and shock loads resulting in more accurate system performance and decreased component wear.

20th January 2016

3DEXPERIENCE platform in chocolate mould design

Many products are designed to appeal to our senses. Chocolate is no exception. Although taste is one of the reasons chocolate is so popular, its visual appeal also is important. Switzerland-based Max Riner AG makes sure chocolate looks appetising.

20th January 2016

Software engineering makes resistor earthquake-proof

Cressall Resistors has designed a resistor that operates at 132kV and can withstand a high-voltage impulse of up to 650kV. Furthermore, because it's intended for use in Australia, it can survive an earthquake or cyclone on an epic scale. Here, Cressall's sales director, Martin Nicholls, explains how finite element analysis (FEA) helped ensure that the construction would withstand the most tempestuous elements.

19th January 2016