Machine Building

Non-contact laser sensor provides high measurement repeatability

A UK-based manufacturer of investment casting wax is using a laser displacement sensor from Micro-Epsilon to measure the distortion and contraction of wax materials used in investment casting. The non-contact, high performance sensor is providing 10 times higher measurement repeatability than the previous LVDTs and touch-probe gauges.

19th January 2016

Industrial cameras monitor track across London Underground

Stemmer Imaging has worked closely with London Underground to develop and deliver 104 industrial camera assemblies that are mounted directly onto passenger trains to provide image data on the condition of the wheel/rail interface and the track itself. By acquiring this data during normal timetable periods, more time is available during the 4-hour night closure period to maintain the network's 1000km of track, minimising any disruption to services and helping to make the new weekend extended operating times possible.

19th January 2016

Using machine tool probes for precision metrology

The automotive industry is fiercely competitive. Tier-one car manufacturers are constantly looking for breakthroughs in areas such as performance, safety and innovative design, all of which places ever stricter requirements on the processing of metal components. SuperAlloy Industrial Company Ltd. (SAI) is a supplier of high-quality lightweight forged metal products. The forged wheel and car chassis components SAI produce are used by the world's top car manufacturers, thanks to the company's insistence on premium quality and precision manufacturing. Renishaw machine tool probe systems, including the OLP40, RMP60, OMP60, and the NC4, are a great match for SAI, allowing SAI, assisted by Renishaw, to make progress on the route to high-end precision manufacturing.

18th January 2016

Thorlabs selects TONiC encoders for its motion stages

Thorlabs designs and manufactures a wide array of photonics equipment including motion control, imaging, light analysis, optoelectronics and optomechanics for the research, industrial, life science, medical and defence segments. Thorlabs subjected Renishaw's TONiC encoders to a battery of tests in direct competition with other optical encoder brands, with the TONiC encoders emerging as clear leaders.

18th January 2016

DesignFlex pressure switches aid improved DNA sampling process

In an application where reliability and consistent operation are critical, a new DNA collection technology developed by M-Vac Systems uses pressure switches from the ultra-sensitive pressure, vacuum and differential switch manufacturer DesignFlex - represented exclusively in the UK by Variohm EuroSensor.

18th January 2016

WEG motors and drives play key wastewater treatment plant role

Complying with EU standards is one of the key challenges that wastewater treatment plants face. For this reason, more and more water treatment facilities across Europe are investing in ambitious optimisation projects aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and productivity. One example of this is the new wastewater plant that serves the city of Lille, France. To maximise the new facility's efficiency, Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies turned to Atlas Copco's blowers equipped with WEG's state-of-the-art motors and drives.

15th January 2016

SKF v-belt range enhances groundskeeping equipment performance

SKF is launching a new range of Aramid corded power equipment v-belts designed for use in groundskeeping applications. The durability of new SKF Xtra Power Lawn and Garden belts v-belts contributes to longer life.

13th January 2016

SLMP for integrating FAG SmartCheck into industrial automation

Schaeffler has taken intelligent machine monitoring to a new level with its FAG SmartCheck monitoring system. This detects early signs of potential damage to rotating machines and instantly alerts the operators and/or control system so that appropriate actions can be taken. The FAG SmartCheck is able to measure a number of parameters, such as temperature and vibration, and if these go out of predefined tolerance limits a signal is sent periodically to the control system. The signal is transmitted via the CC-Link Partner Association's (CLPA) Seamless Message Protocol. SLMP is a feature of the CC-Link IE open Ethernet based network that allows users to easily integrate field devices with gigabit CC-Link IE network systems.

13th January 2016

Harting's har-flex connector is key to versatile interfacing

Harting's har-flex PCB connector system is a key component in a new versatile interface developed by Peak Production Equipment, the Letchworth-based manufacturer of automatic test systems.

12th January 2016

Endoline systems rise to the occasion for Olympic artisan baker

A baker and supplier of artisan breads has recently opened a £3 million state-of-the-art factory on the back of their Olympic 2012 success and Endoline Machinery has helped them reach gold production standard with their fully automated turnkey packaging line - which now sees an output of around 1000 cases per day.

11th January 2016