Machine Building

Tea packing system uses Universal Robot

To boost production in order to meet increased demand Clipper Teas invested in a specially designed system for packing the tea bags from the point where they exit the tea bag making machine. Frontline Packaging was chosen to design, manufacture or source all of the elements and it recommended the inclusion of a Universal Robot from R. A. Rodriguez to load the rectangular tea cartons.

19th December 2015

MiniTec profiles used for prototyping UV disinfection system

A student at Bournemouth University has made good use of MiniTec aluminium profiles and accessories to build a prototype cabinet that utilises UV for disinfecting school sports equipment.

18th December 2015

iglidur on a front loader test rig

Agricultural equipment is subject to harsh environments having to operate in dusty, dirty and all weather conditions. Metallic plain bearings and recirculating ball bearings can often be replaced with polymer alternatives. Without needing lubricant, they are maintenance free and can increase service life by up to 8 times, yielding significant cost savings.

17th December 2015

Steel stockholder expands business with plasma cutting machine

Franklin Steel plc, an established steel stockholder that has steadily diversified into related products and services, recently invested in an ESAB SGX plasma cutting machine so it could undertake profiling in-house. Previously the company had outsourced profiling, whether that was for steelwork it was fabricating, or to fulfil orders from customers who did not want to use a separate supplier for profiles. By investing in a plasma cutting machine, Franklin Steel has reduced the lead time for customers ordering profiles, increased profit margins on those orders and, most importantly, opened up a new revenue stream in the form of a profile cutting service.

17th December 2015

Adhesives cut costs and turnaround time, and improve aesthetics

Joker FX has found that using Loctite structural adhesives instead of traditional joining methods such as welding has enabled it to cut turnaround time from six weeks to as little as 24 hours, while also reducing costs, improving aesthetics and still providing durable joints.

12th December 2015

Intelligent filter systems achieve energy efficiency

Air filter systems are a must for many companies in the wood, plastics and textile industries in order to safeguard the health of those working in production. But, since the energy requirement for a filter system comprises up to 40 per cent of the total requirement of the actual production systems, energy efficiency is a key driver when ensuring high levels of safety. LS Automation specialises in intelligent control technology that provides for system optimisation and is achieving significant added value for its customers, in terms of energy efficiency, using Eaton technology.

10th December 2015

All-in-one PLC + HMI controls hydroelectric turbines

EV is a company that designs and manufactures hydroelectric turbines, and the company uses Unitronics all-in-one PLC + HMI units for their reliability, ease of use and competitive pricing.

10th December 2015

Bredel pumps handle abrasive and viscous bodywork prep compounds

A Bredel 40 hose pump from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group is the latest arrival at FarÃ©cla Products Ltd, a manufacturer of cutting compounds and finishing products principally for the automotive market, but also marine, industrial and aerospace industries, where it is being used on a mobile platform to serve filling lines. The pump joins existing Bredel 65 and Bredel 100 pumps on site that are being deployed to transfer a number of very abrasive, highly viscous products. The company has been relying on Bredel technology for around two decades.

9th December 2015

TONiC optical encoders for latest generation of COORD-3 CMMs

A continuous product development cycle, horizontal organisational structure and streamlined range of model sizes have made COORD-3 a global CMM brand. Renishaw supplies a wide-range of precision metrology products to COORD-3 and both companies benefit from a long-standing and successful partnership.

9th December 2015

Adhesives provide reliability despite repeated shock loading

A professional golfer's swing can cause the club head to reach speeds of over 190kmh, which puts very high loads on the club face, club head and the bond between the head and shaft - plus there is a significant shock load on the bond each time the ball is struck. Reliability of that joint is, of course, vital.

6th December 2015