Machine Building

Inverter drive cuts the cost of automation

Bottle and pouch fillers with electronic adjustment for filling volume offer important benefits over machines with manual adjustment but, until now, higher cost has limited their adoption. In the latest IMSB machines, however, an Eaton inverter drive replaces the costly servo-controlled filling system, making these novel machines much more affordable.

4th December 2015

Refurbishment of tilt bearings for Pendolino trains

Schaeffler (UK) Ltd is currently refurbishing thousands of yoke-type track roller bearings for Alstom, the company responsible for maintaining the entire West Coast Mainline fleet of 56 high-speed Virgin Pendolino trains. The 60-week refurbishment programme involves the refurbishment of nearly 5000 track rollers.

1st December 2015

Stealth enclosures for covert operations

In the world of engineering it's a truism that every application has its own unique challenges. However, some challenges are more noteworthy than others; such as specifying enclosures for external use on a vessel with stealth capabilities, for example. This is just one of the challenges that Spelsberg has been presented with which can be solved with the use of innovative coating technology.

1st December 2015

WDS components used for Warwick Uni's award-winning submarine

Design projects are a fantastic way for universities to give their engineering students real-world experience of the challenges they will face in their professional lives. They are also great for inspiring the next generation to take up engineering. This year Warwick University took part in just such a project, encouraging eight of their most promising young engineers to build a human-powered submarine to take part in the International Submarine Race in the USA. Thanks to companies like WDS Component Parts Ltd. providing sponsorship, the team was able to build a working submarine and win the competition's innovation award.

30th November 2015

Loctite adhesives bond 3D printed parts for immediate assessment

4moms makes extensive use of Loctite adhesives and threadlockers for the assembly of 3D printed prototype parts, as well as for assembling components and fasteners in its production strollers, rocker seats, tubs and other equipment.

28th November 2015

Chain test bed utilises CompactDAQ platform and LabVIEW software

When Muc-Off set out to create the world's fastest, most durable bicycle chain lubricants - with the ultimate aim of helping Sir Bradley Wiggins to smash the one-hour world bicycle distance record - the company used a truly accurate test bed equipped with National Instruments' CompactDAQ platform and LabVIEW software.

28th November 2015

NI LabVIEW and myRIO enhance teaching of mechatronics

The Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at Loughborough University has used LabVIEW and myRIO to develop lab experiments, based on a robotic football game, to boost student engagement and comprehension when learning about programming and hardware integration.

28th November 2015

Electric handling unit ensures precision in DNA extraction

Festo has developed a high-level handling system for use in the new oKtopure DNA extraction robot from LGC. The fully automatic robot has been developed for plant and animal breeders, and molecular biologists who often face technical challenges when analysing DNA.

26th November 2015

Inductive position sensor in miniature hydraulic F1 actuators

Micro-Epsilon is supplying a customised version of its 3mm diameter EDS inductive sensor to Moog Industrial Group, which integrates the sensor into its miniature hydraulic actuators for F1 motorsport applications, including actuators for controlling turbochargers, throttles and air inlet trumpets.

24th November 2015

Desktop autoclaves achieve reliability with Bürkert steam valves

Desktop autoclaves are useful for providing quick, reliable sterilisation for small implements when space is at a premium. Traditionally these machines have been expensive and high maintenance; however, through the reliability of Bürkert's solenoid valve range, MDS Medical Ltd has changed the status-quo to offer high-performance, low-maintenance desktop autoclaves at reasonable prices.

24th November 2015