Machine Building

Safety and automation system selected for packaging line upgrade

Zweifel Pomy-Chips AG has used Pilz PSS 4000 automation systems to monitor and control the automation and safety functions on nine upgraded packaging lines for potato crisps, benefiting from simplicity, a drastic reduction in cabling, clear communications, clear responsibilities and, ultimately, an excellent price-performance ratio.

26th March 2015

Robot "˜novice' meets exponential growth in marine pump demand

The economic viability of its new marine pump and legislation on the use of heavy fuels in international waters has increased production demand exponentially for Separator Spares International (UK) Ltd. To maintain its competitiveness and meet demand the Isle of Wight based manufacturer has installed its first robot, a Kawasaki R Series, to load and unload parts from two 4 axes twin spindle milling machines.

24th March 2015

igus igubal spherical bearing improves quickshift gearchange

An igus igubal spherical bearing has been used as a direct replacement for a steel bearing in an aftermarket automotive quickshift gear lever fitted to a modified MG Midget.

20th March 2015

Warner Linear actuators qualify for 3D racing simulator

Linear actuators from Warner Linear, part of Altra Industrial Motion, have been specified for use on a new racing simulator which has been designed to give the driver the most realistic high-speed experience possible. The actuators are used to create movement in the seat which simulates pitch and roll with braking, acceleration and cornering G-forces. The Warner Linear K2x models were specified due to their exceptional response time and load carrying capacity.

19th March 2015

1-Trak: a flexible solution to a tool-changing problem

Tool changing devices for CNC machines enable rapid transfer of tools in and out of the machine and are available in standard format with either a circular carousel or oval track the most common configurations. However, when Walter Maschinenbau wanted to develop a new CNC controlled Helitronic tool grinder they needed a product that could link 12 or 24 × 254mm diameter grinding discs and traverse them around a circuit without them clashing. In principle this did not sound too demanding until the space available to fit the tool changer into was revealed.

18th March 2015

UHV-compatible and non-magnetic motion system technology

Heason Technology has recently completed the design and supply of a UHV compatible and completely non-magnetic 3-axis manipulator, commissioned for use by the German national metrology institute, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), that is being used to microposition a very special one kilogram silicon sphere that could play a significant role in the redefinition of the unit of mass for the International System of Units (SI).

13th March 2015

TIM LightWeight camera for drone thermography

The 350g TIM LightWeight thermal imaging camera can be mounted on a quadcopter (drone) for defect analysis on solar cells and similar applications.

13th March 2015

RFID eliminates overhead wiring for trams

Harting has developed an RFID system that allows electric trams or buses to operate without overhead electric wiring in areas where it would be unacceptably obtrusive (in historic town centres, for example) or where it might cause interference to sensitive equipment.

12th March 2015

Lockheed Martin Space Systems boosts aerospace test abilities

Aerospace leader Lockheed Martin has expanded its vibration measurement capabilities for testing satellite systems, with a 450-channel PULSE vibro-acoustic data acquisition system.

10th March 2015

HBM announces contract for Phase II of the ITER Project

HBM FiberSensing has been awarded the contract for Phase II of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, as part of a joint agreement with Smartec.

10th March 2015