Machine Building

Integrated control and monitoring for battery-powered train

The first battery-powered train to run on Britain's rail network in more than half a century carried its first passengers during January 2015 and Sensor-Technik UK provided a system that was integral to the successful outcome of the trial. This trial marks an important milestone in the 18-month project and is to demonstrate the viability of an eco-friendly battery-powered train for the 21st century.

12th February 2015

Remote access support and diagnostics minimise downtime

By installing eWON VPN routers and using the Talk2M Internet-based remote access system, food packaging company Proseal UK can now securely access, diagnose and quickly resolve issues on its tray sealing machines located anywhere in the world, via secure broadband connections.

10th February 2015

Hotel refurbishment benefits from Retex enclosures

Getting the right look in a hotel room is important, but this cannot be at the expense of reliable function. Hylec-APL offered the functionality and reliability of the Retex enclosure range to an air conditioning company that was involved in the complete refurbishment of a large hotel complex. Together they were able to deliver a much improved climate control system that provided guests with an ergonomic and easy to use controller in each room.

7th February 2015

BOGE compressor upgrade cuts costs for abrasive systems supplier

BOGE Compressors has brought major energy and efficiency savings to one a supplier of innovative abrasive systems. By introducing a series of new BOGE Compressor components as part of a full system audit the manufacturer has now cut its maintenance and energy costs from £40k to 25k, bringing swift ROI, uninterrupted service and long-term savings for the company.

7th February 2015

Robust eddy current sensors withstand 100g shock loads on trains

A UK-based rail operator has installed eddy current displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon on both an operational train running in simulated passenger service, and on a test rig built to replicate these conditions. The sensors measure the radial and lateral displacement of bearing cages relative to the gearbox drive train, withstanding shock loads up to 100g and temperatures up to 70degC.

7th February 2015

Protocon invests in FANUC machining centre and EDM machine

With a longstanding tradition of serving high-tech industries with complex components in fast turnaround times, Protocon Engineering is this year celebrating its 50th year in business. The company's longevity has been underpinned by a number of key factors, but two stand out above all else: its investment in the latest technology and the investment in high-calibre staff to drive the growth. This year the investment in technology included a FANUC RoboDrill D21MiA5 High Torque machining centre and a FANUC RoboCut C400iA EDM machine.

5th February 2015

Linear drive technology aids PCB production throughput

Demand for advances in the design, development and manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCB) is ever increasing. As a result PCB production equipment manufacturer Rainbow Technology Systems has developed a new machine that is designed to help increase the speed at which circuit boards are printed, with a higher accuracy for detail, increased right first time yield, and a reduction in process waste.

5th February 2015

Sick laser scanner brings interactive sculpture to life

A ground-breaking art installation has used Sick LMS Laser scanners in a surprising new way to create a fascinating interactive experience as part of Canary Wharf's Winter Lights Festival. The small, rugged LMS 111 2D scanners, more usually installed for building security and other detection and measurement uses, were loaned by Sick UK to Canadian/Colombian artist Daniel Iregui (Iregular) to create his "Control No Control" light cube installation in Montgomery Square as one of 11 exhibits at the festival.

5th February 2015

Atlas Copco compressors support expanded production

Steelite International, the UK's largest ceramic tableware producer, has installed two more Atlas Copco compressors at its Stoke-on-Trent site to meet increased demand for production plant air.

4th February 2015

Online meetings speed custom gearbox design

Renold Gears has designed a bespoke gearbox for Swiss food processing equipment manufacturer, Bühler, in record time with just three online meetings between the customer's engineers, and Renold's engineers in both Switzerland and the UK. With gearbox design and manufacture at one location at Renold's factory in Rochdale, the online meetings, using TeamViewer, cut costs and reduced the time to design a custom product that met the customer's requirements.

3rd February 2015