Machine Building

Customised sugar cane loaders offer efficiency and reliability

Due to the intense round-the-clock nature of Egypt's short cane harvesting season, Egyptian company Sugar and Integrated Industries Company (SIIC) requires high-performing and durable sugar cane loader vehicles that can operate at high speeds. The loaders previously used by SIIC were originally designed for operation in South Africa, which meant they were not ideal for Egyptian conditions where long distance travel between sugar cane farms and a rough terrain are common requirements.

2nd December 2014

HepcoMotion GV3 Linear Rails create unique living space

It's a common problem - how do you maximise the functionality of the restricted space in an already small apartment. PKMN Architectures, based in Madrid came up with a solution by sliding the walls using moveable library style shelving units to open up space when it is needed. The result of this innovative approach is a project called the "All I Own Hous". Designed for local designer Yolanda Pila, this has created a home and work space that is attracting a lot of interest from many architects. To make best use of the restricted space, the kitchen, bedroom and storage areas are housed within a series of shelving units made from heavily textured oriented strand board and moved into position using HepcoMotion GV3 linear guides.

2nd December 2014

SmartCheck ensures maximum crane availability for port operator

By installing condition monitoring systems on its gantry cranes, port operator RheinCargo is now able to detect any damage to crane hoisting gear early, therefore eliminating any costly, unplanned downtime.

27th November 2014

Micro-Epsilon plays crucial role in Rosetta comet lander

Micro-Hybrid Electronic GmbH, a member of the Micro-Epsilon Group, has developed aerospace-grade sensor and evaluation electronics for scientific instruments installed on the Rosetta space probe's lander, Philae, which landed on the surface of the Churyumov-Gerasimenko comet on 12 November 2014.

27th November 2014

Altra designs overload protection for bespoke universal joints

The pressures on recycling plants to maintain a constant throughput of materials are immense, and one of the toughest jobs in the industry is the shredding of metal parts. The torque required to rip the metal into small pieces is massive and rotor jams are relatively common. One metal recycler found that the damage to the drive train caused by excessive torque generated during these jams was too costly. Fortunately Altra Couplings was able to engineer a bespoke, overload protection system.

27th November 2014

Save cost and lead-time with configurable palletiser

R. A. Rodriguez has recently completed the installation and commissioning of four IEF Werner varioSTACK component palletisers at the Merseyside facility of the Filter Design Company (FDC). The project is a shining example of how specific functionality and efficiencies can be gained from a modular and largely standard product, thus saving both cost and lead-time.

26th November 2014

Croft Filters develops filtration system for Woolwich Ferries

Croft Filters, has provided marine services company, Briggs Marine, with a number of filters for its Woolwich ferries. North-West based Croft was approached by Briggs Marine, operators of the Woolwich passenger and vehicle ferries, to design and manufacture a bespoke filtration system that would prevent impurities from the river water, used to cool the engines, entering the ship's mechanics.

26th November 2014

Innomech develops automated lower-cost manufacturing machine

Automation consultancy GB Innomech (Innomech) has designed and developed an easy to use, fully automated printer ribbon assembly machine for ITW Imagedata (ITW), a specialist manufacturer of film ribbons and consumables for the global card industry.

25th November 2014

All-electric injection presses form part of £7m investment

Owen Mumford, a UK supplier and manufacturer of specialist medical devices, has invested in all-electric injection moulding presses for its "˜Phase 5' manufacturing facility, now close to completion, at the firm's Chipping Norton site. The all-electric moulding presses include five FANUC ROBOSHOT moulding machines and four FANUC 6 axes robots.

24th November 2014

First UK fully automated cell for plastic utility pipe couplings

An automated injection moulding cell has been designed and built by Kettering integrator, Hi-Tech Automation, to produce electrofusion couplers for joining plastic utility pipes at a significantly lower cost than previously. It is the first of its kind to be built in the UK and the high productivity will allow manufacturers in the West to compete with low-wage countries, notably China.

24th November 2014