Machine Building

High-density PXI multiplexer used in aircraft lightning testing

Pickering Interfaces has announced that a major UK manufacturer of aircraft engine control units recently awarded them a contract for a large quantity of High-Density PXI Multiplexers (model #40-651) as the switching system for use in its new automated production test systems. These systems will be used to test FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Controller) lightning-strike protection components on Airbus' A330 and A350 as well as Boeing's Dreamliner aircraft.

14th March 2014

Customised enclosures help prevent freezing pipes

Trace heating is essential to preventing costly and potentially dangerous, frost damage to pipes during the winter months. Even in the UK, known for its temperamental and unpredictable weather patterns, most winters we experience prolonged periods of cold weather which can freeze even fast flowing water pipes. Thermocable is a manufacturer of trace heating monitoring equipment which is designed to make sure trace heating systems are working when they are most needed. It has specified Spelsberg enclosures to guarantee protection no matter what Mother Nature throws at us.

14th March 2014

Kistler sensors provide precision for testing impact protection

Since developing its first impact protection material in 2002, D3O has expanded both its range of products and international markets by constant product development and attention to product performance and quality. As its products are used in soft body armour for motorcycling, skiing and other sports, as well as industrial and military applications consistent quality control is absolutely essential. From its earliest days, D3O's laboratory has used Kistler Instruments' sensors for product development testing and quality control.

13th March 2014

FIELDVUE digital valve controllers: 1 billion hours online use

Emerson's FIELDVUE DVC6200 Series digital valve controller has racked up more than 1 billion hours of on-line use within the process and energy industries since its introduction in 2010.

13th March 2014

Southco helps to secure self-service postal system

When aCon was looking for a latching system to meet the precise security requirements of its new Swipbox indoor parcel terminals, the Denmark-based supplier of self-service systems to the postal sector turned to global engineering access hardware specialist Southco to deliver the optimum product.

7th March 2014

Packaging machine builder saves cost with combined PLC/HMI

Unitronics' V570 and V350 combined PLC/HMI units have been specified by A& B Packaging Equipment, enabling the company to save in excess of $85,000.

6th March 2014

Kollmorgen drives the lightweight helpers of Universal Robots

UR 5 and UR 10 are the names of the two models with which Universal Robots aim to establish the flexibility of articulated-arm robots in industrial production. The focus is on work areas in which conventional robots have thus far been too big, too expensive, and too loud. Due to their low weight they can be used wherever they are needed. A large part of the power density of the six-axis articulated robots comes from specially adapted KBM direct drive motors from Kollmorgen. Universal Robots was able to embed the motors directly into the articulation axes without need for additional housings.

5th March 2014

ATM robot cell secures production of seat belt mountings

The use of robotics within the automotive sector is commonplace, so much so that we might be forgiven for thinking that there are few opportunities left where robots can provide a cost-effective alternative to manual operations. This is proven not to be the case at an OEM 1st tier supplier in the North East of England where a six-axis robot assembly and welding system delivered by ATM Automation Limited, and used to produce seat belt mounting components for the new Nissan Qashqai, is generating significant labour savings whilst increasing throughput.

5th March 2014

Simplified process with Firstcut and Protomold

When plastic bearing specialist BNL (UK) Ltd was asked to develop a new pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) mechanism for the next generation of dome-type security cameras, the process was simplified significantly with the aid of both the Firstcut and Protomold services from Proto Labs. Speedy, responsive service and technical excellence meant a successful outcome for both BNL and its high-profile end customer. The company's positive experience has even led to a shift in prototyping strategy.

4th March 2014

Lenze drives in viastore storage & retrieval system

When German based viastore systems wanted to develop their new viaspeed SRU with higher dynamics and reduced energy use, they turned to Lenze for the servo drives and geared motors.

4th March 2014