Machine Building

Hi-rel Gecko connectors for network of miniature satellites

Harwin is announcing that its Gecko family of high-performance connectors will be used on CubeSat miniature satellites being designed by Surrey Space Centre as part of the international QB50 programme led by the von Karman Institute, Belgium.

20th November 2013

Brake motors bring order to the ride of the Vikings

Finding fully submersible brake motors became a quest worthy of a Norse legend for the engineer in charge of maintaining the world famous Valhalla ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, one of the UK's premier tourist destinations.

19th November 2013

Korenix PoE switches ensure security of Basra Sports Complex

When selecting hardware and software for video surveillance projects, one of the key objectives is to ensure a high-quality, live video system with no time delays, particularly if the location or building is used frequently by members of the public and where security is of the utmost importance. Korenix PoE switches were used for one such project in Basra.

18th November 2013

Integrated automation controls rail straightening machine

A Russian-based metal works needed to replace an old and increasingly obsolete rail straightening machine. It needed a new, more flexible and robust computer-controlled system to aid increased efficiencies and specification for new higher grades of rail.

15th November 2013

Precision ring slide provides a compact valve test system

The brief from Hedley Hydraulics' customer was for a bespoke machine to test hydraulic valves but there was a significant design consideration. As the machine had to fit into an existing jig, the mechanism was subject to space constraints but, thanks to the expertise of HepcoMotion, this was achieved whilst maintaining test accuracy and repeatability.

12th November 2013

Advanced research in microelectronics with the VHX

Keyence's VHX-1000 digital microscope allows French researchers to observe surfaces at 1000× magnification, capture images as large as 100 megapixels, and share these images all with very little effort.

12th November 2013

Tomorrow's engineers on track with the Railway Challenge

The Railway Challenge is inspired by the well-established Formula Student Competition, which successfully bridges the gaps between theory, experience, industry and education for engineering undergraduates across Europe. It sets similarly competitive and rigorous challenges to final year undergraduate engineering students and industry apprentices - but on rails, designing a working locomotive. The Railway Challenge offers young engineers a glimpse of the engineering opportunities in the railway industry and a priceless chance for the railway industry to see the next generation of engineers and innovation at first hand.

12th November 2013

UK-developed coolant increases sump life in Russia

Lost production time and high metalworking fluid replacement costs were the price a Russian manufacturer was paying for the unacceptable short sump life of its existing product. However, by changing to TRIM SC412, a semi-synthetic cutting and grinding fluid developed in the UK by Master Chemical Europe, the company has significantly improved its cost-efficiency.

11th November 2013

Injection moulders keep quality consistent in end products

A newly developed testing unit is helping injection moulders and mould toolmakers alike to ensure consistent quality in their end-products. Based on a relatively simple pressurised water technique, the key to its success is an automated control panel based on Mitsubishi Electric components.

8th November 2013

Mitsubishi Electric causes a stir in white sauce production

British process and automation expertise has a Japanese food producer to cut white sauce production time by 83 per cent, reduce cleaning between batches because there is no burn-on residue and minimise energy consumption. PDX Reactor technology was integrated with a Mitsubishi Electric FX3 series compact PLC to create a 1200kg plant that produces the sauce in a single-stage process.

8th November 2013