Machine Building

Watchmaker uses Keyence to optimise metrological inspection

The renowned jewel-bearing specialist La Pierrette uses Keyence's IM Series image dimension measurement system to improve the repeatability and rate of its tests.

29th October 2013

Mobil SHC Gear helps reduce electricity consumption

WEPA, a German paper manufacturer, has experienced a 5 per cent reduction in electricity consumption on a paper machine following a switch to the high-performance gear oil, Mobil SHC Gear. Mobil SHC Gear has been engineered to help pulp and paper operators to optimise the performance of their operations by increasing productivity, reducing unscheduled downtime and improving the energy efficiency of equipment.

28th October 2013

Increased efficiency in the plastics industry with APROL

Plastics processing machines already feature a high degree of automation. If they are going to further optimise their production processes, manufacturers in the plastics industry have to look for approaches that improve overall plant efficiency across the board. This means including auxiliary buildings, energy and utilities as well as the entire plant infrastructure in the equation.

28th October 2013

Mag-drive pumps solve semiconductor waste problem

The successful application of magnetically coupled centrifugal pumps supplied by Michael Smith Engineers has helped an electronics manufacturer to achieve reduced downtime and repair costs, whilst contributing toward a safer working environment.

24th October 2013

Split roller bearings in coal-fired power stations

In the UK, 31 per cent of electricity currently comes from coal-burning power stations. However, a third of these power stations are expected to close by 2016 due to EU air quality legislation due to be implemented. The result will be increased pressure on the existing infrastructure to perform more efficiently and reliably. Efficient maintenance is key to running a profitable power station and reliability requires un-planned down time to be minimised. Both of these objectives can be met by ensuring that the vast number of bearings across the site will provide optimum performance with minimal service costs.

24th October 2013

Vision system reduces keg-filling line stoppages

A vision system developed by Olmec UK is being used to check that the correct beer kegs are present in the correct orientation on the filling lines at Molson Coors brewery. The vision system inspects the special filling tube in top of the keg, known as the spear, to determine whether the keg can proceed for sterilisation and filling. Around 2.5 per cent line stoppages are directly attributable to attempting to fill the wrong keg types, since trying to fit a particular filling head to the wrong spear can cause significant damage. The introduction of the vision system has reduced this figure to 0.5 per cent.

24th October 2013

Push-pull chain moves 8-tonne loads in and out of oven

Aerotherm Group has used a Framo Linear Chain driven by a Framo Compacta geared motor, both supplied by R. A. Rodriguez, in a mechanism that moves 8 tonnes of aluminium engine blocks in and out of a stress-relieving oven at Ryobi Aluminium Castings.

23rd October 2013

Servos and software improve printing press automation

Focus Label Machinery Ltd has worked closely with Bosch Rexroth to implement a higher degree of automation on its latest flexographic printing press, making good use of Rexroth intelligent servo drives and Indramotion for Printing software.

23rd October 2013

Spirol disc springs improve turret punch press operation

Spirol disc springs provide a solution for design engineers in their on-going challenge to increase the productivity of turret punch presses.

23rd October 2013

The energy-saving, eco-efficient VSD+ compressor

In September 2012 Atlas Copco Compressors invited long-term customer Di-Spark Group to trial the operation of its energy and space-saving vertical aspect GA15VSD+ rotary screw compressor, which is powered by the company's own in-house designed interior permanent magnet (iPM) motor. The compressor's performance and the impressive energy savings gained to date, plus the unit's minimal footprint, persuaded Di-Spark to install the compressor as a permanent addition to the air supply plant at its two sites in Horndean, East Hampshire.

23rd October 2013