Machine Building

30 million tube bends - and still working day and night!

A tube-bending cell based on a Unison all-electric machine has just fabricated its five millionth part at Olicana Products Ltd. As each part has six bends, the Unison machine has made over 30 million bends since installation in 2004! The cell makes one tubular frame complete with fixing holes every 11 seconds.

22nd July 2013

Demo: controlled release of 5000Nm load with RDBK backstop

Having recently launched its new RDBK releasable backstop, Stieber Clutch has demonstrated its performance by developing an impressive test rig in partnership with Bauer Gear Motor.

22nd July 2013

Machined compression and extension spring replaces wire spring

Abssac has designed and manufactured a machined spring to replace a wire wound spring that operates in tension and compression, resulting in improved performance and more efficient assembly.

18th July 2013

Pumps solve moisture control problem in textiles process

A moisture control problem has been solved by the successful use of a Hydra-Cell hydraulically flexed diaphragm pump, supplied by Michael Smith Engineers, to increase local humidity for the prevention of static electricity build-up in a wool spinning process.

17th July 2013

Linear actuator - better product and better price

Framo Morat MINI linear actuators from R. A. Rodriguez use powerful coaxial motors to enable the required stroke force to be achieved using a minimum amount of space. Given this is the main characteristic of the overall range, the MINI 0 in this series is particularly attractive where space is tight. A further benefit of the MINI is that it is available with a wide range of options enabling it to be individually adapted for almost any application.

17th July 2013

Infrared welding seals repeat business for Altec

As a manufacturer of special purpose machines, Altec Engineering is constantly presented with new challenges that require innovative ideas and the selection of the most appropriate technologies to deliver the optimum production option. When asked to develop a flexible, precision joining system for a range of plastic filter components, Altec selected Infra Red Welding as the preferred joining technology based upon its attributes of speed, energy efficiency and non-contact operation.

16th July 2013

Successful protection for industrial networks

Following risk analysis, Volkswagen AG has introduced a new security standard for its car bodywork production network at its plant in Emden, Germany. Thanks to the segmentation of the network, the installation of industrial firewalls, and stricter access rules, the systems are now protected against unauthorised access.

16th July 2013

NOV mono EZStrip pumps improve transfer operations

Proven performance, reduced maintenance costs and easy availability of spares has lead to two EZstrip progressing cavity transfer pumps from NOV Mono being installed by a global leader in the production of print, packaging and other associated materials. The pumps have been installed at a wastewater treatment plant in Lower Saxony, Germany which serves the manufacturing facility.

16th July 2013

Future proofing assembly automation

ATM Automation is challenging the traditional concept of special purpose machines, often designed to manufacture a limited range of parts, by using innovative fixture concepts and a mix of technologies. The latest systems built by ATM for the assembly and test of automotive components are highly re-configurable, allowing the systems to be used on new and alternative ranges of parts with a minimum of re-investment.

15th July 2013

21m linear rail project holds no "˜fear' for Hepcomotion

A breathtaking display of art that appeared at the Tate Modern in London relies on a linear transmission and positioning system supplied by HepcoMotion. "˜Fearful Symmetry' by Ruairi Glynn, a renowned artist who builds interactive kinetic installations, features an illuminated tetrahedron mounted to the world's largest delta robot created the illusion of being "˜alive' within the gallery's vast darkened tanks. At an impressive 21m in length, the DLS4 linear rail from HepcoMotion allows the tetrahedron to traverse across space as it "˜interacted' in real time with gallery visitors.

15th July 2013