Machine Building

Fuel-cell race car relies on Bürkert valve technology

An astounding 134 teams from universities in 34 countries competed against each other in racing cars they had designed and constructed themselves at the famous Silverstone circuit in this year's Formula Student Competition. One of the most innovative cars at the starting line was the Forze V from the Delft University of Technology. The lurid-coloured racer was green in more ways than one, as it was the only vehicle in the race to be powered by a fuel cell. The hydrogen / electric motive power was made possible by dedicated technology from Bürkert.

6th February 2013

Motors drive the pumping heart of new Brazilian refinery

A petrochemical refinery in Brazil is turning up the steam to meet increased domestic demand by becoming the first crude oil refinery to be entirely built with Brazilian technology. This includes WEG motors at the heart of one of their core processes.

1st February 2013

Altra Industrial Couplings manufactures bespoke grid coupling

The grid coupling of a large water pump at Sheffield Forgemasters Engineering Ltd. (S.F.E.L.) was coming to the end of its operational life. To avoid costly re-engineering of the pump S.F.E.L. wanted to commission a bespoke coupling to match the original's footprint. While most suppliers were unable to produce a coupling to the right size, Altra Industrial Couplings was able to match the design of the original and work in partnership with S.F.E.L. to produce it.

1st February 2013

Linear transmission and positioning system for flipping

Anyone who has tried flipping a pancake to cook the reverse side knows it takes a degree of skill - and it is no different in automated mass production. Indeed it is a process that continues to confound many bakery machine manufactures but not Sugden Limited in Nelson, Lancashire. They have developed a system that will flip pancakes with a high degree of efficiency, accuracy and repeatability and the HepcoMotion DLS (Driven Linear System) is a key component in this success.

30th January 2013

Talk2M used to remotely resolve machine software problems

Lapauw International resolves machine software problems remotely using Talk2M from eWON.

30th January 2013

Movicon SCADA used on product lines for confectionery producer

Products4Automation is highlighting the ability of its Windows-based SCADA package to increase production, improve product quality and reduce product development times in the food industry. By integrating Movicon into its "˜Baci' chocolate production line, Nestle in Perugina is now able to plan and optimise production batches, analyse product output with report printouts, historically log the roasting result for each batch of hazelnuts, and deploy the widest range of commands for running the plant in either automatic or manual mode.

30th January 2013

SMC valves make a splash with control and precision

A famous Madrid fountain, which takes centre stage at the FernÃ¡n GÃ³mez Theatre, was transformed thanks to a unique fountain concept and a partnership involving SMC.

25th January 2013

Cost savings made through reduced annealing oven bearing usage

NSK's cost-saving asset improvement programme (AIP) is saving a major German car manufacturer EUR8950 annually, as a result of reducing the number of replacement bearings required in the twice-yearly servicing of an annealing oven by 90 per cent.

24th January 2013

igus products defy woodworking dust for Routout

To ensure smooth, dependable motion of the cutting head and carriage in its latest XYZ router, Routout CNC, a specialist manufacturer of routers for woodworking applications, has chosen to base the machine's design on the use of bearings and linear guides from engineering polymer expert, igus UK.

22nd January 2013

Static electricity - an invisible but costly problem

Static electricity is one of those invisible problems that often goes undiagnosed and causes manufacturers costly headaches in terms of lost production and product rejects. And it is an issue that will only get worse as winter sets in and temperatures continue to plummet. Because cold air holds less water vapour, it means it is less conductive therefore encouraging static electrical conditions.

22nd January 2013