Machine Building

Pneumatics used to create a bigger bang with air cannons

The Rolling Stones' latest world tour, 'A Bigger Bang' is said to have broken various records for duration and audience numbers. But for engineers, a more interesting feature is the spectacular stage effects that are based on the innovative use of pneumatics.

2nd January 2007

Novotechnik RFC4800 position sensor used in taxis

Variohm EuroSensor is supplying Novotechnik RFC4800 non-contact position sensors for use in the exhaust gas recirculation system in London taxis.

2nd January 2007

Hydraulic equipment used in boat restoration

A trust established to restore the last remaining first class Essex skillinger smack, named Pioneer, has used hydraulic equipment from Parker Hannifin to update the propulsion system.

20th December 2006

VSDs, PLCs and HMIs save £120,000 of energy per year

A plant-wide energy efficiency installation is already saving £120,000 a year in the woodworking shops at door and mouldings company BLP in Doncaster. The new system is based on variable speed drives, PLCs and HMIs from Mitsubishi Electric.

19th December 2006

Pilz PSS systems protect nuclear scientists

A new Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) experimental facility uses five Pilz PSS programmable safety systems to protect scientists working in five separate safety zones.

19th December 2006

Non-contact hysteresis systems used for tension control

Non-contact brakes and clutches from ZF Industrial are increasingly being used in a wide variety of applications where web tension must be controlled reliably, accurately and with a rapid response.

12th December 2006

QFE soft starters used in wind turbines

Fairford is demonstrating the ongoing relevance of well-established soft starter technology to a newer and greener form of energy generation: the company is supplying its QFE range of soft starters for use in wind turbines, providing the means to synchronise operation of the turbines to distribution networks and obviating the problems of direct-on-line starting.

9th December 2006

Torque measurement on servo motors

Reliability and robustness were the key requirements when Wyko Industrial Services set about building a test and calibration rig for its servomotor repair business. The company based its design on a TorqSense non-contact torque sensor from Sensor Technology Ltd that is resistant to potentially damaging shock loads.

6th December 2006

Control system builder halves programming costs

Engauge Controls has implemented Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture and reduced programming costs by 50 per cent.

29th November 2006

Ready-mount bearings improve reliability and save cost

A manufacturer of pre-press machines and systems faced widespread flange-bearing failure that had to be corrected before the company could introduce its redesigned equipment line. The company chose to use Spyraflo self-aligning Ready Mount needle roller bearings in a flanged steel housing.

29th November 2006