Machine Building

Robots fabricate steel frames for manufacturer of modular homes

Japanese manufacturer Kyushu Sekisui Heim claims to be one of the oldest established manufacturers of new homes using the "˜Unit Construction' method in Japan, a process by which thousands of housing units of different designs and layouts are made using a modular system. Initially driven by an acute nationwide shortage of suitably trained and qualified welders, the company turned to robots for the assembling and welding of structural beams and critical joints in its modular homes. These beams and their associated joints are found throughout the steel structure that forms the "˜skeleton' (and therefore the strength) of the buildings, and Kawasaki Robotics was tasked to supply complete systems that would automate the entire assembly and welding process across all structures.

29th May 2020

Motion control improves waste recycling performance

As waste recycling industries increasingly look towards technology to improve efficiency and productivity, many are turning to motion control as part of automation systems that improve throughput and optimise processing quality. With the already ubiquitous use of sophisticated automated systems in large-scale industrial waste-processing plants where significant improvements continue to be made possible, manufacturers of special-purpose equipment are turning to solving problems relating to smaller food waste, general waste recycling and materials recovery requirements found, for instance, in industrial kitchens, restaurant groups, food outlet chains, supermarkets and logistics companies.

27th May 2020

2D-code readers key to success of tyre automation system

Autarky Automation is one of the leading British developers and manufacturers of automation and conveyor systems. To meet the demanding requirements on an automated tyre-fitting system, Autarky opted for the latest 2D-code readers from Leuze.

26th May 2020

Precision engineering firm benefits from modular PSL Datatrack

Bernard Holmes Precision Limited initially invested in PSL Datatrack production control software in order to streamline their entire production process from initial quotation through to final invoice. The decision was based on the desire to acquire ISO 9001 as many customers were demanding that their major supplier of subcontract engineering services should be accredited. Production Director Russell Thackray had recognised that the company's manual paper-based administration systems were simply not up to the required level to achieve the accreditation.

26th May 2020

Customised enclosures for extreme and challenging environments

Designing specialist electronic systems requires not only theoretical and practical knowledge, but access to the right components as well. For Jubilee Electronics, finding enclosures that offer flexibility and robust protection can be challenging. They often rely on the customisation services from Spelsberg UK and have started specifying the new GEOS range of rugged outdoor enclosures.

22nd May 2020

APL used successfully in test setup at BASF

For many years users in the process industry have pondered how Ethernet should be implemented in potentially explosive atmospheres. With the successful testing of the APL solution by BASF, significant progress has been made.

21st May 2020

KEB drives and controllers for special-purpose cutting machines

KEB Automation has supplied a variety of drives and control equipment to a UK-based machine builder for use on special-purpose cutting machines for stone tiles and roof slates. KEB provided a complete system from a single source and provided engineering support all the way through the machine design and build process.

21st May 2020

Trumpf supplies TruLaser Tube 7000 to The Laser Cutting Co

The Laser Cutting Co (TLCC) has taken delivery of a new Trumpf TruLaser Tube 7000 at its Sheffield facility. This customer-focused supplier of high-quality subcontract laser cutting services will use the machine, which is currently being commissioned, to achieve further growth as part of its progressive five-year plan. Moreover, with TLCC already producing flat sheet-metal ventilator parts as part of the fight against the current COVID-19 pandemic, the new TruLaser Tube is helping the company bid competitively for tube-based parts needed for the same purpose.

18th May 2020

Smart condition monitoring systems use PLC and VSD

Mitsubishi Electric has collaborated with their e-F@ctory Alliance Partner Schaeffler sensor technology to offer two Smart Condition Monitoring (SCM) solutions - one based on an integrated PLC solution and the other using the intelligent functions of the 800 Series Variable Speed Drives.

15th May 2020

Switching to NSK bearings helps manufacturer save EUR100,000 p/a

A change of bearing type on the carousel of a casting line, coupled with a small recommended design change, has led to savings of EUR100,095 per annum for a manufacturer of gas turbine blades after it began experiencing bearing failures every six weeks.

11th May 2020