Machine Building

Fully automated cake cutting line uses Mitsubishi robot

Mitsubishi Electric has assisted Western Mechanical Handling (WMH) to develop a fully automated inline cell for cutting and slicing food of any size and shape on the fly. The solution is based on Mitsubishi Electric's MELSEC Q series high-performance PLC, plus system-matched components including HMI, variable speed drives and two MELFA articulated arm robots. The resulting machine maximises performance, flexibility and productivity for customers in the food sector.

10th July 2019

Knust-Godwin uses AM machines to cut lead times

Renishaw has supplied four RenAM 500Q metal additive manufacturing machines to Knust-Godwin, a precision machining company located in Katy, Texas. The high-productivity machine, designed for serialised industrial manufacturing, has enabled Knust-Godwin to drastically reduce lead times for its customers.

9th July 2019

Modular energy storage system connects using Han interfaces

Commeo GmbH from Wallenhorst near Osnabrück has developed a modular energy storage system that allows applications, from mobile robots to the power supply for industrial plants and factories, to run securely and uninterrupted. The Commeo units can be used as an emergency power supply or as a mains buffer to provide compensating power when required. In a joint project, Commeo and Harting have developed suitable interfaces for the new system by interconnecting the batteries in a particularly efficient way with downstream units.

5th July 2019

Dynamic motor monitoring improves reliability for EDF Energy

EDF Energy is using dynamic motor test equipment from SKF to monitor the condition of key components at Hartlepool power station. Opened in 1983, Hartlepool power station in County Durham is one of seven UK nuclear power stations built using two Advanced Gas Cooled Reactors (AGR). Owned and run today by EDF Energy, the 1,185MW plant is scheduled to continue operating until 2024.

5th July 2019

Power analyser helps drone maker optimise motor system

The Yokogawa WT1800E Power Analyzer is being used by Atmos UAV to optimise the range, efficiency and safety of Marlyn, the world's first drone, to combine Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) and forward flight in a fully autonomous flight.

4th July 2019

ESAB Rebel is a game-changer for welding services company

ESAB has recently introduced a 1.0mm version of its FILARC PZ6113 flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) wire. Combining this smaller wire with the Rebel multi-process machine creates new opportunities for welding thinner plate. Bob Evans of RW Evans Welding Services has described the pairing as a "˜game changer' for his business because it enables him to use MIG welding instead of MMA (manual metal arc) welding for many fabrications, so he can improve his productivity and profit margins while still achieving high-quality welds.

1st July 2019

Automation innovation in cheesemaking

Dewlay Cheesemakers has commissioned a new automation system to help apply the expertise of its finest cheesemakers to a wider range of cheeses. The challenge was to introduce new varieties while continuing to deliver exceptional batch quality and consistency. Tritec Developments Ltd has provided a solution incorporating hardware from Mitsubishi Electric to develop an advanced tracking and monitoring system to help supervise and manage the individual processes.

1st July 2019

Thermal imaging identifies freezer insulation faults

As important as they are for storing quantities of foodstuffs, commercial walk-in freezers use a lot of energy. So, it is imperative that this consumption is kept to a minimum by ensuring the temperature inside the freezer is not compromised by any breach in the freezer's insulation.

27th June 2019

Additive manufacturing improves speed and cuts costs

After investing in a Renishaw AM 400 additive manufacturing (AM) system, Frazer-Nash has produced a novel fastener for its customer, Kwikbolt, for use during aircraft assembly. The new component can be made quicker and at a lower cost when compared with traditional subtractive machining methods.

27th June 2019

NUM Flexium+ CNC: micron-level accuracy on laser cutting machine

In collaboration with NUM Taiwan, the Taiwanese laser machine manufacturer Legend Laser, Inc., has developed a multi-axis system for the precision cutting of thin sheet metal parts. Based on NUM's latest-generation Flexium+ CNC platform, the system combines high dynamic performance linear motors with a pulsed fibre laser, and is expressly designed for 24/7 operation in a standard production environment.

13th June 2019