Machine Building

Lee miniature valves used in innovative pipeline isolation plug

How do you isolate, or plug an oil or gas pipeline safely and securely to enable repair or maintenance work to be carried out in-situ with a device which meets the toughest safety standards? There are very few companies in the world that make autonomous isolation plugs and those that do tend to make tools for large pipes, up to 56" in diameter. However, the UK based Safer Plug Company has successfully developed, patented and built, a pipeline isolation plug for 6" pipeline sizes which comprises an innovative titanium gateway manifold manufactured using the additive manufacturing DMLS process (Direct Metal Laser Sintering). Among the key components used in the manifold are those supplied by miniature component specialists The Lee Company.

19th October 2018

Machine Tool 4.0 - turning vision into reality

As a global automotive and industrial supplier, Schaeffler is digitally transforming its entire business, which involves the integration of its mechatronics components, systems and machines into the rapidly expanding world of the "˜Internet of Things'. Through its Machine Tool 4.0 project, Schaeffler wants to demonstrate that Industry 4.0 is not an abstract, remote vision, but can make a contribution to added value today.

18th October 2018

Custom-engineered bearings for satellite reaction wheels

Increasing numbers of smaller, more cost effective telecommunications satellites are being launched into the Earth's orbit, which has led to a growing need for high-precision, high-reliability bearings to support onboard sub-systems such as reaction wheels and other critical mechanisms, says Gary Hughes, Product Engineering Manager at Schaeffler subsidiary, The Barden Corporation (UK) Ltd.

18th October 2018

Customised sensor developed for lab automation robot

The exact and efficient transfer of samples in extremely small dosing volumes is essential in the life sciences industry. For this purpose, Integra Biosciences AG developed a compact pipetting robot called Assist Plus that draws and pipettes samples into the target container. Part of this process is the automatic loading and ejecting of pipette tips, monitored by a customer-specific sensor developed by Leuze electronic specially for Integra Biosciences based on the polarized PRK 3B retro-reflective photoelectric sensor.

13th October 2018

3D printed plastic gears out-perform machined alternatives

The time and costs involved in the production of prototypes can soon become challenging for start-ups. Easelink relies on the 3D printing service from igus, which enables components such as gears to be configured online, 3D printed cost-effectively and shipped within 24 hours.

12th October 2018

Maxon motors in new HallÃ©oojamaflipaphone musical instrument

An overheard conversation on a commuter train led to an exciting new venture for the Manchester based HallÃ© orchestra. HallÃ©'s Education Director, Steve Pickett, had listened in to Peter Green's engineering discussion and rightly concluded that this was the person to bring his ideas to reality.

12th October 2018

Line-scan camera and telecentric lens for surface inspection

Automation W+R has developed a surface inspection system that utilises machine vision components from Stemmer Imaging.

11th October 2018

Spelsberg enclosures speed fast-food kitchen fit-outs

Most industries take efficiency seriously, but for fast food companies it must pervade their every move; from serving customers right back to the original fitting out of the kitchens. Enclosure manufacturer, Spelsberg UK, thrives on the challenge of working with the makers of fast food kitchens, some of whom fit out restaurants all over the world for many of the biggest names in the convenience catering industry.

11th October 2018

Premium chocolate maker benefits from thermal inkjet coder

Artisanal chocolate maker Pump Street Chocolate has automated its date coding process by installing a Rotech RF Lite feeding system with iJet thermal inkjet coder, which has freed-up skilled labour for performing core tasks.

9th October 2018

Conveyor belts repaired in less than two hours

Optimum conveyor belt life is achieved when the belt cover and carcass wear out at the same time, but in the real world how often does that happen? Commonly the belt cover will wear through leaving the carcass intact, an outcome that limits the life expectancy of the system. If running repairs aren't incorporated into the maintenance strategy, the conveyor will inevitably need to be removed from service well before its time. And worse still, the damage may lead to abrupt failure resulting in loss of production, unscheduled maintenance downtime and even injury.

5th October 2018