Machine Building

Squeezing a catamaran into a single berth: igus vector award

Receiving a special prize in the previous igus vector awards, FUTURA Yacht systems was recognised for its unique yacht concept. It is the world's first variable-width high-sea catamaran built using igus components.

23rd February 2018

New pump bearings save EUR28,970 per annum at energy plant

Faced with frequent failures on its centrifugal pumps for water recirculation, a large CHP (combined heat and power) plant in Romania asked NSK and its local distributor to perform an on-site bearing investigation. The outcome identified poor lubrication of the pump bearings as the source of the failures, with NSK recommending the adoption of sealed-for-life bearings featuring DDU seals and high-temperature grease. In total, the move has led to annual cost savings of EUR28,970, while simultaneously offering a significant improvement in performance.

22nd February 2018

Retrofits to plasma cutting machine future-proof production

ESAB has retrofitted new CNC and plasma cutting systems to a 12-year-old Suprarex cutting machine because the customer, Northerntrack Ltd, wanted to future-proof production and ensure the machine would have high availability and reliability for many years to come.

20th February 2018

High-performance bearings for Winter Olympic bobsleds

In the sport of bobsledding, everything must come together perfectly at the crucial moment: the talent of the athletes, the technology of the bobsleds, and a little bit of luck. Schaeffler is supporting German bobsled pilot Nico Walther and the German Winter Olympic bobsled team by supplying rolling bearings and plain bearings that meet the most demanding technical requirements.

16th February 2018

igus helps engineering artist and designer with 3D printing

When looking to 3D print larger fine art sculpture pieces (his own and clients) and specialist elements for the stage and theatre industry, engineering artist and designer Richard Grant decided to take the plunge and build his own. For the x/y gantry, he used the drylin E linear robot from igus.

14th February 2018

OEM standardises to ABB drive to improve boiler range efficiency

An improvement in the pumping accuracy of water feed within industrial boilers has led to Byworth Boilers standardising using an ABB variable speed drive (VSD) to enhance the efficiency of its products.

12th February 2018

3D printed grippers cost less and are quicker to manufacture

By switching from machined aluminium grippers to 3D printed versions made from igus iglidur i150 filament, a manufacturer of cosmetic products has reduced costs by up to 85 per cent and manufacturing time by 70 per cent.

7th February 2018

maxon motors and gearheads chosen for endurance race car engines

2017 was an incredible year for race car engine specialist, Gibson Technology. The Repton-based company designed, developed and manufactured a new 4.2 litre V8 engine, supplied to all LMP2 racing teams in the most prestigious endurance competitions. Every engine depends on the performance and reliability of a maxon DC motor and gearhead assembly.

7th February 2018

Retrofits to ESAB Suprarex plasma cutting machines boost quality

ESAB has retrofitted two Suprarex plasma cutting machines with new CNC and plasma cutting systems for a longstanding customer, Eddison & Wanless. One machine was 12 years old and the other was five years younger, but both have been retrofitted with identical m3 Plasma systems so Eddison & Wanless is benefiting from improved cut quality and higher productivity. The complete retrofit project cost substantially less than buying two all-new plasma cutting machines, yet Eddison & Wanless is benefitting from state-of-the-art plasma cutting capability.

31st January 2018

Condition monitoring services for an energy-from-waste facility

By analysing vibration data from critical plant and equipment at a UK-based energy-from-waste facility, Schaeffler has been able to detect damage to components such as rolling bearings and gears early, therefore eliminating costly, unplanned downtime and prolonging the life of motors and gearboxes.

30th January 2018