Machine Building

VSD vacuum pumps with set point control help boost production

Installing Atlas Copco VSD vacuum pumps within its Dorket Head brickworks operation has helped Ibstock Brick maintain consistent product quality, achieve increased productivity and benefit from the added bonus of a potential 60 per cent energy saving.

14th December 2017

Chemical engineers talk sense about mixer efficiencies

Manchester University's School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Sciences is leading world-class developments in energy efficiency in the process industries. Researchers have incorporated TorqSense transducers into a test rig that is analysing losses in in-line mixers.

11th December 2017

Continuous infrared monitoring significantly benefits utilities

For utility companies, condition monitoring is becoming essential to ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity and for minimising operational costs and there are many conventional instrumentation and measurement methods available for this purpose. Most of these systems, however, are invasive and complicated and require an outage to install. And since every key component needs a separate sensor, these systems are often pricey too.

8th December 2017

Schaeffler provides short-term monitoring for a cement tube mill

By implementing a temporary monitoring system for assessing the condition of the trunnion drive end bearing on a cement tube mill, Schaeffler has helped Sunstate Cement prolong the operating life of its mill, thus avoiding the significant cost of replacing the bearing and the associated downtime.

1st December 2017

Schaeffler UK helps prolong life of ageing crane gearboxes

By analysing the vibration data from crane gearboxes for a port operator, Schaeffler UK is able to detect any damage to gearbox components early, therefore reducing any costly, unplanned downtime and prolonging the life of the gearboxes.

30th November 2017

Investment in PSL Datatrack during new start for Newtech

In early 2017, Newtech High Speed Turning Ltd (Newtech) decided to move to better premises at their base in Kirkby, Liverpool. It seemed the right time for the company owners to finally invest in PSL Datatrack production control software. "It had been on the cards for a while," says Director Alan Riley, "and with the relocation we knew it was the right time to make the investment. I wish we had made it years ago!"

29th November 2017

SKF delivers its largest sealed spherical roller bearing

SKF's Gothenburg factory has produced the company's largest sealed spherical roller bearing (SRB) to date. The '241/900' SRB is 50 per cent larger and three times heavier than the previous largest SKF sealed SRB.

28th November 2017

Rittal's new laser machining centre to transform productivity

In a UK first, Runcorn and Ewloe-based electrical engineering firm, LCA Controls, has switched its control panel operations from manual production to laser-machining. The move is expected to transform its productivity and efficiency.

28th November 2017

Two UR10 robots speed up in-mould labelling process

New Zealand-based plastic manufacturer, Talbot Technologies, combines plastic thermoforming and injection moulding technologies to deliver a wide range of high-quality products. In the past, the company relied heavily on manual handling of products. However, due to the rapid growth of the company production had to be streamlined. Having tried a fixed rail robot for the complex in-mould labelling process with little success, Talbot Technologies realised that they needed a more versatile solution.

27th November 2017

PRT2 Track System for high-performance digital printing

Till GmbH, Germany, develop and manufacture specialised digital printing machines for the drinks industry. Their most recent development is the SmartPrint digital print machine, which is capable of printing directly onto 3D containers without requiring a label. The system is the most powerful in their range and is currently being developed in Kelkheim, Germany, before delivery to customers. The SmartPrint process is fully automated and can be adapted batch by batch, offering the ability to print a variety of motifs on regular and contoured containers. The printing process can therefore be tailored to the precise needs of individual customers, which reduces costs and capital commitments. These conditions, however, place certain technical requirements on the production process.

27th November 2017