Machine Building

Precision tension measurement boosts throughput and quality

TTS Systems was recently asked by a customer to solve the following problem: measure the tension in a 25mm-wide tape as it is wound onto a specially shaped production mandrel; in addition, the tension must be varied as the component is wound.

24th November 2017

Variable speed drive eliminates grinder stoppages

Regular stoppages of a grinder used in the production of animal feed have been eliminated with the installation of an ABB variable speed drive (VSD) to control the input of ingredients.

24th November 2017

Micro-Epsilon sensors help successful run of BLOODHOUND SSC

BLOODHOUND SSC reached a major milestone in October, as it made its first public run at the Aerohub in Newquay. However, the event wasn't just about driving the car successfully down the runway and showing it to spectators; it was also about testing the car and putting it through its paces, in particular, testing of hundreds of on-vehicle sensors that they were performing correctly under such extreme operating conditions.

23rd November 2017

SKF and Scotrenewables partner to advance floating tidal power

SKF's Scotland based Ocean Energy team has been on board with Scotrenewables Tidal Power Limited (Scotrenewables) from the very beginning, including collaboration in the design work on the company's very first small-scale hydrokinetic prototype. SKF divisional companies have since played an important role in the world-beating SR2000 turbine development project.

22nd November 2017

Bearings from igus help mapping specialist capture world in 3D

3D Laser Mapping (3DLM) is a cutting-edge innovator, specialising in technology to help capture all terrains in 3D. From environmental monitoring software to laser scanning systems, the company's technology supports the delivery of data across a range of industries including mining, urban infrastructure, geohazards and the emergency services.

22nd November 2017

Six-axis robot turns 3D printing into an art form

A project at the Centre for Fine Print Research (CFPR) is looking at 3D printing from a totally different angle - where the emphasis is placed on meaningful expression, rather than the accurate reproduction of digital data. A flexible Mitsubishi Electric MELFA RV-7FLM articulated arm industrial robot is at the centre of the project.

17th November 2017

Safety for man and machine

Experience, tradition and passion - these values ensure the five-star quality at the five-brother company Bühler Bedachungen und Bauspenglerei from Romanshorn in Switzerland, a business specialising in roofing and architectural sheet metal. Quality is the top priority for the family business - particularly when it comes to selecting its partners and suppliers. Among these is the Swiss company Jorns AG, which supplied the new double bending machine, model TP-150G-RH-UV-SL-1250-CP200-6.4-mp, including safety concept for the architectural sheet metal area as well as the manufacturer for optical sensors, which ensures the corresponding safety at work for man and machine, Leuze electronic.

17th November 2017

Integrated drive speeds up assembly of rebar bending machines

Looking for ways to improve their machines' usability and to economise on manufacturing costs, Swedish company Comeco decided to launch a new line of rebar benders with electric drives instead of hydraulics. Nord Drivesystems supported the company from the early planning phase through to production, configuring an AC vector drive with an integrated PLC that controls all machine functions. The current system is simpler, more robust, and easier to maintain. In addition to substantial savings for procured parts, the assembly time was halved.

16th November 2017

Non-contact torque transducer used on powertrain test rig

A wireless rotary torque transducer from Sensor Technology Ltd is at the heart of a test rig to develop next-generation technologies for electric and hybrid vehicle powertrains. With expertise in the electric motors and electronics used across the key powertrain technologies, AVID Technology relies on the innovative torque transducer as part of an automated approach to motor characterisation.

16th November 2017

The many benefits of thermal imaging for biofuel fire prevention

The growth in the use of biofuels to generate power has led to an important new application for infrared monitoring. Common biofuel sources such as forestry waste and wood chips are stored in massive heaps but the big problem with these organic materials is the danger of self-combustion. Left unchecked an outbreak of fire can lead to huge production losses and clean-up costs. To mitigate this risk, many facilities are turning to thermal imaging as a cost-effective and efficient method of early fire detection and prevention.

15th November 2017