Machine Building

Repeatable product testing with UR3 robot & Robotiq gripper

As part of its continued investment in product development, Edinburgh-headquartered Zonal Retail Data Systems has introduced a robotic arm to aid R&D and ensure the company meets the highest demands in product testing. Selected for its nimble movement and adaptable configuration, Zonal opted for a Universal Robot UR3 table-top robotic arm and Robotiq 2-finger adaptive gripper supplied by RARUK Automation.

30th June 2017

Automatic lubrication system prevents unplanned downtime at BMW

A downtime of several hours of the painting facility's large fan was no longer acceptable for BMW. The objective was to improve the machine's availability by means of an optimised lubricant supply and reduce the maintenance outlay at the same time.

28th June 2017

Reliable couplings, clutches and brakes for top-class sports

Whether the Football World Cup, the Olympic Games or the Four Hills Ski Jumping Tournament - mayr brakes and clutches are live on scene, ensuring reliable machine movements in front of and behind the scenes. The company also provides systems for high-tech test stands in the field of motorsports, which are specially tailored to the high demands in this sector.

27th June 2017

Mitutoyo delivers precision for seal manufacturer

When CDK Seals won an order for the production of metal components from a new aerospace customer, the manufacturer of seals for the food, pharmaceutical and petrochemical sectors had to employ new production equipment and methods. Historically, the Yeovil manufacturer has produced its seals on specialist machines from a variety of PTFE composites; however, the new £100,000+ order required a 3-part assembly with steel, ally-bronze and PTFE.

27th June 2017

Energy chains manage on-board cables and hoses

Popular on ships where dynamic positioning operations take place - such as during the installation of sea-based wind turbines - an azimuth thruster is a configuration of marine propellers that can be rotated 360 degrees around the vertical axis. The unit provides propulsion, steering and positioning thrust for much better manoeuvrability compared to the traditional fixed propeller and rudder system. Retractable thrusters can be retracted into the hull when not in use, thereby reducing the ship's drag.

22nd June 2017

ADZ differential pressure transmitter for train braking

ADZ NAGANO GmbH develops and manufactures pressure sensors and transmitters that meet the highest industrial requirements for standard and specialist applications ranging from mobile machinery to aerospace equipment. Represented in the UK by Variohm EuroSensor, ADZ is especially active in technologically demanding projects such as the following railway braking application that call upon its considerable expertise to solve unusually challenging tasks.

22nd June 2017

Helicopter-based pylon delivery relies on wireless load sensing

Demonstrating that the electricity supply infrastructure can be developed more quickly and cost-effectively, Heli-Lift Services has pioneered the use of helicopters to remove and deliver poles and pylons in remote locations. An enabling technology in this enterprise is an innovative load sensing and monitoring technology from Sensor Technology.

22nd June 2017

E-mobility: A little locomotive with a lot of power

Emission-free, economical and as powerful as a conventional drive - with its newly-developed electric locomotive for trackless railways, Sightseeing Trains Rügen GmbH is offering an innovative product for the transport of tourists, and is thus right on trend. In order to connect the drive line in the locomotive with the electric motor, the company relies on the robust and powerful ROBA-DS disk pack coupling by mayr power transmission, which is able to permanently withstand the high loads.

21st June 2017

HepcoMotion actuators used in precision pick-and-place system

To meet the growing demand for its products, Harvey Water Softeners based in Woking, Surrey, has recently automated the manual process responsible for the assembly of its popular push fit connectors. These connectors are an integral part in the water softener product; there are approximately 12 connectors in each product. The largest water softener manufacturer in Europe, Harvey Water Softeners sell a water softener every 17 minutes!

20th June 2017

Engineered latching for enhanced usability

In today's highly industrialised and automated world, with increased focus on equipment security and operator safety, the user experience in terms of a human's interaction with a product or appliance has gained tremendous importance. When Memmert, a manufacturer of industrial and laboratory thermal ovens, was searching for a reliable as well as ergonomically friendly latching product for their next generation appliance, the company worked with Southco to develop a locking mechanism that has improved the ovens' quality as well as efficiency.

20th June 2017