31
Oct
Ten years ago, on 29th February 2012 to be exact, the first Raspberry Pi computer went on sale. Since then, a remarkable 45 million units of the credit-card sized device have been sold, making it the best-selling computer to emerge from these shores.
28
Oct
The cost of electricity, gas and heating oil have risen dramatically worldwide and are placing a considerable burden on plant and machine operators.
20
Oct
Due to the constant update in both winding and magnet technologies, motors can go into NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) status and become obsolete. It is a standard process to replace older motors with more modern options, perhaps for a more compact design or for competing lead times or pricing.
14
Oct
The benefits of automating manual processes have long been known to manufacturers – cost reduction, quality improvement and increased safety are just some of the most obvious. But what processes should manufacturers prioritise in their journey to Industry 4.0?
10
Oct
Despite our relatively small landmass, the UK is an economic overachiever, ranking as the fifth largest economy in the world. Linked to this is our success in manufacturing. However, concerns have been raised about our potential to retain our reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse, largely because of a chronic labour shortage and diminishing productivity rates.
14
Sep
Regardless of location, if you are a manager in manufacturing, you will have seen the increasingly staggering data about the so-called Great Resignation, a phenomenon where employees voluntarily decide to quit their jobs. Neil Ballinger, Head of EMEA at EU Automation, explores how automation can help manufacturing businesses cope as staff retention rates fall.
14
Sep
Integrating Mitsubishi Electric’s robotic solutions, Horizon Instruments and the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), part of the University of Warwick, have created the first automated solution which combines two key operations in rotor assembly.
2
Sep
The environmental sector is undergoing a digital transformation, and change is affecting organisations in the waste collection and recycling sector. To overcome a systems integration (SI) challenge in this sector, AMCS sought the help of Solid State Supplies.
2
Sep
Ranging from simple on/off switch panels to an ultra-complex software/hardware-based Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) system found at the heart of factory automation, a control panel Human Machine Interface (HMI) enables human beings intuitively to interact with a machine and ensure production efficiency and worker safety.
2
Sep
Today’s factories demand flexible manufacturing and wireless connectivity. Manufacturers must react quickly to shifting customer needs, customisation, and short product life cycles. They require interchangeable processes and equipment that can be reconfigured, modified, and replaced easily, with maintenance-free connectors that reduce costs and downtime.
2
Sep
Traditionally, PC-based SCADA systems were the only tool in the instrumentation and control engineer’s toolbox for plant process visualisation and control applications. This led to many facilities implementing SCADA systems simply because there were no available alternatives.
4
Aug
From price increases to shortages of skilled labour, industrial companies are under increasing pressure to meet demands for quality, volume and speed. In a pilot project, KUKA and HELLER (a producer of CNC machine tools) have developed a solution to these challenges, using a KUKA KMR CYBERTECH to load and unload machines automatically with tools and provide relief to employees.
26
Jul
Every year, a number of words drop out of the dictionary. That is to say, they become obsolete. ‘Slubberdegullion’ (a slobbering or worthless fellow) and ‘groaking’ (watching someone longingly while they eat), are two that are now considered obsolete by lexicographers.
19
Jul
Making light work of high efficiency, simple, standard applications are well served by AC induction motors. In this global chip shortage, the appeal of a chip-less motor with high IP ratings and low lead-times has never been more apparent.
8
Jul
Robots have been an essential part of many manufacturing processes for decades; however, the pharmaceutical sector has historically been slower in adopting robot systems. Look closely at the processes and requirements associated with pharmaceutical production, and it becomes clearer why the sector is only now embracing the robotic technologies which are transforming some of their manufacturing processes.
