Latest News
RBTX presents a journey into automation
12/04/24 11:00
In a dynamic convergence of industry experts, innovators, and enthusiasts, igus, recently hosted the RBTX Low-Cost Robotics Live Workshop. This event, held at the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC), brought together numerous users of low-cost robotics as well as automation novices.
Festo and QM Systems collaborate to develop new automated mass testing system
12/04/24 09:30
Industrial automation specialist Festo and systems integrator QM Systems have collaborated on the evolution of a new automated laboratory system that fills, caps and labels test vials at speeds of up to 3000 vials per hour.
The rise of modular robots and the importance of drive train design
11/04/24 13:00
For lightweight robots, modular designs are increasingly popular thanks to the flexible deployment they enable for specialised tasks. As part of an in-house robot build, optimising the drive train that powers and controls each joint is vital to the robot’s performance. The most effective way of achieving this is by developing the drive train as a complete module, as Roman Berger, maxon’s head of business development for robotics, explains.
Neura Robotics and OMRON forge strategic alliance
11/04/24 11:00
Neura Robotics and OMRON Robotics and Safety Technologies are excited to announce their strategic partnership which aims to revolutionise the manufacturing industry by introducing cognitive robots into factory automation, leveraging advanced AI capabilities to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and safety.
Apex Dynamics gearbox drives Europe’s largest electricity-generating waterwheel
11/04/24 10:00
Technology from Apex Dynamics is driving the largest diameter electricity-generating waterwheel in Europe.
A deep dive into custom drive design
10/04/24 16:00
What do you do when a standard, off-the-shelf motor, gearbox or actuator can’t meet the requirements of the application? Stewart Goulding, managing director of EMS, discusses the design and manufacture of custom actuators.
New cylindrical roller bearings for heavy-duty industrial gearboxes
10/04/24 15:00
Schaeffler has introduced a new series of rolling bearings for heavy-duty industrial gearboxes. The NJ23-ILR series is compact yet offers a very high dynamic load capacity.
Ecology, economy and social aspects in balance at TSUBAKI KABELSCHLEPP
10/04/24 14:00
Fully aware of the complexity of the topic, TSUBAKI KABELSCHLEPP says it has been successful with a comprehensive sustainability strategy.
Growth opportunities for systems integrators with universal automation
10/04/24 12:00
Fabrice Jadot, Next Gen Automation SVP at Schneider Electric, discusses how automation can unlock great value for systems integrators.
Addressing the needs and challenges faced by LabVIEW users
10/04/24 10:00
Beckhoff UK was a gold sponsor at LabVIEW technical event GDevCON. Here, technical support engineer Chris Knight explains the vital function that inputs and outputs (I/O) communication plays in connecting systems, exchanging data and ensuring efficient automation.
‘Employee perspectives’: An insight into engineering careers
09/04/24 13:45
There is not one singular blueprint that can lead to a career in the engineering industry. It offers a variety of roles, open to people from diverse backgrounds. To highlight the diversity of skills and experiences in engineering, global engineering technologies company, Renishaw, has created the ‘Employee perspectives’ series.
Save 80% build time with Module Connect, plus RBTX demo
08/04/24 13:20
Would your company like to save multiple hours and cash for every machine you build? At MACH 2024, igus presents Module Connect, a unique and elegant engineering design to help machine users save assembly time.
Reaping the rewards of 3D printing
05/04/24 10:00
Tim Stratton, tooling department leader at the Schaeffler UK plant in Sheffield, discusses some of the cost savings the plant is seeing by investing in 3D printers for production tooling, as well as additional benefits in health and safety, ergonomics and freeing up valuable CNC machining capacity.
The ECI 123 Splus inductive rotary encoder with built-in vibration analysis
05/04/24 09:00
Featuring a built-in accelerometer, the new HEIDENHAIN ECI 123 Splus rotary encoder enables position measurement and vibration analysis in a single component. This added functionality simplifies condition monitoring and maintenance planning in high-wear automated systems.
The good, the bad and the future of generative AI
03/04/24 12:30
In the manufacturing industry, generative AI is being introduced at every step, from design to maintenance of assets. Here Stephen Hayes, managing director of Beckhoff UK, explores the benefits and risks of introducing generative AI into your manufacturing process.
chainflex cables without PFAS: Safer for people, the environment and business
03/04/24 11:45
igus chainflex cables for robotics and other industrial applications do not contain harmful PTFE and PFAS chemicals, likely to be banned by the EU – now demonstrated with the ‘PFAS free’ seal.
Schneider Electric announces Global Alliance Partner Program Award winners
08/03/24 09:30
Schneider Electric has announced the winners of the 2023 Global Alliance Excellence Awards. Throughout 2023, Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partners supported customers in the digitalisation of industrial automation, delivering value with innovative initiatives, solutions and services.
Configurable small controller now with FailSafe over EtherCAT connection
08/03/24 08:07
For efficient production, it should be possible to seamlessly integrate safety concepts into machine concepts. That is why the PNOZmulti 2 configurable safe small controller from Pilz supports the open communication system EtherCAT in combination with the safe protocol Safety-over-EtherCAT FSoE (FailSafe over EtherCAT).
Configurable small controller now with FailSafe over EtherCAT connection
08/03/24 08:07
For efficient production, it should be possible to seamlessly integrate safety concepts into machine concepts. That is why the PNOZmulti 2 configurable safe small controller from Pilz supports the open communication system EtherCAT in combination with the safe protocol Safety-over-EtherCAT FSoE (FailSafe over EtherCAT).
Green electricity from hundreds of ancient windmills
06/03/24 08:50
Sailwind 4, a student project in Germany, will reuse old windmills for power generation. igus has supported the project with 10,000 euros and has provided the young engineers with lubrication-free linear guides and polymer bearings, which ensure low-maintenance operation of the windmills.
Machine safety indication can greatly increase productivity
05/03/24 15:00
Safety standards have strict requirements for muting lamps and safety indicators, which cannot be ignored. Supplemental indication that does not form part of the safety system, but acts as guidance to the operator and other workers, can have a dramatic effect on increasing productivity, as the experts at Turck Banner explain.
Unlock time and cost savings with igus Module Connect
05/03/24 14:00
In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are crucial. Enter the igus Module Connect, a connector solution that streamlines your operations, enhances productivity and puts money back in your pocket.
Industry must enhance cybersecurity practices
05/03/24 13:00
In the wake of upcoming NIS 2 legislative changes that will impact the whole supply chain, Schneider Electric cybersecurity solutions and services business lead Victor Lough is urging businesses to enhance cybersecurity practices against a backdrop of a dynamic legislative landscape.
Visit maxon at SPACE-COMM EXPO
05/03/24 11:00
maxon is exhibiting at SPACE-COMM EXPO, stand L2, at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, 6-7 March. The exhibition is the UK’s largest space industry event and maxon will present its drive systems for space applications.
EMS to exhibit FAULHABER motor range
04/03/24 10:00
EMS will be exhibiting at Medical Technology UK from 13-14 March at the Coventry Building Society Arena, showcasing a range of reliable, highly precise motion solutions for the medical technology industry, including the new FAULHABER IEP3 incremental encoder and expanded linear actuator L-series.
Lenze launches the most powerful motor driven roller currently on the market
29/02/24 10:50
Less complexity, fewer variants, more efficiency, more power and simpler, faster commissioning and maintenance – that’s what Lenze is promising with a revolutionary new magnetic motor driven roller (MDR) to support intralogistics customers, driving the future of conveying.
OMRON awarded third EcoVadis Platinum Rating for sustainability performance
29/02/24 10:15
OMRON has achieved the prestigious Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it in the top 1% of all businesses assessed for sustainability performance. This marks the third time that OMRON has received this international recognition.
SICK W10 swipe-and-set-up touchscreen sensor is a world first
28/02/24 12:00
SICK has unveiled what it says is the world’s first photoelectric sensor with a touchscreen display, heralding the future for universal and easy-set-up sensing. The SICK W10 is a versatile all-in-one sensor that represents a major step forward in precise detection technology, adaptable for countless industrial automation applications.
Schneider Electric launches EcoStruxure Plant Lean Management
28/02/24 10:00
Schneider Electric has launched EcoStruxure Plant Lean Management, a digital solution that collects and aggregates data across industrial operations to develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for short interval management (SIM) meetings, where shop floor teams review production cycles and identify issues and actions that need to be implemented.
Power supplies for extreme ambient conditions
28/02/24 09:45
The new third generation Trio Power power supply from Phoenix Contact is now available for the first time with a protective coating on the PCB. This enables reliable use, even under extreme ambient conditions.
The changing face of metrology
23/02/24 11:00
Paul Maxted, director of industrial metrology applications at Renishaw, explores the changing role of metrology in manufacturing over the last few decades and predicts how it is set to develop in the future.
Electric drives deliver perfect Easter egg flavour combinations for Mondelez
22/02/24 09:00
Mondelez has chosen Festo electric drive technology over pneumatics for a new automated chocolate Easter egg mixing installation at its site, due to lower energy consumption, higher safety and more flexibility in controlling speeds and positions.
Schaeffler showcases combination of digital and personal service
21/02/24 11:00
From February 21 to 22, 2024, at maintenance in Dortmund, Germany’s leading trade show for industrial maintenance, Schaeffler will be showcasing its comprehensive range of products, services and solutions in the fields of mounting, condition monitoring and bearing remanufacturing with its Lifetime Solutions.
New product label supports automated goods receipt
21/02/24 09:40
To further optimise logistics processes, Phoenix Contact is introducing new product labels that simplify automated goods receipt and goods issue for its customers.
Applied Automation acquires PTG Workholding
21/02/24 09:11
Applied Automation has increased its precision engineering capabilities following the recent acquisition of PTG Workholding.
SICK brings liquid lens technology to its smallest Lector code reader
20/02/24 11:00
SICK has added Liquid Lens technology to the Lector 61X, its smallest image-based code reader, to deliver rapid and infinitely-variable focal adjustment and a significantly-extended depth of field. The SICK Lector611 with Liquid Lens packs outstanding read performance and operational versatility into an ultracompact device.
Anybus achieves maturity level 3 certification in industrial cybersecurity standard
20/02/24 09:00
HMS Networks has announced that its Anybus brand has successfully attained Maturity Level 3 (ML3) certification in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62443-4-1: Secure product development lifecycle requirements, an industrial cybersecurity standard.
Assembly and buffering section for gate valves
19/02/24 11:00
When a company required a pallet circulation system for the production of gate valves for water pipes it turned to mk Profile Systems.
ifm radar sensors measure distance in demanding conditions
19/02/24 09:00
Even in rain, snow, fog and extremely dusty conditions, the new R1Dxxx and R2Dxxx radar sensors from ifm electronic provide accurate and dependable distance measurements.
New LED Stack Light offers four operating modes for versatile, cost-effective signalling
15/02/24 13:00
The new Modlight60 Pro RGB IO-Link signal tower from Murrelektronik is a versatile, adaptable and cost-efficient solution for applications that call for clear, reliable signalling.
Micro-Epsilon extends its high precision series of 3D snapshot sensors
15/02/24 11:00
Micro-Epsilon has extended its surfaceCONTROL range of high precision 3D snapshot measurement sensors for automated, inline measurement of geometry, shape and surface quality of objects. The surfaceCONTROL 3xx0-240 offers a larger measuring range of 240 mm and a measurement area of up to 245 x 180 mm. The sensor delivers the best measurement results at a z-axis distance of between 340 and 540mm.
Mitsubishi Electric and Koenig and Bauer announce strategic machine vision partnership
15/02/24 09:00
Mitsubishi Electric and Koenig and Bauer have signed a letter of intent for their future cooperation. The strategic partnership will combine the strengths of both companies to offer standardised, high quality machine vision components aimed at optimising the production of electrode foil for battery cells.
Growth and new business opportunities lead to UK expansion for STOBER
13/02/24 09:11
The UK subsidiary of industrial automation expert, STOBER, has expanded to larger premises to accommodate its growing UK presence within the world of motion control thanks to sustained growth.
Schaeffler receives an ‘A’ score in the climate change category
12/02/24 09:18
Schaeffler has been awarded an ‘A’ score in the climate change category for 2023 by the global non-profit environmental organisation CDP for its commitment to corporate transparency and performance.
Sidney Hamilton-Williams joins the TEN team
03/01/24 08:14
The Engineering Network (TEN) extends a warm welcome to industry sales expert Sidney Hamilton-Williams. She takes up her position this week as Portfolio and Events Manager on TEN’s Food Manufacturing.Live specialist event and its associated website FoodManufacturing.net after a long and distinguished career at Western Business Publishing.
Inaugural MachineBuilding.Live exhibition hailed as an outstanding success
05/10/23 14:30
The inaugural MachineBuilding.Live exhibition, held at the National Motorcycle Museum on 4 October, has been hailed as an outstanding success by exhibitors and visitors alike.
Food Manufacturing Live – May 1st 2024 – National Motorcycle Museum
18/09/23 09:30
Specialist engineering publisher and exhibition organiser The Engineering Network (TEN) has just announced an all-new event for suppliers of engineering solutions to the food and drink manufacturing sector, Food Manufacturing Live.
EPLAN enters into technology partnership with Dassault Systèmes
13/09/23 12:00
EPLAN and Dassaults Systèmes have entered into a technology partnership as part of the EPLAN Partner Network, whereby both parties will be working on expanding the interface between EPLAN and the Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
Festo bridges the gap between stepper and servo drive
13/09/23 11:15
Machine builders no longer need to choose between a stepper or servo drive, thanks to the CMMT-ST from Festo. This new extra low voltage servo drive is capable of open or closed loop positioning, which effectively bridges the gap between stepper and servo drives. This means the user can tailor the CMMT-ST to suit the needs of the application and reap the benefits of both control formats.
SKF Maintenance Product Partner accolade awarded to Acorn
13/09/23 10:30
Acorn has become the first company in the UK to be awarded new maintenance product partner status by the world-leading bearing and maintenance product manufacturer, SKF.