Industrial Technology

Festo puts STANLEY knife production at the cutting edge

Festo automation technology is being used to help STANLEY Tools in the UK to meet continued demand for its renowned safety knives, while continuing to maintain the highest standards of safety and quality.

18th December 2020

116-page electromechanical components 2021 catalogue released

Würth Elektronik has released its 2021 switching technology and electromechanical components catalogue

15th December 2020

Igus demonstrates Robolink in splash water applications

The robolink DP robot arm from Igus can now be used in splash water applications with a protection class of IP44. You can see it in action in Igus’ latest ‘video of the week’ which highlights not only how the robolink robot arm copes with water but also an Igus colleague.

10th December 2020

Contrinex analogue inductive sensors help "belt out" timing belts

A manufacturer of industrial timing belts trusts Contrinex’s analogue inductive sensors to measure the position of steel reinforcing bands during continuous production. Two long-range, high-resolution sensors, mounted above the extruded belt profile, provide real-time positional data. The customer’s process-control system monitors the sensor’s analogue voltage outputs, alerting the operator and halting production if the values are outside allowable limits.

10th December 2020

Stober helps blinds manufacturer take control of automated fabrication process

Drive engineering expert Stober has helped create a new multiple screwing unit that joins profile rails, monitors screw depth and tightening torque for Roma, the international manufacturer of roller shutters, venetian blinds and textile screens.

10th December 2020

Omron introduces HMLV Intelligent Cell Production Line

Omron has taken human-machine collaboration to a level it says is previously unseen on the factory floor, with its Intelligent Cell Production Line concept. Integrating sensing, vision and robotics, this example of an advanced production line control solution enhances the performance of both humans and robots as they learn from one another.

9th December 2020

New inverter class for demanding applications

The FR-E800 variable speed drive series from Mitsubishi Electric offers multiple networks and high performance predictive maintenance through AI and built-in corrosive gas alert.

26th November 2020

Controller perfectly synchronises robots and control equipment

Omron has announced the launch of what it claims is the world’s first ‘Robotic Integrated Controller’. The new NJ501-R is based on Omron’s NJ series of machine controllers for industrial automation. With the integrated controller, it is possible to automate advanced and complex manual work and simulate the design and modification of production facilities in a virtual environment, and conduct maintenance remotely. The new machine controller offers real-time synchronisation between all automation equipment, including robots, vision components, drives and safety equipment.

26th November 2020

Engineering mobility with rehabilitation exoskeletons

Around 50,000 people in the UK live with a spinal cord injury. To those who are injured, regaining movement is life changing — and advances in exoskeleton technology are helping to renew their independence. Stewart Goulding, managing director of precision drive system supplier, Electromechanical Systems (EMS), shares insight into the motor technology powering rehabilitation exoskeleton systems.

26th November 2020

Robot range is quickly extended with the new 7th axis from Igus

A ready-to-fit 7th axis has been designed and manufactured by Igus to enable Universal Robots (UR) and robolink robots to travel several metres. Igus has developed this robotic solution to include a maintenance-free, drylin ZLW toothed belt axis, corresponding adapter plate and a switch cabinet, cables and software. Customers can add this 7th axis to an existing articulated arm robot, as well as to a Universal Robot.

26th November 2020