Industrial Technology

Efficient integration of software development tools

The lines separating mechanical, electrical and software engineering are becoming increasingly blurred. Clearly, the development tools used in these fields need to work as closely together as the engineers themselves. B&R and EPLAN are taking a proactive role in shaping this trend by developing a seamless interface between B&R Automation Studio and EPLAN Electric P8. The simple goal is to make these tools even more valuable for the users.

27th April 2013

New configuration tool simplifies machinery safety system design

Rockwell Automation has announced the release of a new configuration and design tool to help machinery automation system engineers save time when designing safety systems. The Rockwell Automation Safety Automation Builder (SAB) configuration software helps users navigate the safety-system design process and apply global best practices.

27th April 2013

Redeveloped e-commerce website for adhesives, sealants and more

Sil-Mid, one of Europe's leading international distributors of adhesives, sealants, lubricants and silicones, is celebrating the launch of its redeveloped global e-commerce website.

27th March 2013

Traditional industry, modern world

With an engineering heritage that stretches back to before the industrial revolution, William Hughes has over 200 years experience and expertise in the manufacture of springs and wire forms. Based in Stalbridge, Dorset, the success of William Hughes has been built on the traditional values of a family run firm. These include a strong commitment to its customers, concern for quality and service - allied to continual improvements in production and technology to meet individual requirements in the most appropriate and cost effective way.

25th March 2013

Untangling a production conundrum

Awarded 'Coolbrands' status in 2012, the infamous Tangle Teezer is perhaps not a typical industrial design project for one of the UK's leading plastic injection moulding companies, but it's certainly one of the most successful.

25th March 2013

Lighter fasteners for Atom sports car

Where a fastener is needed to be versatile, light and yet strong, plastic is often the optimal solution. A case in point is the automotive sector, where the latest trend is for 'lightweighting' - a lighter car uses less fuel, is more economic and more environmentally friendly. TR Fastenings recently supplied plastic fasteners to Ariel Motors for its latest Atom sports car, to help take weight out of the structure.

25th March 2013

Sealing plug helps reduce operations

More frequently you hear the words "we must reduce machining time" or "we must decrease the number of operations." Though the Koenig Expander sealing plug has been represented by Boneham & Turner since the 1970s, its relevance in the market place has never been so significant. Manufacturers in the automotive and aerospace markets are continuously considering methods and products for reducing cycle times or minimising contact with work pieces, in order to retain competitive advantage and focus on innovation.

25th March 2013

The fastest welding for the fastest trains

The installation and commissioning of a 30x4m gantry 'Powerstir' Friction Stir Welder (FSW) by UK-based PTG Heavy Industries - in a joint project with the China Friction Stir Welding Centre - didn't just represent a first for China and for PTG. The Powerstir machine also played its part in a world first, being used in the manufacture of railway car bodies similar to those used in China's record-breaking 'Harmony' high-speed train. In producing the railway car bodies, another record was also broken, with the PTG Powerstir machine producing the longest-ever single FSW railway panel weld in China, at over 15m in length.

25th March 2013

Protect axles from corrosion

Axle corrosion on rolling stock is a costly business. It is the main reason why up to 3,000 axles have to be replaced every year at a cost of £1,500 per unit. To address this problem Henkel has introduced its Loctite Axle Corrosion Protection System. The company has many decades of experience in protecting metals against corrosion and also in the specific requirements of the rail sector.

25th March 2013

Threaded inserts

PSM International will have a full range of fastener products on display, including inserts for plastics, self-clinching fasteners, flangeform fasteners and special fasteners. Of particular interest is the TRI-STEP, a unique three stepped threaded insert and mating hole combination, designed for heat or ultrasonic installation into thermoplastic materials. The design incorporates two diameters of opposing helical knurls and a series of annular vanes.

25th March 2013