Original article date: May 2002
Another ‘new approach’ European directive is coming into force – the Pressure Equipment Directive. Tommy Miller has been finding out what it’s all about
Remember, remember the twenty-ninth of November, to modify the old rhyme. On that day, the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) will come into force. This is the latest in [...]
Original article date: September 1998
by Hans-Jurgen Wochian, Product Manager, Non-Portable Systems, Kontron Elektronik
While the development of software and electronics made enormous progress, the mechanics of the PC remained largely unchanged, even up to the present day. The interior of a PC still contains screws and metal plates. A fan blows air through a more or [...]
This article was originally written in the period 1995-2000
Bryan Harris, Managing Director of Harris Springs, looks at the case for improved spring specifications and design.
Any engineering component can easily become the weak spot in an assembly if it is incorrectly specified. Bearings, for instance, have to be specified against a knowledge of working load, speed [...]
Full article...Original article date: July 1999
Linux seems to be the hot topic of conversation amongst computer folk these days, but I believe many engineers are saying “OK, I keep reading about it, but what is it ¡ and is it relevant?”. So I’m going to attempt to explain a few things. Nothing too complex, but just [...]
Original article date: January 2000
Manufacturers of rotational filling machines are increasingly moving towards using weighing as a means of improving accurate fill control. Alan Chapman, managing director of Tedea-Huntleigh, examines the design criteria and the pitfalls.
Typically, rotational gravimetric filling machines use strain gauge load cells that move rotationally with the carousel. As a result, the [...]
Original article date: November 1998
Choosing an electric motor and gearbox would appear simple until you appreciate there are more than 100 million possible combinations of motor and frame coupled with a variety of gearboxes.
The best starting point is probably to look at the chosen application and to examine three different basic motor types – induction [...]
Original article date: May 1999
Encoders are significantly more expensive than inductive proximity switches so why use them? That’s the view of Dipl.-Ing PETER HEIMLICHER Managing Director and founder of Swiss company Contrinex.
Inductive proximity switches are enormously popular with end-users. They are robust good value for money insensitive to dirt standardised and as a result simple [...]
Original article date: June 2000
You can do your bit towards cutting greenhouse gases by employing energy saving variable speed drives and high efficiency AC motors, says ABB’s JAMES HAIGH
You’ve probably noticed that energy saving is back on the agenda. Big time. Government initiatives at the Rio Summit and the Kyoto Protocol are aimed at cutting [...]
Original article date: September 2001
Why is industrial hardware so damned big?I keep getting suppliers walking in saying: “these are our new fieldbus valves” and in at least 50% of cases they have this monstrous great box on them that makes them almost impossible to fit in, or else there is some base station that talks [...]
Full article...Original article date: February 2000
A new CD-Rom from Banner looked like it was worth reviewing – and it was! If you’re looking for help on safety components, this has it all. Tommy Miller has a look.
Here’s a free CD-Rom that will be very useful for anybody designing machinery or equipment that needs safety components. Banner’s [...]