Articles
Putting manufacturers to the test
Arc faults within low voltage (LV) switchgear have been potentially life threatening for many years. But in 1996, users were presented with a new standard of safety
[ + ]Ethernet - the future of industrial control networks
The prevalence of ethernet in the industrial environment is growing at an exponential rate. The expectation is that this form of industrial communication will develop throughout the industrial environment
[ + ]Speeding up machine vision
There is some way to go to reach the sight capabilities of the best science-fiction machines, but HYMOD - CSIRO's hybrid modular processor system - is making it easier, better and cheaper for machines to 'see'
[ + ]A light on the tiles
A novel automated system based on machine vision, which can be effectively used in tile sorting to increase the quality and the value of production, is changing the tile making process in Europe
[ + ]Going in reverse
Michelangelo used the principles of reverse engineering to create great sculptures. Today, manufacturers use it to create images of products to speed up prototyping, manufacturing and testing processes
[ + ]Producing to the maximum
In the never-ending quest for better financial returns, manufacturing and process industries have been paring down their costs wherever possible. And no department has been spared in the quest for cost savings
[ + ]Optimal plant operation and profitability
Increase throughput, improve yields, enhance quality, conserve energy, eliminate waste, reduce downtime - these are the rallying points in today's processing world as pressure grows to improve overall profitability
[ + ]All geared up: simple steps to gearbox longevity
Gearboxes are so common in so many applications that it is easy to overlook this vital link in production and processing. But maintaining a speed reducer in top condition depends on correct installation, proper use and regular checking
[ + ]A story of bonding: industrial adhesives and their applications
The push to create lighter and lower cost products is forcing designers to consider new materials. These are often difficult to exploit effectively so an increasing number of manufacturers have rekindled an interest in the use of adhesives
[ + ]Industrial ethernet devices set for high growth
The worldwide market for industrial ethernet devices is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 84.1 per cent over the next five years. The market was 286.8 thousand nodes in 2002 and is forecast to be over 6.06 million in 2007
[ + ]Cotton gets the clean air ball rolling
A simple box device containing a series of cotton filters could play a large role in improving global air quality as well as being a huge success for the small engineering business behind it
[ + ]A matter of calibration confidence
The ultimate recognition of credibility for commercial calibration agencies is ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, as it is the only independent credential that embraces both key elements of sound management and technical competence
[ + ]Manufacturing intelligence - the way of the future
An increasingly competitive environment, tolerating nothing short of manufacturing excellence, is driving the requirement for plant and enterprise-wide decision-support tools - more recently known as manufacturing intelligence
[ + ]Biodegradable greases bearing environmental concerns
According to recent reports, a newly-developed biodegradable grease has shown it can match traditional grease performance in bearing applications. It also meets the increased demand for environmentally friendly products in the engineering industry
[ + ]Changing climate for coatings testing
The worst-case scenario for an exterior paint is early failure at the mercy of demanding environmental conditions. Whilst companies can test samples in challenging climates over the long term, it is possible to simulate these conditions in the laboratory
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