Articles
Membrane potentiometers have changed the way engineers think about sensing. With some measuring only 0.5 mm [0.05 cm] thick, ultra-flat membrane potentiometers feature comparable product characteristics to conventional potentiometers, but are liberal... more »
Rotary power producing and consuming devices produce (or absorb) torque in a pulsating rather than a smooth manner. That’s because they have discrete poles and/or pistons and/or gear meshes, etc., which generate complex forcing functions. Furthermore,... more »
In 1938, General Electric began production of a 2-phase synchronous induction motor which, at 60 Hz, ran at 75 rpm. The low speed resulted from there being a different number of rotor to stator poles or teeth, which made the motor a good bidirectional... more »
Properly functioning steam traps open to release condensate and automatically close when steam is present. Failed traps waste fuel, reduce efficiency, increase production costs, and compromise the overall integrity of the steam and condensate systems.... more »
Motor rewinds can revive original performance and quality, enhance reliability, and extend the life of crane motors affected by age and usage. They can restore the crane motor back to its original condition, rather than reverse engineering the motor,... more »
A system for transforming exhausted air flow from central air conditioning units into a source of renewable, clean electric energy is currently in development. Created by EarthSure, a renewable energy company and innovator in alternative energy sources,... more »
Rheological measurements are essential in optimizing the production and properties of confectioneries. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is supporting training and professional development efforts at the Central College of the German Confectionery Industry... more »
A chucking machine that produces elbow- or tee-shaped pipe fittings was difficult to automate because the fittings, when loaded, had to match the angle of rotation where the chuck happened to stop spinning. The challenge was solved by using a Cognex In-Sight®... more »
The Norwegian Gyda oilfield, in the southern part of the North Sea, started production in June 1990. Developed with a combined drilling, accommodation, and processing facility with a steel jacket, the operation supplies approximately 14,000 barrel of... more »
Every distribution system needs to perform five basic functions: receiving, product storage, picking for order fulfillment, sortation, and shipping. Although each sector has experienced improvements resulting from technical advances, sortation is where... more »
Located in Southwestern Pennsylvania, has beenproviding the North American market with quality presses and technical support since 1992. A subsidiary of Schmidt Technology, a family led, medium-sized enterprise located in the Black Forest area of Germany,... more »
Beginning December 19, 2010, new motors will be required to have higher efficiency levels than previously allowed. That’s the implementation date for certain requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Focused on increasing energy... more »
Apart from cost efficiency, an important warehouse management issue is safety. The human factor often causes risks and accidents that are hard to foresee. One way to limit these hazards is through custom-made end-of-line automation solutions such as those... more »
Here's a step-by-step approach to efficiently designing systems that work right the first time. Designers have several options when constructing pneumatic-control systems. But modular air-logic systems are often a good bet when a compact, economical unit... more »
Selective coordination is the selection of fuses and circuit breakers in such a way that an overload or short circuit on one branch circuit will cause only the fuse or circuit breaker feeding that circuit to open, without causing upstream circuit breakers... more »
Today’s manufacturers have started looking downstream more and more for automation opportunities.And when they do, more are choosing robotic systems. According to PMMI’s 2007 Packaging Machinery Shipments & Outlook Study, shipments of robotic palletizers... more »
A recent field attenuation study conducted by the Howard Leight Acoustical Laboratory on the performance of hearing protection devices showed that individual, one-on-one training was the most significant factor in predicting good earplug performance.... more »
Safety services specialists from are helping packaging machine builders comply with safety standards to reduce the risk of injuries and improve productivity. The applies to all packaging and related converting machinery shipped after Oct. 25, 2008 (the... more »
Sunnen's new SV-500 vertical CNC honing system offers 3-axis servo control of spindle rotation, stroke and tool feed, allowing the machine to produce a whole-bore, constant crosshatch angle to meet the latest requirements for diesel/gasoline engines,... more »
Engineers, technicians, and operators can monitor measurement and control information on the plant floor or laboratory in an entirely new way with the UV1000 Universal Verbalizer from Omega Engineering. This innovative, patented device accepts signals... more »