Food Manufacturing

Steam control valves: getting the most from this vital component

Process control in hygienic applications, such as the food and beverage sector, demands a great deal from the components that are used to manage the manufacturing and cleaning processes. Choosing the right steam control valve can bring a number of benefits including precision, reliability, minimal maintenance and durability in challenging environments. Mark Lilley, Field Segment Manager, Hygienic Food & Beverage at Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, explains the benefits of making an informed decision when it comes to general purpose steam control valves.

21st November 2016

Flexible manufacturing through automated engineering

Science fiction has taught us to fear things that are out of our control. Whether its alien invaders from another planet, highly-evolved apes or artificially intelligent robots, sci-fi culture is built on humanity's fear of being second in command. With that being said, automated equipment and robotics are the basis of any smart factory, meaning that to stay competitive, manufacturers must learn to embrace this technology. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of EU Automation, discusses automated engineering.

15th November 2016

Flexible machines to produce at batch size 1

Lenze as an automation provider view Industry 4.0 is simply another phase in the increasing automation that has been underway for many years. Automation is being consistently advanced by digitisation, networking and the use of new communication systems. This progress allows automation providers to provide smart systems that satisfy the changing demands of makers of machinery who in turn must fulfil the market needs. One of these demands is the growing individualisation of products. A car maker no longer simply offers a wide range of models, nowadays buyers can select a mix of options that is only produced once for their car. This is batch size 1.

14th November 2016

A simple business case for integrated robotic vision

As the need for flexibility and adaptability within packaging operations grows, Steve Capon, technical manager of FANUC UK looks at how integrated vision technology can help businesses respond to evolving market requirements more easily and package more complexly shaped products.

2nd November 2016

Retrofit your way to Industry 4.0

The English language has the phrase: "˜you can't have your cake and eat it too'. Put simply, this phrase means that you can't have it both ways. However, it is possible to retrofit while migrating to Industry 4.0. As industrial plant managers struggle with aging infrastructure and strict regulations, they're looking for cost-effective ways to upgrade. With industry trends such as Industry 4.0 on the rise, many engineers may consider retrofitting a step backwards. In reality, system retrofits can contribute to improved communication and optimised production, resulting in a cost and energy efficient factory where you can eat as much cake as you like. Here Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of EU Automation, discusses issues to consider when retrofitting in your migration to Industry 4.0.

25th October 2016

Bespoke process control systems for the food & beverage industry

Process control systems that are unique to the food and beverage industry can be used to deliver higher levels of efficiency and reliability. Mark Lilley, Field Segment Manager .Hygienic - Food and Beverage for Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, looks at the benefits of a bespoke control system, the features it should include and how to achieve the most effective system.

18th October 2016

The 'I's have it - the three pillars of automation

As the trends towards digitalisation and the mobile information society gather momentum, consumers are demanding more information about the origin and content of the products they buy. Furthermore, they expect products, information and services to be increasingly targeted and personalised. This is how Omron sees the future.

27th September 2016

The benefits and challenges of IT/OT convergence

The convergence of industrial automation and communication is an integral part of the growing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In the modern industrial realm, automation should provide a consistent way of executing tasks and processes - including those usually associated with information technology (IT). As a result, the operational technology (OT) used to support manufacturing processes is experiencing significant changes. Here, Martyn Williams, Managing Director of COPA-DATA UK, explains the changing responsibilities of IT and OT.

16th September 2016

Automatic monitoring of mobile harbour equipment

The increasing globalisation of the world economy is pressurising ports, docks and harbours into handling ever-increasing volumes of cargo, so mobile harbour equipment has to work efficiently and reliably at all times. Tony Ingham of Sensor Technology Ltd explains how monitoring the work rate of cranes, loaders and unloaders means their performance can be optimised and downtime for maintenance can be scheduled for minimum disruption to operational requirements.

14th September 2016

Motors: the tip of the iceberg for drivetrain efficiency?

Fuelled by the introduction of more stringent IE efficiency classes, manufacturers are chasing headline efficiency figures which could only have been dreamed of just 10 years ago. There's no denying that this is a positive thing for industry, but is motor efficiency just the tip of the iceberg?

2nd September 2016

Technical Articles