Improving sustainability in food processing

04 June, 2021

Energy efficiency is an important consideration for sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of manufacturing. In any industry, sustainability is a growing concern. Manufacturers are taking action by implementing innovative technologies that tackle the waste of energy but also wider sustainability concerns, such as recyclability and waste management. Here, Neil Bellinger, head of EMEA at automation parts supplier EU Automation, discusses three of the most popular trends for improving energy efficiency and sustainability in food and drink processing.

Boosting glass vial and syringe production

29 April, 2021

Fluke Process Instruments, the international manufacturer of industrial temperature measurement systems, offers powerful sensing tools for glass vial and syringe production that allow manufacturers to ramp up production while ensuring consistent high product quality.

New jet pump hydraulic artificial lift for lowest cost of lifting a barrel of fluid

22 March, 2021

Wanner International Ltd has launched its new Hydra-Cell jet pump hydraulic artificial lift solution that is claimed to offer the lowest cost of lifting a barrel of fluid, reducing costs in oil and gas production, generating major savings over the lifetime of a well. The seal-free, no packing API 674 system is suitable for mainstream oil and gas production. It does not require a workover rig, pulling unit or slick line unit for servicing or well production optimisation.

Beyond Brexit – insight on the industry impact in 2021

09 March, 2021

The UK has left the single market and customs union, meaning the rules for moving goods between the UK and the EU are now more complex. The free trade agreement means that tariffs and quotas won’t apply but businesses must still navigate customs declarations, requirements on products’ origins, and other sources of increasing paperwork and cost.

Virtual operator training offers learning without limitations

07 January, 2021

By Matthew Masarik, marketing manager, design software, Rockwell Automation.

Keeping the blades turning to ensure customer continuity during the pandemic

26 November, 2020

There is little doubt that the world is witnessing unprecedented times due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A vast majority of the world’s population and businesses have been affected in some way, and the global engineering community is no exception. National lockdowns have proven particularly challenging for factories trying to remain operational and ensure deliveries to key customers.

Innovative companies changing the face of vertical farming

23 October, 2020

Vertical farming, the practice of growing crops indoors under tightly controlled conditions, is continuing to expand rapidly. Here, we explore some of the most innovative vertical farming start-ups, based on the recent IDTechEx report, ‘Vertical Farming 2020-2030’.

Festo gives the future of safe automation a hand

07 October, 2020

Industrial change has accelerated, demanding a new level of interaction between people, machines and data. Within its Bionic Learning Network, Festo has been studying and developing safe automation systems to relieve people of monotonous or hazardous tasks. The BionicMobileAssistant is a prototype robot system that deploys artificial intelligence to move independently, identifying and gripping objects and adaptively working with humans.

Fluid Power & Systems, Air-Tech and co-located shows rescheduled to take place on 5th-7th April 2022 at NEC, Birmingham, Halls 9 & 10

01 October, 2020

As a consequence of the Government’s recent announcement to the delay of events taking place from October 2020, and the continued uncertainty and local lockdowns, DFA Media, organiser of Fluid Power & Systems, Air-Tech and co-located shows, has announced the event has been rescheduled for 5th - 7th April 2022, which will take place alongside MACH Exhibition. The co-location of events include:

Could remote working become the new normal?

15 September, 2020

Back in 2015, a survey of business owners by Virgin Media Business predicted that 60% of office-based employees would regularly work from home by 2022. This year, global disruption saw us prematurely exceed this figure. The majority of office workers began working from home to ensure business continuity. Could our current experiences of remote working mean that we continue to exceed this prediction?

‘Fit and Forget’ actuators provide low maintenance solution for bread manufacturing

10 September, 2020

In recent months, due to the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a spike in demand for bread far in excess than previously seen. Whereas many people usually buy a ready-made lunch every day, now they are buying bread and eating at home. The UK bakery market is one of the largest markets in the food industry, and not surprisingly, there is a high need for modern technology to rise up to market demands. To keep up with today’s demand, the food processing industry needs to be efficient; this means most of the tasks need to be automated. But in every automated system, there are a host of smaller components that perform simple yet essential processes. Without these components, the automation could not take place.

Sensonics achieves ISO 45001:2018 certification

04 September, 2020

Condition monitoring specialist Sensonics has recently achieved ISO 45001 certification and now has a fully integrated management system that also encompasses ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Hydraulic fluids: Understanding the value high-quality zinc-based fluids can bring to operational productivity

26 August, 2020

By Emma Mallinson, hydraulics global product marketing manager, Shell.

Know your robots

17 July, 2020

There is rarely, if ever, a one-size-fits-all approach to manufacturing. It is important that site managers know what considerations to make when choosing an industrial robot to automate their processes. Jonathan Wilkins, director of industrial parts supplier EU Automation, discusses what he believes manufacturers should consider when choosing what type of robot to invest in.

Technology for a sustainable farming future

26 June, 2020

Agriculture in the future will see increasing use of scientifically precise farming techniques, where automated ‘agro-bots’ monitor, treat and work the land, using advanced technology designed to help maximise yields and minimise disease. With its extensive experience in automation and agricultural mechanisation, Yanmar is one of the companies showing the way in advanced field robotics research.