News Industry Comment Engaging students with engineering challenges


WATER TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER Xylem has launched a new website for its Engineering Insight Award Scheme.


As part of the June issue of Automation magazine we have included our first industry supplement of the year as we take a closer look at the vital role of machine safety. As well as highlighting some of the latest products available on the market, Paul Laidler of TÜV SÜD Product Service explains the dangers in the sometimes casual attitudes some organisations have with regards to safety guards and protective devices. Back to the main June issue, our industry focus this month turns the spotlight on the automotive supply chain, highlighting the use of global platforms and cloud-based B2B in this sector, some insightful case studies featuring some the industry’s most well known names such as Jaguar, Mercedes and Volkswagen, plus a look at how manufacturers can stay competitive with strategic business processes.


Our cover story this month ties in neatly with our drives & controls feature and our automotive focus as SEW Eurodrive discuss the installation of a bespoke new drive system on a production line at a first tier supplier of car seating and interiors to the 4x4 SUV market. Joe Bush - Editor


The Engineering Insight initia- tive was set-up by Xylem to pro- mote closer links between industry and mechanical engineering stu- dents at leading universities and iMechE accredited institutions. It is part of Xylem’s programme to engage with young people fol- lowing engineering degree courses and to help address the current shortfall between the number of engineering graduates the UK is producing, versus UK industry’s future requirements. Roughly speaking, on present numbers, the UK is producing only half the number of suitably qualified engi- neers it will need. Engineering Insight’s new web- site aims to help support engi-


neering undergraduates. The pro- gramme, which has already run successfully at Aston and Brunel universities over the past two years, provides final year stu- dents with a real life design chal- lenge to work on as part of their degree course.


Challenges are set and adjudi- cated by Xylem’s team of engineers


working in areas such as the oil and gas industry, the water industry and food and beverage processing. The new website for Engineering Insight explains the details of this exciting scheme and includes the design briefs provided to Aston University and Brunel University for download. www.engineeringinsight.co.uk


Delivering drive and automation systems for Goliath crane


GE POWER CONVERSION has supplied the complete drive and automation system for a Goliath crane that is used to build next generation LNG tankers and con- tainer vessels at the Dalian Shipyard’s shipbuilding and repair facilities in China. Gao Guo Chun, project manager at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Equipment Manufacturing Co, commented, “We’ve been working with GE for 12 years. Their ability to customise drive and automa- tion systems for large cranes is helping to support the develop- ment of our shipbuilding and repair operations. GE’s technology enables two of these 600 tonne cranes to work simultaneously,


enabling the handling of higher loads required for building larger vessels. At the same time, GE’s drive system technology saves sig- nificant amounts of energy. Working together with GE helps us continually push the bound- aries of shipbuilding.” GE’s drive technology delivers efficient and flexible control of electric power and is particularly designed to work and perform reli- ably under often severe environ- mental conditions. It brings optimised energy consumption and low pollution management by using active rectifiers. The control system is used to control both the drive and the crane.


Important to Dalian Shipyard is


THE MACHINE BUILDING Show 2013 will take place on 25th-26th September in Hall 3 of the NEC, Birmingham. The free to attend event promises to be the start of an annual dedicated automation showcase.


The event will bring together the entire indus- try for two days of product displays, live demon- strations, networking and the chance to exchange ideas.


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The show, which is being organised by Datateam Business Media in partnership with Trident Exhibitions, is being supported by media partners including machinebuilding.net and Industrial Technology Magazine and will be the national focus for motors, drive systems, power transmissions and energy management; sensors, control equipment, software and industrial net- working; PLCs, HMIs, displays and keyboards; hydraulics and pneumatics; and switches, enclo- sures and cabinets to name but a few. Confirmed exhibitors include Mac Solutions, Metalite Engineering and igus. A conference and seminar programme is also being organised in order for visitors to get the most from their visit to the NEC. In addition, visitors will benefit from an exciting event co- location. This will provide easy access to nearby shows - Sensors & Instrumentation


the automatic skew control system (ASCS) control and regulation software, which ensures the two gantry sides run simultaneously. GE’s drive system helps to increase availability of the equip- ment to the shipyard, brings reduced noise and heat emissions, and has a low space requirement www.gepowerconversion.com


2013, Micro Nano Mems 2013 (see page 6), TCT Live and Mediplas.


GAMBICA, The Association for Instrumentation, Control, and Automation & Laboratory Technology, will be speaking at the show. Steve Brambley, deputy director, said, “GAMBICA, as a trade association, is constantly looking for ways to collaborate with communities that use automation tech- nology. The Machine Building Show is a fan- tastic opportunity to meet with stakeholders who design, build and operate machines, and to understand their needs. The many benefits of automation can be discussed and new ways to bring value can be raised. As a speaker at the event, my goal is that partici- pants will go away having learned something new that will be useful in their work.” www.machinebuildingshow.co.uk


JUNE 2013 Automation


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