Compressed air is a proven source of reliable and sustainable power for industrial operations. Now, with technologies such as remote monitoring and AI optimisation, it is set to enter a new era of performance and efficiency.
The industrial robotics sector continues to experience strong growth, with operational stock at approximately four million robots according to statistics from the International Federation of Robotics. Improvements in robotic grippers have helped accelerate industrial robot uptake, but is there room for further development? Ross Turnbull, Director of Business Development and Product Engineering at ASIC design and supply company Swindon Silicon Systems, explains further
Resistors are indispensable in the transition to smarter, safer and more sustainable factories, but their contribution is often overlooked. Mike Torbitt, managing director of resistor manufacturer Cressall, explains how resistors ensure the reliability and efficiency of factory operations, from motor control to safely stopping equipment in the case of emergencies
David Strain, technical director at industrial water equipment supplier Technidrive, explains how VSDs are enhancing pump energy efficiency and performance
Anthony Smith, Managing Director of Metal Work Pneumatic UK, discusses with PWE’s Aaron Blutstein the enduring role of pneumatics amid the rise of AI and robotics. With a strong focus on people, innovation, and customer collaboration, the company’s new Milton Keynes facility expands its capacity for bespoke solutions, while leveraging AI to enhance the customer experience and strengthen its people-centric approach.
Anthony Smith, Managing Director of Metal Work Pneumatic UK, discusses with PWE’s Aaron Blutstein the enduring role of pneumatics amid the rise of AI and robotics. With a strong focus on people, innovation, and customer collaboration, the company’s new Milton Keynes facility expands its capacity for bespoke solutions, while leveraging AI to enhance the customer experience and strengthen its people-centric approach.
A new partnership between UK Construction Week (UKCW) and CPI, the independently governed not-for-profit organisation, responsible for the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) has been announced, which will debut at the London show in May. The partnership is born out of a joint ambition to see culture change across the built environment sector by improving quality and moving towards a greater transparency of available product information and higher standards of marketing practices.
BEP Surface Technologies, a leading provider of surface finishing solutions, has announced it has completed a half-million-pound factory refurbishment to drive growth and innovation.
Graham Barker, Sales & Service Director at Riello Burners UK, discusses with PWE how the combustion research sector is tackling the problem of reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through innovation in burner technologies
ABB has announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Framework Agreement with international industrial services provider Bilfinger to collaborate on instrumentation and digital solutions boosting operational efficiencies in the energy and process industries.
Chris Johnson* explores how precision bearings are enhancing the performance and reliability of cobots
Rockwell Automation has announced it has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, detailing the company’s approach to sustainability and progress across its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. The report outlines Rockwell’s efforts to support sustainable customers, a sustainable company, and sustainable communities.
Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced it has been named the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation 2025 by Corporate Knights and is the only company to rank first in the Global 100 twice.
The 2025 Top Employers have been announced, and ABB has again been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK.
Atlas Copco Rental UK and Ireland, has opened a new depot in Brockworth, Gloucester to strengthen its presence in the South and South West.
Ashley Quarterman, Executive Director Designate from the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS), explores how generating nitrogen as a by-product of compressed air can offer cost savings of up to 90%.
Schaeffler UK has been recognised with the Most Innovative Supplier Award 2024 by RS, a global provider of industrial products and services. The award was given in acknowledgment of Schaeffler’s Lifetime Solutions portfolio, a comprehensive range of products, services, and solutions designed to support maintenance engineers throughout the lifecycle of machinery.
Pennine Pneumatic Services Limited (PPS), a compressed air distributor in Yorkshire, UK, has become part of Atlas Copco Group, after being acquired by Atlas Copco UK Holdings Ltd
ERIKS Industrial Services has announced the addition of strategic stock to its Aberdeen and Plymouth service centres, aimed at bolstering its Fulfilment Centre of Expertise (FCE). The move is intended to support the company’s goal of achieving next-day delivery of parts, fully tracked, before 9am for all customers.
Chris Johnson* explores how precision bearings are enhancing the performance and reliability of cobots
The BCMPA has announced it is launching a new category of membership from the 1st January 2025, as it invites organisations who provide goods, services and advice to the manufacturing, packing, fulfilment, and logistics sectors to network and collaborate with the UK’s outsourcing industry.
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is transforming manufacturing, with open automation systems connecting devices and machines across the factory floor. While this connectivity unlocks incredible efficiencies, it also creates a vast attack surface for cyber threats.
Polypipe Building Services has significantly cut energy costs by up to £36,000 annually with the installation of a new process water cooling system at its Aylesford plant. Designed by Isocool and incorporating Eurochiller’s free air coolers, the system reduces energy consumption by utilising ambient air for cooling.
Chris Iveson, the CEO and Co-Founder of FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, has shared four predictions for how he believes smart factory operations will evolve in 2025:
Renishaw has announced it recently hosted a special event at its Miskin manufacturing facility in South Wales, celebrating the intersection of cutting-edge additive manufacturing (AM) technology and high-performance sports. Team GB cyclists Emma Finucane and Sophie Capewell visited Renishaw to share their experiences, inspiring the next generation of STEM innovators and highlighting Renishaw’s contribution to Great Britain’s Olympic success.
On 23rd October 2024, the National Fluid Power Centre (NFPC) in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, hosted its 12th annual Industry Open Day, marking its most successful event to date. Over 300 attendees, including students and representatives from national and international companies, gathered to explore advancements in hydraulics, electro-hydraulics, pneumatics, control, and automation technologies.
On October 30 and 31, 2024, over 9,800 engineering and manufacturing professionals flocked to the NEC, Birmingham, to attend the 15th edition of Advanced Engineering. Across the two days, visitors witnessed the very latest that the industry had to offer, with over 400 exhibitors showcasing their innovations.
Companies that want to collaborate on government-backed environmental projects are being urged to contact Aston University’s Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI).
A University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre apprentice has helped the UK's largest aircrete block manufacturer slash operational pump costs by 86% by significantly reducing water usage, repair costs and downtime.
Stephen Hayes, managing director of automation and control technology specialist, Beckhoff UK, explores how companies can strengthen cybersecurity in open automation systems and safeguard their connected factories
Libby Peacock, a compressed air specialist at Rubix, has highlighted the significant financial challenges faced by production facilities across Europe due to air leakage. She emphasises that this often-overlooked issue can lead to substantial financial losses as well as serious environmental consequences. PWE reports.
The British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) has made a call to action for businesses within the UK’s industrial sector, urging them to prioritise energy audits as a vital strategy for improving operational efficiency. PWE reports
Innovate UK has announced it has launched the NextGen Space Challenge 2024, a key initiative designed to unearth the UK’s next generation of space technology entrepreneurs.
PWE looks at the critical issues facing burner technology in manufacturing, focusing on environmental regulations and the impact of digitalisation.
London Packaging Week 2024 has announced a new attendance record, solidifying its position as a premier event for packaging innovation across beauty, luxury, food, drink and FMCG sectors.
As Advanced Engineering approaches, the excitement builds with fresh announcements of cutting-edge technologies and products to be showcased at the upcoming event at the NEC in Birmingham on October 30 and 31, 2024. As a result, this year’s exhibition is shaping up to be a must-attend for engineering and manufacturing professionals, offering a glimpse into the future of innovation.
Industrial process heating equipment and solutions specialist Babcock Wanson has launched the EPC EL range of electric thermal fluid heaters, providing customers with an effective low carbon process heater with no direct emissions. The key functionality required by thermal fluid heaters are high turndown, low heat flux, accurate temperature control and high safety level which is incorporated in the design.
PWE looks at the critical issues facing burner technology in manufacturing, focusing on environmental regulations and the impact of digitalisation.
ERIKS UK & Ireland has launched a new compressed air filtration technology - Expel. The compressed air filter continually removes 99.9999% of water, oil emulsion fluids and solid particulates down to 1 micron. Its design means that users never have to change any internal elements, but simply fit and forget. Typically, it would take three conventional compressed air filters – one each for water, oil emulsion and solid particulates – to do the job of one Expel.
Used by manufacturers, technicians and field service engineers alike, gas flow sensors can provide crucial insight into the performance of a wide variety of devices. As their applications grow, it’s becoming ever more important to provide gas flow sensing capabilities in a smaller package — but how? Ross Turnbull, Director of Business Development and Product Engineering at ASIC design and supply company Swindon Silicon Systems, explores.
Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings explains how, by preventing failures, reducing maintenance costs, and extending component lifespan, sensor-equipped bearings will be at the forefront of smart maintenance and supporting Industry 5.0 goals
Automate UK, the organisers of the PPMA Show, is finalising preparations for the UK's largest processing and packaging event, set to take place from September 24-26 at the NEC Birmingham. PWE reports.
Local manufacturers can get the inside track on export strategies at next week’s meeting of METALL, the forum for manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses in Sussex and Surrey.
An Italian bicycle manufacturer has significantly improved its energy efficiency by upgrading its compressed air system, achieving a 30% reduction in energy consumption. This enhancement has supported the company's commitment to sustainability and high production standards. PWE reports
Rockwell Automation, has announced it is supporting The Royal Mint’s Precious Metals Recovery facility – which uses the PlantPAx DCS (distributed control system) to manage and control the gold extraction process.
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has invested in a new hub for sustainable additive manufacturing (AM). This initiative opens avenues for research and development to support the design and manufacturing of net zero products with end-to-end circularity.
KME Steelworks has reduced its costs and carbon footprint with a new onsite nitrogen generation system from Atlas Copco Compressors. PWE takes a closer look
REHAU’s Chief Executive of the UK and Ireland, Martin Hitchin, has supported the British Plastics Federation’s (BPF) call for a greater utilisation of the opportunities offered by the plastics industry regarding sustainability, especially on promoting greater circularity within manufacturing.
Dave Palmer, General Manager for UK at ICS Cool Energy, takes a look at how to run the latest, most efficient and technically up to date temperature control equipment, without the need of capital investment
A historic figure skating blade manufacturer has announced it has increased production capacity by 30% and growth by 135% after a digital transformation programme supported by an internationally renowned plating consultancy.
