Encoders are special sensors that capture position information and relay that data to other devices. They are used to determine the position, velocity and direction of a motor shaft or other mechanical motion. They provide information required for the precise control of a variety of applications, such as positioning a rotary table, pick and place, machine assembly, packaging, robotics and more. [ + ]

A quick check of the local supermarket shelves gives a clue as to the complexity of the snack-food manufacturing process. The variety on display is enormous. Everything from high-energy breakfast alternatives and morning pick-me-ups to chips and party foods is readily available. [ + ]

With the increasing use in industry of common IT networking technologies such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi and WANs, there is an increasing need for the ability to effectively monitor and troubleshoot these technologies in industrial settings. [ + ]

A 25-year project on thickener modelling that has already delivered huge value for the mineral processing industry has now entered a new phase. Jodie Parry investigates what the world's first three-dimensional thickener model will deliver to industry. [ + ]

Sunshine Sugar's centrifugal drive system was aging and in need of replacement, and after considering all the options, the company chose a Siemens AC drive-motor combination for the upgrade. [ + ]

Enware Australia has made its largest export delivery to date, delivering more than 700 of its Australian designed and manufactured emergency safety showers along with associated safety equipment to the $US10.8 billion Ma'aden aluminium complex in Saudi Arabia. [ + ]

One of the toughest challenges for a petroleum refinery is to select the best combination of components to produce cost-effective, on-spec petroleum products.

The ability of a robot to sense and feel objects the way our skin does may soon be within reach. [ + ]

The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) last week presented a panel which discussed the future of manufacturing in Australia. Lauren Davis reports. [ + ]

Manufacturing has a long history in Australia and is a vital part of our economy. However, we have seen a downturn in the manufacturing sector over recent years and we need to address this urgently. But why do we care and what can be done about it? [ + ]

The process industry is undertaking great efforts to ensure high levels of process reliability, consistent product quality and accurately priced billing of goods. There is also an increasing need to prove that operation is sustainable by meeting environmental regulations. [ + ]

Like most manufacturers in Australia, the ever-increasing cost of electricity was a huge factor when deciding on a new compressor for Aquaknect Flexible's plant. [ + ]

In cement production, the furnaces or kilns that are used for blending the raw materials are a critical asset, which are often at risk of overheating - a problem that can cause serious damage to the kiln shell. It is therefore important to have an effective way of monitoring the heating process to prevent damage to these critical assets. [ + ]

The days of careless wrapping of packaged food and drink bound for retail are all but over as the large supermarket and grocery chains force ever greater liabilities on suppliers who take short cuts. [ + ]

The challenging mining and manufacturing landscape in Australia is seeing companies adapt to changing needs through automation of their systems. David Hegarty and Mauro DelleMonache of Rockwell Automation discuss their company's view of the situation. [ + ]