Editor Jess Unwin editor@mepca.com Tel: 07903 399150 Publication Manager Sean French sean@cimltd.co.uk Tel: 01795 509105 Fax: 01795 591065 Studio Manager Paula Smith paula@cimltd.co.uk Tel: 01795 509107 Design & Production Grant Waters grant@cimltd.co.uk Tel: 01795 509108 James Taylor james@cimltd.co.uk Tel: 01795 509108
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here’s concern about power supplies over the coming winter with news that spare capacity has reached low levels. It goes without saying that power failure is a disaster for industry.
MEPCA first looked at this threat back in July (go to mepca-engineering.com and choose the Magazines tab) and we revisit the problem – and one possible solution – on page 5. Many companies produce hazardous waste as part of their operations and are subject to all sorts of legislation about how to correctly get rid of such toxic substances. Our special focus (pages 42, 44, 46 and 48) has guidance on how to follow the rules and protect the environment, people and property in cost-effective ways. We also take a specific look at sensors (pages 10, 12, 14 and 16) – so vital to many aspects of the production line. A third special focus (pages 26, 28, 30 and 32) looks at storage solutions to aid warehouse and logistics operations – support functions that are an important part of the overall manufacturing/processing industries. We also have product news on everything from ‘indestructible’ clamping and welding tables to 3D lasers and advice on looking after roller bearings and inverters. Finally, enjoy the upcoming festivities and here’s hoping 2015 will be a great year! Jess Unwin, Editor Facebook.com/mepca1
@Mepcamagazine
Credit Facilities Manager Susan Cooter creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk Tel: 01795 509103 Chief Executive John Denning jdenning@cimltd.co.uk www.mepca-engineering.com © 2014 CIM Online Limited, The Goods Shed, Jubilee Way, Whitstable Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope. Manuscripts should be typewritten. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to CIM Online Limited. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non-publication of any advertisement.
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10
SENSORS
26
FORKLIFT & STACKING STORAGE
Examining the possibilities of integrating sensors into the machine control platform and making the most of wireless innovation
Includes: solutions that reach out to the future and a passion for pallets
4 TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
36 ENGINEERING
IET backs search for tomorrow’s engineers and manufacturers urged to apply now to £20m skills fund
How fatigue contributes to rolling bearing failure and what to do about it
5 NEWS Italian Job for Minis, possible solution for winter power fears and flawless performance for lifts at One World Trade Center
42 HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT Protect the environment and stay inside the law plus: just how slick is your spill control?
Industry Partners:
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3
CONTENTS
December 2014