50 CONTENTS n Drives & Controls is a controlled circulation publication. If you live in the UK and want to subscribe phone 0333 577 0801 or fax 0845 604 2327. Alternatively for both UK and overseas subscriptions please subscribe online at www.drivesncontrols.com. If you have any enquiries regarding your subscription, please use these numbers . The content of this magazine, website and newsletters do not necessarily express the views of the Editor or publishers. The publishers accept no legal responsibility for loss arising from information in this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced or stored in a retrieval system without the written consent of the publishers. Paid subscriptions UK: £110 per annum Europe: £145 per annum Rest of World: £180 per annum Printing: Warners Midlands PLC., PE10 9PH ISSN 0950 5490 Copyright: DFA Media Group 2026 NEXT ISSUE The April issue of Drives & Controls will contain a feature on machine vision, a section devoted to developments in conveyors and material-handling, and a look at what’s been happening in the machine-building sector. UPDATE 12 Comment 13 Back to Basics 45 Gambica column 46 New Products 48 Design Data and Multimedia 49 Products & Services IN DEPTH Follow us on X @DrivesnControls Drives Magazine Web site www.drivesncontrols.com Follow us on LinkedIn @ Drives & Controls Join us on Facebook Drives & Controls Drives& Controls REGULARS DfAmedia group 36 34 24 22 5 48 DRIVES & CONTROLS MARCH 2026 Vol 42 No 3 Editor Tony Sacks t: 01732 465367 e: tony@drives.co.uk Production Manager Sarah Blake t: 01233 770781 e: sarah.blake@dfamedia.co.uk Marketing Manager Hope Jepson t: 01732 370340 e: hope.jepson@dfamedia.co.uk Financial Finance Department t: 01732 370340 e: accounts@dfamedia.co.uk ADVERTISING Sales Director and DFA Direct Damien Oxlee t: 01732 370342 m: 07951 103754 e: damien.oxlee@dfamedia.co.uk Sales Manager Sara Gordon t: 01732 370341 m: 07505867211 e: sara.gordon@dfamedia.co.uk Italy Oliver & Diego Casiraghi e: info@casiraghi.info t: +39 031 261407 f: +39 031 261380 Managing Director Ryan Fuller t: 01732 370344 e: ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk Reader/Circulation Enquiries Perception-MPS Ltd t: 01825 701520 e: cs@perception-sas.com HEAD OFFICE DFA Media Group 192 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BE t: 01732 370340 f: 01732 360034 e: info@dfamedia.co.uk www.drivesncontrols.com 5 News A round-up of the latest business and industry developments from around the world. 14 Technology Cutting-edge innovations in motion, power transmission, controls and related technologies. 22 Controllers Many factories still rely on fragmented, multi-controller architectures that create delays, inconsistencies and costly inefficiencies. An automation expert explains how next-generation single-controller systems are redefining what’s possible, and delivering multiple benefits. 24 Variable-Speed Drives The printer that produces Drives & Controls has slashed the annual energy bill for its dry waste extraction system by 62%. It has achieved this through a combination of measures, including replacing some of its fans and their motors, and introducing VSDs. 26 Food and Beverage We look at how hygienic design principles are being applied in food processing environments, and the vital role that automation plays in reducing the risks of food contamination. Plus sausage slicers that incorporate highspeed networking, and two ways that automation technologies are helping dairies to run more efficiently. 36 Bearings, Belts and Chains Advice on how to choose between using grease or oil as a lubricant for bearings. Plus a look at some of the techniques available for creating joints in fabric belts, with a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each. 40 Safety and Security Tips on how to prepare the EU’s upcoming Machinery Regulation and Cyber Resilience Act. Plus a report on the how the global market for industrial safety technologies is expected to fare over the coming years, and news of a campaign designed to ensure switchboard safety. 42 45 Average net circulation January to December 2024 Subscribe for your FREE copy now 20,514 14 47
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