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 May issue of Drives & Controls will contain our annual supplement on electric motors, plus a look at developments in linear motion technologies, and applications in the scientific, pharmaceuticals and medical engineering markets. We will also be previewing Smart Manufacturing Week 2026. 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 34 26 24 22 5 46 DRIVES & CONTROLS APRIL 2026 Vol 42 No 4 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 UK Manufacturing The UK manufacturing sector is undergoing a digital revolution, progressing from experimentation to using digital technologies across their operations. Following visits to some of the UK’s leading manufacturers, a digital transformation expert identifies what he sees as the key innovations that are shaping the next chapter in smart manufacturing. 24 Motion Control Compact motion control systems are essential for applications ranging from surgical robots to drones. While their design is based on the laws of motion, perfecting their operation is an iterative process. A motion control engineer discusses the process of designing such systems. 26 Machine-Building Reports from the world of machine-building, including how digital twins were used to develop a Swiss tram-washing machine, and how a German manufacturer has reduced the need for reworking with a new machine that screws profiles together using multiple heads. Plus how to prepare for changes to CE marking in the EU’s upcoming Machinery Regulation. 34 Machine Vision How machine vision technologies are being used in a variety of applications including cheese-making, fan manufacturing, and high-speed, roll-to-roll thinfilm production. Plus how Japanese researchers are using high-speed cameras to monitor robot vibrations without needing to use sensors. 40 Conveyors and Materials-Handling How an Italian producer of components for electric vehicles has turned to a linear transport technology to help it solve problems previously encountered when assembling battery cells. Plus three strategies to help users of conveyor systems in heavy industries to cut the cost of owning these systems. 44 Mach 2026 Preview Next month’s Mach 2026 manufacturing show will showcase a wide range of technologies, live and in action, as well as offering expert insights and the opportunity to catch up on the latest developments through a series of Knowledge Hubs located around the show. 42 44 Average net circulation January to December 2024 Subscribe for your FREE copy now 20,514 14 45
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