InMFG articles from February 2005

InMFG archives from February 2005

This is inMFG!(The Editors' Page)
February 1, 2005... Welcome to INMFG magazine! For many years, the readers of Industrial Product Bulletin (now INMFG magazine) have asked for an easy-to-read, convenient-sized magazine with technology articles, application stories and product features. And that is...

The vertical view: Vertical Carousel saves time and space while improving productivity for parts distribution.(Practical Solutions)
February 1, 2005... JLG Industries, a manufacturer of mobile aerial work platforms and specialized material handling equipment, faced the challenges of consolidation, outsourcing, and expanded product lines from acquisitions and increasing demand for competitive...

Cables "Flex" muscle in harsh environments.(Electrical/Electronic)
February 1, 2005... The EnduroFLEX[R] XM Series of industrial control cables withstand abuses from heat generated by friction from continuous motion applications in which constant bending and flexing can lead to cable failure. The high-performance elastomer outer...

Measurement sensors.(Electrical/Electronic)
February 1, 2005... BOD 26K LB Models detect the presence of objects and indicates their precise position and size for applications in dimension checking, contour sensing and more. * Laser triangulation * Full scalability over entire range * Extended...

Power supplies.(Electrical/Electronic)
February 1, 2005... Regulated, 24V DC power supplies provide reliable, space-efficient solutions for driving high-power automation control panels. * Single-phase input, 20A/24V output model * 3-phase input, 10A, 20A and 40A/24V output models * Easy to...

Battery watering monitor.(Electrical/Electronic)
February 1, 2005... SmartBlinky monitors battery water levels in challenging applications such as narrow aisle vehicles in which the battery is not removed from the truck. * Large bright lamp with red and green indicators * Low current draw * Reverse...

Encapsulated transformers.(Electrical/Electronic)
February 1, 2005... Encapsulated transformers are offered in Iow-profile, print-line and extremely compact mini-line formats. * Available from 0.8VA-150VA * Mechanical strength * Shock- and vibration-resistant * Humidity- and moisture-resistant...

CAN can reduce slip rings: controlled area network provides reliability and versatility to powered equipment.(Electrical/Electronic)
February 1, 2005... Most of us know how to determine the age of a tree. Take a look at a cross section of the trunk and the number of rings reveals how long the tree has been growing. On an off-road vehicle that features a rotating section, counting the slip...

Motor protection relay.(Electrical/Electronic)
February 1, 2005... SEL-749M protects against nuisance tripping during cyclic overloads and protects against locked rotor, running overload and negative-sequence current imbalance. * True Temperature-Based thermal overload protection * Adaptive...

Pushbutton switches.(Electrical/Electronic)
February 1, 2005... JF Series of pushbutton tact-style switches feature a Iow profile and a wide choice of colors. * Round or square shapes * Straight PC terminals with 0.500-in. x 0.400-in. spacing * Rated 50 mA * Rubber seal construction ...

Circuit interrupters.(Electrical/Electronic)
February 1, 2005... Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, available in 17 heavy-duty models, protect personnel from ground fault and open neutral conditions when using electrical equipment. * Right angle models for limited spaces * Line models for running...

Power entry module.(Electrical/Electronic)
February 1, 2005... The DC21 features AC inlet and on/off switch functions that are internally wired and connected to a printed circuit board with 3-pins, saving space and installation time. * Reduces risk of contact * Recessed rocker switch *...

Camera systems.(Electrical/Electronic)
February 1, 2005... PPT Impact systems offer real-time industrial imaging and are available in two models: the C20 with high-speed PU supporting resolutions, and the lightweight T10 with a 640 x 480 camera. * 128 MB solid-state memory * Ethernet and...

Electronic fusing system increases reliability of automation control panels.(Tech Briefs)
February 1, 2005... Conversations with process control professionals and manufacturing automation engineers indicate reliability of automation control panels is a critical requirement because it ensures uninterrupted operations. In a typical automation control...

Electronic sensor offers "Floatless" operation.(Fluid Power/Handling)
February 1, 2005... The Leveltrak[TM] electronic sensor detects levels without any moving parts and is a suitable replacement for mechanical float switches. Using capacitive sensing technology, the unit determines level by measuring the point of dielectric...

Flow transducer.(Fluid Power/Handling)
February 1, 2005... F-Series flow transducer measures gas flows as low as 2 scfh and features a special venturi orifice that allows for the real-time measurement of pressure changes as the gas flows through. * Real-time output: 0-10V or 4-20 mA * Output...

Piston pump.(Fluid Power/Handling)
February 1, 2005... Model SMTRH pump provides precision ultra-low volume sub-microliter dispensing, * From 500 nL to 5 pL per dispense * Zirconium and ceramic fluid path * Stroke precision of 1% or better * Stepper motor driven * CeramPump...

Piston valves.(Fluid Power/Handling)
February 1, 2005... The 8290 Angle Body Piston Valves include a Miniature 32 mm Operator, Proportional Valve and HS Linear Position Indicator. * Operator covers 3/8-in., 1/2-in. and 3/4-in. pipe sizes * Compact positioner technology in Proportional Valve...

Mixers.(Fluid Power/Handling)
February 1, 2005... DT Mixers in top-entering fixed mount, right angle drive or portable configurations offer a range of output speeds and impeller options. * Direct or gear-reduced drives * 316/316L stainless steel construction * Motors from 1/4 hp...

If you can't handle the heat ... pneumatic cylinder withstands high-temperature applications.(Fluid Power/Handling)
February 1, 2005... As today's applications reach extreme temperatures, there is a need for rodless cylinders that can handle the pressure. In response, Hoerbiger-Origa Corp. has designed the Thermocylinder--a rodless pneumatic cylinder (OSP Series) capable of...

Leak detector.(Fluid Power/Handling)
February 1, 2005... H2000 system is extremely sensitive to hydrogen gas and can detect leaks that are smaller than a bacteria. * Easy to transport * Requires no pumps, valves or vacuums. Dynamic background compensation * Uses non-hazardous 5%...

Check valves.(Fluid Power/Handling)
February 1, 2005... Diaphragm check valves made of Corzan CPVC is designed for applications that require elevated temperatures and corrosion resistance. * Prevents reverse flow in piping systems * Positive leak-free seal * Functions in variety of...

Hydraulic pumps.(Fluid Power/Handling)
February 1, 2005... Lightweight, rugged TDS hydraulic pumps feature variable placement, axial piston design. * 10, 13 and 18 cc/rcd sizes * Input speeds from 600 to 3600 rpm * Flows up to 17.1 gpm * Cylindrical roller bearing handles thrust loads...

Pipe gasket.(Fluid Power/Handling)
February 1, 2005... Universal Pipe Gasket allows for the standardization of gasket applications across steel, glass-lined steel, and FRP systems wherever a non-metallic gasket can be used. * Bolt load protection * Low stress-to-steel * Temperatures:...

Air valve.(Fluid Power/Handling)
February 1, 2005... Isonic [MOD3.sup.+] Series features a modular design that accommodates three- and four-way single and doubles olenoid valves, as well as direct acting valves on the same manifold in an expandable control base. * Built-in PCB connector ...

Cellular manufacturing produces 50,000th seal for John Crane.(Tech Briefs)
February 1, 2005... John Crane recently produced the 50,000th Type EZ-1 cartridge-mounted metal bellows seal. Paul Richards, marketing specialist and product manager for the Type EZ-1, credits this milestone to the seal's universal cartridge design and...

Steel-belted flooring: concrete flooring is strengthened by Polymer Technology.(Emerging Technologies)
February 1, 2005... For more than 40 years, various forms of polymer based flooring systems have been successfully applied to concrete surfaces. These systems have become mainstream forms of protection against aggressive chemicals, abrasion and impact while also...

Motion Control System gets connected.(Power Trans/Motion Control)
February 1, 2005... Version 2.5x of the Axiom[R] Plus Motion Control System includes an analog input and ModBus RTU. The analog input enables features such as force, velocity or position control based on the analog input voltage. ModBus RTU allows connection to a...

DC motor.(Power Trans/Motion Control)
February 1, 2005... Compact brushless DC motor offers high torque-to-size ratio and is used for critical closed-loop positioning applications that require quick response. * 10 oz-in, with 3.6A at 7,000 rpm peak * Mechanical time constant: 1.43 ms *...

Micro stepping drives.(Power Trans/Motion Control)
February 1, 2005... The DCM8028 and DCM8055 can be used in limited spaces, are easily integrated with other electronic systems and are suited for driving 2-phase step motors. * Bipolar constant-current chopping technique * Maximum voltage input: 80 VDC...

Ball bearings.(Power Trans/Motion Control)
February 1, 2005... Explorer deep groove ball bearings achieve quiet operation, high running accuracy, increased speed, and lower friction and operating temperatures. * Tight width tolerances * Protects against contaminants * Suited for electric...

Commutation encoder.(Power Trans/Motion Control)
February 1, 2005... Model R35i small encoder with ASIC provides brushless motor commutation and high-resolution incremental position signals. * 1.38-in. OD by 0.55-in. length package * Incremental resolutions: 250 to 8192 line counts * Output...

Keeping "lips" sealed: increased speed and pressure put a new spin on shaft seals.(Power Trans/Motion Control)
February 1, 2005... In a continuing effort to bring the latest seal technology to market, Simrit has developed a PTFE lip seal for use in high-speed and high-pressure environments. Using patented lip geometries, these seals feature a unique elastomeric-backed...

dV/dt filters.(Power Trans/Motion Control)
February 1, 2005... Series A protects AC motors from the destructive effects of peak voltages facilitated by long cable runs between the inverter and motor. * Continuous current rating: 100% RMS * Maximum dV/dt: 200V per microsecond * Intermittent...

Linear servomotor.(Power Trans/Motion Control)
February 1, 2005... Shaft Motor is a compact, lightweight direct drive linear servomotor driven by magnetic circuits consisting only of permanent magnets and coils. * Quiet operation * Coreless construction * Virtually no fluctuation in speed *...

Ball-bearing retainers.(Power Trans/Motion Control)
February 1, 2005... RotoLam rotating ball-bearing retainers minimize wear and downtime and are interchangeable with other brands. * 46 standard retainers in 8 diameters * Available in sets with heat-treated pins and bushings * Precision machined to...

Rail Brake.(Power Trans/Motion Control)
February 1, 2005... The Profile Rail Brake holds large loads in all axes and performs dynamic stops within a short amount of time and distance. * Easy to install in existing system * High clamping force directly on center web of guide rail * Low air...

Drives@work: 10 benefits adjustable-speed AC drives provide to industrial users.(Power Trans/Motion Control)
February 1, 2005... Adjustable speed drives are used in any application in which there is mechanical equipment powered by motors. The drives provide extremely precise electrical motor control, so that motor speeds can be ramped up and down, and maintained at...

Collaborative manufacturing: will it work for you?(Cover Feature)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2005... The challenge of global competition is forcing manufacturers to push their business to unprecedented levels of performance. Collaborative manufacturing, which demands real-time access to key information, as well as alliances and trust among...

Are you ETO? The increasing importance of custom (Engineer-to-Order) manufacturers.(Special Report)
February 1, 2005... Approximately 25% of all North American manufacturers are ETO (Engineer-to-Order), yet very few know it. They refer to themselves as custom manufacturers or manufacturers within a particular sector. Due to customer demand for customization...

Heat gun targets user comfort and control.(Fastening/Assembly)
February 1, 2005... Model PH-1300 Proheat[R] VariAir[TM] Heat Gun is compact, lightweight and ergonomically designed for ideal balance and grip in demanding applications in the automotive, electronic laboratory, and general industrial workplace. Applications...

Stud Welder.(Fastening/Assembly)
February 1, 2005... Capacitor Discharge 110 Stud Welder enables short weld times of 0.01-secs., minimizing heat buildup that leads to discoloration, burning or reverse side dimples. * Charge time: less than 3-secs. * 110,000 microfarads of capacitance ...

Curing System.(Fastening/Assembly)
February 1, 2005... Model RC-700 Pulsed UV/Visible Curing System has a serpentine lamp that produces high-peak power to penetrate and cure multi-film flexible circuits with low heat. * Instant on/off control * Fast cycle rimes * 1-in. x 3-in. optical...

Assembly process monitor.(Fastening/Assembly)
February 1, 2005... TS III Qualifier eliminates fastener-related assembly errors for any size operation. * Easy to set-up * Automatic calibration feature * Monitors omission of washers or gaskets * For use with DC or brushless screwdrivers *...

Gel threadlocker.(Fastening/Assembly)
February 1, 2005... Resbond 907TSG 2100 deg. F threadlocker applies without dripping, running or messy globs to produce a thermally stable and electrically insulating seal. * Cures at room temperature * 4-oz. applicator bottle * Standard and...

Don't let bolting tense you up! New technology improves quality assurance for bolted assemblies.(Fastening/Assembly)
February 1, 2005... Millions of bolted assemblies are produced worldwide every year, but until now there has been no practical, reliable way to directly determine bolt tension, the most critical quality measurement, either during the assembly process or afterward....

Molybdenum wire.(Fastening/Assembly)
February 1, 2005... Platinum- or Nickel-Clad Molybdenum wire is metallurgically bonded for ductility, formability and weld ability, providing a smooth, consistent surface finish. * Sizes: 0.004 in to 0.060-in O.D. * Withstands temperatures up to 1200 deg....

Compression latches.(Fastening/Assembly)
February 1, 2005... Vise Action Series feature a wing-knob design with extended wings for easy turning, recessed grips for pulling the door open and built-in lock plug capability. * Consistent 0.25-in. pull-up compression * Suited for NEMA-4 and IP-65...

Cable carriers.(Fastening/Assembly)
February 1, 2005... Energy Chain SnapChain cable carriers feature adjustable loops to easily bundle cables together in applications such as computer cabinets, office furniture, electrical appliances, control box construction, and enclosures. * Two sizes ...

Stainless steel collars.(Fastening/Assembly)
February 1, 2005... Type 303 stainless steel collars, with passivate surface finish, resist water and commercial grade chemicals such as chlorine and some acids. * 1- or 2-piece clamp-style designs * Bore sizes: 1/8-in. to 6-in. * Inch and metric...

Swing away! Torque tools receive a new twist for use in golf equipment.(Fastening/Assembly)
February 1, 2005... Torque tools can make a broad variety of everyday tasks easier to perform. Putting together furniture, fastening ski boot bindings, even hitting a golf ball longer and more accurately--all can be facilitated by a torque tool. Surprised by that...

Photoacoustic Infrared Technology.(INDUSTRY watch)
February 1, 2005... MSA's white paper, "Photoacoustic Infrared Technology (PIR) for Detection of Refrigerant Gases," helps users understand PIR technology, including how it works and its many advantages over traditional absorptive infrared detection methods. PIR...

Look at the real costs of offshore manufacturing.(INDUSTRY watch)
February 1, 2005... Proponents of offshore manufacturing claim savings of up to 40% for manufacturers looking to cut production costs. Where the Maquiladoras of Mexico were once seen as a manufacturing panacea, they now appear too expensive. Presently, China,...

Ethernet Control Automation Technology.(INDUSTRY watch)
February 1, 2005... Fieldbusses have become an integrated component of automation technology. An introductory white paper, "EtherCAT: Ethernet Control Automation Technology;' describes how to implement the Ethernet-based, high-speed fieldbus network, EtherCAT....

Issues in Backlighting Inverters.(INDUSTRY watch)
February 1, 2005... Endicott Research Group offers a new white paper that examines "Design Issues in the Selection of Backlight Inverters." The paper focuses on cold cathode fluorescent tubes (CCFT), the current light source of choice in LCD modules. It provides...

Cut electrical costs, add value.(INDUSTRY watch)
February 1, 2005... A white paper from ABB, "Lean Electrical Controls," provides details on creative solutions to achieve a cost-effective manufacturing operation and lower the costs of producing electrical controls. The paper offers information on a wide range of...

Switching to safety: magnetic switches help auto manufacturer comply with safety standards.(Safety/Environmental)
February 1, 2005... As part of the legal changes for machinery safety in production plants, car manufacturers are required to adapt existing machinery in their facilities to meet the new regulations. This presents a challenge for the press shop, as presses are...

Safety light curtains cover wide range.(Safety/Environmental)
February 1, 2005... MegaSafe[R] MG4600 Series of safety light curtains features a 14 mm resolution version. Curtains have field-replaceable safety relays and a wet shield. Floating Blanking can block up to two beams anywhere in the zone. Exact Channel Select can...

Personal gas monitor.(Safety/Environmental)
February 1, 2005... Lightweight gas monitor alerts users to the presence of hazardous gases by vibrating, sounding a 95 dba alarm and displaying a bright red/blue alarm light. * Fits in pocket or clips to belt * Monitors oxygen, toxic and flammable gases...

Hand sanitizer.(Safety/Environmental)
February 1, 2005... SafetySmart emollient lotion sanitizes hands and creates a barrier, that lasts up to 4-hrs., against germs and contamination * Forms a protective polymeric film * Vitamin E enriched * Alcohol- and petroleum-free * Non-toxic...

Lowering the noise boom: sound absorbing panels and curtain enclosures ease noise level.(Safety/Environmental)
February 1, 2005... At the Caterpillar production facility in Brooklyn Park, MN, workers manufacture a variety of heavy equipment used for road paving. Before they are released for sale, each of the enormous cold planers, soil and asphalt compactors, road...

DAQ revolution: reconfigurable I/O (RIO) technology gives engineers complete control over application software and hardware.(Instrumentation/Control)
February 1, 2005... Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) continue to grow in popularity over application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) within control and acquisition product design. Designers are making the change toward FPGA technology because of the...

Digital Tachometer measures near and far.(Tech Trends Instrumentation/Control)
February 1, 2005... CDT-2000HD Combination Handheld Digital Tachometer provides contact and non-contact measurement of RPM, surface speed and length. Using a visible beam of light, on-contact RPM measurements can be made up to 24-in. away from the target....

Display modules.(Tech Trends Instrumentation/Control)
February 1, 2005... The high-bright touch display modules for PanelView Plus operator interface and VersaView CE industrial computers are designed for easier reading in bright locations and are rated to withstand harsh environments. * Light intensity rating:...

Level system.(Tech Trends Instrumentation/Control)
February 1, 2005... The ultra-wave level system features "quick-config" easy set up and calibration and allows for stable, reliable tracking in dusty, turbulent applications. * Monitors vessels with up to 16 transducers of various frequencies * Measures...

Thermometers.(Instrumentation/Control)
February 1, 2005... Bi-metal thermometers feature an easy-to-read Maxivision dial that eliminates parallax error and can be read at any angle. * Accuracy: 1% of span * Dial sizes: 2-in., 3-in. and 5-in. * Hermetically sealed cases * Fahrenheit,...

Data acquisition system.(Instrumentation/Control)
February 1, 2005... The Seal/O family of modular I/O systems offers selectable connectivity and a variety of I/O types for distributed control and data acquisition requirements. * Multiple units can be daisy-chained * 5 models available * Choice of...

Documenting calibrator.(Instrumentation/Control)
February 1, 2005... MasterCal 990 handheld calibrator is designed for field applications and features both precision calibration and HART functionality in one unit. * Loop power * Backlit LCD display * Reads thermocouple, RTD, Ohms, and DC and AC...

Temperature transmitter.(Instrumentation/Control)
February 1, 2005... Series DX DeviceNet transmitter is a compact, four-channel, DIN-mounted unit that collects, converts and broadcasts temperature sensor data over a DeviceNet network. * IEEE 1451.4 smart sensing technology compliant * Individually...

Skilled trades, who needs 'em? We do!(It's Your Turn)
February 1, 2005... While reading through some national statistics the other day, I was disappointed to see how far down the food chain the opinion of skilled trades had fallen in the United States. According to a survey of high school students planning their...

Don't get "strung" out: clutch mechanism strikes right chord for design of Guitar Capo.(The Last Page)
February 1, 2005... Guitar players are the latest to benefit from a technology most often applied in small OEM clutch applications. The G7th Performance Guitar Capo, designed around a wrap spring clutch from Reell Precision Mfg., has transformed a Medieval-looking...