InMFG articles from March 2005

InMFG archives from March 2005

You're hired!(The Editors' Page)
March 1, 2005... Just about every day there are newscasts, newspaper articles and magazine features on the "health" of the job market. Depending on how you skew (or view) the statistics, the unemployment rate is low or high, and perceptions change daily. Yet we...

Is it cool enough? Multi-tasking flowmeter reduces costs; improves process control.(Emerging Technologies)
March 1, 2005... If the manufacturing process is not under control, losses of time and money are guaranteed to happen. This, of course, can reduce profitability, lower quality, and even adversely affect employee morale. There are many simple ways to improve the...

Pallet Truck adjusts to your surroundings.(Material Handling)
March 1, 2005... Deluxe Pallet Truck offers an adjustable fork width design. Adjustment is quick and easy, requiring only the loosening and tightening of the front and rear fork bolts. Pump overload bypass prevents pump damage if load exceeds recommended...

Heavy-duty cabinet.(Material Handling)
March 1, 2005... Sturdy, modular drawer storage cabinet features drawers that can be subdivided with drawer accessories such as partitions and dividers, plastic bins, groove trays, foam drawer liner for tools, and hanging file bars. * Available in 5 widths...

Robotics for palletizing or depalletizing: how to choose between conventional and new technologies.(Material Handling)
March 1, 2005... In today's manufacturing environment, the demand for improved line efficiencies and reduced costs have manufacturers increasingly looking to automated material handling for a solution. From conveying items in production to palletizing them on...

Packaging materials.(Material Handling)
March 1, 2005... ENVIROMOLD packaging materials are derived from annually renewable resources that do not pollute the groundwater, allowing for the pellets to be re-used, composted or rinsed down the drain after use. * 100% biodegradable * Conforms to...

Business cycles.(Material Handling)
March 1, 2005... Business Cycles allow workers to efficiently get from place to place, while benefiting from a light aerobic workout; available with flat-free tire options and a variety of baskets and cabinets. * Fuel-free * Fume-free * Low cost...

Indicator with bench scale.(Material Handling)
March 1, 2005... The 120 digital weight indicator provides three-stage digital filtering that offers consistent, accurate weight data even when unstable outside conditions exist; DIGI Bench is constructed with a carbon steel platform and stainless steel cover....

Storage solutions.(Material Handling)
March 1, 2005... Catalog, 180-pgs., features "Safe, Secure Storage Solutions" involving nine major product categories. * All-welded, heavy-duty products * 36-in. wide modular drawer cabinets * Multi-purpose storage cabinets Lyon Workspace...

Labeling tape dispensers.(Material Handling)
March 1, 2005... Write-On dispensers are available in a plastic-coated, weighted, stainless steel benchtop model with rubber feet for gripping and an Economy model for light-duty use in benchtop or wall-mount versions. * White F13463 Series tape * Tape...

Making a mark in automotive assembly: new datamatrix marking system speeds production; saves costs.(Material Handling)
March 1, 2005... A new type of datamatrix marking system, from Borries Marking Systems, is making its mark at a Canadian automotive assembly plant. The system represents a new technology that could lead to substantial cost savings for manufacturers in how they...

Attach parts easily with assembly equipment.(Fastening/Assembly)
March 1, 2005... Custom Assembly Equipment provides customers with the ability to start with reels of stamped metal and other raw parts and automatically perform operations such as bending, welding, crimping, cutting, inserting, and attaching components....

Welding catalog.(Fastening/Assembly)
March 1, 2005... The 2005 catalog, 84-pgs., provides technical specifications, benefits and selection tips for welding and plasma cutting products and accessories. * Glossary of welding terms * Descriptions of "technology exclusives" * Easily...

All-threaded rods.(Fastening/Assembly)
March 1, 2005... Hot Rods are completely assembled with rod coupling and locking hex nut on one end, and a channel nut, square washer and locking hex nut on the other end. * 12-in. lengths * No separate parts or pieces * Ready to install ...

UV/Visible Curing System.(Fastening/Assembly)
March 1, 2005... Model RC-742 Pulsed UV Curing System's shape and wavelength spectrum is designed for specific product and application requirements. * Produces 1190 w/[cm.sup.2] peak power * Eliminates heat buildup and energy consumption * Consists...

Studs and standoffs.(Fastening/Assembly)
March 1, 2005... PEM self-clinching studs and standoffs promote flush assemblies, enabling the side of the sheet opposite installation to remain smooth and unaffected. * Stud sizes: #4-40 to #10-32; M3 to M5 * Stud lengths: 0.250-in. to 1-in. *...

PSA sample kit for the handheld device market.(TechBriefs--Fastening/Assembly)
March 1, 2005... To assist electronics designers in selecting the correct pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) for handheld device construction, MACtac Technical Products has released a sample Handheld Device (MAC4044) kit. Available to qualified electronics...

Free CD features Nylatrac Automation Line Cable & Hose Carriers.(TechBriefs--Fastening/Assembly)
March 1, 2005... Free CD contains a video highlighting Gortrac carriers; a web link for users of automation-style cable and hose carriers; and a pdf version of the Nylatrac Automation Line Design Guide. The carriers are designed to handle high speeds and high...

Fascinating fastening: intelligent fastening uses wireless technology and embedded microprocessors.(Fastening/Assembly)
March 1, 2005... All products with two or more parts are held together by fasteners. This has been true throughout history, from the crude artifacts of prehistoric eras to today's spaceships exploring distant planets. No matter how simple or sophisticated, all...

Challenges and opportunities: is 2005 a "Perfect Storm" or "Perfect Opportunity" for OEMs?(IN Perspective)
March 1, 2005... The storm During my visit to PACK EXPO International 2004 in November, I witnessed an interesting, albeit complex, trend. OEMs offering "high-speed, ultra-flexible, high dollar" machines were severely lacking customer leads--with sales...

Locating the "hot spots": clamp meter with built-in non-contact IR thermometer lightens the load for electricians.(Electrical/Electronic)
March 1, 2005... In electrical troubleshooting, the clamp meter is as integral to an electrician as a hammer is to a carpenter. The voltage and current readouts attainable from a clamp meter can effectively indicate an overall problem, which might require the...

Illuminate your work with LED lighting.(Electrical/Electronic)
March 1, 2005... ABLL-1LED, designed to withstand hostile industrial environments, features an aluminum housing which is protected from water-based fluids and metalworking coolants by a corrosion-resistant coating. Luminaire also eliminates polarity reversal...

Toggle switches.(Electrical/Electronic)
March 1, 2005... The 600 Series toggle switches are offered in single, double and triple pole versions, with 2 or 3 position configurations. * Peak currents: up to 150 amps at 250 VAC * Handles power ratings up to 15 amps at 125 VAC or 250 VAC, or 10...

Ultrasonic sensing.(Electrical/Electronic)
March 1, 2005... Virtu and Virtual 8 ultrasonic sensing solutions are resistant to dust, 100% humidity, most acids and bases, and high-pressure washdowns. * Dual-mount option * UL enclosure rating of NEMA 4X and IP67 * Teach-in window capability...

Sensing the feedback: cost-effective sensor with velocity feedback provides solution for small motors.(Electrical/Electronic)
March 1, 2005... For many years it has been common to find various devices either built into or attached to servo motors that provide signals relating to the motor's velocity and/or rotor position. During the last couple of decades, many more applications for...

What is the ROI for RFID? RFID can streamline supply chains and reduce WIP in the factory, but some manufacturers are slow to embrace it.(Cover Feature)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2005... A radio frequency identification (REID) system consists of a set of readers and transponders. The transponders are generally in the form of tags or chips, and identify themselves when interrogated by a reader. Some tags are...

Dis"card"ing the paper kanban: electronic web-based kanbans support lean manufacturing.(Special Report)
March 1, 2005... Kanban, in general, is based on trust--namely that suppliers will reliably deliver quality product in the right quantity at the right time. Kanban, a Japanese term for one of the primary tools of a just-in-time system, maintains an orderly and...

A virtual industrial exhibition.
March 1, 2005... DirectIndustry is a B-to-B site that presents industrial equipment and components available in national and international markets. Offered in five languages (English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish), DirectIndustry is aimed at...

Brushless DC motors drive on.(PowerTrans/MotionControl)
March 1, 2005... NEMA Size 23 Brushless DC motors feature an integrated drive for simplified motor control. Internal drive reduces overall costs by providing all necessary control and interface functions needed for speed and direction control of the motors. The...

Angle encoders.(PowerTrans/MotionControl)
March 1, 2005... Signum RESM optical angle encoders for direct drive rotary motors eliminate position error and backlash while delivering speeds to more than 3,600 rev./min, and accuracy to [+ or -] 0.5 arc sec. * Resolution and repeatability: up to 0.02...

Motorized sliders.(PowerTrans/MotionControl)
March 1, 2005... The EZS and EZHS Series provides positioning through the use of a table and slider driven by the ball screw. * Stroke lengths: 50 mm to 500 mm * Maximum load: 66-lbs. * Repetitive positioning accuracy: [+ or -] 0.02 mm *...

Control system.(PowerTrans/MotionControl)
March 1, 2005... LS high-speed, advanced servo-pneumatic control system helps automation designers control position, pressure, force, flow or velocity in either open- or closed-loop applications. * 5-ported, 3-position, closed-center directional valve ...

Linear ball bearings.(PowerTrans/MotionControl)
March 1, 2005... Inch-dimension ball bearings help users design cost-effective and reliable linear guidance systems regardless of specified dimensions. * Recirculating balls reduce friction, promote unlimited stroke * Equipped with integral seals *...

The driving force: digital servo drive doubles accuracy of high-speed cut-to-length machines.(PowerTrans/MotionControl)
March 1, 2005... By equipping a high-speed cut-to-length machine with an advanced digital servo drive, Baldor Electric Co. has doubled the machine's accuracy. Since most manufacturers of downstream cutting machines--and their customers--regard cutting accuracy...

Launching a new valve technology: joint development solves NASA's need to cut costs and improve flexibility.(Practical Solutions)
March 1, 2005... At the Stennis Space Center near Bay Saint Louis, MS, NASA engineers had a problem. Stennis is the main propulsion testing center for NASA, and is where the Space Shuttle main engines are tested and certified. Their process of testing various...

Sharpen your skills with belt grinder.(PlantOperations/MROP)
March 1, 2005... RadiusMaster features three different contact wheel impact points and five different work stations/ contact wheels. Technology and innovative swing out safety guards make the belt grinder convenient, versatile and durable. It also creates a...

Lubricating oil.(PlantOperations/MROP)
March 1, 2005... Kroil helps to break the bond of rust and loosen frozen metal parts such as seized bearings or rusted manifold bolts; oil is available in large industrial-size aerosol cans. * Does not harm virgin metal * Penetrates to 1-millionth-inch...

Oil Level Monitoring Kit.(PlantOperations/MROP)
March 1, 2005... The Oil Level Monitoring Kit detects dramatic oil level changes in a pump to minimize interruptions and potential damage. * Compact and easy to assemble * Comes with switch mounting bracket and hardware * Designed for remote or...

Diagnostic tools.(PlantOperations/MROP)
March 1, 2005... Zero Master detects workpiece edges from the spindle centerline; the Taper Check and System II Adaptive Drawbar Dynamometer optimize both sides of the spindle-toolholder interface. * Zero Master measures X-, Y- or Z-axes * Taper Check...

Stainless Steel Coatings.(PlantOperations/MROP)
March 1, 2005... STEEL IT anti-rust coatings provide a smooth surface finish that lasts up to 10 years; can be applied to equipment without breaking down entire production line. * 316L SS leafing pigment * Corrosion-resistant barrier * Chip- and...

Keeping it under control: programmable automation controller delivers a flexible nuclear power plant maintenance and inspection system.(PlantOps/MROP)
March 1, 2005... The challenge: Designing a single, flexible system to control many different inspection and maintenance tools for nuclear power plants within the limited space and harsh environment of nuclear reactors. The solution: Using a...

Warming up to stored energy: electric thermal storage heating systems drive down energy demand cost.(PlantOps/MROP)
March 1, 2005... As hyper energy prices continue to attack operating costs, facility managers and engineers are more concerned than ever about limiting electrical demand during peak usage hours. Commercial and industrial (C&I) users need to save on costs by...

Water cooling systems.(PlantOps/MROP)
March 1, 2005... Water Chiller System features dual 40-ton circuit and redundant pumps. Water Cooling Solutions are offered for individual processes or an entire facility. * Closed-loop evaporative systems * Air-cooled systems * Chiller systems...

Parts washing.(PlantOps/MROP)
March 1, 2005... Parts Washer Concentrate provides maximum cleaning and degreasing in a non-flammable formula with no solvents, butyl or phosphate. * pH ranges: 10.2 at a 40:1 dilution ratio to 10.7 in its concentrated form * Stays effective in washers...

Humidifier.(PlantOps/MROP)
March 1, 2005... GTS Gas-to-Steam humidifier is streamlined with all components contained inside the cabinet, making it easier to install and maintain. * Requires only two-sided access * Integral water tempering * Indoor and outdoor mounting...

Pneumatic scissors.(PlantOps/MROP)
March 1, 2005... The Airshirz Magnum scissors increase worker productivity while reducing muscle fatigue in cutting operations. * Requires approximately 90% less muscle activity * Blades open safely and automatically * Complete control over cutting...

Avoid hazards with emergency stop switches.(Safety/Environmental)
March 1, 2005... Series 61 Emergency Stop switches offer combined compactness, with the full functionality and capability expected in the event of an emergency. Switches are tested for full compliance to international operational and safety standards including...

Safety apparel.(Safety/Environmental)
March 1, 2005... GloWEAR High-Visibility Apparel provides comfort and style, as well as rugged construction and high visibility for worker safety. * 3M Scotchlite reflective tape * Machine washable * Class 3, Class 2 and non-certified versions ...

Explosives trace detection.(Safety/Environmental)
March 1, 2005... EGIS Defender simultaneously detects plastic and commercial explosives, TATP, HMTD, and enhanced AN-FO, as well as ICAO marker compounds. * Wired/wireless networking capability * High-speed gas chromotography * Micro Differential...

Air filter.(Safety/Environmental)
March 1, 2005... Fresh Air Supreme is a combination particulate and activated carbon filter that provides long-lasting odor control. * Self-supporting media * Metal-free design * Thicknesses: 2-in. and 4-in. * Uses chemical reaction and...

Emergency response products.(Safety/Environmental)
March 1, 2005... Emergency Response Products catalog features secondary containment, spill control, sorbents, flexible film liners, and decontamination equipment. * More than 20 new products * Custom or off-the-shelf products * Applications in...

Who sets the rules for electrical testing and safety? An explanation of safety standards.(Safety/Environmental)
March 1, 2005... There's no question that electrical safety is a key concern for electricians and engineers, employers, unions, and the government. Everyday, an average of 9,000 workers in the U.S. suffer disabling injuries on the job. Insurance industry...

Ready for springs?(Assembly)
March 1, 2005... Still resisting a change from terminal blocks with screw-clamp connections to spring-clamp terminations? Control Engineering's editor-in-chief, Mark T. Hoske, believes making the switch saves time and money, and tells you why. He reveals how a...

Making the most of MES.(Plant Ops)
March 1, 2005... Is 2005 the year Manufacturing Execution Software (MES) realizes its potential to improve productivity? That's the question posed in an article in Modern Materials Handling. The author quizzes supply chain experts who believe that several...

Retrofit cuts cost, noise.(Electrical)
March 1, 2005... Pittsburgh's glory days as a steel center are long gone but one remaining feature of the past is a galvanizing line owned and operated by MetalTech. The manufacturing process produces hot-dipped galvanized strip used in electrical enclosures....

What's hot in warehousing.(Material Handling)
March 1, 2005... Competition, customer demands and sophisticated tools like RFID are bringing new efficiencies to distribution operations that will benefit manufacturers at all levels. An article in Industrial Maintenance and Plant Operation describes how the...

When smaller is bigger.(OEM)
March 1, 2005... Design News discusses plastics and three examples that demonstrate how small changes can reap huge rewards. The first example involves holographic data storage. The growing need for secure, reliable, fast, low-cost data storage technologies...

Behind the Kimono of Toyota's success: e-learning.(It's Your Turn)
March 1, 2005... Recently, a spate of press articles has surfaced lionizing Toyota as a superior manufacturer. Some examples include: "Toyota... overtaking General Motors to lead the world's car industry." (The Economist, January 29th, 2005) "The...

What's the deal? LEDs illuminate ESPN's world series of poker.(The Last Page)
March 1, 2005... High-intensity white Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), from Lumex's Sunbrite Group, played a key role in ESPN's television coverage of the 2004 World Series of Poker. The miniature light sources were used to illuminate a unique camera shot showing...