InMFG articles from May 2005

InMFG archives from May 2005

Observations from my couch.(The Editor's Page)
May 1, 2005... You know how it is sometimes, when your life takes an unexpected turn and all of a sudden you are doing things differently from your everyday routine. This is how it has been for me since the beginning of April, when I, as a pedestrian, and a...

A healthy volt of energy: voltage regulators provide a clear solution for stand-up MRI.(Practical Solutions)
May 1, 2005... As the world's only manufacturer of stand-up MRI, Fonar is accustomed to forward thinking and problem solving. Their revolutionary equipment allows doctors to scan patients in a weight-bearing state, in a recumbent position or both--then...

Predictive condition monitoring foresees future catastrophes.(Plant Operations/MROP)
May 1, 2005... PROsmart[TM] predictive condition monitoring system provides cost-effective protection for all types of rotating equipment. It continually monitors rotating equipment (to pre-stated parameters) for bearing vibration, temperature, speed, seal...

Gas analyzer.(Plant Operations/MROP)
May 1, 2005... Teledyne 9600E Micro-processor and Zirconium Oxygen probe is primarily used on commercial boilers to continuously view actual, real-time, combustion efficiency measurements. * Less pollutants * Trending data and emission reports *...

Blow-off nozzles.(Plant Operations/MROP)
May 1, 2005... Air Wisk provides uniform distribution that ensures a solid air flow with no interruption or breaks; applications include product drying, cooling, cleaning, and blowing-off debris. * Chemical-resistant ABS resin * Operates between 80...

Hydraulic puller.(Plant Operations/MROP)
May 1, 2005... Betex Mobipullers are used for dismantling bearings, couplings, gears, and other parts with relative speed and ease; unit can also be used to transport bearings. * Adjustable height * One person operation * Ergonomic operation ...

Static eliminators & conveying products.(Plant Operations/MROP)
May 1, 2005... Catalog 20 technical guide, 116-pgs., offers solutions to common industrial conveying, blowoff, cooling, drying, cleaning, and static electricity problems. * Performance data * Dimensional drawings * Price list included EXAIR...

Compaction reaction: boat manufacturer cuts costs with self-contained trash compactor.(Plant Ops/MROP)
May 1, 2005... Commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is not just an ideal, but a published corporate policy for Sea Ray, a manufacturer of pleasure boats. Unfortunately, manufacturing large quantities of pleasure boats also produces an enormous...

Motors in motion: servomotor manufacturing for the 21st century.(Emerging Technologies)
May 1, 2005... Rarely does a company find the opportunity to retool an entire product line. But that is exactly what Danaher Motion did when it modernized several motor manufacturing plants. That effort brought together Pacific Scientific, Kollmorgen and...

A gripping solution: vacuum Gripper system handles all types of packages.(Material Handling)
May 1, 2005... The use of robots for placing products in containers, transferring those containers between stations in packaging lines and palletizing them is becoming increasingly prevalent in all industries. Robots, with their ability to use a variety of...

Manage, locate and pick stored materials with vertical lift module.(Material Handling)
May 1, 2005... Vertical Lift Module (VLM) Automated Storage and Retrieval System gives users the organizational benefits of modular drawer storage, the space savings of an automated storage and retrieval system, and the power and convenience of a Windows...

Pallet/carton evaluation kit.(Material Handling)
May 1, 2005... Intellitag RFID Ready-To-Go kit enables users to create an RFID pilot in their own facility in a matter of hours; it simultaneously supports ePC, GTIN, UPC content, and Advance Shipping Notice reference codes. * Multiple-field read/write...

Roller Conveyors.(Material Handling)
May 1, 2005... Sanitary Gravity Roller Conveyors feature all-stainless steel construction, enabling washdown with water, soap and other cleaning agents. * Roller widths: 6-in. to 2-ft. * Conveyor lengths: 2-ff. to 12-ft. * Load capacity: 80-lbs....

Lift trucks.(Material Handling)
May 1, 2005... The Veracitor VX line of lift trucks offers increased productivity, customization and improved ergonomic design. * Solid-state parts * Engine types: GM 2.4 L, Mazda 2.2L and 2.0L * Four transmission selections * Capacities:...

Lifting magnets.(Material Handling)
May 1, 2005... Lifting magnets allow users to easily lift, move or position steel and iron of any weight and shape without slings, hooks or cables. * Improves efficiency * Safe operation * Reduces operation costs Eriez Magnetics 888-333-3743...

Narrowing down the solution: forklift and narrower aisles increase facility utilization.(Material Handling)
May 1, 2005... If getting more business has a downside it would be cramming more product and activity in an ever tightening space--and managing around the problem. When it comes to company growth, the phrase "painting oneself in the corner" comes to...

Controlling the system.(Motion Control)
May 1, 2005... Have a need to upgrade a motion control system? Many companies turn to integrator companies when it is time to upgrade a packaging machine, design an inspection station, or tackle another challenge that demands an expert blend of controls,...

Secrets of successful supply chain collaboration.(Plant Operations)
May 1, 2005... The concept of supply chain collaboration has been applauded for years. But it often works better in theory than operation because participants rarely act in concert for the greater good of their supply chain. A recent article in Supply Chain...

Is open source for you?(MROP)
May 1, 2005... When it was time for TRW Automotive to replace its primary network server, one man asked what many consider a foolish question, "I want yon to tell me why we can do Linux?" It was determined that TRW could indeed do Linux, although there...

Keeping an eye on emissions.(Environmental)
May 1, 2005... From the national to the state level, the push is on to limit lift truck emissions. That's put developing technology for cleaner burning engines and alternate power sources on the fast track, Lift truck emission standards are under the...

Networking is all the rage.(Instrumentation)
May 1, 2005... Implementation of networking methods, fieldbus protocols, hardware. software. and related equipment appear to be increasing in more numerous and more diverse applications across almost all manufacturing industries. The long-awaited critical...

Communication driver offers low-cost interconnection.(Instrumentation/Control)
May 1, 2005... Allen-Bradley Ethernet communications driver supports a direct Ethernet connection to the AB Logix controllers, and an Ethernet-to-RS-232 connection to DF1 compatible controllers using the AB EtherNet/IP 1761-NET-ENI module. It provides the...

Process recorder.(Instrumentation/Control)
May 1, 2005... CT7300 is an economical 2-pen circular process chart recorder that measures and records up to two process variables from a variety of inputs. * Quick, easy setup * Easy-to-replace paper chart with magnetic hub * No "dip switches"...

Data collector.(Instrumentation/Control)
May 1, 2005... VIBXPERT records all forms of machine vibrations, bearing conditions, process data, and visual inspection information; collected machinery data is stored and transferred to the maintenance software. * 2-channel * [F.sub.max]: 40KHz ...

Predictive maintenance sensor.(Instrumentation/Control)
May 1, 2005... efector Metris continuously monitors compressed air systems to identify leakage areas and to improve energy efficiencies; can be mounted in a supply pipe or in a plant zone. * 4-digit numeric display * Display options: SCFM, SCFH and...

Signal conditioners & PID controllers.(Instrumentation/Control)
May 1, 2005... iDR Series, with Ethernet option, connects directly to a LAN and can serve Web pages over the Internet * Easily configured with handheld programmer * Compact ufnits * DIN mounting NEWPORT Electronics, Inc. 800-639-7678 ...

Five for the floor: technological trends shaping control on the plant floor.(Instrumentation/Control)
May 1, 2005... Advancing technology has changed the plant floor dramatically throughout the years. Understanding current technology trends and how they impact existing processes as well as how they might help in future projects is crucial to success....

Custom motion controls: SoftMotion technology works on any platform.(Instrumentation/Control)
May 1, 2005... Machine builders and OEMs can now use National Instruments' (NI) LabVIEW graphical development environment to create customized motion controllers for any platform. The new NI SoftMotion Development Module for LabVIEW deploys a variety of...

Lean's "secret:" autonomation: second of a three-part series.(The Cost of Capital)
May 1, 2005... Lean and Six Sigma have been successful in companies that have applied these principles rapidly. This rapid pace is established through an annual planning document that utilizes the principles of "Hoshen" planning, best translated as "what...

Wireless networking: what you need to know about technologies, service and security.(Cover Story)
May 1, 2005... Wireless networking has many advantages, but there are so many choices it's hard to decide which way to go. This article will discuss the different technologies that are available, explain their characteristics and give some guidance on where...

Double-ended screw technology is drawn into dry vacuum pump.(Fluid Power/Handling)
May 1, 2005... IDX1000 high-speed, high-capacity dry vacuum pumps provide reliable operation and low cost of ownership, in harsh industrial applications. Traditionally demanding processes, such as steel degassing, involve large chambers that require a fast...

Leak testers.(Fluid Power/Handling)
May 1, 2005... M-1075 CALVAL-03 and CALVAL-04, with self-calibration technology, eliminate the need to manually check and adjust instrument zero span, or to manually verify flow measurement. * CALVAL-03 tests from 0.10 - 4.00 sccm * CALVAL-04 tests...

Shutoff valve.(Fluid Power/Handling)
May 1, 2005... The two-way, normally closed CNG/LPG Safety Shutoff Valve can be integrated with a high-pressure gas filter assembly or operate as a separate shutoff valve. * 12 VDC or 24 VDC models * Functions up to 20,000 hours before replacement...

Flange coven.(Fluid Power/Handling)
May 1, 2005... Flexible PVC flange covers protect flange faces and edges, tubes, valves, and ducts from contamination during assembly, shipping and painting. * No cracking, splitting or warping * Sizes for flared tubing, ASA and military designs ...

Air compressor.(Fluid Power/Handling)
May 1, 2005... PAP Plus Plant Air Package Centrifugal Compressor provides application-specific engineered air in a wide range of industries. * 100% oil-free, particulate-filtered air * 100% continuous steel design * Backward leaning impellers ...

Great gaskets! Leak-proof, blowout-proof gaskets provide major savings for utilities and industrial powerhouses.(Fluid Power/Handling)
May 1, 2005... Major utilities and industrial power plants are adopting blowout-proof, leak-free mechanical gaskets to improve productivity while minimizing maintenance requirements. In the face of spiraling fuel costs as well as safety, regulatory and...

Don't get locked out of Europe: how WEEE and RoHS regulations will effect exporters.(Special Report)
May 1, 2005... If your company exports electronic items to Europe, or supplies parts that are included in electronic items sold in Europe, you are in for some major changes in the way you do business. Starting August 13th, WEEE regulations go into effect...

Constant force technology: a new wave of ergonomic computing solutions for manufacturing.(Safety/Environmental)
May 1, 2005... Constant Force (CF[TM]) Technology will become the foundation for a new wave of weight and height-adjustable ergonomic stands, arms and carts used for computing, video display mounting and electronics applications. CF is a low-cost, proprietary...

Lock in safety with modular interlocks.(Safety/Environmental)
May 1, 2005... The mGard trapped key safety interlocks consist of robust modular door locks, bolt locks and key exchange units that control access to enclosed areas. A sequencing system with up to 39,000 different sequences in a ten module arrangement is...

Solvent reclaiming systems.(Safety/Environmental)
May 1, 2005... RESOLV-R 2 Model IST Series cuts waste management costs, reduces virgin solvent purchasing, and ensures compliance with EPA standards for solvent handling and disposal. * Recovers up to 99.9%0 of reusable solvent * Capacities: 2.6-,...

Light curtains.(Safety/Environmental)
May 1, 2005... PSENopt safety light curtains and light barriers can be used for finger, hand and body protection. They are tested and approved in compliance with stringent industry standards. * Compact design * Muting function * Easy...

Laser scanner.(Safety/Environmental)
May 1, 2005... Multi-zone SafeZone offers two separately configurable zones, each with a safety and warning field that is easily created using software. Allows independent control of portions of the equipment. * 7-segment display * On-board RS422...

Supply air diffuser.(Safety/Environmental)
May 1, 2005... Comfort First Filtered Diffuser captures bacteria, dust, rust, pollens, and other allergens to improves indoor air quality. * 4-way adjustable flow patterns * Eliminates air draft * Traps airborne contaminates * Easy to change...

Employee-proofing your warehouse: suggestions for preventing accidents and product damage.(Safety/Environmental)
May 1, 2005... CRASH-The sound of one of your frames getting hit by an 800-lb. piece of lift equipment. If you are lucky, no one has been injured and no product fell was damaged. Now the real work begins, you need to determine if your rack is fixable or...

A new twist on wrenches: how fasteners and wrenches can work together to achieve optimum performance.(Fastening/Assembly)
May 1, 2005... We cannot do without fasteners to hold things together and fasteners must be turned with wrenches. Wrenches do not appear to have changed much in fifty years, but fasteners certainly have. Most fasteners used to be made of steel with an...

Assembly sealant bonds silicone performance with hot-melt productivity.(Fastening/Assembly)
May 1, 2005... HM-2500 Assembly Sealant, a reactive hot-melt silicone, provides as much immediate adhesion as double-sided, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, then cures to a flexible, weather-resistant silicone seal durability and ultraviolet resistance. It...

Washer and spacer samples.(Fastening/Assembly)
May 1, 2005... Free Sample Pack includes washers and spacers of different sizes, shapes and materials. Total Service Brochure included. * Over 19,000 available sizes * 2,000 different materials * Commonly specified and hard-to-find materials ...

Adhesives speed truck body assembly.(Fastening/Assembly)
May 1, 2005... The slow dispensing and curing of an adhesive was creating a bottleneck in the production line of a utility truck body manufacturer. A manually-dispensed adhesive was being used to bond chrome-plated, diamond plate steel to galvanized 14 ga...

Mastering the reality gap: how rapid response solutions can transform the supply chain.(IN Perspective)
May 1, 2005... For today's manufacturers, the ability to quickly and effectively respond to change is crucial. The gap that inevitably occurs between planning and execution is where profits can be made or lost. Increasingly, success depends not only on how...

RFID will enhance the supply chain: in due time: a data quality monitoring process will be key to RFID implementation success.(It's Your Turn)
May 1, 2005... I'm sure you've heard about RFID (radio frequency identification). RFID is the future of improving supply chain efficiencies, everywhere from a worldwide manufacturing company to the local grocery store checkout to the next mobilization of the...

The need for speed: quick access fasteners cut time on land speed record bid.(The Last Page)
May 1, 2005... When a speed racing team from the UK hits the road near West Wendover, Nevada on May 5, 2005 in an attempt to smash the FIA (Federation Internationale de L'Automobile) world electric land speed record, speed will naturally be of the essence and...