Quality articles from November 2005

Quality archives from November 2005

Teach the 'why' and 'when'.(FROM THE PUBLISHER)
November 1, 2005... The basics of writing include telling the reader the' who," what," "where" "how," "when" and "why." Stories with the first four of those basics, but without the last two, are incomplete. They inform, but not to their full potential. Likewise,...

ITW to acquire Instron.(Illinois Tool Works Inc)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... GLENVIEW, IL -- Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) has signed an agreement with Kirtland Capital Partners to purchase Instron Corp., a leading worldwide supplier of instruments, software and services for the testing of materials and structures....

Industrial manufacturers lose optimism.(INDUSTRY NEWS: Business News / Coming Events / People News / Mergers)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... NEW YORK -- U.S.-based industrial manufacturers are considerably less optimistic about the global and domestic economies, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers' most recent Manufacturing Barometer survey. Just 46% of respondents, compared to 70%...

Coming events.(INDUSTRY NEWS: Business News / Coming Events / People News / Mergers)
November 1, 2005... DECEMBER 5-9 PRINCIPLES OF METROLOGY, Seattle. Fluke Corp., 800) 44-FLUKE. www.fluke.com 5-9 THE LEAN EXPERIENCE, Novi, MI. Lean Learning Center, (248) 478-1480. ...

Partners launch machine vision VIP program.(Vision Integration Partners)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... BARRINGTON, NJ -- Edmund Optics teams up with Epic Vision Systems, Braas Co., Minarik Corp., Wineman Technology Inc. and other system integrators to help customers solve their machine vision problems. Termed Vision Integration Partners (VIP),...

Comet.(PEOPLE NEWS)(Jeremy Simon )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Comet (Stamford, CT), a supplier of X-ray, RF and Dosimetry solutions, has added a business manager for its X-ray solutions division in Connecticut. Jeremy Simon is responsible for key account management, strategic development and customer...

Flow Dry Technology Ltd.(PEOPLE NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Flow Dry Technology Ltd. (Brookville, OH), a manufacturer of gaskets and desiccant bags, promotes Jonathan Besserman to product launch manager. Besserman will be responsible for keeping track of customer's requirements from the advanced quality...

Advanced Technology Services Inc.(appointment of Don Johnson, Mark Shull)
November 1, 2005... Advanced Technology Services Inc. (Peoria, IL), a managed services provider for product equipment maintenance, IT infrastructure support and industrial parts repair for manufacturers, adds two vice presidents to the company's management team....

Skelly and Loy.(appointment of Julie A. Salnicky)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Julie A. Salnicky joins the engineering and environmental consulting firm Skelly and Loy (Harrisburg, PA) as vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Salnicky directs all financial functions and oversees human resources for the...

SRI Quality System Registrar.(appointment of Greg Swan)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Greg Swan joins SRI Quality System Registrar (Wexford, PA) as president and chief operating officer. Swan brings more than 30 years experience in quality management and 15 years in auditing and certifying management systems to the company.

Engineered Glass Products.(appointment of Patrick J. Earley )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Patrick J. Earley is named chief financial officer of Engineered Glass Products (Chicago).

Accu-Time Systems.(appointment of Michael Glynn )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Accu-Time Systems (Ellington, CT) hires Michael Glynn as corporate marketing manager. Glynn will oversee sales and marketing for the manufacturer of time and attendance and security access products.

Fluke to acquire Infrared Solutions.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... EVERETT, WA -- Fluke Electronics Corp. agrees to acquire Infrared Solutions, a provider of portable thermography products. Infrared Solutions was founded in 1994 by a group of former Honeywell scientists and engineers that first developed...

Faro unveils software partner program.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... LAKE MARY, FL -- Faro Technologies Inc., manufacturer of a complete line of portable 3-D coordinate measurement systems for the computer-aided measuring market, launches a new level of its open architecture software partner program called the...

Mitutoyo America Corp. (Aurora, IL) appoints Crotts & Saunders Engineering (Winston-Salem, NC) as an exclusive distributor for its full line of coordinate measuring machines in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.(BUSINESS NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Mitutoyo America Corp. (Aurora, IL) appoints Crotts & Saunders Engineering (Winston-Salem, NC) as an exclusive distributor for its full line of coordinate measuring machines in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. This distribution...

Omron Corp. (Kyoto, Japan) and Omron Management Center of America (Schaumburg, IL) have pledged a total of $300,000 to support victims and aid reconstruction in the areas recently devastated by Hurricane Katrina.(BUSINESS NEWS)
November 1, 2005... Omron Corp. (Kyoto, Japan) and Omron Management Center of America (Schaumburg, IL) have pledged a total of $300,000 to support victims and aid reconstruction in the areas recently devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Omron Corp's contribution will...

Excel Partnership Inc.(BUSINESS NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Excel Partnership Inc. opens its new offices located in Southbury, CT. The company, formerly based in Sandy Hook, CT, relocated nearly 30 employees to the Heritage Center, where they occupy 10,000-square feet on the first floor of the building....

Sakor Technologies Inc.(BUSINESS NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Sakor Technologies Inc. (Okemos, Ml), a developer of test instrumentation products, is selected by BorgWarner Inc., a provider of technologies for powertrain components and system solutions, to provide a torque transfer test system for use at...

Pelion Systems.(BUSINESS NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Pelion Systems (Lafayette, CO) signs an enterprise license agreement with Nortek Inc. to extend its use of the Pelion MPO Suite to support and enhance flow manufacturing practices across Nortek's subsidiaries and supplier base. Nortek is a...

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc.(BUSINESS NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. (Vernon Hills, IL) announces a contract to supply automation products, machine controls, IT validation, startup, training and support services at two Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) manufacturing...

Axsys Technologies Inc.(BUSINESS NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Axsys Technologies Inc. (Rocky Hill, CT), a manufacturer and distributor of precision optical solutions, installs its Nanotech 350UPL optical finishing machine at its Imaging Systems Division (Rochester Hills, MI). The machine is suitable for...

Comet opens service and repair center.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... STAMFORD, CT -- Comet, a supplier of X-ray, RF and Dosimetry solutions, announces the grand opening of its service and repair center at the recently expanded American headquarters in Stamford, CT. The new facility ensures the highest-quality...

Social issues in China.(QUALITY MAILBAG)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Dear Editor, I read with interest your recent column, "Examine Chinas Motives" (Quality, September 2005, p. 8). I am in agreement with your views on the motives and implications of the current trend to outsource, particularly to China. ...

Not in U.S. interest.(QUALITY MAILBAG)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Dear Editor, I appreciate you article regarding China ("Examine China's Motives," Quality, September 2005, p. 8). Moving business to China and selling products to that country is not in the best interest of the United States or companies...

We haven't learned yet.(QUALITY MAILBAG)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Dear Editor, I couldn't agree more with your apprehension regarding doing business in China ("Examine China's Motives," Quality, September 2005, p. 8). I was a member of the U.S. Navy submarine force during the 1960s, and I remember...

Act like a business.(QUALITY MAILBAG)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Dear Editor, I read your editorial today ("Examine Chinas Motives," Quality, September 2005, p. 8) and felt that I had to put in my two cents. I gave a talk in 2003 to a small group of people involved with manufacturing mechanical watches...

Other reasons.(QUALITY MAILBAG)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Dear Editor, Your comments and conclusions that it is "okay" to make the Desk Organizer in China ("Trump Plays to Strengths," Quality, June 2005, p. 6) lack a number of facts. What is the labor content in the product? If the labor...

Is it good enough to ship? By taking a different perspective on this question, strategic advantages are gained.(PROBING THE LIMITS)
November 1, 2005... Quality professionals constantly struggle with the question of when a new product is good enough to ship. In many types of products, getting them defect-free prior to the first shipment isn't reasonable or possible. This is particularly true...

Go to the source for technical support: the AMTMA considers opening its doors to support to users of metrology equipment.(American Measuring Tool Manufacturers Association)
November 1, 2005... The American Measuring Tool Manufacturers Association (AMTMA, Cleveland) is an organization recognized for its expertise in the area of dimensional measuring instruments, precision gages and calibration. For more than 30 years, the movers and...

A closer look at vision-based gaging: machine vision systems help today's manufacturers improve quality and productivity.(QUALITY 101)
November 1, 2005... With widespread adoption of quality standards such as ISO 9001 and increased pressures for "cost-down" automation, manufacturers in a broad range of industries have incorporated machine vision technology into their overall quality management...

Yield confusion.(Brain Teasers)(usage of production data for production management)
November 1, 2005... Anyone who has faced a production problem with a need to solve it by using production data can relate to the notion of a brain teaser. The brain teasers presented here are based on real-world situations encountered by workers in manufacturing...

X-ray system measures with 20/20 resolution: x-ray coordinate measuring machine measures and reports the position of internal features.(Quality innovations)(Operations Technology Inc developed innovative measuring machinery)
November 1, 2005... Miniaturization has created unique challenges for today's new high-tech products. In addition to their shrinking size, products now have hidden features that must be measured and inspected. X-ray systems are being used in many instances to...

Lasers, a practical tool for inspection: scanners check production parts.(Quality Measurement)(equipments for quality control)
November 1, 2005... It's no wonder that laser measurement has been moving into manufacturing in a big way lately. Laser scanners are fast and accurate measurement devices that lend themselves to automation. They can collect a cloud of datum points automatically on...

See the difference with borescopes: borescopes inspect where technicians can't.(Quality test and inspection)(optical instruments used for quality inspection)
November 1, 2005... An optical instrument used for inspection work where the area to be inspected is inaccessible by other means, borescopes can be rigid, flexible and semi-rigid. A rigid borescope has an eyepiece on one end and an objective lens on the other...

Collect less data for better SPC: continual process improvement must apply not only to the manufacturing process, but also to the process that monitors it.(statistical process control )
November 1, 2005... For manufacturers using statistical process control (SPC), there are myriad software programs available to assist in its implementation. Many of them have similar capabilities and the program chosen is less important than how it is used. Some...

Make interoperability happen: how can the industry expect to get competing users and vendors worldwide to agree to a single common language? Timeliness and concurrency are essential ingredients.(Quality management)
November 1, 2005... Interoperability has become a buzzword. Everyone in manufacturing has heard it. But just what is it? Interoperability is the ability of two system components to communicate correctly and completely with components from any vendor worldwide...

NASCAR speeds certifications while boosting safety.(National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)
November 1, 2005... At the competitive edge in every professional sport, the margins of victory mean tiny differences in energy efficiency, skill and physical configuration. Over time, these strivings give rise to elaborate rules governing competitors' behavior,...

Digital photogrammetry system.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... The V-STARS/E4X digital photogrammetry system is an entry-level product that is ideal for a wide range of applications that do not require the highest level of accuracy or expandability available. The mobile system is suited for fast,...

Portable CMM.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... The Sigma Arm is a portable arm coordinate measuring machine. Constructed of carbon fiber and aluminum, the six-axis arm is designed for optimal stiffness with minimal weight; most models weigh about 11 pounds. Inspection of sheet metal, tubes,...

Video lenses.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... The high-resolution Infinite Conjugate MVO [micro]-Video Lenses are ideal for exacting imaging applications where both wide angle and close focus are required. Designed for use with micro CCD board cameras, these lenses provide image quality in...

Camera system.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... The Spot Pursuit XS high-speed, high-sensitivity digital camera system is designed for low light applications. The camera delivers 14-bit mega-pixel images at up to 11 full frames per second at less than 8 electrons read noise. With Binning and...

Data logger.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... The Hobo FlexSmart modular data logging system accepts a vast array of sensors via snap-in modules and simplifies energy monitoring applications. Designed in conjunction with Architectural Energy Corp., the product enables energy and facility...

Visual inspection software.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... An upgraded version of Inspect visual inspection software has an easy-to-use graphical interface for visual defect identification and repair in factory-floor assembly operations. Technical features include an XML Comm Server interface, which...

Modules.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... The Series C 1734-0B2, -OB4, and -OB8 Allen-Bradley Point I/0 modules are two-, four- and eight-channel modules respectively. The modules are standard feature, non-diagnostic, 24V DC protected output modules. As part of the Point I/0 platform,...

Durometers.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... For hardness measurement, heavy-duty durometers offer nondestructive measurement and optional peak indicators with high repeatability. Four indentor types make it possible to determine hardness of rubber, plastics, sponge and foam. Type A...

Scanner.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... The Werth FlatScope scanner is for fast, precise and reliable inspection of flat work pieces in production environments. The main area of application is measurement of complex profiles such as rubber, plastic or aluminium extrusions, as well as...

Load cell.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... A Mass Monitor moment-insensitive load cell for OEMs uses the company's variable capacitance sensor and custom electronics. The product has high resolution and weighing accuracy that is 10X greater than conventional strain-gage technology. The...

UV germicidal lamps for air & water purification.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
November 1, 2005... Bulbtronics is a leading distributor of UV bulbs for sterilization applications. These lamps transmit UV light at a wavelength lethal to microorganisms, preventing DNA replication, controlling bacteria, virus and mold spore reproduction. In...

Portable nondestructive alloy analysis instrumentation.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
November 1, 2005... Thermo Electron Corporation's NITON Analyzers Business Unit, formerly NITON LLC, is the world's leading manufacturer of portable nondestructive alloy analysis instrumentation. Thermo's NITON XL;, XLp and XLt alloy analyzers are the smallest,...

Accelerate your testing of motorized systems and components with connector solutions from FasTest.(PRODUCT REVIEW)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... New brochure outlines applications such as engine, steering, fuel and brake systems to hermetically sealed parts for the automotive, heavy equipment, agriculture and recreation industries. Learn how FasTest connector innovation and engineering...

Statit e-QC: enterprisewide Quality Software.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
November 1, 2005... Statit e-QC is a dynamic Web-based application focused on providing the critical information and analysis needed to make process improvement decisions. Statit e-QC provides real-time access to multiple data sources from a Web browser while...

High resolution line scan lenses from Edmund Optics.(PRODUCT REVIEW)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Edmund Optics introduces new Large Format lenses specifically designed for Line Scan and Area Scan cameras. These high-performance imaging lenses are compatible with leading-edge cameras and provide twice the amount of light throughput of...

Particle analysis with no limits.(PRODUCTN REVIEW)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... New Particle Analyzer from Carl Zeiss is a fully automatic, flexible system for documentation and analysis of porosity, defects, or particles on filters or surfaces. The system can analyze images and create high resolution mosaics of any size,...

Statistical process control software.(PRODUCT REVIEW)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... WinSPC Plant Monitor automatically displays the status of plant-wide data collection operations on a single screen in real time and/or historically (by week, shift, etc). Display all production activity and alarms using the color-coded...

LaserGauge[R] for dimensional measurements.(PRODUCT REVIEW)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... A programmable, non-contact system for precise dimensional measurements, the LaserGauge is battery-powered for true portability. Surface scans are plotted in real-time, and the results are displayed and saved to a file automatically. One system...

Precison Gage Solutions.(PRODUCT REVIEW)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Thread Check, Inc. is a full service gage company offering a complete line of precision thread gages, plain cylindrical gages, custom gages, pipe gages, patented 3-wire thread measuring systems, powerful thread engineering software, measuring...

CyberMetrics introduces GAGEtrak 6.0.(PRODUCT REVIEW)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... CyberMetrics, the company that pioneered calibration software for Windows in 1992, is pleased to introduce our updated version of the world's best selling calibration software--GAGEtrak 6.0. Significant new features include Electronic...

Meyer Gage reduces the cost of better accuracy.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
November 1, 2005... (South Windsor, CT) -- James Meyer of Meyer Gage announced today that the company is now offering class "Z" plug gages at the same price as the "77" class of gage pin. The Z tolerance gage, which will give users twice the accuracy, is available...

Even faster ... if speed is the task.(PRODUCT REVIEW)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Precitec Optronik offers two different CHRocodiles: The Sensor CHRocodile E based on halogen technology and the CHRocodile X with Xenon technology. The Xenon technology provides a significantly higher luminous power enabling the maximum...

Product index.(ACCELERATION TEST SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT-COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINES (CMM), MULTIPLE SENSOR)(Directory)
November 15, 2005... Product categories are in alphabetical order underneath their individual categories with sources listed under each heading. Addresses for the listed companies are given in the Suppliers/Sources section. ACCELERATION TEST SYSTEMS AND...

Product index.(COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINES (CMM), PORTABLE-GAGES, PLUG AND RING, THREAD)(Directory)
November 15, 2005... COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINES (CMM), PORTABLE * A. A. Jansson Inc. (248) 674-4811 See ad in this issue Applied Precision Inc. * Automated Precision Inc. (301) 330-8100 See ad in this issue * Brown and Sharpe...

Product index.(directory)(Directory)
November 15, 2005... GAGES, PRESSURE Dwyer Instruments Inc. * Imada Inc. (800) 373-9989 See ad in this issue Lenz Inc. MKS Instruments Inc. * Quality Calibration Service Inc. (414) 256-8900 See ad in this issue *...

Product index.(directory)(Directory)
November 15, 2005... NONCONTACT MEASUREMENT Acu-Gage Systems, Div. of Ocean Industries LLC * Automated Precision Inc. (301) 330-8100 See ad in this issue * Automation Innovation Inc. (919) 557-6824 See ad in this issue * Aven...

At the center of quality.(Quality Calibration Service)(reports in testing euipment industry)(Advertisement)
November 15, 2005... The quality industry is driven by innovated technology and on-going change. Since its inception twenty years ago, Quality Calibration Service has striven to be at the forefront in the field of calibration. To that end, QCS was one of the first...

Product index.(STANDS, TEST-X-RAY TUBES)(Directory)
November 15, 2005... STANDS, TEST * Ametek Test & Calibration Instruments, Chatillon (800) 527-9999 See ad in this issue * Automation Innovation Inc. (919) 557-6824 See ad in this issue * Cincinnati Automation Ltd. (859)...

Suppliers/sources: companies providing products included in the Product Index appear alphabetically here.(directory)(Directory)
November 15, 2005... AAF International American Air Filter P.O. Box 35690 Louisville, KY 40232-5690 (502) 637-0011 (888) 223-2003 Fax: (888) 223-6500 info@aafintl.com www.aafintl.com A. A. Jansson Inc. 2070 Airport Rd. ...