Designfax articles from April 2005

Designfax archives from April 2005

Saying Y.E.S. to students: young engineers are fostered by company support program.(LAYER ONE)
April 1, 2005... Fostering the mechanical design ideas and inventions of students who have a passion for engineering may be the path to survival of US industry. To accomplish this, igus inc. has instituted the Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program, which...

Youth and old(er) age.(UP FRONT)
April 1, 2005... This is the year and month I celebrate a half-century of my current existence. Yep, I've reached fifty, the big 5-0, just five miles per hour under the speed limit (where it's 55 mph, not Mach 0.8). The Bureau of Statistics recently reported...

Small footprint linear position sensor: suitable for robotic applications.(FIVE STAR PRODUCT OF THE MONTH)
April 1, 2005... Until recently, robotics engineers have been hard-pressed to find a small and inexpensive OEM linear position sensor. The closest items available were: * Relatively expensive and bulky LVDTs * Bulky pull-reel designs * Gear trains...

Silicon laser.(TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT)
April 1, 2005... Scientists from Intel Corporation have used silicon manufacturing processes to create a device that can encode data onto a light beam. As reported in the journal Nature, Intel researchers split a beam of light into two separate beams as it...

Smart iron.(TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT)
April 1, 2005... LAURASTAR, a Swiss-based international group specializing in the manufacture and marketing of ironing systems, has launched a range of intuitive products that incorporates such "firsts" as automatic steam and an automatic blower system built...

Lighting efficiency.(News From the Green File)
April 1, 2005... Industrialized countries throughout the world are committing to improve energy efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade, including legal mandates that the efficiency of traditional systems be improved, forcing a...

Lead-free TEC.(News From the Green File)
April 1, 2005... As we discussed in last month's Greenfile selections, global regulations requiring lead-flee electronics components are looming over the market. Another product to aid in this endeavor is Ave Photonics' lead-free TEC-to-Package process, which...

Gas tank flexibility.(News From the Green File)
April 1, 2005... Spartech Corporation, a manufacturer of engineered thermoplastics materials and polymeric compounds in North America and Europe, was recently awarded a substantial, long-term program by Visteon Corporation to manufacture coextruded, multi-layer...

Enlightening business partners on broadband technology: communicating optical specs by the numbers.
April 1, 2005... Optical Solutions Inc. likes things streamlined. That's why the Minneapolis-based supplier and distributor of equipment for fiber optic delivery of TV, phone and data service goes to great lengths to communicate efficiently with business...

Intelligent minidrive.(Motion Control Marketplace: Innovations)
April 1, 2005... Configurable to drive brushless, step, DC or linear motors up to 75W (24V, 4A), the IBL2403 intelligent minidrive is based on the company's MotionChip DSP control technology and embeds motion control, drive and PLC functionalities in a single,...

Encoder + measuring wheel.(Motion Control Marketplace:Innovations)
April 1, 2005... The Tru-Trac encoder integrates a measuring wheel and adjustable spring-loaded torsion arm into a single compact unit to simplify system design and installation. Accurate measurement of distance, velocity or position is provided for a variety...

Switched reluctance motor driver.(Motion Control Marketplace:Innovations)
April 1, 2005... Designed specifically for driving single-phase switched reluctance motors, the 50A rated FCAS50SN50 SPM smart power module integrates an HVIC with an LVIC, IGBTs, fast recovery diodes and a thermistor in an ultra-compact (44 x 26.8 mm) mini-DIP...

Micropositioning system.(Motion Control Marketplace:Innovations)
April 1, 2005... Designed to work in vacuum environments to [10.sup.-6] hPa, the M-824 Hexapod 6D micropositioning and alignment system provides high-resolution motion in 6 degrees of freedom. It combines multiaxis motion traveling up to 50 mm/36 degrees with...

Precision hybrid ballscrews.(Motion Control Marketplace:Innovations)
April 1, 2005... This company has added ceramic rolling elements as a hybrid to its standard line of precision ballscrews. By using balls manufactured from silicon nitride instead of tool steel, microwelding in the ball nut is eliminated. Benefits include...

Digital interface valve.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components: Top Product)
April 1, 2005... * replaces analog technology * includes microprocessor-based electronics This digital pQ servo-proportional valve features microprocessor-based electronics and a CANopen field bus that is suitable for pressure control and pressure...

Rotary union.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... The 500ASM Series rotary union for abrasive fluid applications is designed to provide a rotating seal between fluids and a revolving roll or drum. Its seal is a tungsten carbide face ring against a siliconized graphite seal ring, offering...

Digital pressure gauge.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... The Model 1205 panel-mounted digital pressure gauge offers a 4-digit LCD digital display, a digital zeroing feature, continuous or peak and hold display, and 200% overpressure protection. The standard unit comes with a 1/4-18 NPT pressure port...

Quick-connect fittings.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... These standard or custom-designed quick-connect fittings are designed for pneumatic applications. The push-lock fittings are available in sizes ranging from 10-32 to 1/2-in. (3 to 12 mm). Materials of choice include plastic, brass and stainless...

Diaphragm vacuum regulator.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... The VRD-ANB-CD miniature, single-stage diaphragm vacuum regulator is designed to control output vacuum from 0 psig to full vacuum. Suitable for low-vacuum regulation such as -1/2 psig, its lightweight design allows in-line mounting without the...

Miniature parallel gripper.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... The miniature parallel MPG5 gripper is intended for the pick and place of small pieces. The unit's design provides for manifold mounting of a series of the grippers in line without requiring extra space for fittings or airlines. The MPG5...

Flow sensors.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... The U700 Series of ultra-high-purity liquid Flo-Sensors measure flow rates of virtually any fluid as low as 15 ml/min, or as high as 50 1pm. Repeatable results are achieved by a patented microturbine flow sensor design, allowing accurate flow...

Rotating unions.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... This 56-page catalog includes information on the company's lines of rotating unions. Both operating data and dimensional specifications are provided to help users choose the right unions for such applications as water, steam, pneumatic,...

High-resolution valve.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... In the QPV series valve, pressure is controlled by the use of two solenoid valves--output pressure is proportional to an electrical command signal input and is unaffected by changes in supply pressure, while the inlet proportional valve...

High-flow safety couplings.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... The TFH series poppet-style, push-together hydraulic coupling is available in 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-in sizes. They are designed for high-flow capability over 110 gpm. In addition, these couplings feature a locking ring to prevent accidental...

Non-contacting transducers.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... Designed for integration directly into hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, the TLI series of non-contacting position transducers use the company's Indres (inductive-resistive) technology. This ensures proper operation even in the presence of...

Valves, fittings and tubing.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... This revised 132-page catalog details the company's complete line of valve products, pressure vessels and pumping systems for elevated pressure applications. It includes features, specifications and drawings/dimensions on valves, fittings,...

Gas springs.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... The T2SC-740 subcompact gas spring features a 32 mm dia. and stroke lengths from 6 to 50 mm, while the T2SC-2900 features a 45 mm dia. and stroke lengths from 10 to 50 mm. The latter also has a side port plate for increased mounting options. In...

Proportional valve CD.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... This CD highlights the features and specifications of EVP proportional control valves. The EVP Series provides control of air or gas flow, and varies the output flow based on the current input to the solenoid. The valve may be controlled using...

Cantilever slides.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... The Series SxL and SxH cantilever slides are now available in 8, 10, 14, 20, 25 and 32 mm bore sizes. Series SxH slides feature precision-machined, high-capacity TC fluoropolymer composite bearings and are available in long travel lengths up to...

Pneumatic proportional valve.(Motion Spotlight: Fluid Driven Components)
April 1, 2005... The VP60 features a microprocessor-driven position control and provides short acceleration times. By using a glandless spool and sleeve design, the VP60 typically delivers figures of >250 million operations at full stroke. Zero point adjustment...

Hydraulic drive system makes lawn mowing fast and fun.(Motion Spotlight: Application Xtra)
April 1, 2005... * high maneuverability * high motor efficiency The zero-turn-radius riding lawnmower/lawn tractor's maneuverability in small spaces and around obstacles allows operators to pivot 360 degrees in one spot for precision cutting. This...

Brake and friction solutions.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... This eight-page color brochure includes information on brake solutions ranging from dry-disc caliper brakes to wet disc brakes for both service and park applications. In addition, it details the company's custom friction materials that range...

Rotary solenoids.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... The BRS 3831-10 and BRS 5035-8 bi-stable rotary solenoids achieve fast cycle times when clockwise or counterclockwise without the need for a return spring. They typically operate from one stable position to another in a 2-state rotary switch...

Linear slides and table assemblies.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... The smooth-traveling Slide Rail linear slides and table assemblies are suitable for applications requiring smooth motion, low noise and/or washdown capabilities. They are available in three heights: 0.5625-, 0.75- and 0.875-in., and in lengths...

Linear stage.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... The MAK-AF auto focus linear stage can provide up to 25 mm of travel with encoder resolutions ranging from 10 to 100 nm with 1 nm as an option. Designed to operate vertically, this stage is designed with a counter balance spring to manage the...

Motor and control package.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... The INTEGRAmotor combines a brushless DC motor and speed control in one package. It is designed to reduce wiring and panel space, minimize EMI and reduce assembly time and cost. Applications include office equipment, packaging machines,...

Brushed and brushless servo motors.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... This company is introducing one series of brushed servomotors and two series of brushless servos that are designed as a drop-in replacement for older motors. Each series has been engineered to reduce torque ripple for smooth operation. The...

PLC on a chip.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... The single-chip PLC on a Chip module can be embedded into products such as sensors, drives, custom controls and valve assemblies to allow for easy customer ladder diagram and function block programming. Programmed by EZ Ladder PC-based software...

Linear motor.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... The ServoTube linear motor features a patented magnetic design that enables a high accuracy Hall position sensor to replace an optical encoder. The motor's two basic components, the thrust rod and forcer, allow it to be used with standard...

High-torque gearhead.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... The Quantum Series gearhead delivers 50% more torque than the company's CSF series while maintaining zero backlash, 1 arc-min, positional accuracy and [+ or -] -5 arc-sec, repeatability. The size 17 gearhead has an outer dia. of 79 mm and...

Absolute encoder.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... Measuring 13 mm in dia. and 17.5 mm high, the MAS10-256-G miniature absolute encoder is designed for applications such as medical devices, instrumentation and robotics. It delivers 8 bits of absolute position information with a gray code,...

Brushless DC motor.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... The 000-0358 brushless DC frameless motor is designed for low-voltage applications where a high-acceleration, high-torque motor is required at low speeds. At 48V, this motor operates at 200 rpm and delivers 600 oz-in, of torque with an...

Programmable motion processor.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... The Magellan programmable motion processor directly supports a CANBus interface. Designed for distributed control applications, these ICs are available in 1-, 2-3- and 4-axis configurations. They control brushed or brushless DC, microstepping,...

Stepper motor and drive.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... The DSM Series microstepping motors feature onboard drive electronics. They are available in three frame sizes, each in three motor lengths, offering a choice of nine torque ratings spanning 32- to 1061-oz-in. These motor/drives are...

Rotary absolute encoder.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... The A58 compact encoder is offered for applications requiring precise measurement of distances and angles in a relatively small package. The device features a 58 mm diameter aluminum housing, a 3 mm to 0.25-in. diameter stainless steel shaft...

Captive linear actuator.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... This size 8 captive linear actuator is designed with a patented integral anti-rotation mechanism and is suitable for applications in which external anti-rotation methods would be difficult or impossible to employ. This actuator features...

Linear guides.(Motion Products)
April 1, 2005... The QuickTrak linear guide is available with the company's DualVee Motion Technology and reduces design and installation costs by easily integrating into machine configurations. The belt-or screw-driven systems are suitable for light industrial...

The sophisticated solenoid: rethinking the humble device for new efficiencies.
April 1, 2005... Looking at a product from the customer's perspective can sometimes be the key to developing a new technology. That's what happened when engineers at Trombetta Motion Technologies, Inc. (Menomonee Falls, WI) started looking at industrial...

Polyurethane composite system.(Materials: Top Product)
April 1, 2005... * zero VOCs * fast curing Chemthane 7445 resin is a 2-component, fast-cure structural polyurethane specifically engineered for open mold fabrication. Unlike glass fiber-reinforced, unsaturated polyester resins that may contaminate the...

Flexible circuit materials.(Materials)
April 1, 2005... The R/flex AP200 is a single-clad, cast-on type adhesiveless, all-polyimide flexible circuit material, while the Mitsui Chemicals Neoflex NFX is a double-clad, laminated-type material. Both are available in rolls measuring 250 and 500 mm wide....

Modeling resin.(Materials)
April 1, 2005... Designed for the Eden333 PolyJet rapid prototyping system, VeroBlue acrylic photopolymer resin offers improved mechanical properties over the original transparent resin used with the system, including tensile strength, flexural strength,...

Stainless steel coatings.(Materials)
April 1, 2005... Steel-It anti-rust stainless steel coatings feature a 316L stainless steel leafing pigment that creates a metallic barrier that withstands chemicals, solvents, detergents, and high-pressure power washing. Providing a durable finish that resists...

Lasered ceramic substrates.(Materials)
April 1, 2005... The company's computer-controlled carbon dioxide lasers perform scribing, cutting and drilling to tight tolerances, with minimum a hole dia. of 0.10 mm. In-stock substrates with outside contour geometries, hole patterns, cutouts and snapelines...

Ceramic paper.(Materials)
April 1, 2005... This 2500[degrees]F high-purity 300 ceramic paper offers high temperature stability, high dielectric strength, low specific heat low thermal conductivity, and resistance to corrosion and thermal shock. It can be cut with ordinary hand scissors,...

Liquid injection molding systems.(Materials)
April 1, 2005... This guide provides detailed technical data on many of the company's liquid injection molding systems (LIMS), including general-purpose, fast curing and low viscosity grades as well as the Selective Self-Adhesive, high-tear, high elongation and...

Hermetic optical windows with injection molded materials.(Application Xtra)
April 1, 2005... * CTE matched * reduced image degradation Tekna Seal LLC, Minneapolis, MN, a custom manufacturer of glass-to-metal and ceramic-to-metal seals used for vacuum-tight electrical feed-throughs, joined efforts with FloMet LLC to make, for...

Metering pumps.(Fluid Power: Pumps: Top Product)
April 1, 2005... * explosion-proof motors * NEMA 7 stroke positioners This company has expanded its range of series 500 dia-Pump metering pumps with explosion-proof motors and NEMA 7 stroke positioners for use in hazardous environments. The...

Precision pumps.(Fluid Power: Pumps)
April 1, 2005... Designed for precision handling of liquids and/or gases, the Cheminert models M6 and M50 pumps produce a bi-directional pulseless flow with a range over six orders of magnitude: 10 nl/min to 10 ml/min for the M6 and 50 [micro]l/min to 50 ml/min...

Magnetically-driven pump.(Fluid Power: Pumps)
April 1, 2005... The SMD series non-metallic magnetically driven pump has been expanded to include larger sizes and more material options. Priming capabilities reach up to 13 ft in less than 3 min. The self-priming line offers flow ranges up to 124 gpm and head...

Roller pumps.(Fluid Power: Pumps)
April 1, 2005... Series 5500 5-roller pumps feature a 15/16-in. solid shaft constructed of 416 SS with an extra fine finish to minimize seal wear, supported at both ends by heavy-duty scaled bearings. They offer flow output to 46.5 gpm at 1000 rpm, at pressures...

Peristaltic pump tubing.(Fluid Power: Pumps)
April 1, 2005... Peristaltic pump tubing Suited for biopharmaceutical applications the Sta-Pure peristaltic pump tubing eliminates fluid contamination and offers chemical resistance (including DMSO) for increased tube life. Long-term pump testing proves...

Piston pumps.(Fluid Power: Pumps)
April 1, 2005... Designed for open and closed hydraulic circuits, the Gold Cup series of piston pumps is described in brochure LT3-00010-1, using a variety of photos, schematics, charts and curves to present complete technical data. Pump and motor dimensions,...

Rotary pumps.(Fluid Power: Pumps)
April 1, 2005... With applications including high-flow, pulse-free vacuum or pressure needs in industrial-duty conditions, QR series pumps are constructed with a cast-iron pump housing, extended vane design and permanently lubricated ball bearing motors. The...

Industrial pumps.(Fluid Power: Pumps)
April 1, 2005... Industrial pumps D/G35 Kel-Cell series industrial pumps are now offered standard with DPC diaphragm position control for enhanced performance, reliability and durability. The technology reduces the possibility of incidental diaphragm failure by...

Pumphead pumps.(Fluid Power: Pumps)
April 1, 2005... The 313D pumphead features secure clamps that allow more clearance during loading and prevents tampering. To maintain the purity of the pumping product, the unit has no valves, is self-priming, and can run dry without incurring damage. For...

Keep on/off trucking: alternative approach to powering HVAC in diesel rigs.(TECH UPGRADE)
April 1, 2005... The focus on the noise and emissions effects of idling diesel vehicles continues to grow in many states and communities, drawing even more attention to the economic and environmental issues related to wasteful engine idling. Studies indicate...

Overhung load adapter.(Mechanical: Couplings & Adaptors: Top Product)
April 1, 2005... * Provides load support * Eliminates premature bearing failure The Model 1100 Zero-Max overhung load adapter (OHLA), designed to eliminate premature hydraulic motor or pump bearing failure due to overhung radial and/or axial loads on...

Fluid coupling with brake disc.(Mechanical: Couplings & Adaptors)
April 1, 2005... The TrueTorque fluid coupling incorporates a brake disc into the fluid coupling mounting arrangement, saving space. When starting an inclined belt conveyor, it provides a soft start, eliminating belt liftoff and stretch. During shutdown,...

Miniature disc couplings.(Mechanical: Couplings & Adaptors)
April 1, 2005... Offered in single- and double-disc styles, Discflex miniature disc couplings consist of two anodized aluminum hubs, a center spacer (double-disc style only) and multiple flat stainless steel disc springs to transmit torque. They allow for...

Online tool for couplings.(Mechanical: Couplings & Adaptors)
April 1, 2005... The Configurator online tool, found at this company's website, translates raw data into usable CAD drawings and dimensional data for various styles of flexible couplings for power transmission applications. The company's Curved Jaw, Torsional...

Bellows coupling expands mounting options.(Mechanical: Application Xtra)
April 1, 2005... * expanding shaft output * highly adaptable When developing the Uniline Series of belt-driven actuators, Rollon, Inc., selected standard components for cost and continuity purposes while at the same time offering a variety of...

Continuous flex cables.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors: Top Product)
April 1, 2005... * temperature-resistant * flexible The Chainflex CF9 and CF10 cables are designed for use in cable carrier systems on automated mobile machinery. The flexible cables are equipped with bare copper conductors and are resistant to oil,...

Thermocouple wire.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors)
April 1, 2005... The K20-2-HR+8 thermocouple wire offers eight additional pics (weaves) per inch, insulating the conductor and lessening the chance of shorting out or extra junctioning while running surveys or load thermocouples. Using the company's Refrasil...

Optocouplers.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors)
April 1, 2005... According to their manufacturer, the Snapline series of optocouplers are the world's smallest solid state relays. Measuring 5.08 mm wide, they have an input voltage of 24 VDC and will switch up to 40 VAC/55 VDC at 4A. The optocouplers can take...

Connector and plug systems.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors)
April 1, 2005... Designed to enhance GEl safety, Fire Power Systems have been engineered to withstand rough conditions. The systems can be customized for specific applications such as emergency power, temporary lighting, electrical machinery and controls. They...

Flat cables.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors)
April 1, 2005... These flat cables feature a reduced-bend radius and low profile that allow for more severe flexing in industrial robotics and factory automation applications. Developed in the company's in-house Flex Lab, where engineers study the effects of...

Analog cables.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors)
April 1, 2005... The plenum-rated brilliance analog audio cables are designed for line level audio connections, audio distribution equipment, and studio wiring with room-to-room plenum. The single-pair 9451P and 9451DP Siamese construction cables feature the...

Metallic cord grips.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors)
April 1, 2005... The Metallic Liquid-Tight Cable Glands heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant, liquid-tight metallic cord grips are available with NPT, metric or PG threads. They are designed with smooth, rounded interior edges that allow cords and cables ranging...

Low-profile flag disconnect.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors)
April 1, 2005... The Etco low-profile E crimp flag disconnect terminal features an insulated closed back and is made from UL 94V-0-rated fire-retardant nylon. Providing a reliable F crimp rather than a bent back strands and eliminates the need for...

Connectors.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors)
April 1, 2005... The Tuff-Link E-CON connector family includes single-ended and double-ended M12 an M8 connectors, cable assemblies and receptacles. The connectors allow for easy replacement of sensors, switches and control components. Additionally, they...

Liquid-tight connectors.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors)
April 1, 2005... The ETP 4QS connector can be used with liquid-tight flexible metallic electrical conduit. It is UL-listed for use in Class Division 2 hazardous location electrical systems such as petrochemical plants. The connector features a zinc-plated...

Connector system.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors)
April 1, 2005... USB+Power connectors combine standard USB contacts with additional power contacts to address applications requirements exceed the capabilities of standard USB; their configuration provides an additional 3A of current-carrying capacity beyond...

Cable wrap.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors)
April 1, 2005... Heli-Tube fire-resistant polyethylene spiral wrap conforms to UL94v-1 requirements for a flame-retardant material and is simple to apply without tools. Suitable for bundling, organizing and protecting wires and cables in a variety of...

Conductive fluoroplastic tubing.(Electrical/Electronics: Wires, Cables & Connectors)
April 1, 2005... This PTFE tubing is offered with a conductive ID that conforms to AMS-H-27267. It has a minimum conductance of 10 to 20 [micro]A with 1000 VDC applied over a 14-in. length. Designed to eliminate static charges affecting combustible fluid...