Designfax articles from August 2000

Designfax archives from August 2000

The Best Design Engineer, Never.
August 1, 2000... While awards are handed out annually, testimonials given and backs slapped, very few engineers become part of our language. There are Otto-cycle and Stirling engines, and there is the form of carbon called "buckminsterfullerene" (bucky-balls),...

And a disc-drive shall lead.
August 1, 2000... I suspect that engineers are the least non-plused members of the general population over the saga of the Human Genome Project. Not over the many and complex moral issues, but the task of mapping 100,000 genes in human DNA would be daunting to...

Solenoid Power Manager.
August 1, 2000... Many motion control applications, such as valves, clutches, brakes and positioners, employ solenoids for actuation. Most of these devices are of the closing-the-air-gap variety, in which the actuator is designed so that the force-to-power ratio...

Ufa Aviation Technical University.
August 1, 2000... As reported in Associated Press in July -- introduced as a "giant step forward" in footwear, gasoline-powered boots were demonstrated in a public square in Ufa, 750 miles southeast of Moscow. Roman Kunikov, one of the professors who designed...

Skion Corp.
August 1, 2000... While they are bulky, heavy, and require large amounts of power, cathode-ray tubes are still less expensive to produce than other display systems for computer monitors and televisions: Skion Corp., Hoboken, NJ, is at work developing a field...

Reader CONNECTION.
August 1, 2000... Flywheel friend Regarding the alternative energy article earlier this year and flywheels, our company has been producing flywheel energy storage machines since the 1970s. We were mentioned in the Popular Science articles that you remember...

Chips and Dips.
August 1, 2000... Fluctuations in the semiconductor market hasn't stemmed the tide of production Technology investors won't fondly remember April 2000. They watched in horror as their stocks plunged like heated copper ingots. Experts are cautiously agreeing...

Overniqht Golf Shoe Soles Beat Par.
August 1, 2000... Rapid prototyping and innovative plastics speed development cycle The golfing community is aiming for holes in one, not holes in the green, because many golf courses now discourage -- even ban -- the use of traditional metal-spiked...

Test Your Knowledge of Shaped Fine Wire.
August 1, 2000... New materials and capabilities are creating valuable new ideas and applications that may warrant closer examination Specially-shaped fine wire has been around for many years. Applications range from everyday consumer products, such as...

Design Considerations for Injection molded Parts.
August 1, 2000... Injection molding is an excellent way to bring out the best in plastics. It is universally used to make complex, finished parts, often in a single step, economically, precisely and with little waste. Designers face a huge number of options when...

Harsh Environment Encoder.
August 1, 2000... Series EK600 magnetic encoders provide high-resolution feedback of 3000 cycles per revolution for any rotating shaft up to 140mm in diameter. The unit will operate in environments of shock, vibration, sawdust, oil, grease, salt spray, excessive...

Proximity Sensors.
August 1, 2000... Three families of devices are offered to provide extended range in unique environmental applications. The IP 67 line of efector m sensors are for use in industrial automation where there is high shock and vibration; the IP 68 are for...

Safety Couplings.
August 1, 2000... Designed for the electric-powered plastic injection molding machine industry, the DMK/L torque limiting safety couplings offer protection against costly damage caused by frequent disengagements. They are available as mechanical or magnetic...

Miniature Ball Bearings.
August 1, 2000... The use of a new stainless steel alloy, SV30, gives these miniature ball bearings superior heat and corrosion resistance, according to the manufacturer. Both inch and metric sizes are offered, with bore diameters from 1 to 17mm, and outer...

Linear Ball Transfer Bearing.
August 1, 2000... Using a patented segment bearing technology, this linear bearing serves as a rack support bearing for either a power or manual steering gear. The self-aligning hearing, which has roll, pitch and yaw capabilities, supports the steering rack...

Selecting and Applying Linear Motion Devices.
August 1, 2000... Rolling element linear motion bearings are widely used to guide, support, locate, and accurately move machinery components and products in industry. The primary criteria for selecting linear motion devices from the wide array of components on...

Sub-micro drives.
August 1, 2000... This company has added three power ratings of 15, 20 and 25 HP to its SCF Series of sub-micro drives. As with the rest of the SCF drives, the new models offer greater operating and programming flexibility to those who need to power AC motors...

DC motors.
August 1, 2000... These DM1 motors feature laminated construction and a 40 to 700 HP range, and are ideal for precise motor control on extrusion equipment, including injection-, compression-, and blow-molding machines. A built-in overload capacity, combined with...

AC motors.
August 1, 2000... The Large AC General Purpose, motor (LGP) family provides a practical, cost-competitive solution to fulfill the need for dependability, without the added complexity associated with some specifications and accessories. Motors are available in a...

Integrated motor.
August 1, 2000... The FCM 300 Series integrated motor/AFD solution is an integrated motor and drive, which is ideal for OEMs with limited space, time and budget. Typical applications include conveyors. pumps, fans for food and beverage production, packaging and...

Sub-FHP DC motors.
August 1, 2000... These two lines of small permanent magnet brush-type DC motors for commercial and industrial applications may be powered by higher-voltage direct current sources, such as SCR controls, or from low-voltage sources such as batteries, solar power...

Drive series.
August 1, 2000... The Magnum series consists of three half-bridge drives rated at 600V and 75 amps that can drive brushless DC, induction and brush motors. The Basic Magnum 75 contains an isolated power supply, a pair of gate drivers, and an IGBT power stage...

Intelligent servo drive.
August 1, 2000... The IPM100 is a low cost, high performance drive that offers high level axis control functions (master, slave, stand-alone operation) for brushed and brushless DC motors up to 100W. Vector current control allows motor control over a wide speed...

Step motors.
August 1, 2000... This family of NEMA size 23 high torque stepping motors is for new systems or existing system upgrades. The versatile design allows for easy drop-in replacement and boosts power to more than 1.5 times, compared to conventional stepping motors...

Synchronous motor.
August 1, 2000... The PTM series of low-speed, permanent magnet synchronous step motors is ideal for timing applications. It has a shaded pole permanent magnet design that allows automatic self-starting and dynamic braking without an external brake. With...

Compumotor driver.
August 1, 2000... This company has released a Compumotor driver for its latest Interact version 6.0 HMI software. Pairing it with the 6K hardware platform enhances motion control and simplifies machine design and electromechanical system integration. The HMI...

Motion control systems.
August 1, 2000... This company's servo and stepping motor control systems catalog introduces its series of standalone servo and stepping motor controllers and digital servo drives: the IMCjr and the SMJ. The IMCjr offers system designers models ranging from 3 to...

Frameless kit motors.
August 1, 2000... These servo kit motors offer high reliability and performance in a compact, easy-to-install package. They provide high torques (from 0.06 to l2Nm), speeds up to 20,000 RPM and power ratings up to 5 HP. Available in five sizes from 32 to 127mm,...

DC solenoids.
August 1, 2000... The STN3264 series of 1-in. diameter, DC tubular pull-type solenoids are in-stock components that provide a broad range of applications wherever a short stroke with high force and low power are specified. Typical applications include computer...

Planetary gearboxes.
August 1, 2000... The IP series of gearboxes has hardened gears throughout for long life and is manufactured to ISO Standard 7. Single-piece output shaft and carrier construction, along with dual pre-loaded sealed ball bearings, allows higher maximum and shock...

Motor controller.
August 1, 2000... This line of 30, 40 and 60 ampere manual motor controllers features 30 amp double pole and three pole switches with back wiring capability. The external back wiring feature offers a strain containment design that ensures 100 percent clamping of...

Absolute encoder.
August 1, 2000... This encoder uses a magnetic platform, and can withstand shock to 100 Gs. The AG626-DN offers high resistance to environmental contamination and EMI/RFI noise because of its magnetic design and tightly sealed construction. The encoder can...

Conversion module.
August 1, 2000... The Servo-to-Step module converts servo motor control signals to stepper motor control signals, and can control four independent stepper motors. The unit is an active termination panel that converts a [+ or -]10V signal to the step per CW/CCW...

Motion controller.
August 1, 2000... The Econo Series two-axis motion controller provides both RS232 and Ethernet communications links for easy high speed and long distance communications between any number of computer hardware devices. By supporting the 10-Base T Ethernet...

Rotary stroke box actuators.
August 1, 2000... The microprocessor-based control circuit accepts current voltage and resistance input signals Control overrides allow forcing the actuator to either end of travel on demand Stroke lengths at 90 or 180 degrees are switch selectable. Other stroke...

Feedthroughs/actuators.
August 1, 2000... The Chamber-Link 14 and 32 offer higher torque ties than the original model. The 14 is rated at 40 in.lb continuous torque at 70 RPM output speed and can provide accurate positioning for wafers and small cassettes in load lock, transfer and...

Modular I/O system.
August 1, 2000... The Beachoff Bus Terminal is a modular I/O system that is compatible with current and future fieldbus technologies, and consists of modular electronic terminal blocks with 1, 2 or 4 channels per unit, allowing configuration and expansion in...

Linear encoder.
August 1, 2000... The RHG41 encoders deliver read speeds up to 25 ft/sec with resolutions as high as 0.2 microns. A compact design and shop-hardened, full metal jacket construction allow good application flexibility and plug-and-play convenience, particularly...

Compact actuator.
August 1, 2000... The Servocell is intended for use where companctness, light weight and low energy consumption must be combined with reliability and low electromagnetic compatibility emissions. Using piezo-ceramic bimorph actuators that generate force upon...

Servo amplifier.
August 1, 2000... The model 8158 DC amplifier features surface mount technology for compact size and light weight, and is capable of delivering 8 amps continuous and 15 amps of peak current, with an input voltage range of 18 to 80 VDC. Designed for system...

Pneumatic actuator.
August 1, 2000... The Duo Linear Actuator series of twin piston rod actuators allows for greater force in a compact package along with non-rotation of the rods. Available with NPT or G(BSPP) ports, the actuator comes in bore sizes of 5/8-, 1- and 1 1/4-in....

Composite bearing.
August 1, 2000... This self-aligning bearing is designed for use in linear motion and full rotation applications. Duralon bearings are manufactured with a woven Teflon fabric liner backed by a casing of filament-wound fiberglass and epoxy resin. The outer race...

Robotic grippers.
August 1, 2000... These pneumatically-powered grippers are available in parallel finger types, scissors finger types, and a variety of independently moving finger adjustable and collect-style designs. Gripping forces are from 9 to 537 lb. The grippers are part...

Breakout modules.
August 1, 2000... These modules are engineered to interface AT- and MT-type servo controllers to the analog and digital I/O of the firm's industrial linear motors. The modules are available in analog and digital versions. The analog input voltage range for all...

Position sensor.
August 1, 2000... The LWH features an improved resistance track with lower contact resistance, decoupling the push rod and wiper mounting to provide higher tolerance versus misalignment, and a single part connection flange to seal out oil, water and other...

Linear ball bearings.
August 1, 2000... This metric ball bearing series features a self-locking retention mechanism that reduces assembly and maintenance costs. The Sferax SL series bearings can be pushed into place by hand. The series' housing and rolling element components are...

Electric cylinders.
August 1, 2000... The Series-CC is an enhanced ball and acme screw actuator that can handle a 3000 lb. static load, Available in two models, the CC-19 can handle a 750 lb. load and the CC-58 can handle up to a 1500 lb. load, depending or gearbox and lift screw...

Specialized Search Engines.
August 1, 2000... Useful Alternatives for Design Engineers Many moons ago we visited search engines and metasearch engines. We then explored Virtual Libraries in an effort to collect and centralize resources for specific disciplines. As search and directory...

Touchscreen displays.
August 1, 2000... Two Firestorm flat-panel display models accommodate machine control applications where the industrial process controls are mounted remotely from the display. Offering built-in touch-screens, the Model 121D has a l2.l in. screen with a maximum...

Diffusion reflectors.
August 1, 2000... Cast in lightweight, impact resistant acrylic in a wide range of colors and thicknesses Clarex DR-I diffusion reflectors enhance small screen display images, and are offered in 13 standard thicknesses. Typical applications include digital...

Temperature indicator.
August 1, 2000... Completely self contained, the P-Series temperature indicators provide accurate monitoring for incinerators, ovens, furnaces and pollution-control equipment. The factory-calibrated units require no power supply or batteries, and are sealed to...

Compact touchpanel.
August 1, 2000... Based on the Microsoft, Windows CE operating system, the SIMATIC TP170Afeatures a 6 in. touch-sensitive screen in an IP65-rated panel design. The unit's standard Profibus DP/MPI interface can be linked to any SIMATIC S7 controller at a maximum...

Flat-panel industrial monitors.
August 1, 2000... The Flat Panel Express Line of LCD industrial monitors is designed with a one-piece polyester overlay, and is rated for NEMA 4 harsh environments when properly mounted. Offered in 12.1-, 15- and 18.1-in, sizes, the displays feature a viewing...

Explosion-zone panels.
August 1, 2000... The Triton series of flat-panel displays and operator interfaces is designed for harsh duty in industrial explosion hazard zones. All systems are specifically matched, to outdoor computer operations in areas that are designated Class I,...

Slim computers.
August 1, 2000... The SLIN Series of industrial computers are suitable for harsh factory floor and industrial environments, and are CE compliant as well as NEMA 4/12 when mounted in a correspondingly rated enclosure. Four display sizes are offered, from 10.4-to...

Reflective color displays.
August 1, 2000... Using cholesteric LCD technology, these display modules use significantly lower power than conventional LCDs in portable electronics applications. Once displayed, no power is required to keep the image visible for days, months or even years....

Multi-signal acceptance.
August 1, 2000... The Clarity-18UHB is an 18.1 in. flat panel monitor that accepts analog, digital and interlaced NTSC input, all on the same video controller board. Maximum resolution is 1280 x 1024, and the 900 nit brightness permits this unit to be installed...

Display station brochure.
August 1, 2000... The brochure for the CIMPLICITY Display Station series details the features and benefits of the bundled hardware and software systems for industrial applications. Eleven different Display Station 2000, 2020 and 2050 models offer flexibility,...

Easy-to-read horizontal display.
August 1, 2000... The CB500 1/8th DIN unit has a display that is twice the size of that on most 1/8th DIN controllers, Space-saving installation brackets permit two CB500s to be fitted into the space of a single 1/4 DIN cutout. A self-tuning PID algorithm allows...

Process meter.
August 1, 2000... The Universal Process Meter accepts all process inputs and displays them in any engineering unit. It can be used in applications such as indication of level, pressure or temperature, open channel flow rate/totalization, batch process control or...

Configurable indicator.
August 1, 2000... The 21 16i indicator can be configured to accept virtually any process variable or temperature input, including 0-10V, 4-20 mA, Platinum 100 RTD or thermocouples (J, K, T, L, N, R, S, B and C). Power options are 85 to 265 VAC or 20 to 29 VDC. A...

Self-contained ammeter.
August 1, 2000... The on-board current transformer of the ACA-20PC Series digital ammeter allows plug-and-play operation. The unit measures in four ranges--0-2A, 0-2A, 0-50A or 0-100A. Three DC models are powered by 5 VDC, 5-40 VDC, or 36-75 VDC supplies, and...

LCD emulators.
August 1, 2000... This line of vacuum fluorescent displays offers an alternative to LCD or LED units. The VFDs have greater brightness and readability, and can be specified into existing product lines without change to the installation environment. There are...

Time-keeping displays.
August 1, 2000... The 708 HA Series is a family of 4- to 12-in. high-accuracy displays designed specifically for industrial applications. Precision time keeping is achieved even in the absence of primary power, with technology that combines a micro-power...

Torsional-resistant coupling.
August 1, 2000... The KHS coupling series has been tested to speeds of 25,000 RPM and is designed to operate even faster. No other metal bellows coupling is able to operate in applications above 15,000 RPM, according to the company. The series features a...

Square hole sleeves and bushings.
August 1, 2000... This low-cost product line can be used as sliding couplings, extensions for socket drives, bearing carriers and as sliding bearings. These square hole sleeves are made of cold rolled C1117 steel and are stocked in 10 different lengths from 3/4-...

Boltless coupling.
August 1, 2000... DUR 0 LOK couplings are all-purpose, lightweight connectors designed to replace ANSI series 150 - 2500 flanges. These couplings ensure reliable operation over a wide temperature range and are designed to reduce maintenance, material costs and...

Coupling.
August 1, 2000... Parallel misalignment is the most difficult form of misalignment for couplings to absorb, and also can be the most damaging to shafts, bearings and motors. The HELI-CAL Flexure coupling, through lateral displacement, transforms an application's...

Oldham couplings.
August 1, 2000... Paradrive couplings for motion control applications are comprised of two aluminum hubs with drive tenons that mate with a floating center member. This allows for easy sliding to accommodate misalignment. These couplings have very light bearing...

Clutch couplings.
August 1, 2000... The BEG series is available in seven sizes, with torque ranges from 1.5 through nearly 1,800 in. lb. Composed of an armature assembly, rotor, stationary field/coil assembly and ball bearing, this series offers a zero backlash armature with...

Metric collars & couplings.
August 1, 2000... This company offers a line of steel and stainless steel clamp-type collars and couplings that axe completely metric, including all dimensions and fasteners. Products are offered in one and two-piece clamp-type styles as well as triple-link...

Stainless steel.
August 1, 2000... Custom 465 stainless alloy provides high strength and fracture toughness for medical instruments, and also has been used for screwdrivers and nut drivers. When peak aged (H900 condition), this alloy retains higher notch tensile strength than...

Pure metals.
August 1, 2000... This company offers a wide range of pure metals to researchers and design engineers needing only a small amount (a few grams to a few kilos) of the required item. Sixty-nine different metals, from aluminum to zirconium, are available in a...

Columbium precision machining.
August 1, 2000... Advanced forming and machining techniques have been developed by this company to produce custom parts and assemblies from columbium (niobium) and its alloys. The company has particular expertise in forming seamless vessels, tubing, cones and...

Connector alloys.
August 1, 2000... Stainless steel and nickel alloy strip in the precise gauges required for electronic connector applications can be specified from 0.0008- to 0.125-in., then rolled and tempered to specific hardness values to promote easy forming and blanking of...

Corrosion-resistant fittings.
August 1, 2000... This company has developed, advanced techniques to produce tubing, nozzles, cones, vessels, liners, valves, fittings and more from highly corrosion-resistant refractory metals. They specialize in tantalum, niobium, molybdenum, zirconium and...

Nitriding steel.
August 1, 2000... Ovako 225A greatly speeds up the nitriding process, and has better cutting characteristics and is easier to weld than other comparable steels. It can also be used to advantage for case hardening or, in some instances, as an alternative to case...

Thermal spray processes.
August 1, 2000... This company has launched a web site that offers in-depth information on thermal spray processes for coating equipment including high pressure HVOF, high energy plasma, combustion wire, electric arc and spray fuse. The company uses more than...

Solenoid valve.
August 1, 2000... These 16mm analytical valves, designed for medical, biotechnical, analytical, and semiconductor applications, are available with high quality PVDF, ETFE or PEEK plastic bodies. The Type 6605 two-way and Type 6606 three-way valves'...

High-vacuum pump.
August 1, 2000... High-vacuum rotary scroll pumps are designed for integration into lasers, biomedical equipment, leak detectors, and other process control applications requiring high performance and quiet operation. The units provide vacuum to 0.5 torr, and...

Pump series.
August 1, 2000... The BenchMark Series pumps for OEM fluidhandling applications are available for diagnostic instrument manufacturers who need a fast solution. The AccuPump, available with or without valves, is a syringe pump for pipettor/dilutor applications...

Rodless cylinders.
August 1, 2000... The HORV series of rodless cylinders features a flat piston shape that results in a thin profile. The block-type end cap eliminates the need for mounting brackets, and the cylinder has a reduced zero stroke dimension. The lightweight body...

Solenoid valves.
August 1, 2000... This compact Teflon bellows solenoid valve design is pressure balanced and rated for inlet pressures to 140 psi. Depending on the orifice size specified back pressure is rated up to 70 psi. While the valve is designed for quick-opening,...

Shuttle valves.
August 1, 2000... Minimatic shuttle valves feature female 10-32 threaded inlet ports and integral hose barb fittings. The valve combines high flow with small size and flexibility in hose connections and mounting styles, and is available with either 1/16- or...