Designfax articles from June 2002

Designfax archives from June 2002

Tales of technology passed. (Up Front).
June 1, 2002... A couple of months ago I noted on this page two reports on environmental topics, with the summation that output from the design community has an ultimate impact on the world. Got a few letters -- some agreeing, some disagreeing and offering...

Design software. (Advertisement).
June 1, 2002... New sizes just added! Free software is now available that allows engineers to search through thousands of standard retaining rings and wave springs. Utilize interactive design wizards to create custom rings and springs. Input assembly...

Wave Springs. (Advertisement).
June 1, 2002... 40 pages of Space Saving Solutions in Smalley's latest Wave Spring catalog. Wave Springs fit in tight radial and axial spaces and reduce spring heights up to 50%. Thousands of stock sizes are available in carbon and stainless steel. Stock sizes...

Thinking thin: and getting your flux in a row. (Five Star Product of the Month).
June 1, 2002... There was a handbook on programming Fortran, some two decades ago, that bore a quote on the frontispiece, "Just what the world needs.. .another Fortran book." Technology and advances in design today might allow us to paraphrase that with........

Siemens. (Technology Spotlight).
June 1, 2002... During the thousands of surgical procedures performed each year, many surgeons -- regardless of their years of experience -- may well wish there were some means of seeing exactly where to make the incision. A Siemens prototype for augmented...

U&I Softwares LLC. (Technology Spotlight).
June 1, 2002... Time was when we just sat and listened to the music. Then, pop groups like The Beatles and Black Sabbath were accused of sneaking satanic messages into songs, only heard when the music was played backwards. Now it seems one of the world's most...

Semi-conductive silicone. (Materials: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... * eliminates static buildup * retains physical properties This company has developed a proprietary process for making cast silicone semi-conductive. Initial products made with Silicone C material include a drive roller for a direct...

Online tech center. (Materials: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... This company's Internet-based TechCenter puts plastics processors in direct contact with technical experts from multiple suppliers. Individual questions may be submitted and answers are threaded and archived for future reference. Omnexus,...

Machining stock. (Materials: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Pyropel HD high-purity thermoset polymide machining stock is suited for high temperatures and chemical environments. The material meets semiconductor outgassing and ionic purity standards. Albany International, Mansfield, MA. Free...

TPE overmolding. (Materials: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Versaflex TPE alloys offer good adhesion qualities during two-shot overmolding onto nylon 6/6 and nylon 6 substrates. This eliminates the need for primers, adhesives or mechanical interlocks, easing design flexibility, manufacture and cost....

Getting a grip on power tools. (Materials: Application Xtra).
June 1, 2002... * withstands shop abuse * cushions against vibration Sioux Tools, of Sioux City, IO, has been providing tools for industry for close to 90 years. Barely out of their first decade, the company introduced some of the first hand-held...

Selecting SCR power controllers: reduce heat control system panel costs.
June 1, 2002... Whether building control panels for internal use or a paying customer, controlling cost always is a major concern. With fully burdened labor rates as high as $75 an hour, assembly and installation times must be held to a minimum. Of course, the...

Pneumatic rodless cylinders. (Innovations).
June 1, 2002... Employing 30% fewer mechanical parts than its competitors, the i16 series of rodless cylinders offers an array of style and options. Bore sizes include 18, 25, 32, 40, 50 and 63mm. Bodies are extruded aluminum. Options include mounting feet,...

Nanosteps. (Innovations).
June 1, 2002... The INS50 five-phase nanostep driver integrates a 100-120 VAC ([+ or -]10%) input voltage for maximum performance, and boasts the programming capacity to run up to 500,000 steps per single revolution. A DC version, called the INS500, provides...

High-torque motors. (Innovations).
June 1, 2002... The MBT series features direct-drive technology that eliminates mechanical drivetrain elements. The synchronous, frameless motors produce torque of up to 3820 ft-lbs at speeds from 100 to 750 rpm. The units exhibit extremely low torque ripple,...

Brushless DC motors. (Innovations).
June 1, 2002... Special winding geometry, combined with NdFeB magnets these motors, optimizes flux in the magnetic circuit more efficiently than in similar brushless DC motors. Rational losses and magnetic losses are minimized, and the motors run cooler with...

High force linear motor. (Innovations).
June 1, 2002... The LC line of linear motors use a laminated steel core design with a high copper fill for improved thermal efficiency. The laminations are completely encapsulated, eliminating moisture migration in wet environments that can lead to motor...

Distributed control: Networking robotic systems and workcells.
June 1, 2002... There exists today a broad choice of networking solutions for robotic systems and workcell distributed control architectures. Some were developed specifically for industrial communication systems (Profibus, SDS, InterBus, Sercos, DeviceNet...),...

Pneumatic actuators. (Motion Spotlight: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... * high accuracy * simple design For linear motion applications such as pick-and-place, series GC and GS pneumatic guided actuators provide high positioning accuracy. Actuators feature standard industrial bearings, piston magnets, and...

Displacement transducers. (Motion Spotlight: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... At 40% shorter than other LVDTs with the same measuring range, the WA-Electronic series of inductive displacement transducers can handle up to 150[degrees]C, in harsh industrial environments and wash-down situations. HBM Inc, Marlborough, MA....

Custom actuators. (Motion Spotlight: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... This company's engineers offer their expertise in designing and assembling precision positioning systems. They combine their CagedBall design with expertise in structural design and finite element analysis. Three levels of design services are...

Miniature position transducers. (Motion Spotlight: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Series D60, D61 and D62 digital output position transducers offer measurement ranges up to 43 in. Initial applications for these high-res string encoders include machine control and medical device feedback. Space Age Control, Palmdale, CA. ...

Linear position sensor. (Motion Spotlight: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Designed for use in hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders and actuators, the DC-operated HydraStar variable inductance, non-contact position sensor is capable of measuring 2- to 24-in. in pressures up to 3500 psi. Sentech Inc, North Hills, PA. ...

Position scanning. (Motion Spotlight: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... The LS-1M100 high-speed, high-precision 2D laser scanner system is suited for PC board manufacturing, particularly in portable electronic devices. The unit features a high scanning angle of [+ or -]25 degrees with rotor inertia of 35.3...

Encoders. (Motion Spotlight: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Synthesizing custom-designed OPTO-AIC technology with a modular mechanical design, the CoreTech encoder line offers incremental and absolute encoder solutions with different mechanical interfaces, housing styles and resolutions. Stegmann,...

Brushless pancake motor. (Motion Products).
June 1, 2002... The EC series of brushless pancake motors is electronically commutated for longer motor life. Motors are offered with Hall effect sensors as an option. Continuous output power is 30W Maxon Precision Motors Inc, Burlingame, CA. Free...

Highspeed DC brushless. (Motion Products).
June 1, 2002... The 0000308 low cogging brushless DC kit motor is designed for applications that are sensitive to torque ripple. The compact motor measures 3.6- by 1.35-in, and produces peak torque of 200 oz-in. Servo Magnetics Inc, Canoga Park, CA. Free...

Wrap spring clutch/brakes. (Motion Products).
June 1, 2002... For dependable load starting and stopping applications, wrap spring products offer simple construction, low cost and long, maintenance-free life. The Standard CB series of clutches/brakes is suited for high speeds, whereas the Super CB series...

Torque limiter. (Motion Products).
June 1, 2002... The backlash-free series 320 torque limiter clutch protects equipment from overload damage. Its compact design reduces weight and inertia on the equipment. Various styles accommodate specific application requirements. Autogard Corp, Rockford,...

Linear actuators. (Motion Products).
June 1, 2002... Size 17 hybrid linear actuators have a class F insulation system that can endure temperatures up to 155[degrees]C. These high-temp actuators are available in captive, non-captive, external linear and linear rotary design. Haydon Switch &...

Hermetically sealed LVDTs. (Motion Products).
June 1, 2002... Built for linear motion control, machine tools, factory automation and general position measurement applications, the HSDR 750 series of hermetically sealed DC-operated LVDTs are 3/4 in. in dia. with a radially mounted electrical connector that...

4-axis motion control. (Motion Products).
June 1, 2002... For controlling stepper motors or servomotors, the PPCI7443 4-axis motion control card incorporates a PCL6045 control chip into its compact 32-bit PCI-bus plug-and-play design. Nippon Pulse Motor Co Ltd, Radford, VA. Free info--Circle 221....

Step motors. (Motion Products).
June 1, 2002... Compared to conventional hybrid steppers, the PM line of geared steppers has a space-saving design that provides added torque for less cost. Sizes range from 35 to 56mm dia. and 17.3 to 40.6mm length. Gearheads add only 9.3mm to the overall...

High-resolution DC motors. (Motion Products).
June 1, 2002... By combining standard resonant mode for long travel and high speed with a non-resonant mode for ultra-fine positioning, these DC motors are capable of yielding discrete moves of 1 to 300 nm. Nanomotion Inc, Ronkonkoma, NY. Free...

Aerator. (Fluid Power: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... * restores Flow characteristics * simple & low-cost The BinFlo aerator restores to any dry, pulverized material its original capacity to flow readily from bins, hoppers or through-chutes. This flow characteristic exists when air is...

Vacuum generator. (Fluid Power: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... This energy -- efficient combination venturi vacuum generator and fully ported 3-way valve modular unit uses microgap valve construction for a very short stroke of the balanced spool. Clippard Instrument Laboratory Inc, Cincinnati, OH. ...

Pressure switches & transmitters. (Fluid Power: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Series 360 and 460 compact stainless steel pressure and temperature switches and sensors are suited for hazardous, explosion-proof locations. They are Cenelec EXxd IIC T6 flameproof certified. United Electric Controls, Watertown, MA. Free...

Ultraminiature fittings. (Fluid Power: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Designed for applications where space savings is critical, these ultra-miniature M3 threaded fittings are available in both brass and 303 stainless steel. Configurations include straight barbed tube fittings, elbows, tees, plugs and compression...

Sealing in steam. (Fluid Power: Application Xtra).
June 1, 2002... * withstands heat and corrosives * resists swelling and compression set A new fluoroelastomer sealing compound, specifically formulated to withstand the heat and corrosive effects of high temperature steam applications, has been...

Special fasteners shift SUV design: redesigned threads prevent chipping and fracturing in magnesium castings. (Tech Upgrade).
June 1, 2002... Auto designers are on a continuous crusade to reduce vehicle weight, and magnesium, at one-fourth the mass of steel and two-thirds that of aluminum, fulfills their needs. The Lunt Manufacturing plant in Hampshire, IL, one of the largest in the...

Coil inserts. (Mechanical: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... * faster installation * lower cost Since tang-removal is not required with the Kato Tagless CoilThread insert, installation time and costs associated with the use of threaded inserts are reduced. The resilient, high-tension coil...

Locknuts. (Mechanical: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... These precision locknuts provide a simple way to upgrade a shaft accurately. They are easy to adjust at right angles to the shaft, with good balance and a high-precision finish designed for efficient locking (ground end squareness falls within...

Fastener catalog. (Mechanical: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Catalog No. 2020, entitled Advanced Plastic Fasteners and Components, includes product descriptions, specifications and drawings of ANSI and DIN standard machine screws, cap screws, nuts, washers, spacers, hinges, handles, u-bolts, eyebolts,...

Hexagonal inserts. (Mechanical: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Designed for placement in the plastic mold prior to plastic injection, these brass hexagonal molded-in inserts are for use in applications where high torque and pull-out! through resistance is required. Spirol International Corp, Danielson, CT....

Nylon rivet. (Mechanical: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... This one-piece Panel Cinching Rivet consists of two elements -- a T-shaped drive pin joined to a U-shaped body via thin webs. Four sizes fit 0.125- to 0.25-in. dia. and maximum panel thickness of 0.174 in. Micro Plastics Inc, Flippin, AR. ...

Electrically conductive transfer adhesive. (Mechanical: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Suggested as an inexpensive and reliable method for fabricating EMI shields, electrical interconnections and ground plane assemblies for electronic equipment, ARclad 9032 is a 1-mil, electronically clean transfer adhesive product capable of...

Self-clinching fasteners. (Mechanical: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Designed to reduce the number of parts needed for attachment, Autospec self-clinching studs, nuts and standoffs meet automotive industry certification and quality standards. Ultrathin metal sheets can be accommodated. PEM Fastening Systems,...

Large washers. (Mechanical: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... This company has expanded its line of 17,000 washers to offer short-, medium- and long-run sizes between 0.080- and 12-in. dia. Common and hard-to-find materials (low carbon, spring steel, plastics, etc.) are available. Boker's Inc....

UV-curing epoxies. (Mechanical: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Formulated to cure rapidly, these environmentally resistant epoxies produce slick, smooth, dry surfaces in a few seconds. Strong bonds form rapidly, reaching full strength in 1 to 24 hours. They adhere well to glass, metal and various plastics....

High-strength bolts. (Mechanical: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Available in a variety of alloys and finishes, 12-point bolts are available in sizes from #6 to 1 3/4-in, dia. Tensile bolts with this head configuration feature strength levels up to 260 ksi ultimate strength. Shear bolts are offered in...

PSAs for nameplate applications. (Mechanical: Application Xtra).
June 1, 2002... * environmentally friendly * economical and convenient Nameplates for Industry (NFi), produces custom screen-printed products like nameplates, faceplates, membrane switches, decals, overlays and tamper-proof seals. Using pressure...

Regulator-controller. (Electrical/Electronics: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... * step-up and step-down * single-coil design The S-8460 is a PWM control switching regulator controller consisting of an automatic-selection control circuit for step-up and step-down. Using one coil instead of two -- as in other,...

Connectors. (Electrical/Electronics: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... The Amphe-Base connector series can provide power to bus bars and backplane assemblies. Offered in two- or three-position patterns, the connectors can handle up to 50A with 8 AWG wire and 100A with 4 AWG wire Amphenol Corp. Sidney, NY Free...

Button batteries. (Electrical/Electronics: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Smaller, high capacity, low voltage batteries for future downsized cellular telephones include five different batteries with three different combinations of materials to serve 1.5- and 3.0-volt requirements. They are made with lead-free solder....

DC/DC converter. (Electrical/Electronics: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... This half-brick 100W converter module is offered in 5.OV, 3.3V or l.8V outputs, making it suitable for low-voltage semiconductors. The EXB100 features a high-efficiency synchronous rectifier design capable of delivering high output currents...

PCB connector. (Electrical/Electronics: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Power Tap connectors feature a 6-32 threaded steel insert staked in place and surrounded by 10 press-fit pins. Maximum current capacity is 40A at 600V, with a rated current resistance of less than 10 mW ITW Pancon, Bolingbrook, IL. Free...

Low-profile supply. (Electrical/Electronics: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Featuring a 1-in, high profile, the PSS100 open frame supply has a power density of 100W Designed for networking systems and gaming machines, the single-output, L-bracket unit has a 75 to 84% efficiency factor, Phihong USA Corp. Fremont, CA....

Power connector. (Electrical/Electronics: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Snaplock is a series of miniature power connectors that handle continuous currents to 200A and peak currents to 400A. They incorporate a simple safety locking mechanism that uses a non-conductive tip that prevents physical contact with the...

Block-type power supply. (Electrical/Electronics: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... Mounting on a standard DIN rail, S8TS units are bus-connected for "snap-together" combinations without inter-unit wiring. Up to four units can be installed together for requirements from 5 to 24V Omron Electronics LLC, Schaumburg, IL. Free...

Class 2 transformer. (Electrical/Electronics: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... This 95 VA transformer outputs 24V with a 120V input. Applications include HVAC systems, appliances, and energy management and control systems. ATC-Frost Magnetics Inc, Oakville, ON. Free info-- Circle 294. www.rsleads.com/206df-294

48-volt supply. (Electrical/Electronics: Top Product).
June 1, 2002... The OPS-l000-48 is a single-output, 1,000W power supply that is about 91% efficient, providing a packaged power density of 14 watts per cubic inch. The unit weighs less than 3 pounds and is 0.99 power factor corrected. Online Power Supply Inc,...

Shielding gaskets. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... This BeCu variable finger snap-on RFI/EMI shielding hooks over the edge of a flange while fingers on the opposite side snap into slots. Reducing the number of full fingers increases shielding effectiveness. Tech-Etch Inc, Plymouth, MA. ...

Low-EMI processor. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... Designed for embedded control, communications and Ethernet connectivity, the series 3000 low-EMI 8-bit microprocessor is typically less than 10 dB [micro]V/m at 3m. The clock spectrum spreader reduces derivative signals by 15 dB. Rabbit...

Mixing guide. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... Statomix Motionless Mixer Catalog features a diverse range of mixers for meter, mix and dispense equipment, hand-held cartridge dispensing, rotary mixers for dynamic mixing, flexible in-line mixers, shrouds, stainless steel mixers with...

Frequency hopping. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... For environments where remote transmitters compete for bandwidth, 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum Frequency Hopping (SSFH) enables remote devices to transmit and receive without interference. They incur low power consumption. HED Inc, Hartford, WI. ...

Casters. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... LevelCaster all-in-one precision leveling mount and caster offers the flexibility of a caster while providing the full vibration isolation of a mount. Constructed of cast metal, it is lightweight but can handle load capacities from 25 to 1800...

Shielded boxes. (Product News).
June 1, 2002... For shielding parts of printed circuit boards, these self-adhesive- or solder-pin-mounted modular system shielded boxes are available in five widths and lengths, increasing by steps of 1/4 in. Holland Shielding Systems BV, Dordrecht,...

Making robots work harder and safer: crash protection reduces loss and downtime. (Just one More).
June 1, 2002... During the training phase of most robotic applications a robot will encounter a few collisions with other objects. However, in production, manually- or semi-manually-loaded work pieces can become misaligned, leading to a "crash" that, even if...