Designfax articles from November 2001

Designfax archives from November 2001

Eyes--Now Ears. (Layer One).
November 1, 2001... With 3D imaging enhancements for computer technology and virtual visual worlds, other senses appear to have been left in the background. The practical benefits of 3D for CAD-CAM are readily apparent, but what about 3D sound? NASA researchers...

The Morlocks and the Eloi, Reconsidered. (Up Front).
November 1, 2001... Some several months back I ran across a news story about changes affecting the Parsee culture in India. It seems that traditional Parsee practice for dealing with the deceased in their group was to have a designated handler remove the body to...

Hydraulic rotary actuators: Alternative to linear cylinders. (Five Star Product of The Month).
November 1, 2001... Even in the brute force world of construction and maintenance equipment, does one find subtleties of design. An aerial basket doesn't simply move the worker up and down to his task--an operator must also be able to shift from side to side to...

Cubic boron nitride. (Technology Spotlight).
November 1, 2001... Diamonds may be the hardest substance on earth, but not necessarily the most durable. When it comes to grinding applications, this super-hard form of carbon tends to dissolve in iron at high temperatures. In comes thermally-stable boron...

Cold War. (Technology Spotlight).
November 1, 2001... With the current environmental focus on alternative fuel sources for automobiles, another contender has appeared from the past. In the early years of the Cold War, there was a secret fuel research program concentrating on hazardous...

Precision contact switches. (Electrical/Electronics Switches).
November 1, 2001... A complete family of precision contact switches, matching cable connectors and power amplifiers has been introduced for high-performance, high-actuation motion control applications. The devices deliver 40 millionths of an inch repeatability,...

Reed relays. (Electrical/Electronics Switches).
November 1, 2001... Offered in single- and dual-in-line packages, these molded reed relays provide life expectancies up to 10(9) cycles switching 5 volts @ 10 mA (depending on contact form). Both SIL- and DIP-Series are offered with an internal diode and magnetic...

Hall-effect pushbutton. (Electrical/Electronics Switches).
November 1, 2001... Designed as a SPST or 2PST momentary illuminated switch, the SW44158 suits most high-volume front panel applications. Installation requires just 1.7 in. of space behind the display panel. Electro-Mech Components Inc, South El Monte, CA. Free...

Rotary switches. (Electrical/Electronic Switches).
November 1, 2001... This company's Snap-Action rotary switches have continuous ratings ranging from 20 to 200A @ 600V, and are available with up to 4 positions and 12 poles. Features include double-wiping contacts and fully enclosed decks. Electroswitch Corp,...

Pushbutton switch. (Electrical/Electronic Switches).
November 1, 2001... These flush-mount switches in a choice of LED colors and voltages, use a simple two-piece adapter to allow installation in a standard 16mm round panel hole or a 5/8-in. square cutout. Contacts range from 100 [micro]V/ 10 [micro]A to 42V/l00 mA....

Safety relay. (Electrical/Electronic Switches).
November 1, 2001... The PNOZelog line of relays eliminates active mechanical switching found in other relays, increasing life span while reducing maintenance. Two microprocessors, which are also used in the semiconductor outputs, use different hardware and...

Machine safety switch. (Electrical/Electronics Switches).
November 1, 2001... The Furtif AMX non-contact safety switch serves as a non-contact gate switch for machinery. The ultra-compact unit is designed with two independent, interactive coded electronic systems to ensure fail-safe operation. Norstat Inc, Rockaway, NJ....

Power switch chip. (Electrical/Electronics Switches).
November 1, 2001... The FSDH0165 power switch has a voltage- mode PWM controller and SenseFET (LDMOS) power switching element integrated into a single chip, and packaged in an 8-lead DIPH. Fairchild Semiconductor International, San Jose, CA. Free info--Circle 194....

Tilt switch. (Electrical/Electronics Switches).
November 1, 2001... The AccuSwitch dual axis tilt switch is based on a low-cost angle measurement sensor that combines two accurate clinometers in one package. Programmable switch points for both axes, along with open collector and polarity outputs for each axis,...

Switch magnets. (Electrical/Electronic Switches).
November 1, 2001... A broad stock of magnets allows for better matching with this company's reed switches. Varieties include sintered ferrite, SmCo and NdFeB, bonded NdFeB and Alnico types. Gentech International LTD. Girvan, Ayrshire, UK. Free info--Circle 195....

Surface mount relay. (Electrical/Electronic Switches).
November 1, 2001... Requiring 35% less board space than the similar 9200 series, the smaller 9290 series of relays also has an external magnetic shield to minimize interaction between relays grouped closely together. Coto Technology, Providence, RI. Free...

Washdown switches. (Electrical/Electronic Switches).
November 1, 2001... Previously available in only non-flushmount models, the efector m washdown product line now includes flush mount, M30 diameter and AC voltage switch units. The switch housing is 316 stainless steel, and the devices are temperature rated for...

Miniature rockers. (Electrical/Electronic Switches).
November 1, 2001... The Model 0815 miniature, single-pole rocker switch is available in lighted and non-lighted versions, and features 1/4 in. quick connect terminals. Bezels are matte or glossy black, with gloss white or matte red or black rockers. McGill,...

Solenoid switch. (Electrical/Electronic Switches).
November 1, 2001... This Electronic Solenoid switch uses circuitry to eliminate mechanical action and electrical arcing. It withstands heavy electrical loads and used in 12 or 24 VDC applications. Encapsulated construction adds protection. Cole Hersee Co, South...

Capacitive actuators. (Electrical/Electronic Switches).
November 1, 2001... Suited for use in externally exposed environments such as traffic light systems or public information terminals, these actuators possess no mechanical parts. An adaptive function is incorporated to slow down response to water, dirt or EMC,...

Interlock switch. (Electrical/Electronic Switches).
November 1, 2001... Suited to harsh environments, the T4011 heavy-duty safety switch features an all-metal NEMA 6 enclosure with a variety of stainless steel actuators. It readily adapts to many mounting configurations. Scientific Technologies Inc, Fremont, CA....

Keeping Production Rolling: Durable urethane rollers reduce downtime. (Revision).
November 1, 2001... Richard Mandel When Phil Cagiano's pager goes off in the middle of the night, he knows it's work, but he's sure it's not his assembly line rollers again. Prior to replacing his metal compliant rollers with those made of urethane, Phil's...

Going Worldwide, 24-7: Ingersoll-Rand helps build the world by manufacturing around the world.
November 1, 2001... All of us have an affinity for some man-made contrivance, to the point that it's nearly unthinkable to be without a toothbrush, a washing machine, or something so basic as a roof over our heads. Scaling up, it becomes difficult to imagine...

Heavy-duty enclosure. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... The MaxAir.10 enclosure features a stainless steel inject/eject plate that significantly increases performance in applications where high connector pin count and numerous inject/eject cycles compromise traditional aluminum plates. A patented,...

Edge protection. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Available in either L- or U-shaped Channels, extruded polyethylene Edge-Foam protectors protect and cushion product edges from damage. Its flexible shape enables the product to wrap around corners and edges with a snug fit. Pactiv Corp, Lake...

Modular fixtures. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Modular T-slotted aluminum extrusions offer lightweight, easily-machinable fixturing that can be used as a pressure manifold for air tools, for C-Frame presses, drilling fixtures, camera positioning, sub-assembly etc. 80/20 Inc, Columbia City,...

Server slide. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... The 2807 slide for 1U and 2U chasses is only 0.375-in, wide and 1.06-in, high. It can be positioned at the top, middle or bottom of the chassis side to leave room for cooling vents, hot swapping and diagnostic work, It carries up to 50 lbs and...

Closures. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Offering quick access and a positive seal, Rapidoor closures are available in a variety of hinged and sliding configurations. Custom design can include remote operation, safety interlocks and various materials. WSF Industries Inc, Buffalo, NY....

Computer chassis. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... The customizable RKT series chassis is an EIA 19-in. rack mount configuration accepting up to a 14-slot passive backplane or ATX motherboard. Fan, filter and removable shock-mounted drive bay are included. Interlogic Industries, Melville, NY...

Enclosures & accessories. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... DC-100 four-color full-line catalog features server and colocation cabinets, turnkey cabinet assemblies, distribution cabinet assemblies, open rack servers, wall-mount racks and open double racks. There is also a complete line of UL/ NEMA/IEC...

Hinges. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... This company introduces 5 new hinges for outdoor and indoor enclosures, featuring low-cost installation and a wide range of sizes. The 30% glass-reinforced nylon withstands weathering, chemical and corrosion resistance and toughness. EMKA Inc,...

Handheld enclosure. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Industry-standard Model CTPE859 T-shape handheld enclosure eliminates the battery door and compartment in order to allow more internal space while increasing weather protection. Connect-Tech Products Inc, Carson City, NV. Free info-- Circle...

Card cages brochure. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... This color brochure provides charts and illustrations describing the company's self-extinguishing ABS plastic card cages and guides. R10 models are available in 5 heights and 4 widths, and feature 0.08-in. end panels and extruded aluminum...

System chassis. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Offering up to 4 PMC/PCI sites in a sub-lU chassis, the Multi-Node chassis has a higher computing density than traditional packaging strategies. A single-Node version is also available. Tracewell Systems Inc, Westerville, OH. Free info--Circle...

Door latch. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Designed for thinner access- and personnel-door applications, No. 1-475 R/L low-profile rotary latch is offered in right- and left-hand configurations. A two-stage automotive latch design has both primary and secondary latch features. Eberhard...

Computer cabinet. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... This heavy-duty computer cabinet features an acrylic window door that houses the monitor for easy viewing. A pullout keyboard drawer with hinged drawer front allows easy access. A full-length hinged lockbar allows padlock attachment. Side...

Heavy Equipment with a Soft Interior. (Mechanical Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Savvy employers are constantly looking for ways to enhance the work environment while cutting costs. Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL, now offers such service to heavy equipment operations. For their model 905, 966 and 980 front end loaders, they...

Safe Sacks: Packaging program prevents oxidation in overseas shipments. (Tech Upgrade).
November 1, 2001... The relative humidity within a seagoing shipping container can stay pretty close to 100% during transit. With daily temperatures fluctuating as much as 50 [degree] F or more, a virtual microclimate is created within a shipping container that...

Pneumatic cylinder. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The Series PIL Cylinder is a round-body, repairable pneumatic cylinder that offers full-flow ports, standard bumpers, and optional adjustable cushions. Suited to applications with piston speeds of 15-35 in. per second, the PIL has threaded-on...

Cable cylinders. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... This company offers three series of cable cylinders -totally enclosed, standard and guided. The totally enclosed cylinder removes the main wearable parts from the operating environment and encapsulates them within a protective body. They are...

Distribution valves. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... A range of large manual rotary distribution valves for high precision gas and fluid control are available. Pressure rated up to 500 psi, the valves are offered in 5-, 7-, 9- and 11-port versions for 4-, 6-, 8- and 10-way distribution, as well...

Remote valve operator. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The Flexi-Drivc can be applied to virtually any type of industry where valves are in use. The cable system can drive a valve up to 200 ft. away, and can accommodate up to 540 degrees of bends between stations. Smith Flow Control Ltd, Witham,...

Non-tie-rod cylinder. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The extruded body design of the DM2 cylinder line eliminates the need for tie-rods. Available in 1 1/2-, 2-, 2 1/2-, 3 1/4-and 4-in, bore sizes, the units are suited for clean environments such as food and drug processing. Mead USA, Chicago,...

Ball valve. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... Manufactured from high-strength, fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene, this high capacity 4 in. full port ball valve has a pressure rating of 100 psi at 70[degrees]F. Features include 8-bolt assembly and a self-aligning ball for full flow. The...

Ball valve. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The Triad Series 3-piece valve comes standard as fire safe certified to API 607 4th Edition standards. The valve is offered in full and standard port models, and is suited for high pressure, high temperature, severe service and high cycle...

Pneumatic control valves. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... Type V15 directional control valves offer easy installation and maintenance, corrosion resistance, and custom valve bank configuration. Features include integrated tube fittings and fast response times. Bosch Rexroth Corp, Hoffman Estates, IL....

Miniature isolation valves. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... These highpressure isolation valves feature full corrosion resistance, high cycle life, low power requirements and fast response times. Inert construction materials include PEEK, PPS and Teflon. The valves can substitute for more expensive...

Poppet valves. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The SV73 Series of 3-way double diaphragm, inert balanced poppet-inert solenoid valves are designed for the control of corrosive fluids. Two rolling diaphragms act as isolating barriers and balancing areas. Valcor Engineering Corp, Springfield,...

Barbed check valves. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... These valves have been tested functional at pressures up to 150 psi and as low as 1 psi. The devices are offered in Kynar, polycarbonate, nylon or polypropylene, covering a wide range of chemical resistance. Ark-Plas Products Inc, Flippin, AR....

Solenoid valve. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The Type 330 direct acting valve with isolating diaphragm is unaffected by tough media. It is offered with a brass body, or a stainless steel body and seat for corrosive and contaminated fluids, and 1/4-in. ports. Rating is for 150 psi max....

Barbed luers. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... This company offers samples of their barbed male and female luers, which can be made from nylon, polypropylene, radiation-stable polycarbonate, medical-grade polysulfone and PEEK, in tube ID sizes from 1/16- to 1/4-in. Value Plastics Inc, Fort...

Control valve. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The VC-210 Mini-Max valve is single-seated and bellows-sealed to prevent stem leakage. The stainless steel cast bodied-unit, is constructed with an anti-torque shaft, for use in water, steam, gas and vacuum systems. Robertshaw Industrial...

Solenoid valve. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... This 2-way extended - performance solenoid valve (EPSV) is designed to handle higher temperatures and pressures, while minimizing out-gassing. A Spike and Hold function permits hold-open at a lower voltage. The Lee Company, Westbrook, CT. Free...

Solenoid globe valves. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The high temperature and pressure capabilities of Laurence solenoid operated valves make them well-suited for demanding process applications. Available in 1/2- through 6-in, sizes, the valves are offered with flanged, threaded or weld end...

Control valve. (Fluid Power Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The Doctor Series of MD control valves may be applied to mixing or diverting dirty or viscous liquids, gases or steam. Dual port and balanced plug design provide smooth, high-pressure control, and permit use of compact actuators for...

PART 6: A Survey of Plastics Finishing Methods. (Design in Plastics).
November 1, 2001... Previous articles examined design considerations for injection-molded parts (August 2000), physical and mechanical properties (November 2000), thermal, electrical and chemical properties (February 2001,) injection molding and design with...

Surface treatment. (Materials Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Designed as an alternative for soft touch paint on ABS. TPO and poly-carbonate components, Soft-Touch formable thermoplastic sheet provides a soft, leather-like feel for automotive interior trim components. Applied during the extrusion process,...

Composite coating. (Materials Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Offering a Rockwell hardness rating in the high 80's-[+ or -]25% harder than hard chrome plating--Dia-Clust diamond-chrome coating has a low plating temperature of 100-120[degrees]F and is 0.00004- to 0.002-in. thick. Bales Mold Service Inc,...

Packaging film. (Materials Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Designed to protect ferrous and non-ferrous parts against heat, moisture and corrosive gases generated during foam-in-place packaging, lightweight flexible Cor-Pak VpCI liners resist tears and punctures. Cortec Corp. White Bear Lake, MN. Free...

Conformal coating. (Materials Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Requiring no solvent for maximum performance, the ambient moisture-cured 1C49LV silicon conformal coating for PC assemblies raises no VOC concerns. Its low viscosity enables it to coat hard-to-reach areas. The coating withstands high heat in...

Chromium free coating. (Materials Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Comprised of zinc and aluminum flake within an inorganic binder, EPA- and OSHA-approved Geomet VOC-compliant coating provides 3-times greater corrosion protection than pure zinc. Metal Coatings International, Chardon, OH. Free info-Circle 250...

Non-glare sheets. (Materials Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Coated to prevent light reflection on display panels, Clarex AR optical-quality acrylic sheets enhances image clarity on LCDs, CRTs LEDs and other displays typically viewed in direct sunlight. Astra Products Inc, Baldwin, NY. Free info-Circle...

Temperature indication. (Materials Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... This catalog highlights the company's temperature indication and high-temperature coatings. Included are Temp-Alarm[degree] time/temperature signaling paint, Chromonitor[degree] reversible temperature-indicating paint, Pyromark[degree] high...

Graphite protection. (Materials Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Titanium boride-based Graphi-Coat 623 coating protects graphite electrodes, crucibles and continuous casting fixtures used in metallurgical processing applications up to 2500[degrees]F. Aremco Products, Valley Cottage, NY. Free info--Circle...

Thread-masking process. (Materials Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... High-speed powder Nycote process repels weld splatter and prevents adhesion of electro-deposited paints, primers and coatings that can fill the threads of screws and nuts, and interfere with proper clamp loads. Nylok Fastener Corp, Macomb, MI....

Metal coating. (Materials Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Blending thermosetting powder coating with poly-tetrafluoroethylene, Epflor reduces the coefficient of friction by over 1/3 compared to pure epoxy, and has an increased resistance to corrosion or abrasion. The coating can be applied with...

PTFE-Coated Wire. (Materials Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... First developed by Roy J. Plunket at DuPont in the late 1930's, PTFE is perhaps best known for its trade name Teflon, and its popular use in preventing food from sticking to cookware. Yet the range of properties sported by this coating lends...

Bone Clone: Fine machine control aids replication of museum pieces. (Revisionx).
November 1, 2001... The old female was missing a few bones. Sue, a 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil acquired by the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago in 1997, is the world's largest, most complete and best-preserved T. Rex ever found. The...

Assist for enclosure slides. (Web Digest - Engineer's Toolbox).
November 1, 2001... Visitors to this site can actually view and markup drawings of search results as they explore this company's catalog. The desired versions can then be sent for quotations. The Solid View player is integrated into the site. Jonathan Engineered...

Die casting engineering. (Web Digest - Engineer's Toolbox).
November 1, 2001... The Design Help section of this company's site contains detailed engineering information. In addition to case studies and material comparison data pages, there are graphs and details for each die cast alloy, guidelines for tolerance, plus a...

Authoring tool. (Web Digest - Engineer's Toolbox).
November 1, 2001... The 3Scape product uses proprietary data visualization technology to facilitate communication of complex information, and the exchange of data over the Internet. Based in XML, 3Scape communicates with server side databases to improve...

Model translation and repair. (Web Digest - Engineer's Toolbox).
November 1, 2001... A complete on-line service for CAD model repair, healing and translation, DEXCenter.com provides translation between such systems and formats as IDEAS, Unigraphics, Pro/ENGINEER, CATIA, Parasolid, IGES, STEP and STL. Another function, CAD/IQ,...

Machine-related document distributor. (Web Digest - Engineer's Toolbox).
November 1, 2001... Automation ProjectNet (APN) for Machine Builders is a web-based secure collaborative environment that provides a neutral site for engineering teams to share wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings and spare parts lists with customers and partners....

Steel fabrication software. (Web Digest - Engineer's Toolbox).
November 1, 2001... The integrated MRP/MIS software in FabTrol 8 can help speed estimating, reduce material costs, and cut cycle times for steel fabricators. Five modules include, estimating and bidding; project management; drawing management; material management;...

Low-profile conveyor models. (Web Digest - Engineer's Toolbox).
November 1, 2001... A database of 3D models and technical specifications for this company's conveyor systems has been introduced. The library enables engineers to reduce design and specification time in the development of material handling systems for...

Three-dimensional CAD Web pages. (Web Digest - Engineer's Toolbox).
November 1, 2001... The company offers two products to move 3D Cad files onto the Web. 3D Instant Web Site allows users to publish live Web pages with 3D interactive content. 3D Partstream.NET allows manufacturers to publish 3D CAD content to online catalogs and...

Hydraulic handbook. (Web Digest - Engineer's Toolbox).
November 1, 2001... This Online Technical Hydraulic Handbook offers the user access to this company's line of miniature precision fluid control products. The LEECat catalog provides parametric selection capability plus a built-in calculator to help determine fluid...

Translation download. (Web Digest - Engineer's Toolbox).
November 1, 2001... Software is available at this site to download for translation of ACIS- to Parasolid-based CAD/CAM/CAE systems. The service handles conversions of curve, surface and solid data for Parasolid versions 10 through 12, and ACIS versions 5 and 6....

Conversion factors. (Web Digest - Engineer's Toolbox).
November 1, 2001... This company's website offers a list of nearly one thousand engineering conversion factors. Units are listed alphabetically for easy reference. Other useful information and drawings are available on short stroke cylinders and robotic...

Ieee. (Web Digest - Professional Societies & e-Communities/Services).
November 1, 2001... IEEE standards are available online. Go directly to the IEEE Field of Interest webpage to find links to market-specific societies and councils. Publications, conferences, colleagueship and other benefits are available for members within 40...

Hydraulic engineering. (Web Digest - Professional Societies & e-Communities/Services).
November 1, 2001... Standards and guides are among the materials available on this website. The institute also supplies pump handbooks and industry market research online. All standards download in PDF format with a hyper-text-linked index. Over 100 pump diagram...

Bar steel. (Web Digest - Professional Societies & e-Communities/Services).
November 1, 2001... Designing optimal powertrain and chassis components facilitated by the Bar Steel Fatigue database on this site. The 10MB zipped database contains steel bar mechanical property and fatigue information for optimizing component part design,...

Manufacturing engineers. (Web Digest - Professional Societies & e-Communities/Services).
November 1, 2001... Technical papers, links to technical associations, job services, news, standards, calculation and conversion tools and many other services are available at SME's website. Some services are restricted to members, but many links are available to...

ASME codes and standards. (Web Digest - Professional Societies & e-Communities/Services).
November 1, 2001... This year ASME has made electronic editions of its codes and standards available online. Customers can read introductions to specific volumes, make purchases, and securely download PDF files of 400 ASME codes and standards, making critical code...