Designfax articles from October 2001

Designfax archives from October 2001

Geodesic Paradise.
October 1, 2001... Among the myriad millennium projects celebrating 21st Century technology, grows the world's largest greenhouse--the Eden Project, located in Cornwall, England. Based on geodesic designs, the insect-shaped biomes house thousands of plants from...

Land of the We.
October 1, 2001... I had originally intended to compose an editorial that would fill this page with something wry, yet insightful; humorous and thought-provoking. Throw one or two of the metaphors I'm fond of at you, toss in a glib closer at the end, and shimmy...

Enhanced Bonded Thermoplastic Vulcanizates.
October 1, 2001... Colorable TPVs adhere to textiles, metals and more Improvements in elastomers over the last decade have made them the darling of product designers. They put the grip onto toothbrushes, long-lasting cushioning into shoes, and a tactile feel...

GPS receivers.
October 1, 2001... Like a hawk-eyed parent, the Hyperion rover keeps careful tabs on its Titan namesake's child--the Sun. Using GPS receivers, odometric sensors and a clock, the solar-powered robot navigates sun-synchronously to keep itself continuously powered....

EUV lithography.
October 1, 2001... Conventional photolithography for silicon chips works on the scale of several hundred nanometers. EUV lithography uses UV wavelengths of 13 nm, promising transistor elements measuring 40 atoms in width. This scale appears to reach silicon's...

Synchronizing with the Stars.
October 1, 2001... Rotary encoder solves speed problem on servomotors Fixing a telescope to a particular celestial body against the rotation of the earth requires a drive that is precise, smooth and most especially, slow--to a 0.27 arc-second resolution in...

Product data management.
October 1, 2001... Integrating the company's design software with project management tools, thinkteam 7.0 is packaged in four scalable modules: 1) project browser for basic data management for a single user or workgroup; 2) thinkparts manager for authoring...

CAD/CAM translation.
October 1, 2001... This website has added 3D Pro/ENGINEER to Surfcam to its CAD/CAM translation service, converting PRT files from versions 18, 19, 20 and 2000i to Surfcam versions 8.0 and 8.1. The website eliminates security concerns relating to uploading...

Enhanced CNC.
October 1, 2001... Version 18.0 of this company's software provides complete 32-bit programming with increased accuracy. Drawings can be dynamically rotated in 2D and 3D, and a 3D part can be drawn from different angles simultaneously.

CAD for mobile devices.
October 1, 2001... Designed for jobsite Windows-based PDAs, PocketCAD PRO 4.0 reads and writes DWG and DXF files and is compatible with most CAD software packages, including AutoCAD versions 12 through 2000i. Improvements include faster file transfer, CADExchange...

Reverse engineering.
October 1, 2001... Available directly through the Pro/Engineer tool bar, while seamlessly integrating portable CMMs, the PHARAOH I & II suites permit real time & on-screen viewing of the digitizer probe position on the part.

Router CAD/CAM.
October 1, 2001... Designed specifically for woodworking, furniture, plastics and other industries that commonly use a router, Mastercam Router delivers efficient nesting, fast engraving, contouring, pocketing and more.

Modeling and animation.
October 1, 2001... TrueSpace 5.1 now supports the Macromedia Flash format, including 3 Flash rendering options. Objects, including NURBS and scenes, can now be converted to Flash format for web use.

Multi-domain simulation package.
October 1, 2001... Fully Windows-compliant SIMPLORER can run simulation models that contain components from diverse physical domains, such as electronic control technology, mechanics and discontinuous processes.

Software Aids Consolidation of Mold Designs.
October 1, 2001... Newport Tool and Die recently upgraded their design software from 2D to a 3D package from VX Corp. "Not only did we get 3D design with VX, we also got mold design and CNC machining in one package that runs on a relatively inexpensive PC...

Wash and No-Wear.
October 1, 2001... Toroidal Bearing Enables Enhanced Performance in Commercial Washers Hospitals, hotels, theme parks, cruise ships, prisons, blue jean manufacturers and many other institutions and enterprises share a common challenge: literally, tons of...

Robot Artisan.
October 1, 2001... Finishing system automates customization Making whirlpool bathtubs out of thermoformed acrylic skin reinforced with fiberglass necessitates detail-oriented, labor-intensive processing. Customers increasingly demand customized luxury, style...

Compact motion controller.
October 1, 2001... Measuring 107x182x53mm, the Motion Coordinator MC206 provides 4 axes of servo or stepper control. Internally, the controller has an 8-axis capability; in addition to the "real" axes; an encoder follower input; an optional daughter board...

Nano-translation stage.
October 1, 2001... With a small footprint of l00x100x60mm, ANT-25L nano translators combine speed, accuracy, resolution, repeatability and reliability in a single product. Available in X, XY and XYZ configurations, the stage's 32 MHz electronic circuitry enables...

Rotary feed-through.
October 1, 2001... Designed specifically for robot applications, the DDF series rotary feedthrough units incorporate integrated air channels and slip ring electrical contacts to ensure a constant energy supply, even at high rotational angles and speeds. The...

Motor driver for tiny motors.
October 1, 2001... Motor drive current in the CY-21-LP can be programmed to any value between 25 and 300 mA using a single small resistor. This bipolar, chopper-type drive works with all 2- and 4-phase step motors as a microstepper and also in full and half...

Miniature incremental encoder.
October 1, 2001... At just 0.295-in. dia. by 0.394-in. long, the MES6 encoder delivers up to 360 cycles per revolution or 1,440 counts in quadrature. The device features two primary channels, an index channel and a 100 kHz frequency response. Other standard...

Optimizing Material Handling Design for Assembly and Test Systems.
October 1, 2001... The following two stories discuss the necessary concerns when specifying material handling elements for a production system. The first comes from Bayside Automation who, as a part of Bayside Corporation, is a major player in the motion control...

Choosing a Machine Loading/Unloading System.
October 1, 2001... A wide variety of loaders--also known as pick-and-place devices, robots or part handlers--are available in many price ranges. They can be linear (lift, transfer and place) or rotational (lift, rotate and place). The simplest loader is a...

Compact linear actuators.
October 1, 2001... Available in 2-, 4- and 8- in. stroke lengths, Digit-HS series compact linear actuators move up to 14 in./sec and provide up to 190 lbs force using a 35 VDC driver at 1.7 to 3.4A. Repeatability is 1.5 microns.

Coupling guards.
October 1, 2001... Made from powder-coated steel or aluminum, trim-and-fit coupling guards adjust to fit large flexible or fluid couplings. They fully enclose rotating members allowing gaps no greater than 6mm.

Ball splines.
October 1, 2001... For mechanical applications that require Concurrent rotational and linear movement Powertrac ball splines feature recirculating bearing balls that increase efficiency and allow for unrestricted travel. Available in sizes from 3/8-to 6-in. dia.,...

Torque sensors.
October 1, 2001... STS 5100 series rotary shaft torque sensors are available from 100 to 5000 lb-in. Options include a speed sensor, manual brush lifter and instrumentation. It has a single-piece housing and prelubricated bearing.

Cam programming.
October 1, 2001... Eliminating large carved-out steel reciprocating motion cams, the company's cam programming software reduces SmartMotor space while sustaining complex, repeating motions, without typical mechanical limitations.

Actuators.
October 1, 2001... The modular design of this company's electromechanical linear and rotary actuators promotes customization with both internal and external components. All actuators are lubricated-for-life at the factory to promote maintenance-free operation....

Rotary actuator.
October 1, 2001... Designed for industrial and harsh environments, the RR-76 rotary actuator has a bearing-supported flange capable of supporting payloads up to 200 lbs. Its ultra-thin profile suits it for compact work spaces. Zero backlash, preloaded ball...

Linear guides.
October 1, 2001... The OSP-P linear guides for pneumatic systems is available in 6 piston diameters between 16 and 63mm. They take high loads and forces with high precision, smooth operations, and can be retrofitted or installed in any position.

Hydrodynamic bar feeders.
October 1, 2001... Designed for Swiss-type turning machines and small, fixed-head CNC lathes, Mini-Rhinobar single-tube hydrodynamic bar feeder systems can be equipped with as many as 16 feed tubes in 1/8-in. increments.

Hydraulic motors.
October 1, 2001... Type MR low-speed, high-torque motors have five pistons and cylinders radially-oriented around a central crankshaft. Maximum continuous input pressure is 3625 psi and maximum operating speed is 800 rpm.

Position sensors.
October 1, 2001... Slag-shielding BMF 32M and 305M magnetic field sensors provide high weld-field immunity and splatter resistance for dependable pneumatic cylinder positioning in automated welding applications. Anodized aluminum bodies shrug off weld splatter...

Swing arm clamps.
October 1, 2001... Series PA clamps have a working pressure of 40-100 psi. Reed and Hall effect sensors are available for interfacing with electronic controls and logic systems. They are permanently lubricated for non-lube air applications.

Manifolds.
October 1, 2001... Stainless-steel Smartflow manifolds have standard inlet sizes of 1and 1-1/2-in. NPT. Manifolds are rated for 250[degree]F, 125 psig max for air and 250 psig max for liquids. Standard and customized options are available.

End position controller.
October 1, 2001... Complementing the company's modular pneumatic systems, the SPC 11 positioner reduces traversing time up to 30% and increasing cycle rates. Mechanical load is minimized to extend service life.

Sub-miniature air cylinders.
October 1, 2001... This company's pneumatic solenoids are used in compact jigs and fixtures. Unlike electrical solenoids, operation is on plant air. The advantages of this approach are: elimination of heat and magnetic fields near digital media; maintenance of...

Oscillating piston pumps.
October 1, 2001... The Gotec line of miniature pumps are suggested by the manufacturer for demanding print industry applications, including the direct handling of inks, solvents and related diluents. The units are self-priming to 5 or 10 feet, depending on the...

Diaphragm pumps.
October 1, 2001... A series of miniature pumps for medical and scientific applications offers longer life through a high-reliability pump head, according to the manufacturer. The modular BTC series can be modified with interchangeable detail parts to meet custom...

Colorflow stainless.
October 1, 2001... The Colorflow product lines of hydraulic and pneumatic control valves now include an option for stainless steel bodies in flow control, pressure compensated flow control, needle and check valve functions. Each valve style will be available in...

Flange connector.
October 1, 2001... The E-CON compact flange has temperature and pressure ratings identical to those of ANSI B16.5, with 79% less weight than a comparable ANSI flange. The seal compresses uniformly and is totally isolated from piping loads.

Flow meters.
October 1, 2001... Type 303 stainless steel construction makes these meters suited for petroleum fluids. Capable of handling pressures in applications up to 6000 psi, the new material is also up to 30% less expensive than other type 326 stainless steel options....

High-temp couplings.
October 1, 2001... A stainless steel poppet replaces a machined brass poppet on these 1/8- and 1/4-in. flow brass couplings, to provide flow increases of 15%-20%, in temperature ratings above 180[degrees]F. The SS poppet also has increased chemical capability.

Polyurethane hose.
October 1, 2001... Black Urebrade is a braid-reinforced, ether-based hose that is a naturally flexible choice for industrial applications. Good for outside use, the black polyurethane is resistant to weathering and UV rays.

Window sights.
October 1, 2001... These fused window sights are principally used to visually indicate liquid level and liquid condition. An aluminum ball float provides maximum visible observation of the liquid level. The plated body is of hexagon steel and features sizes...

Fluoropolymer hoses.
October 1, 2001... Designed for hot fluids, These Chemfluor fluoropolymer-lined stainless steel braided hoses have a high-purity extruded silicon cover for non-porous, easily cleaned exterior.

Teflon flowmeter.
October 1, 2001... The Teflon Turbine Flowmeter 'Click Sensor", suited to sanitary and corrosive requirements, allows for the removal of the housing-electronics from the flow tube of the meter, simplifying in-line sterilization and batch change-outs.

Tank-top filter.
October 1, 2001... Suited to mobile and industrial applications, the RF Series filter features an inside to outside flow path and a magnetic pre-filter as part of the cartridge. The RF Series handles flows from 25 to more than 300 gpm, and is offered with element...

High-pressure hoses.
October 1, 2001... The 700 series of yellow thermoplasti hoses have a 4:1 design factor with a maximum working pressure of 10,000 psi. They are offered with 0.25- and 0.38-in, internal diameters, in one- or two-ended assemblies.

Liquid level sensor.
October 1, 2001... Just 1.38-in, long, the ELS-1150 Series of level sensors handle applications to 2500 psi and temperatures from -40[degrees] to 100[degrees]C. The units have carbon steel/stainless steel housings with 1/2-in. NPT mountings.

Flowmeter turbine.
October 1, 2001... This mini-flowmeter handles low flow measurement for clean, low to moderate viscosity liquids used commonly by industrial and lab users. Flow ranges from 0.007 to 3.5 gpm are offered in overlapping sizes. Features include a selection of bearing...

Mini-pump.
October 1, 2001... The H2 Rotogear pump series features pulseless flow with rates from 1 to 60 gph. It will transfer high viscosity fluids to 10,000 cps and offers differential pressures to 225 psi for metering, transfer circulating and injection applications.

Concealed hinges.
October 1, 2001... These hinges work by rotating about a virtual point, which allows the door to open to 180-degrees with no gap between the door and the frame. The hinges are completely concealed, providing a clean outer panel while eliminating attack points for...

Self-clinching locknuts.
October 1, 2001... Providing permanent load-bearing threads in aluminum or steel sheets as thin as 0.04-in., SL TriDent self-clinching threaded steel locknuts are offered in a variety of unified and metric thread sizes.

Threaded insert.
October 1, 2001... The ENSAT-SBI hexagonal socket insert has an internal and external thread. It is turned to a conical shape on one side and features cutting slots or radial cutting holes which are self-cutting, acting like a thread tap.

Fastener brochure.
October 1, 2001... Describing the company's Qualiform cold form isolation process for tight tolerances and C-Coat corrosion-resistant oil-free weld-strengthening system, this brochure includes custom and standard fasteners and components.

Thermo-adhesive webs.
October 1, 2001... Manufactured from co-polyamide, co-polyester, polyurethane and polyolefins, these thermo-adhesive webs are available in the form of bobbins in widths up to 9.8 ft and weights from 0.4 to 1.78 oz per square yd. Performance is optimized for...

Structural adhesive.
October 1, 2001... Combining high strength, high fatigue endurance, high impact resistance and toughness on metals and other substrates, 2-part MA820 methacrylate metal bonding adhesive requires no primers.

Nylon sealant.
October 1, 2001... Nylo-Tech 360 nylon patch fastener coating provides 360 degrees of uniform thickness and reliable adhesion. Reusable up to five times, this product coats the entire circumference of the fastener and replaces insert nuts.

Faceplate assemblies.
October 1, 2001... Complying with IEEE 1101.10 and PICMG cPCI specifications, the CPCI-3U x 4HP series of faceplate assemblies comes standard with a complete set of hardware for easy installation. They require no special tools or fixtures.

Sealed fasteners.
October 1, 2001... Designed for use in wet environments, these self-sealing fasteners have a groove under the head to accommodate a rubber O-ring which, when compressed, forms a complete seal and permits full metal-to-metal contact. Providing an airtight,...

Foam tapes.
October 1, 2001... Duofoam VA series of double-coated, pressure-sensitive, polyethylene foam tapes provide good conformability and gap-filling capabilities for general bonding/mounting applications. They balance tack, peel and cohesion.

Compression latch.
October 1, 2001... This latch can be located outside a sealed area where the folded edges are more than 20mm deep. The cam has been re-engineered with two small tabs, which engage behind a mating keeper when the latch is turned. This keeper is attached to the...

Threaded stud base.
October 1, 2001... This molded nylon base with threaded stud has a very high bond (VHB) white closed-cell acrylic foam carrier with an all-purpose acrylic adhesive. It has high shear/peel strength and good solvent resistance.

Epoxy film.
October 1, 2001... Suited for structural bonding applications in demanding environments, PF6010 high-strength, durable epoxy adhesive provides typical bond strengths in excess of 6000 psi when cured at 225-265[degrees]F.

Thermally conductive adhesives.
October 1, 2001... QMI 547 Teflon (PTFE)-filled, thermally conductive adhesives are used to attach integrated circuits and components to advanced substrates, including PBGAs, CSPs, stacked-die and array packages based on flexible tape or organic laminates. This...

Thixotropic adhesive.
October 1, 2001... Designed for fiber optic applications, F123HV 2-part opaque epoxy signals both proper mixing and curing by turning from yellow to green when mixed and to reddish-amber when 100[degrees]C curing temperature is reached.

Leveling feet.
October 1, 2001... Rubber pad covers are available for this company's leveling feet. These covers prevent sliding on uneven surfaces, and dampen vibration from machinery to reduce walking. Various sizes and materials are available.

Flux paste.
October 1, 2001... FluxPlus tacky paste flux provides an alternative to messy liquid fluxes in SMT assembly processes, repair and rework procedures, BGA and sphere attachment operations, and solder bumping applications. Two versions are available: one for...

Cyanoacrylate adhesives.
October 1, 2001... Available in three formulations--low viscosity, for closefitting parts, general purpose and stay-in-place gel--Zip Grip adhesives cure quickly, eliminating the need for fixturing. Custom formulations are available.

Styrofoam packaging.
October 1, 2001... Compared to traditional food service packaging materials, this composite is cost-competitive while maintaining performance requirements for disposable packaging. The composite is comprised of limestone, reclaimed potato starches from commercial...

Simulation software.
October 1, 2001... LCMFLOT simulates and optimizes RTM manufacturing processes, allowing the number of injection gates and their positions to be determined. Transmission forces can be predicted to improve tooling.

LFT process.
October 1, 2001... This process for continuous in-line compounding of long fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites achieves a cost savings averaging 40% when used to generate feedstocks for a wide range of part configurations.

Flame-retardant nylons.
October 1, 2001... Anticipating new environmental standards, this company has extended its line of non-halogenated antimony- and phosphorous-free, flame-retardant nylons, available at glass loadings up to 25%.

Plastic substrates.
October 1, 2001... Available in polyester, polycarbonate, rigid vinyl, pressure-sensitive label stocks, Teslin and other materials, Dura-Go plastic substrates for digital presses ensure good ink anchorage, color definition and shelf-life.

UV-protected PET.
October 1, 2001... HEATWAVE polymer CF746 hotfill polyethylene terephthalate provides UV protection for vitamins and flavors in beverage containers. Through a combination of co-monomer and processing optimization, the polymer enables 2-stage heatset blow molding...

Optical-grade, Attractive Alloy Resin Resists UV.
October 1, 2001... "We wanted to kick up the visual impact of our Rake glasses to help them stand out in the marketplace," said Craig Mattei, program manager for Dragon Optical, Carlsbad, CA. "XYLEX resin gives the transparency and clarity we need for bold new...

Temperature controller.
October 1, 2001... Customizable between 0[degrees] and 1200[degrees]F, the 2632 series electronic temperature controller range setpoint accuracy. include setting of special features a 2% of Customization can differential limits.

Scanning camera.
October 1, 2001... Measuring 44 x 44 x 78mm and weighing only 180g. the KPF10[degrees]0A PC-controlled, high-resolution progressive-scan camera is suitable for machine vision and precision measurement applications.

Pinch sensor.
October 1, 2001... This custom force sensor complies with safety standards, accurately measuring closing forces on car sunroofs. This particular model provides for a 100mm gap, 20 N/mm spring rate and measures up to 500 N of force.

Optical transceivers.
October 1, 2001... SONET-compliant SFF optical transceivers feature a 2 x 10 configuration. Designed for next-generation MAN and Telecom applications, these high-density transceivers allow OEMs to design systems with increased levels of port density while...

Power distribution.
October 1, 2001... Designed to fit both 19-and 23-in. mounting configurations on industry standard rack systems, the 1RU DC PDC meets UL1801 and international standards. Interrupting capacity rating can be 10,000A or 50,000A.