Designfax articles from October 2003

Designfax archives from October 2003

Picture perfect: the long life of the single use camera.(Layer One)
October 1, 2003... Two months ago, this page was devoted to the Swiss couple that acquired the Alpa camera name, and is working to recreate that company's golden era of fine equipment. This month we note the 15th anniversary of the most popular incarnation of...

Field of Krispy Kremes.(Up Front)
October 1, 2003... South of that charming smile and sheltered in the broad shade of the double-wide moustache is the body of a Greek God. We're talking Bacchus here--well, not quite as round as depicted in Disney's Fantasia, nor stained from the frequent dance...

Hybrid controller: signal processing and computing power on a single device.(Five Star Product of the Month)
October 1, 2003... Many automotive systems have shifted from being mechanically to electronically driven, with a typical car on the road today having 60 to 90 ECU processors. According to industry analysts, this figure is set to rise by 50% within the next 5...

Magnesium coating.(Technology Spotlight)
October 1, 2003... Magnesium coating. For years, in the weight-critical auto and aerospace industries, the challenge has been how to make reliable use of magnesium, the lightest of all structural metals. Magnesium components can be 30% lighter than aluminum, and...

'Smart' dust.(Technology Spotlight)
October 1, 2003... 'Smart' dust. Chemists at UC San Diego have developed minute grains of silicon that spontaneously assemble, orient and sense their local environment, a first step toward fan development of rebels the size of sand grains that could be used in...

Precision CIM parts.(Top Product)
October 1, 2003... * micron-sized detail * production volume This company has achieved production volume ceramic injection molded (CIM) components with features less than 25 [micro]m. CIM is a combination of particulate materials, injection molding, and...

Resistive glass.(Materials)
October 1, 2003... Manufactured from proprietary doped lead silicate, Resistive Glass is available in various shapes and sizes, including tubes, sheets, washers and custom forms. Mechanical interfaces, such as flanges grids and meshes, are available. Resistivity...

Mold handbook.(Materials)
October 1, 2003... Described as the most comprehensive collection of shrinkage data compiled in book form, the Handbook of Molded Part. Shrinkage and Warpage includes hard-to-find multipoint information on how materials, part design, mold design, processing and...

Non-woven rollers.(Materials)
October 1, 2003... Structured to have up to 30% more voids than competitive materials, Viledon non-woven material for custom rollers have enhanced sponge capability, suiting them for cleaning sheet steel and similar applications. Randomly oriented fibers are...

Sporty TPE.(Materials)
October 1, 2003... Extremely soft, transparent Thermolast K-HQ/S 13 to 20 Shore A compound offers slow slip to coat goalkeeping gloves. Thermolast K-HT compound has a dry, non sticky surface for sealing, cushioning and resilience (450-hour sun tested for...

Ultra-pure ceramics.(Materials)
October 1, 2003... Environmentally-friendly EB/PVD ultra-pure alloyed zirconium oxide powders and ingots can be varied in composition to meet custom requirements. The company's processing techniques ensure ultrapure raw material, precise chemistry, controlled...

Packaging resins.(Materials)
October 1, 2003... The 7-series of EVOH ethylene vinyl alcohol polymers offers improved thermal stability, processing ability and adhesion without sacrificing barrier or mechanical properties. Grades include those for film extrusion, blow molding, injection...

Aerogels.(Materials)
October 1, 2003... Extremely lightweight Nanogel hydrophobic silica aerogel materials provide efficient thermal, acoustic and electrical insulation. They can be used for thickening, rheology control and reinforcement, facilitating the development of lighter...

Compatibilizers.(Materials)
October 1, 2003... Interloy P1085H1 compatibilizer improves compatibility between PP and SEBS to make very high impact blends, as well as working with PPE and PS. Interloy W1095H1 improves gloss, weatherability, scratch and mar resistance. It is effective...

Torque testing.(Materials)
October 1, 2003... The Model TSTM motorized torque test stand is used to test materials, springs, bottle caps, torque tools, fasteners, product integrity, etc. Up to 100 lb-in, of torque can be tested. Various mounting options for fixtures are included for...

Functional metallized plastics.(Application Xtra)
October 1, 2003... * EMI/RFI shielding/conductivity * integration with plastic housing Originally performed for decorative purposes, the metallization of plastics is now used to provide effective shielding and conductivity required in modern electronic...

Process additive.(Materials)
October 1, 2003... Designed to enhance cosmetic appearances of molded components and eliminate weld or knit line imperfections, MoldWiz INT-39PSR process aid additive provides scratch and scuff resistance to PP components. It also improves resin flow and cavity...

Flexible silicone rubber.(Materials)
October 1, 2003... Flexible silicone rubber adhesive pads, LCD gaskets and window gaskets are available in a 30 durometer silicone rubber substrate with silicone rubber adhesive on both sides, allowing for thermal expansion/contraction of mating plastic...

Transportable CAD speeds complex airframe design: cuts time from design concept to tooling by more than 80%.
October 1, 2003... Adam Aircraft Industries is a general aviation designer and manufacturer with development and manufacturing facilities in Englewood and Pueblo, CO. Founded in 1998, Adam Aircraft has made significant progress towards production of carbon...

Integrated linear motion.(Innovations)
October 1, 2003... Designed to minimize space requirements by combining a precision guide rail, a pneumatic cylinder with integrated air, and electrical feed through, the LIRAX SSP provides extremely high positioning accuracies, high force capability and reliable...

Servo controller system.(Innovations)
October 1, 2003... Featuring high speed, low-cost continuous 3D motion, the LP series serve controller system includes the PCI card for the PC, power amplifiers and power supply. Smooth, continuous 2 or 3D motion avoids puddling when dispensing fluids or working...

Optical encoder chip.(Innovations)
October 1, 2003... The ChipEncoder features diffractive optics technology to provide rotary position feedback of 3300 to 160,000 cpr and 100 to 1000 cpmm of linear feedback for precise, closed-loop motion control. Reportedly the smallest optical encoder kit...

Mini servo controller.(Innovations)
October 1, 2003... A D-shaped bulge, extending the diameter of a 35 mm motor housing by only 8 mm, now houses the latest model in the SuprMotr series of servo controllers. Measuring less than 22 x 100 mm overall, the SuprStik supplies all the features found in...

Stepper machine control.(Innovations)
October 1, 2003... The T6M machine control system requires no external support equipment. It combines the indexer, power supply and PLC into a compact 4- x 3- x 4-in, module. Internally fan-cooled, the 48W power supply uses efficient PWM drivers to adapt to a...

Hybrid pressure: an alternative for high-speed, high-tonnage injection molding.
October 1, 2003... Many people find that the hardest decisions to make often occur when choices have narrowed to two, with each aspect bearing strong pros and cons. Golf or baseball. French fries or mashed. Servos or steppers. Electric or hydraulic drive. ...

Elevator gearboxes.(Top Product)
October 1, 2003... * high acceleration power * adherence to strict safety standards ZF-Ecolift models RME 310 and RME 410 are planetary gearboxes Specifically designed for elevator movement applications. Constructed for both passenger and service...

Hypoid gearbox.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2003... The Dyna-Lite fight-angle gear reducer uses hypoid gearing for better torque, speed, backlash and efficiency over other high precision gearboxes Greater tooth contact area provides greater load carrying capability. A 10:1 gear ratio can be...

Oil-shear clutch/brakes.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2003... Suited to high-cycling machines in 24/7 production, Posidyne X Class clutch brakes are now offered in food-grade and washdown trim, featuring USDA-approved STEEL IT epoxy coatings, stainless steel clamp collar and fasteners, nickel-plated...

Size 20 harmonic gearhead.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2003... The HPG Series planetary gearhead is now offered in size 20, with a backlash lash level of less than 1 arc-min. The units have a rated torque of 321 in.lb and a maximum torque of 1920 in.lb. A 90 mm square mounting flange is provided on the 105...

Servo actuator with gearhead.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2003... The TPMA is a high-torque version of the TPM Servo Actuator, combining a brushless AC servomotor with a low backlash planetary gearhead, plus a resolver or absolute encoder and an optional holding brake. The unit is available in a variety of...

Bevel drives.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2003... SK 92072 Bevel Gear Drives function at up to 97% efficiency, provide gear ratios from 3.85:1 to 54.65:1, output speeds from 32 to 455 rpm, and a maximum output torque of 797 lb-in. They offer leak- and maintenance-free operation for heavy-duty...

Wrap spring clutch.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2003... The wrap spring design of the Deltran PT DuraLIFE-33 allows for very fast response to bring loads from zero to full speed in less than 3 milliseconds, depending on load requirements. It provides 30 lb/in. of torque over a cycle life of 1...

DC gearmotor.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2003... The M1600 G211 Series single worm reduction right angle gearmotor is designed for applications requiting moderate output torque. Features include speed to 500 rpm, ratings to 15 in, lbs. ratios from 8:1 to 60:1, and operating voltage from 12 to...

Worm gear reducers online.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2003... Dimensional drawings, 3D CAD drawings and PDF space sheets are now available online at the company's site for the Stainless Steel 700 Series worm gear speed reducer. Suited for heavy-duty washdown, food processing, chemical and pharmaceutical...

Centrifugal clutch.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2003... The Tri-Lobe Clutch is a 3-shoe unit that enhances balance by distributing its weight more evenly on the crankshaft. Measuring approximately 7-in. in dia. and fitting a 1-in. bore, the device was designed for concrete pumps, riding trowels, and...

Decentralized control gearmotors.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2003... Available in ratings from 0.25 to 10 hp for supply voltages of 3 x 380-480 VAC, the Eta Solution Series K geared motors are a combination of spur-geared, flat-geared, bevel-geared and worm-geared motors in all mounting types, with an integrated...

Precision gearheads and actuators.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2003... The PS series Flange Output (PSF) and Shaft Output (PSS) gearheads and actuators feature the zeo-backlas and high torque of harmonic drive gearing, mounted in high quality housings with high load output bearings. Positional accuracy is less...

Integrated planetary gearboxes.(Power Transmission)
October 1, 2003... Available as an option for the company's MDrive stepping motors, these planetary gearboxes increase torque at low speeds, improve inertia matching and produce finer positional resolutions. PLGs are offered for each size of MDrive. Including N E...

Gearboxes for shredders.(Application Xtra)
October 1, 2003... * one, two or three stages * require two units Rubber and tire shredding requires truck and automotive tires to be broken down for use in by-products and as fuel for power companies. Typical installations for shredders demand a...

Rotary sensors.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... Incorporating the company's Wide-Gap sensors, the M85 Thin-Line series of incremental encoders eliminates time-consuming alignment by providing a 57% larger operating gap between the magnetoresistive sensor and rotor, and a 50% increase in air...

DSP controller.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... The Python motor controller is designed for operation in harsh environmental condition. The DSP-based motor controller is available either as a stand-alone motor control board for external power stages, or as an integrated controller and...

Rugged brush motor.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... The TG3300-63 series brush DC motor features 495W continuous shaft power, peak torque of 425 oz-in., maximum speed of 13,000 rpm and efficiency up to 90%. The high power density suits it for in-the-field battery-powered operations needing high...

Motion controller.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... By mixing open and closed loop control, this company has enhanced its EZ PRO motion controller and reduced motion times up to 20%. During acceleration, axis speed and position are monitored to keep within target parameters. They are designed...

Limited-angle torque motors.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... These LAT-TMR-V and LAT-TMR-H rotary actuators are suited for applications requiring quick, precise angular positioning (typically H2W Technologies Inc, Valencia, CA. Circle 192, or www.rsleads.com/310df-192

AC drives.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... The smd series of AC drives provides the advantages of controlled start-up, overload protection, reduced mechanical wear and improved speed and positioning capabilities at a lower cost than conventional variable speed drives. A removable memory...

Servo-amplifier.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... The ACE1000 series "smart" digital brushless servo-amplifier uses DSP-based design architecture to provide software selectable torque, velocity and (optional) position mode operation. Sine wave commutation using encoder feedback provides smooth...

Steel spline shafts.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... Featuring 3x the stiffness of the company's aluminum shafts, steel spline shafts are designed for heavier side loads and rough handling applications. These low-cost shafts offer extended life and low friction in applications requiring a rotary...

Incremental encoder.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... The C125 series 2.5-in. CoreTech incremental encoder is custom preset to any incremental count from 1 to 8,192 ppr. Up to 820 kHz frequency response and a firmware generated marker pulse of 90 or 180 degrees provides reliable incremental...

Hybrid steppers.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... Available from NEMA 14 to NEMA 42, these hybrid stepper models include standard, high-torque, high-resolution (0.9-degree step angle) and high-torque/high-resolution. Torque range of these 4- and 6-lead models is from 2.35 to 4200 oz-in.,...

Multi-turn encoder.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... The MagRes magnetic absolute multi-turn encoder offers up to 30-bit resolution. A modular bus cover option facilitates integration into various bus systems using the same base encoder unit. It is available in a 12-bit non-contact kit version...

Calibration software.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... The ACT all-purpose Calibration tool is available in CD-ROM format for the company's APECS and EPS series of programmable controllers. Application programs for each controller and equipment protection system, a demo mode for each program, and...

Amplifier.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... Designed to support the company's line of precision servo motors, the AB5 amplifier linearizes the voltage to velocity profile at the amplifier level, thereby eliminating the need for custom serve algorithms. Thus, serve tuning and set up are...

Brushless DC motors.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... Cannulated, double-ended hollow shafts are available for this company's line of size 4, 8 and 10 brushless DC motors. Shafs can be coated with various materials to ensure the integrity of user-defined seals. Autoclavable designs are available...

Angle encoder.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... With the smallest possible reversal error and increased resolution, the ERP 880 angle encoder is suited for small measuring stages, ultraprecision machine tools and similar applications. The encoder is equipped with a circular scale with 90,000...

Digital servo drive.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... The Aries series plug-in-and-spin high-power compact digital servo drive requires no setup. Available in 100, 200, 400 and 750W versions, the drive automatically configures upon hookup with the company's "smart encoder" motors. However, with...

ISA card.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... Designed in surface-mount CMOS technology, Navigator-ISA high-performance 1- to 4-axis card for DC brushed and step motors provides dedicated motion control features such as trajectory generation, servo loop closure, quadrature signal input,...

Low-V softstarters.(Motion Products)
October 1, 2003... PST softstarters are available for operating voltages from 208 to 690 VAC and full load line currents from 30 to 1050A. When used on 6- or 12-lead wye-delta wound motors, the starters are capable of inside-the-delta (i.e. inserted electrically...

Vacuum connector.(Top Product)
October 1, 2003... * infinite control * instantaneous response Air-operated 316SS Line Vac Conveyors convert ordinary hose or tube into a powerful in-line conveying system for food products, pharmaceuticals and other bulk materials. The unit features...

Custom fluoroplastic tubing.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... This company provides custom fluoroplastic tubing, including PTFE, FEP, MFA, PFA, PEEK, ETFE, PVDF and medical grade (including ring-marked). Configurations include convoluted, spiral, spiralized and printed. Heat-shrinkable tubing and...

Flow meter.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... The EZ-View line of variable area flow meters has been expanded to include units that measure air and other compressed gases, in addition to traditional oil and water models. Repeatability is within [+ or -]1%, while accuracy is [+ or -]5% full...

Modular regulators.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... This catalog features a series of precision pressure regulators and manifold systems. Modular dovetail design allows the regulator or manifold to be used individually or assembled into a combination of pneumatic components. Modular components...

Low-profile clamps.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... Suited for tight spaces, stainless steel Cobra hose damps feature a one-piece design. Available in three band widths--7, 8 and 9 mm--and a variety of diameters, each size is color coded for easy identification. The maintenance-free clamps are...

Compression coupling.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... The Instalok compression coupling has a clamping design that offers high strength, grip, cost savings and installation ease. Each tube end can be inserted individually and tightened, eliminating the difficulties associated with standard 3-bolt...

Mini tubing, accessories.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... An expanding line of 1/32-in. OD tubing and fittings includes PEEK, PEEKsil, Teflon FEP and stainless Steel. For direct connections with no sleeves needed, there are 6-32 Micro Fingertights or 6-40 threaded fittings that are compatible with...

Pinch clamps.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... Six colors of low-cost easy-to-engage pinch clamps accept tubing between 0.161- and 0.244-in. OD and measure approximately 1-in, long. The polypropylene clamps are available in orange, yellow, green, blue, red and white for color-coding...

Instrumentation tubing.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... Two lines of instrumentation robing include insulated tubing as an alternative to field-installed insulation of small dia. process lines and jacketed tubing for corrosion and mechanical protection in pneumatic, hydraulic and other non-insulated...

Push-on hose.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... Designed for use without hose clamps, Nylobrade push-on hose attaches to barbed fittings easily and securely. A combination of nitrile rubber and PVC, reinforced with polyester braid, allows the hose to work with push-on style fittings up to...

Extruded PTFE tubing.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... A full line of chemically-inert, extruded PTFE tubing is available in 7 sizes from 0.010- to 1 1/4 in. ID, with varying wall thicknesses. The non-flammable tubing is unaffected by acids and operates continuously from --450[degrees] to...

Miniature hose.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... Created for use in smaller dies where space is limited, SuperBrute mini hose is 2 mm ID and 5 mm OD, and is available in lengths from 14 cm to 2 m. Burst pressure is 29,000 psi and minimum bend radius is 20 mm. Available accessory components...

Flexible hose.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... Designed for durability in applications such as woodworking, CVD general purpose, wire-reinforced PVC hose has a 0.030 in. wall thickness that is light and flexible. yet tough and durable for handling items such as woodchips and sawdust. The...

Latex-free TPE tubing.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... Available in grades from 8 Shore A to 60 Shore D, Mediflex TPE compounds are designed to replace latex in tubing applications. All materials are medical and FDA grade. The non-allergenic, recyclable compounds can be colored, translucent or...

Reinforced hose.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
October 1, 2003... Sani-Tech STHT-R-HD high-purity grade silicone hose is suited for elevated pressure applications where strength, durability and continuous length are critical. The platinum-cured heavy-duty reinforced hose has complete biocompatibility, lot...

Liquid cooling for PCs.(Application Xtra)
October 1, 2003... * greater thermal conductivity * spill-free connection As processing power in desktop computers has increased, heat levels have risen and traditional air-cooling methods relying on fans are becoming less effective. Switching tactics,...

Controlling cooling compactly: integrated fan and controller reduces underhood space.(Tech Upgrade)
October 1, 2003... As vehicles become mole complex and engine compartments more crowded, one pressing challenge is to package more capability into smaller, lighter assemblies for heating and cooling. All carmakers are looking to refine the cooling systems in...

Sonic welding.(Top Product)
October 1, 2003... * joins dissimilar materials * no damage to components, environment Sonicrimp joins similar or dissimilar materials to create gas tight and moisture-resistant electrical connections without the use of solder, lead or high temperatures....

Thin retaining rings.(Fasteners & Adhesives)
October 1, 2003... This company has unveiled a series of thinner, lightweight and economical retaining rings to handle light to medium thrust loads. The rings are designed to fit into a much narrower machined groove. These spiral-wound, 2-turn rings provide...

Hot melt adhesive system.(Fasteners & Adhesives)
October 1, 2003... The 3910 series Thermopulse hot melt unit includes a 10 gal. melt-on-demand reservoir and positive displacement DC motor driven gear pump. It can be used with up to 4 Electromatic applicator heads and hoses Pressure is held constant within [+...

Cold headed fasteners.(Fasteners & Adhesives)
October 1, 2003... Products described in the Custom Engineered Cold Headed Fasteners brochure include: precision components, hex, head cap screws and flange screws self-locking place bolts, connecting rod bolts, 12-point bolts, shoulder bolts, studs, special...

Inserts for plastics.(Fasteners & Adhesives)
October 1, 2003... Specifically designed for the rotational molding process, Bi-sert inserts provide exceptional torque and pull-out resistance. The hex design allows the insert to be used with fiber-resin plastics where the fibers would normally block the flow...

Activated epoxy.(Fasteners & Adhesives)
October 1, 2003... Bond-It 7050 activated epoxy provides adhesion to most plastic surfaces, in really cases stronger than the plastic substrates. The adhesive cures at room temperature for 400[degrees]F service in bonding most metals, plastics, high-per...

Compression limiters catalog.(Fasteners & Adhesives)
October 1, 2003... The tutorial Compression Limiters Catalog discusses the function of a compression limiter: to protect the plastic components of an assembly from the compressive loads generated by the tightening of bolts. The company offers Split Seam...

Single-component epoxy.(Fasteners & Adhesives)
October 1, 2003... Fully meeting USP Class VI requirements, the no mix EP3HT Medical epoxy is resistant to repeated sterilization. It has an unlimited working life at room temperature and cures at within 20-30 minutes at 220[degrees]F, with shorter cure times at...

Vibration-proof fasteners.(Fasteners & Adhesives)
October 1, 2003... The Tine-Lok vibration proof faslocks-in at predetermined intervals along a notched bolt, removing the chance for vibration to loosen the bolt and affect product warrantee claims. The system installs conventionally and is available in metal and...

Battery clips.(Fasteners & Adhesives)
October 1, 2003... Part #55 low-profile battery clip for AAA and N cells is suited for high-density applications. It features a flow-hole SMT solder tail designed to increase joint strength. The 0.010- in. thick nickel-plated spring steel clip securely retains...