Designfax articles from September 2000

Designfax archives from September 2000

Summer Reading.
September 1, 2000... Still time to squeeze in one more good book "Research is a high-hat word that scares a lot of people. It needn't. It is rather simple. Essentially, it is nothing but a state of mind -- a friendly, welcoming attitude toward change..." --...

99 Red Ballons Or are they warheads?
September 1, 2000... I chanced upon a disturbing letter the other day in the August 2000 issue of Harper's Magazine. Written by Theodore A. Postol, a physicist at MIT and former scientific adviser to the chief of naval operations, it was addressed to White House...

5-Tap Solid-State Delay Line.
September 1, 2000... Delay lines, once used only as last minute corrections to system timing problems, in recent years have be come an indispensable tool in the system de signer's tool kit Designers can use delay lines to precisely adjust clock phase or signal skew...

Chew Chew.
September 1, 2000... From the alternative fuels file -- Chew Chew is a 12-wheeled robot completely powered by food. The "gastrobot," which made its public debut in August at a robotics conference in Hawaii, is based on research dating back to the 1930 that explores...

HTS.
September 1, 2000... An update -- back in May 1996, we reported on this page the successful demonstration of a 200 hp motor that used high-temperature superconductor (HTS) technology. The latest version, successfully run this July, is a commercial-scale unit rated...

Taking Control.
September 1, 2000... Haas makes machine controls its own way In 1987 the engineers at Haas Automation were facing a dilemma of sorts. The Oxnard, CA-based company was developing a new CNC vertical machining center it planned to unveil at IMTS '88, the premier...

20,000 Feet Under the Sea.
September 1, 2000... Thermally conductive composites improve undersea motors An electric motor used in an undersea remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was improved through the use of thermally conductive composites. The Quest ROV from Alstom GEC, Davis, CA, is...

Balanced Power Pulley Fine Tunes ACM Conveyor Performance.
September 1, 2000... Grocery chain management hopes to improve front-end productivity and customer service by adding Automatic Checkout Machines (ACMs). Typically, three or more ACMs supplement conventional checkout lanes to give customers complete service options....

The American Ceramic Society's web site.
September 1, 2000... The American Ceramic Society's web site provides two new resources -- ceramicSOURCE Online and Ceramic Links. With more than 1,000 products and services and 2,600 vendor companies included, ceramicSOURCE Online makes it easy to locate companies...

DuPont Dow Elastomers.
September 1, 2000... DuPont Dow Elastomers has introduced an online elastomer-evaluation tool providing valuable property and product information about specific elastomer performance in select chemicals. The chemical resistance guide (CRG) provides introductory...

GetPlastic.com.
September 1, 2000... getPlastic.com is a business-to-business marketplace for plastic resins. Through its procurement web site, it provides online tools that enable purchasing professionals and materials engineers to access multiple suppliers and to source resins...

3M.com/bumpon site.
September 1, 2000... Visitors to the 3M.com/bumpon site will find an interactive "Design-A-Bump" section; a complete catalog of Bumpon protective products with specifications and product shots; a selection guide that matches client needs with appropriate products;...

Tekra.com.
September 1, 2000... tekra.com offers online ordering and tracking, access to product specials and discounts, product listings and specifications, as well as detailed company and distribution information. One of the site's main features is its catalog, in which...

Performance-polymers.com.
September 1, 2000... performance-polymers.com offers comprehensive product information, recent news and sales/distributor information. An online reference library houses downloadable technical articles that users may print out for future reference. This company...

Styron.com.
September 1, 2000... styron.com offers complete product information for STYRON A-TECH advanced polystyrene resins for all key applications. The site offers downloadable data sheets and product literature in multiple languages. Application and fabrication...

Distance Learning.
September 1, 2000... There was a time when the most visible examples of distance learning were ads for art schools printed on the inside of matchbook covers. James Cagney, in Strawberry Blonde even got a dental degree by mail! Blink Magazine traces formal distance...

Bolted joint analysis.
September 1, 2000... BoltFAST can aid designers in determining the fatigue endurance of a thread, the amount of embedding anticipated in the joint, and the optimal tightening torque for given friction conditions. The software uses three components -- a Joint...

ABS modeler.
September 1, 2000... Prodigy produces 3D models up to 8- x 8- x 12-in. No venting is required, and the machine is quiet enough not to disturb an office environment. It can also page or e-mail an alert that the part is complete. STL files are simply passed via "drag...

Fluid flow analysis.
September 1, 2000... CFX-5 computational fluid dynamics software combines direct CAD input, automatic meshing, and a Coupled Algebraic Multi-grid algorithm where pressure and momentum conservation equations are solved simultaneously, reducing CPU time associated...

Problem-solver.
September 1, 2000... TechOptimizer 3.5 is augmented with context-sensitive help mentors and wizards for step-by-step guidance. New scientific effects and patent links have also been added. The engineering and scientific problem solving tool is fueled by a technical...

Finite element analysis.
September 1, 2000... NE/Nastran V7.1 adds two nonlinear elements to its Nonlinear Analysis Module. An adaptive 3D slide line contact element allows modeling contact behavior between two deformable bodies. Also added is a tension-only cable element that supports...

Virtual prototyping.
September 1, 2000... Design 4.5 is a simulation graphics software to help embedded systems engineers create custom virtual prototypes of the products they are developing. The package's graphics technology enables large bitmaps to retain their photorealistic...

PCB thermal models.
September 1, 2000... FLO/EDA is a Web-based software product for the creation of thermal models of printed circuit boards. The program reads Intermediate Data Format (IDF) data files, a format approved by all major Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software...

Expanded parts guide.
September 1, 2000... Edition 4.0 of the PartSpec CAD CD offers increased parametric 3D and customized selection of manufacturer parts. This free guide provides a consolidated source of dimensionally accurate Autodesk-ready material from 194 manufacturers. A...

Knowledge-based analysis and simulation.
September 1, 2000... DesignSpace for Inventor, a first-pass simulation tool, offers full associativity and assembly support for Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk's 3D modeling package. DesignSpace's approach focuses on assembly design, allowing design engineers to...

CATLA upgrade.
September 1, 2000... Version 5 Release 4 of CATIA for Windows and UNIX includes enhancements well suited for small and medium enterprises. The package now offers 2D and 3D design capabilities, an integrated Product Lifecycle Management feature, and full process...

UV/visible adhesive.
September 1, 2000... This light curing adhesive, 3-20556. Forms durable bonds to polystyrene and other plastics in only a few seconds without crazing. The crystal-clear bonds resist moisture, thermal cycling and exhibit high impact resistance. 3-20556 has a...

Ceramic-filled epoxy.
September 1, 2000... Aremco-Bond 2310 is available for bonding applications requiring ultrahigh lap shear and peel strengths. The epoxy is a flexible, ceramic-filled, high-strength structural adhesive system that provides lap shear strength to aluminum of 4,560 psi...

Acrylic attachment tape.
September 1, 2000... Noreryl solid acrylic attachment tapes offer strong bonding power and can reduce or replace conventional fasteners, rivets, liquid adhesives and welds. The K-2000 series is translucent, allowing the tape to blend in with the background. The...

Hexagonal socket.
September 1, 2000... The ENSAT-SBI self-tapping insert features a hexagonal socket that reduces installation time. Good for lightweight materials. It offers high loading capacity and resistance to wear. Applications include aluminum and aluminum alloys, magnesium...

Stainless steel standoffs.
September 1, 2000... Self-clinching Type SO4 through-hole threaded standoffs and Type BS04 blind threaded standoffs provide strong permanent threads in stainless steel sheets as thin as 0.040 in. The standoffs are made from 400 series stainless steel and are for...

Alumina adhesive.
September 1, 2000... Resbond 989, 3000[degrees]F, high-purity adhesive protects hear sensors used in corrosive environments. It adheres to metals, ceramics, graphite or glass, and can be dispensed automatically. It cures at room temperature to provide high bond...

Threaded fastener seal.
September 1, 2000... A thin, 0.016-in. thick film of soft Plastisol material applied to the underside of screw-washer assemblies provide superior sealing and torquing characteristics. The material eliminates cold flow of the seal and the need for re-torquing of the...

Tough-duty switch.
September 1, 2000... This snap action switch breaks the load in two places to minimize electrical arcing that causes switch contacts to deteriorate. Other features include a two-spring "butterfly" design that produces high contact pressure in vibration or...

Subminiature switches.
September 1, 2000... ZL series toggle switches and ZP series pushbutton switches feature rugged metal bushings (with or without threads); gold- or silver-plated contacts; and solder lug or printed circuit terminals. The toggles are offered in six electrical...

DIN rail mount relays.
September 1, 2000... Designed for heating control applications in plastics, food processing, semiconductor and laboratory markets, these solid-state relays mount on standard DIN rails. Integral heat sinks provide controlled cooling, and zero voltage switching is...

Miniature, rocker switches.
September 1, 2000... The Model 0815 single-pole rocker switch is offered in several designs, including lighted and non lighted versions. The rockers are offered in white glossy, red or matte black color schemes, and snap in plastic bezels and 1/4-in. quick...

Flow switch.
September 1, 2000... The TELEFLO switch monitors the flow of turbine oil, gear oil, paper machine oil, hydraulic oil; cutting oil water through standard 1/2-, 3/4-, 1-, 1 1/2- and 2-in, NPT connections. A built-in switch enables activation of a designated remote...

Smart Switch socket.
September 1, 2000... The IS Series of pushbutton Smart Switches now can he plugged into a low profile socket designed specifically for them. The sockets are dimensioned for high density side-by-side panel or PCB mounting. The switches have liquid crystal displays...

Foot switches.
September 1, 2000... A 6-page brochure provides descriptions, specifications, dimensions, wiring diagrams and ordering information for this line of heavy duty industrial foot switches. Operating modes include momentary, maintained, two stage with pressure point,...

Hall-effect micro-switch.
September 1, 2000... The HAL 1000 switch can replace traditional mechanical micro switches in position and speed measurement applications, such as safety belts, door locks, ignition locks and brake lights. The switches are also able to measure velocity with high...

Directionally-sensitive switch.
September 1, 2000... The MagnaMouse replaces bulky, complex and more costly switches used in computer cursor games, game controls, automotive mirror and seat operations, or other devices requiring multidirectional switches. A keycap depresses a disc-shaped...

Keyboard with mouse.
September 1, 2000... Series 75 keyboards have a full 105-key layout and a built-in mouse control. The touch sensitive design permits installation behind glass to protect against chemical attack, operator abuse. vandalism and hygienic washdown, and can be operated...

Safety limit switch.
September 1, 2000... The Coupleswitch module combines the functions of a differential expansion temperature controller/safety limit switch with those of a thermocouple for applications up to 2000[degrees]F. An output is also available through a separate...

Pneumatic valve manifolds.
September 1, 2000... Type 8640 modular manifold pneumatic control systems are built to exactly meet customers' and system integrators' requirements for size, flow, and performance. These 10, 18, and 32mm-size valve systems feature a "snap together" design for easy...

Air regulators.
September 1, 2000... Expanding its MAR-1 pressure regulator line, which had been offered only in a 0-100 psi range, the new series will provide ranges of 0-10, 0-20, 0-30, 0-40, 0-50, 0-60 and 0-70 psi to provide more precise control of outlet pressure. Full range...

Switches.
September 1, 2000... These switches can perform flow control, pressure, vacuum or differential switching in a variety of configurations. They include a printed circuit board switch 1-in, diameter x 0.675-in, high (also available with fast-on terminals); a...

Pneumatic cylinder.
September 1, 2000... This single-acting cylinder has an extremely low profile for use where mounting space must be held to a minimum. Air pressure is used for piston extension, but vacuum is used for piston retraction. Vacuum eliminates a spring and reduces overall...

Solid state timer.
September 1, 2000... For applications such as draining condensation in compressed air systems, this company has added a solid state timer to the Series 80 group of 5/8-in. diameter orifice, solenoid operated, 2-way, normally closed diaphragm valves. The timer...

Bar manifolds.
September 1, 2000... This product line offers all ports with a gallery size equal to at least the nominal port connection. This helps to minimize pressure drops and fluid velocities. Port types available are SAE, NPT, BSPP, BSPT, metric and/or SAE Flange (Code 61 &...

Pressure regulators.
September 1, 2000... The P3P-R Series of remotely controlled electronic pressure regulators accurately controls pneumatic pressure by means of a signal from a closed loop integrated electronic control system. Available in a range of sizes from 1/8-up to 1/2-in.,...

Tie-rod cylinders.
September 1, 2000... This company is expanding its line of NFPA aluminum-bodied tie-rod cylinders. The line now includes 5-, 6- and 8-in. triple-rod, non-rotating cylinders and a 12-in. bore NFPA-interchangeable aluminum tie-rod cylinder. The 12-in. TA Series...

Miniature components.
September 1, 2000... This company offers a full line of directional and circuit control valves, solenoid valves, accessories, manifolds and fittings. Multiple configurations of 2-, 3- and 4-way valves feature closed cross-over for precise control, and swivel input...

Plastics studio.
September 1, 2000... This design and prototyping studio allows customers to rapidly develop unique surface designs for any thermoplastic that is extruded as a continuous roll, such as window treatments, upholstery, floor tiles, and other items. The interactive...

Complex draws.
September 1, 2000... Using a CAD/CAM drawing system, this company converts flat metal blanks into complex cylindrical, rectangular square, or multi-faceted shells. The 3-dimensional shells are finished on-site, with services that include machining, heat treating,...

Thermoplastic prototypes.
September 1, 2000... This specialized prototype process accelerates the verification of design and manufacturing feasibility allowing for faster product development. The process mirrors the concepts and equipment used in the production setting so that customers can...

Polymers and more.
September 1, 2000... In addition to a dozen different forms of polymers, this company supplies pure metals, alloys, ceramics, compounds, intermetallics, and composites. They offer services such as custom machining, polishing, and coating, as well as the...

Laser-welded assemblies.
September 1, 2000... These custom assemblies feature 6 sigma repeatability and can include material sourcing, processes such as bending and threading with concurrent engineering, and all qualification testing. ALT assemblies offer distortion-free cutting, drilling...

Precision manufacturing.
September 1, 2000... This company manufactures a variety of structural and fluid control components for industries such as aerospace diesel engine fuel systems, automotive braking and suspension, oil and gas production and others They provide complete machining...

Stainless steel parts.
September 1, 2000... This company can provide superior photo-chemically-etched parts. A proprietary process achieves straighter side-wall characteristics than standard etching processes, allowing a more precise fit. Parts are highly resistant to organic and many...

Powder metal process.
September 1, 2000... The F2 process offers engineers a wide array of material properties, weight savings without performance sacrifice, and the ability to design a single part composed of two different materials. Reportedly, F2 is the only sintering process that...

Precision-cut tubes and cannula.
September 1, 2000... This company offers electrolytic, burr-free cutting and grinding of hypodermic tubing in 304/316 stainless steel as well as capillary tubing. Cutting of other metals and alloys is available upon request. Burr-free cutting and grinding...

Metal finishing.
September 1, 2000... This company is a designer and manufacturer of electropolishing systems and a fabricator of stainless steel components and fittings. The company also provides certified welding for sanitary stainless steel pumps, valves, and fittings, hand...

Batch oven.
September 1, 2000... This high-temperature, high-capacity oven offers an interior capacity of 125 cubic feet and operating temperatures from 100[degrees] to 1,000[degrees]F. Virtually any thermal process can be simulated Using this oven customers can optimize their...

Piston pump.
September 1, 2000... Model EBV 18 solenoid-operated oscillating piston pumps are a low-cost solution for many fluid pumping applications such as the transfer of lubrication oil, water, cleaning fluids, and other compatible liquids. The pumps are rated for 110 VAC,...

Thermoplastic resins kit.
September 1, 2000... The ResinKit provides samples and complete technical information on 50 of the most commonly used thermoplastic resins. For 10 years, this kit has been used by hundreds of molders, extruders, OEMs, designers and recyclers to confirm resin types....

Molding system.
September 1, 2000... The Baydur 425 internal mold release polyurethane, high-density, structural reaction injection molding (HD-SRIM) system is suitable for advanced composite applications in automotive and light truck vehicles. This technology offers inherent...

Zirconium phosphate ceramic.
September 1, 2000... This product, available in rod and sheet form, has a very weak coefficient of thermal expansion and can undergo repeated heating with little risk of cracking. Machined forms of the ceramic have an exceptionally long life. It offers resistance...

Flowmeters.
September 1, 2000... Smartflow mechanical flowmeters are low-cost diagnostic and condition tools that verify and measure water flow rate. Rugged wetted parts such as brass and anodized aluminum bodies are compatible with many clear liquids. Flowmeters are available...

Sight flow indicators.
September 1, 2000... This company is offering a 90-day free trial of its FLO-VU Models 360L and 360M. The indicator is a Factory Mutual Approved sight glass with Teflon PFA and borosillicate glass-wetted surfaces and a unique seal design that remains bubble-tight...

Turbine flow meters.
September 1, 2000... The low-cost LoCo Series is constructed of 316 stainless steel with NPT-type end fittings. It is a perfect fit for OEM manufacturers who need a flow meter incorporated into their equipment. Available in nine overlapping sizes from 1/4- to...

Digital sine drives.
September 1, 2000... The DigiDrive 2000/4000 family for brushless AC sine or asynchronous motors is controlled with a user-friendly graphical interface that runs in Windows. The graphic tuning process takes the guesswork out of PID loop adjustment and facilitates...

Servo actuator.
September 1, 2000... Model LA 15-16-020A is a two-wire non-commutated direct drive linear voice coil servo actuator featuring cog-free, hysteresis-free motion with high acceleration capability. This 1.5-in. diameter x 1.56-in, long device has a 0.4-in. stroke. It...

Positioning stages.
September 1, 2000... This narrow profile series of 16 motorized positioning stages features a newly patented precision guide rail system. The units, which are offered in stroke lengths from 4.8- to 107.2-in., are designed for a wide variety of assembly, inspection...

Premixed materials.
September 1, 2000... Five new Ancorloy engineered binder-treated premixed materials are available. Three of the products are high-performance alternatives to malleable and ductile cast iron materials. The products are designated Ancorloy -MDA, -MDB, and -MDC. The...

Invar extrusions.
September 1, 2000... The use of near-net extruded shapes of Invar, a specialized nickel alloy, is a growing trend in aerospace composite structures manufacturing. The extrusions have primary use as tooling components in aerospace structure production, but can also...

Beryllium-aluminum alloys.
September 1, 2000... Beralcast MGA are extrudable alloys that can be produced with complex cross-sections in compositions ranging from 10 to 65% beryllium content to achieve specific stiffness-to-weight ratios. Providing up to 30% weight savings over conventional...

Magnetic shielding alloys.
September 1, 2000... The MG-7 magnetic shielding alloy catalog provides complete specification, application and fabrication information for EMI engineering solutions. It contains comprehensive tables of alloy properties, instructions for use, shield construction...

Isolation valves.
September 1, 2000... Miniature isolation valves enable OEM product designers to accommodate difficult-to-handle, high purity, aggressive, and particulate-laden fluids that present a threat to the integrity of standard valve seals. The valves enable customized...

Polymer family & nylon 66.
September 1, 2000... LATER T is a processable PTT polymer with near-equal end performance to PBTs and PETs. It combines the rigidity, strength and heat resistance of PET with the lower processing temperatures of PBT. A new nylon 66 grade, Latamid 66 H2 G/25-VO HF,...

Threaded check valves.
September 1, 2000... These Check Valves are available with 1/8-27 NPT threads on one side and the choice of a barb on the other side, to fit tubing IDs of 1/8-, 3/16-, 1/4-, or 3/8-in. When tightened into a port, the direction of flow is from the port to the...

Pump/trap combo.
September 1, 2000... The GT10L PowerTrap combines pump and trap for removing condensate from process heat exchangers with limited clearance. Combining the pump and trap inside the same body reduces piping and eliminates possible errors. The unit has both flanged...

Flow control components.
September 1, 2000... These Honeycomb components feature cells that can be profiled with a specific aspect ratio to achieve precise flow properties and can be configured for flow straightening, redirecting, conditioning, and mixing applications. Capable of handling...

Emergency stop switch.
September 1, 2000... The Rafi Rafix FS Stop Switch is engineered for direct installation to a pc board. Mounting depth is 9.7mm, and the mounting hole is 22.3mm. Depressing the red actuator separates the normally closed contacts, immediately cutting equipment...