Designfax articles from September 2003

Designfax archives from September 2003

A soft buzz from the field.(Up Front)
September 1, 2003... In March of 1853, on the 1,939 acre Rancho Potrero de Santa Clara south of San Francisco, botanist Christopher A. Shelton introduced the domesticated honeybee to California agriculture. Although he had acquired 12 hives in Panama, only enough...

The controller/drive sandwich: and hold the wires, please.(Five Star Product Of The Month)
September 1, 2003... 0ne ongoing debate in the realm of motion control is whether a system should have centralized (one controller for several axis of motion) or distributed (one controller per motor) intelligence. Much of this discourse has been spurred by the...

From-stock car winner.(Technology Spotlight)
September 1, 2003... From-stock car winner. Kindred to Jamaican bobsledders, a team from North Dakota State University finished first in the Stock Class of the American Solar Challenge in July. The Fargo-based Sunsetters team, previously seen in the July '01...

Supersensitive hydrogen sensors.(Technology Spotlight)
September 1, 2003... Supersensitive hydrogen sensors. Nanotubes made of crystaline titanium dioxide (titania) are 1500 times better than the next best material for sensing hydrogen, and may be one of the first examples of materials properties changing dramatically...

Plasticizer-free vinyl.(Top Product)
September 1, 2003... * Avoids embrittlement * Retains mechanical properties The FreeFlex 4002 series of flexible vinyl compounds combines polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with polyolefin elastomers (POEs) that perform well at high and low temperatures. These...

Nano machining.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... This company offers micro and nano machining services and equipment similar to those found in sand blasting. The company's technology includes the control of high-energy liquid jets to cut and shape features with sizes below 50 nanometers in a...

Materials subscription service.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... DesignAid is a three-part subcription service--physical samples, Design Guide, online database--that is shipped every three months. Each issue provides in-depth research on new materials, processes and technologies. In addition to the physical...

Closed cell core material.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... RamXcel closed cell core material consists of a rigid, low-density structural closed-cell core permanently fused between two layers of high impact-resistant RamX material. Developed primarily for the small boat and outdoor industry, the RamXcel...

Pure copper.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... Copper is a data sheet that describes the benefits and general applications of pure copper. The mechanical, physical and chemical properties of pure copper as well as casting technique, melting, casting characteristics, joining, fabrication...

Extrudable TPU.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... The Estane Easy to Extrude (ETE) thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) includes grades UP to 80 Shore D. Increased TPU hardness provides high mechanical and thermal properties but often results in extrusion difficulties. The ETE TPUs are made from...

Packaging colors.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... This company produces a broad line of color and additive masterbatches for packaging applications. It is introducing a line of blue-colored additives to appeal to customer's senses. Cirruscape a lustrous blue that reflects serenity while Spaqua...

Plastics decorating.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... IMDI is an in-mold decorating program that assists designers in trouble-shooting, testing and problem-solving during the plastics decorating process. The company offers services using inks, forming techniques and injection molding, as well as...

Thermoplastic vulcanizate.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... A EU food-compliant grade of Santoprene thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) is being used by Rubbermaid for the seal in its food container lids. These EU-compliant grades exhibit good chemical resistance compression set and temperature resistance...

Fluoropolymer CD-ROM.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... Discover the World of Dyneon is a CD-ROM that provides complete product specifications for the company's fluoroelastomer, PTFE, custom PTFE, fluorothermoplastic and specialty additive products. It is divided into four sections and takes users...

Adhesive technologies.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... The 24-page High Performance Polymers and Adhesives catalog details nearly 200 product formulations for bonding and assembly applications. The catalog, available in either a printed version or on CD-ROM, features copolyamide and copolyester hot...

Ferrite materials.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... The PI and P2 Series ferrite materials are designed for high-power applications. Available in a wide range of core shapes and sizes, they can be used in such applications as battery chargers, industrial induction heating, UPS and welding...

Rapid prototyping plastic.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... ABSi plastic is available as a colorless plastic as well as in translucent red, amber or white. The plastic can be sterilized via gamma radiation and EtO sterlization. It is compatible with the soluble support Water Works, which saves time by...

TPE alloy.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... The ST1025 injection moldable TPE alloy provides a silky soft touch feel. At 33 Shore A, the ST1025 is suitable for soft touch applications such as grips, handles, buttons, toys and personal care accessories. It offers a low coefficient of...

Coatings website.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... This company has launched a website designed for OEMs and job shops involved in product finishing. The site describes how the company works with product finishers in a wide range of markets, including agricultural, construction and industrial...

High-strength steel.(Application Xtra)
September 1, 2003... * high strength * low weight Earlier this year, Volvo introduced its XC90 sport utility vehicle, entering one of the fastest growing automobile markets The seven-seater SUV features a steel beam that secures the center seats in place....

Multitasking the shop floor: combining jobs on a single machine saves space and time.
September 1, 2003... Unless you've just awoken from a 10-year coma (and welcome back, by the way), you know quite well that manufacturing is down. Every week, every day brings another report of a company downsizing, or disappearing entirely. The backwash is...

Fine-tuning FEA software: customization improves analysis speed and efficiency.(Tech Upgrade)
September 1, 2003... A longstanding goal at many engineering organizations is to extend the benefits of finite--element analysis to product designers. Traditionally, designers have used CAD--integrated tools to perform FEA functions. Lately, though. there's been a...

Changing the world of prosthetics: aerospace materials, advanced motor designs, and special safety circuitry eliminate problems in motion-controlled hands.
September 1, 2003... Substituting a missing limb with a motion-controlled replacement has helped many people live better, more full lives. Nonetheless, technology continues to evolve, reducing the problems associated with under-designed solutions that lack the...

Antimicrobial finish: inhibits bacteria and mold growth to protect surface for years.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... The Agion antimicrobial compound is an inorganic finish that combines silver with naturally occurring inorganic ceramic that allows a continuous controlled release of ionic silver over an extended period of time. The antimicrobial aspects of...

Connector system.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... The Pulse-Lok connector system offers smooth mating with low insertion force. The environmentally sealed interconnect system is available in kit form with pin counts from 1 to 27. Special keying and color options are also available. In...

DC motors.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... This line of autoclavable, slotless-brushless DC motors offers virtually no vibration, no RFI or EMI noise and speeds up to 200,000 rpm. Designed with a patented slotless coil and winding technology, these motors are available in sizes as small...

Pressure transducers.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... The Model 18S family of pressure transducers provides a temperature--compensated analog output signal and is CE-marked for international acceptance. Fluid connections include either 1/4-in. NPT or ISO G-threads. The 18S pneumatic transducers...

Locking connectors.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... The IP50- and IP68-rated quick disconnect, push-pull precision locking connectors are available in three sizes in each group, with a pole count availability ranging from 2 to 27. The connectors are lightweight, non-magnetic, and non-conductive....

Dispensing timer.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... Suited for dispensing liquids, the Super Teachme Timer (Model 2831) features two timing ranges that can be programmed quickly. Both intervals are stored in onboard memory, even in the event of a power out-age, until reprogrammed.An SPST switch...

Microspheres.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... Expancel microspheres are small plastic particles consisting of a polymer shell encapsulating a gas. When the gas inside the shell increases its pressure and the thermoplastic shell softens, the volume of the microspheres increases-more than 40...

Fluoroplastic heat shrinkable tubing.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... TexMed fluoroplastic medical-grade heat shrinkable tubing includes PTFE, PEA, FEP, ETFE, PEEK and PEI formulations that are Class VI-approved. Offered with shrink ratios of 1.3:1 to 4:1, depending on the material, this tubing is offered in...

Adapter.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... This USB-to-serial adapter enables OEMs to create a simple link to PC, MAC, modem, cellphone or any digital device. The adapter transfers data at over 1 mb/sec and complies with USB Rev. 1.1. In addition, the adapter works with Windows 98,...

Tubular DC solenoids.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... The 1 1/2-in. dia tubular DC solenoid has a side-mounting bracket for extra stability and is available in pull-type only, with a choice of three duty cycles. Nylon bobbins, coupled with electroless nickel-plated plungers, assure long service...

Dynamic receivers.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... The RDA-13A series of dynamic receivers is suitable for disposable hearing aids and other medical products requiring a receiver device, portable headphones and cellular phones. Measuring 13 x 2.5 mm, the RDA-13A has a frequency response of 110...

Cords.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... Koiled Kords are available in three versions: the light SVO, the medium SJO and the heavy-duty SO for many applications including medical equipment. They feature a Neoprene jacket and have an extension length of 10 to 20 ft. Available in 12...

Pressure-sensitive adhesives.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... MACtac pressure-sensitive adhesive systems are dsigned for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and medical device markets, among others. They are suited for transdermal applications where the adhesives must not peel away when moisture, skin oils or...

Power supplies.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... The MPS line of medically approved open-frame switching power supplies provides output power over the range of 30 to 65W. All models accept universal input from 85 to 265 VAC and offer single, dual and triple outputs from 3.3 to 48 VDC. It has...

Rotary valves.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... This 1 mm bore, custom--designed rotary valve features a stainless steel rotor for torsional strength, a Tefzel liner for chemical inertness and a PEEK body for rigidity. It can operate up to high pressures of 1000 psi and is controlled by TTL...

Balloon forming machines.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... The 9500 and 9600 series balloon forming machines are compact, portable and easy to operate. Their modular design provides increased flexibility in matching the machine performance to a particular forming process, balloon size and material...

Brushless DC blower.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... Drive and commutation electronics are embedded in the motor design of this compact 24V unit, providing a two-wire input. The impeller and rotor are balanced to provide a vibration-free, low-noise design. Measuring 3.4- x 2.64-in the brushless...

Color technology system.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... The OnColor Virtual Color software-based technology system shortens the product design and color-matching processes by allowing color chip data to be stored elecronically, eliminating the problem of chip fading or misplacement. It has two modes...

Packaging resin.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... The Surlyn packaging resin is a tough and crystal clear material capable of reducing leaks and improving packaging speeds. Exhibiting good hot tack strength and high melt strength, the high-gloss resin can be used as a tie or as a sealing layer...

Sapphire lenses and waveplates.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... These sapphire lenses feature Moh 9 surface hardness, resin scratching, are impervious to water and come in plano convex and concave configurations in sizes from 12.7 to 50 mm dia. They are offered in half- and quarter-wave in either A or M...

Molding machines.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2003... The ELJECT NEX series injection molding machines includes 22 models with nine types of mold clamping mechanisms and 13 types of injection units. Featuring a stable plasticizing unit, they have a temperature control system consisting of five...

Keeping hearts pumping: polycarbonate resins meet FDA requirements for heart-lung bypass system.(Application Ideas)
September 1, 2003... The CORx compact heart-lung bypass system, manufactured by CardioVention, Inc, Santa Clara, CA, consists of an Integrated Oxygenation System (IOS), which unifies air handling, oxygenation and pumping into a single compact unit. A separate...

Digital signal rocker switch.(Top Product)
September 1, 2003... * controls AC or DC equipment * feels like a standard rocker switch The DSRocker digital signal rocker switch works with any proprietary digital databus system that, in turn, can control any kind of AC or DC equipment. Although fully...

Counter/pulse output modules.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... These high-speed counter/ pulse output modules are designed for the company's Terminator I/O and DL405 lines of PLC and I/O products, and for the DL205 high-speed counter module. The modules are capable of accepting high-speed pulse-type input...

Miniature slide switches.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... The 1K2 changeover slide switch occupies a board space measuring 10 mm x 2.5 mm x 4.5 excluding the actuator. It is available with 2.54 mm pitch pins, allowing end-to-end or side-by-side stacking on a 2.54 mm pitch board. Straight or 90-deg....

Rocker switches.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... The CR series of panel-mount rocker switches features a round actuator and body, making them suitable for such applications as small and large appliances and computers. Available in a choice of actuator styles, the CR units can be specified...

Membrane switches.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... These membrane switches are protected from high levels of humidity and water intrusion, using a sealed gasket design that protects the switch conductors. Available in tactile (for greater user feedback) and non-tactile (for greater sensitivity)...

Five-position joystick.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... The 6.70 mm x 5.45 mm JS-1100 Navigator switch is designed to replace discrete direction and select switches in consumer electronic products such as digital cameras, cell phones and PDAs. The JS-1100 features eight gull-wing surface mount...

Snap-action microswitches.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... The G3 miniature snap-action microswitches feature an integrated ramp plunger configuration that replaces the need for extra levers. The UL-, CSA- and ENEC-listed switches provide low operating force with a 3 mm contact gap in a 28 mm x 16 mm...

Emergency stop button.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... The PIT emergency stop pushbutton is suitable for applications up to category 4 in accordance with EN 954-1. A safety contact block prevents contact elements from being released without detection. The contact block works with the contact...

Time delay relay.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... The TRDU series time delay relays feature 8- and 11-pin base wiring, simplifying substitution. They are available with 21 timing functions, including delay on make, delay on break, interval, single-shot, recycling, motion detector, accumulating...

Safety relays.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... The PSR safety relays are equipped with two to eight normally open release current paths, and one normally closed signaling current path. Available in the ME 22.5 mm housing, the modules are designed in accordance with EN50 178 with reinforced...

Monitor relay.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... The SLU-600-ASDS phase monitor relay provides protection against premature equipment failure caused by poor three-phase power quality. The SLU 600 was designed to accommodate a three-phase voltage range from 208 to 600 VAC in the field. It...

Jumper switch.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... Offering 0.050-in. centers, the ERG SMJS jumper switch is designed for surface mounting applications using automatic pick and place equipment and reflow soldering ovens. It features color-coded DIP switches, low-profile color-coded DIP...

Signaling switches.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... The illuminated NexGen signaling switches are available in a thin, rugged package from 3- to 6-ft long. They are designed for applications where continuous visibility and a large operating surface are required. The enclosed switching element is...

Pushbutton switches.(Electrical/electronics: relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2003... The A-Series of washable, subminiature pushbutton switches are for PC board-level switching applications. They incorporate the company's Sliding Twin Crossbar (STC) contact mechanism, which ensures good switching reliability and a smooth...

Membrane switch for airborne telemetry.(Application Xtra)
September 1, 2003... * more efficient data transfer * non-visual activation When Nova Engineering was designing its Hypermod MMD44 demodulator, the interface between man and machine was a key part of enabling the technology. The demodulator is a critical...

Pumping up diabetics: insulin infusers aid diabetics in leading active lives.(RevisionX)
September 1, 2003... By any measure, diabetes is a huge health problem. Not only is it estimated that approximately 16 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, it is a leading cause of associated medical conditions such as blindness, circulatory problems, and...

Solid lubricant.(Top Product)
September 1, 2003... * reduces friction * minimizes wear NanoLub is a nanotechnology-based solid lubricant that reduces friction between moving parts, minimizing wear and energy consumption. Based on nanoparticles of inorganic compounds, NanoLub can serve...

Plastic roller bearing.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... Originally designed for steering columns, this plastic needle roller bearing provides lubricity through the plastic rollers, reducing grease, noise and corrosion. Typical use is in straight radial load applications. The bearing can bear loads...

Air bearings.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... These vacuum preloaded (VPL) air bearings allow the combination of X and Y linear motion and theta rotation on one flat surface, eliminating the need to stack several separate stages. They are designed to float on a thin film of air while...

Bearing components.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... Truline 850 series bearing alloy is offered as continuous-cast aluminum bars in solid and tube shapes. They are suitable for machining into precision bearing components that arc light-weight, corrosion-resistant, have high thermal conductivity,...

Prelubricated bearings.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... The DS series bearings eliminate fretting corrosion damage to shafts under low-amplitude oscillating movements. Developed for both marginally lubricated and dry applications, they are available as cylindrical bushings, thrust washers, strip and...

Metric bearings.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... More than 1000 iglide polymer metric plain bearing sizes are available in sleeve, flange and thrust configuration, from stock. These polymer bearings are molded from a variety of materials optimized for bearing applications. They can replace...

Rust preventive.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... Santovac TK[O.sub.2] is a synthetic, non-toxic industrial cleaner and rust preventive for ferrous and non-ferrous metals in indoor and outdoor environments. The biodegradable cleaner contains no potentially carcinogenic barium compounds and can...

Digital bearing controller.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... The MB240 digital control system provides high bearing stability and precise positioning in semiconductor fabrication equipment and other like applications. Designed for magnetic bearing arrangements and Hyperspin spindles, the MB240 is a...

Adapter ball bearings.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... This brochure introduces the Grip Tight adapter ball bearing. The Grip Tight has a fully concentric 360-deg inner ring. a patent-pending pull/push adapter system and a completely interchangeable housing design. It is engineered to run at high...

Ball bearings.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... Marathon stainless steel single-row, deep-groove (SRDG) ball bearings feature different closure and lubrication options to promote extended service life and inhibit potentially damaging contamination of bearings even in harsh conditions. The...

On-line lubrication tips.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... 101 Smart Lubrication Tips is a downloadable pdf file with graphics and easy-to-read charts that offer solutions to common lubrication problems. The guide features such categories as rolling-element bearings, seals and packings, linear motion...

Oil skimming.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... The 14-page Oil Skimmer Facts explains the principles of skimming floating waste and tramp oils from water as well as the advantages and drawbacks of different types of skimming devices. The company also offers a full line of skimmers and...

Bearings.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... The SKF Explorer Angular Contact Ball Bearing (ACBB) is designed to withstand tough pump operating conditions. The ACBB bearings can be used in place of conventional bearings in existing designs, increasing the designer's options for using...

Roll-formed bushings.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... The Spring Alignment Dowels/Bushings catalog highlights the features of these roll-formed hardened bushings. These include staggered seams to prevent interlocking and lead-in chamfers to facilitate ease of insertion and to avoid skiving of the...

Spray injector pump.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... The PurgeX Spray Pump features independently adjustable air and fluid flow, which can produce atomization or a fog of lubrication ranging for light machining fluids, heavy way oil, open gear lubes and even #2 NLGI grease. Output is zero to...

Pillow blocks.(Mechanical: bearings & lubricants)
September 1, 2003... The FDA-approved Graphalloy pillow blocks and flanges are suitable for continuous food manufacturing operations in ovens, conveyors, cookers, mixers and packaging equipment. The graphite metal alloy pillow block and flanges eliminate oil and...

Dry lubrication in radiation sterilization systems.(Application Xtra)
September 1, 2003... * does not outgas or dry out * minimal maintenance Sterilization is the critical last step in medical manufacturing and in many food-processing lines, even with such items as cosmetics and seasonings. There are several techniques to...

Fieldbus manifold.(Top Product)
September 1, 2003... * eliminates need for several networks * web server capability The G2-2 series pneumatic fieldbus manifold is designed for applications requiring Ethernet I/O and pneumatic valve manifolds. The Ethernet technology integrates an...

Remote valve operation.(Fluid power: valves & cylinders)
September 1, 2003... The Flex-Drive is capable of operating valves in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations. An operator station features a handwheel which, when turned, simultaneously runs the valve actuator. A patented drive cable, linking the two stations, can...

Solenoid valve.(Fluid power: valves & cylinders)
September 1, 2003... The Series SV solenoid valve features a modular design that allows the modification of manifold stations by snapping them together. Rated IP65-and CE-compliant, these valves are offered in both serial interface and parallel wiring...

Elastomeric mini valves.(Fluid power: valves & cylinders)
September 1, 2003... These valves can be made from a variety of elastomeric materials including silicone, fluorosilicone, fluorocarbon and silicone rubber. Duckbill, umbrella, combination and cross-slit valves can be used in pressure-relief and metering...

Pneumatic cylinder.(Fluid power: valves & cylinders)
September 1, 2003... The short-stroke AEVC single-acting and ADVC double-acting units feature a one-piece design available in a configuration range consisting of 13 bore sizes. They offer a choice of internal or external piston rod threads, improved cushioning,...

Piston-actuated valves.(Fluid power: valves & cylinders)
September 1, 2003... These piston-actuated valves are designed as an alternative to solenoid and ball valves for on/off control of many types of media, including light slurries and viscous fluids. The two-way valves are offered in normally closed, normally open and...