Designfax articles from September 2004

Designfax archives from September 2004

The latest things.(Up Front)
September 1, 2004... If you are in the manufacturing or design business, you will find it worthwhile to stop by Chicago's McCormick Place between the 8th and 15th of this month and visit the IMTS, a biennial gathering of people and machines for the production...

Dry-lube flex shafts: reduced service schedules and a wide working temperature range.(Five Star Product Of The Month)
September 1, 2004... Flex shafts handle tough situations, such as supplying rotary motion close to high-temperature sources such as jet engines, where electric motors would fail. Flex shafts have an almost unlimited reach, allowing the designer to place motors and...

International currency handling.(Technology Spotlight)
September 1, 2004... Hard as it is for us to say with a straight face, there is just too much money around. More specifically, too many kinds of money, which has made life difficult for the makers of machines that deal with global paper currency in retail...

Water purification.(Technology Spotlight)
September 1, 2004... There is an old adage--"Water, water, everywhere/and not a drop to drink." Backpackers and military alike have had to deal with the question of having an adequate supply of drinkable water to support an individual in the field for a period...

Twisted aircraft.(Technology Spotlight)
September 1, 2004... Utah State University has applied for a patent for an invention that may save the airline industry and private, military and transport airplanes hundreds of millions in fuel costs each year. Conceived by Warren F. Phillips, a professor for 30...

Photovoltaic converter.(News From The Green File)
September 1, 2004... As photovoltaic applications become increasingly common, so too do the supporting technologies. The 75 kW Ecostar power converter from Ballard Power Systems, Burnaby, BC, offers a grid-tie utility interactive power inverter that combines...

Cooling sound.(News From The Green File)
September 1, 2004... Environmentally and socially conscious Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream has unveiled a prototype of a point-of-sale ice-cream freezer that runs on thermoacoustics. The freezer compresses helium gas instead of harmful CFCs, HFCs or other chemicals, and...

Micro PLC-relay.(Top Product)
September 1, 2004... * faster * smarter The FL1C series SmartRelay offers a timer/counter replacement with the functionality of a micro PLC. Its WindLGC 4.0 software with ladder language programming can be edited, saved and printed. The software features...

BGA relay.(Relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2004... Requiring no slot or hole in the PC board to mount this device, the B41 4-independent channel form-A BGA reed relay allows for shorter RF paths in a controlled 50[OMEGA] environment to minimize signal attenuation. Each channel has an RF...

Voltage protection.(Relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2004... Expanding the minimum current hold rating to 550 mA, this LVR series PolySwitch resettable device helps protect devices from damage by overcurrent and overtemperature fault conditions. Full coverage is offered for applications up to 120W at 220...

Pushbuttons.(Relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2004... The MB2400 series snap-acting pushbutton provides smooth actuation, a short stroke, light touch and audible feedback. Various design selections include devices with bushings as well as snap-in mounted versions. Mechanical life exceeds 200,000...

Voltage controlled oscillator.(Relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2004... This company's line of VCOs has been expanded to include a 5 GHz model in a 0.5- x 0.5-in. standard SMD package. The CVCO55BH-5256-5356 oscillator generates a frequency range of 5256 to 5356 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 1 to 4 VDC. Low...

Accelerometer switch.(Relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2004... Model SS-108 accelerometer switch contacts can be configured to trigger in one or both directions along the sensitive axis, at specified g levels within a selected operating range. The solid-state relay switching capacity is 500 mA at 60 VDC...

Proximity sensors.(Relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2004... These reed switch proximity sensors permit detection of open-close positions magnetically without physical, contact and require no electrical power. Available in various mounting configurations, they can be supplied in normally-open,...

Miniature slide switch.(Relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2004... The EG1260 series of miniature slide switches features 2 optional SMT mounting configurations and 3 slide actuator sizes for various PCB applications. Designed with an electrical life of 10,000 cycles, the series is rated at 0.3A at 4 VDC with...

Optical switch systems.(Relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2004... This company has introduced additions to its LightLEADER 3000 series of plug-and-play photonic switches. The additional optical switch systems safeguard the security of critical optical communications facilities. These systems can monitor and...

Bi-directional level translator.(Relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2004... The 8-channel ADG3308 bi-directional level translator offers up to 40 Mbps data transfer between circuits with different logic levels over a 1.2 to 5.5V supply range, while reducing component counts. The single IC provides designers greater...

Stop switch.(Relays, switches & timers)
September 1, 2004... The E-stop compact illuminated 'foolproof' emergency stop switch is sealed to IP65 and is designed with a low back-panel depth. Various terminations are available, and the unit can be mounted to a front plate with a thickness variation between...

Switching spas.(Application Xtra)
September 1, 2004... * constant low current * greater reliability! Japan-based Ishii Hyoki, licensee for Duraswitch, is manufacturing an individual stop button using Normally Closed PushGate construction and Markit Graphics, Australia/New Zealand, has...

Using sealed linear encoders with single-field scanning: gains found in positioning accuracy, traversing speed and contamination tolerance.(Cover Story)
September 1, 2004... Linear encoders are used as position measuring systems on machine tools, in handling and automation technology, and in measuring and inspecting equipment. Sealed linear encoders are additionally protected from dust, chips and splash fluids, and...

Nonlinear micro finite element analysis of human trabecular bone: a study.(Medical Equipment Designer)
September 1, 2004... Trabecular bone must withstand the loads that arise during daily activities as well as those from trauma. Investigation of the mechanical properties of trabecular bone presents a challenge because of its high porosity and complex architecture,...

Medical instrument connectors.(Editor's Choice)
September 1, 2004... * eliminates manual terminations * embeds chip modules into connectors This company has integrated its Smart Block connector interface technology into its Smart Cable connections designed specifically for minimally invasive surgical...

Medical alloys.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... Available are several popular medical alloys in bar form. They include BioDur 108 nickel-free, nonmagnetic stainless alloy, BioDur CCM non-magnetic cobalt-chromium-molybdenum high strength, corrosion-and wear-resistant alloy, and BioDur CCM...

Low-V brushless DC motor.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... The 000-0222 brushless DC motor is designed for low voltage operation where economy and a standard NEMA 23 interface are required. Operating voltage is 12V, and the motor offers 25 oz-in, continuous and 80 oz-in. peak torque ratings. Other...

Nitinol components.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... This company offers high-precision laser cutting and post-processing for manufacturing nitinol components with micron accuracy. Capabilities include cutting, drilling, marking of implantable devices, and devices for endoluminal or minimally...

Environmental connector.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... The VikCon environmental connector is designed to function reliably in harsh environments, especially medical applications. The all-plastic connector is corrosion- and chemical-resistant. Several backshell configurations include collet, clamp,...

Fluid insert connector.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... The Medi-Snap fluid insert connector operates at a max working pressure of 2 bar. The plastic tubing can range from 5.3 to 6.5 mm dia. It is rated at IP50 and offers 6 color-codes. Operating temperatures are 40[degrees] to 120[degrees]C, and...

Biomedical polymers.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... PEEK-CLASSIX polymer is a US Pharmacopoeia Class VI thermoplastic designed for medical device applications requiring blood/tissue contact of less than 30 days. The chemically resistant polymer exhibits high strength, stiffness and toughness....

Circular plastic connectors.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... Designed specifically for the medical industry, HyperGrip circular connectors offer user-configurable color-coded, customer keyable connection with sealed and shielded configurations. Sealing options provide IP67 protection when mated to...

Heat seal tape.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... ARflow 90128 and 90119 hydrophilic heat-sealable adhesive tapes bond components and wick biological fluids in in-vitro diagnostic medical devices. The adhesive coating bonds to a variety of polymeric substrates, such as polystyrene, polyester...

LCD screen.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... The 4.9-in. diagonal 1-DIN color active matrix TFT LCD offers an economical standard product for medical instrumentation. The module features 320 x 96 RGB dot pixel format with digital interface, 350 nits luminance, 150:1 contrast ratio and a...

Pharmaceutical tubing.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... Since BEEA has been found to result in extractable testing impurity peaks, Raumedic platinum-cured silicone tubing does not contain BEEA that is present in comparative grades of pharmaceutical tubing. It is comprised of the company's SIK 8649...

Switching power supply.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... The MMK150 series of high-density enclosed switching power supplies provides output power of 150W. All models accept universal input from 85 to 265 VAC, and 4 models provide single outputs from 5 to 24 VDC. The series is fully approved to...

Power entry, filters.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... Designed specifically for medical applications, these low-leakage power entry modules and dual-stage power line filters offer low-cost EMI components. Standard units are available with UL, CSA and TUV approvals. Also available are 3-phase...

Analog/digital converter.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... The AD779x family of 16- and 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs offers optimal combinations of low noise, low power and integrated functionality. Low noise is 40 nVrms. Operating with a 2.7 to 5.25V power supply, these converters consume only 400[micro]A....

Switch-mode power supply.(Medical Products)
September 1, 2004... The PAM150 passive PFC-based switch-mode power supply is designed for 1U-height single-output medical applications. It provides a universal 115/230 VAC input selection and a single 150W continuous power output. Factory-set output voltages...

Breathing easier: rigidity, stability critical for respiratory device component.(Application Ideas)
September 1, 2004... When DHD Healthcare was designing its acapella choice vibratory Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) system for patients suffering respiratory difficulties, it was faced with various material challenges. PEP systems direct pulsated air to lungs...

Micro drills, Booth E-2005.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The Sphinx line of solid carbide micro drills has a tolerance range of [+ or -]0.004 mm, with sizes ranging from 0.05 to 2 mm, and standard length of 25 mm. They feature a reinforced shank and very precise dia. steps in increments of 0.01 mm to...

Clamps, Booth E-2077.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Available in a variety of configurations, including pull, swing, side and push, One-Touch clamps offer greater speed than conventional manual clamping and more economy than power clamping. Accompanying accessories include torque handles,...

Workholding, Booth E-2279.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... This company will be exhibiting work and tool holding solutions for complex machining, including the OTT/ Jakob position monitoring system (for tracking drawbar performance and wear), spindle shaft and component remanufacture and retrofit...

Spindle mounts, Booth E-2768.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... This company's line of 70 spindle heads powered by a governed air turbine motor offers fixed speeds from 25,000 to 90,000 rpm with up to 80% max power to 1.4 hp. Eliminating maintenance requirements, the low-friction motor has only 2 moving...

Rollers, bumpers, workholding, Booth E-2832.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... This company will be displaying inch and metric serrated grippers, low-profile edge grippers, single-point and straight serration grippers, as well as Swivot modular component workholding elements. Also on display will be its of rollers,...

CAD/CAM, Booth D-3024.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Mastercam X will be unveiled at the show, with improvements in toolpath calculation speed, toolpath output, and ease and flexibility for programmer. The Windows-based CAD/ CAM software is designed for 2- to 5-axis milling and turning, 2- to...

CAD/CAM, Booth D-3037.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... FeatureCAM 2005 introduces high levels of data integrity when CAD files are imported into CAM with the new Import Wizard. This aid offers the options to establish machining direction, stock size, machining center of rotation (for 4th axis...

Ballscrews, Booth D-4343.(Products News)
September 1, 2004... Featuring ground ball screws with dynamic ratings up to 1 million N, the UltraThrust series is designed for use in very large transfer line modules or to replace hydraulic drives in injection mold machines. By using 15 mm dia. load carrying...

Ceramic balls, Booth D-4345.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... When applied in hybrid bearings with steel races, CERBEC ceramic bails offer durability, lower thermal expansion, higher hardness and stiffness, lighter weight, increased corrosion resistance and higher electrical resistance. They are well...

Linear guides. Booth D-4353.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The AMSA 3-A (for roller monorail MR) and 4-A (bail monorail BM) measuring systems offer linear guides with integrated encoder to conserve space. With the addition of their SPL lubrication cartridge and wipers, potential contamination from...

Cylinder position sensor. Booth D-4419.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The Micropulse ProSet4 magnetorestrictive transducer has 4 built-in programmable setpoint outputs for detection of end-of-stroke or any position in between. The IP67 rated cylinder position sensor offers repeatability of [+ or -] 0.1 mm ([+ or...

Laser measurement probe, Booth D-4447.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The IntelliProbe tool speeds hidden point measurements on the Laser Tracker II PLUS! measurement system. Hidden points can be measured with an accuracy of [+ or -] 100 [micro]m at ranges over 25m. The IntelliProbe measures the 3D coordinate of...

Dust filtration, Booth D-4582.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Designated Model BDC, this dust collector offers 99.99% filtration efficiency and a maintenance friendly design for filter change-out. The self-cleaning, duty system is available in 8 sizes, and features pulse-jet cleaning for on-line removal...

Vortex shedding meter, Booth D-4577.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The CoolPoint vortex shedding meter is designed to assure consistent flows of water, water-based machine coolant and water/ glycol coolant. Repeatability is [+ or -]1% of actual flow. Pipe sizes from 1/4 to 2 in. provide flow rates from 0.4 to...

Servo-insert couplings, Booth D-4587.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The ADS servo-insert coupling delivers high torsional stiffness yet still allows vibration damping. As a replacement to standard bellows couplings at a lower price, the couplings help CNC controls optimize the servo loop to maximum gain,...

Indexing/rotary tables, Booth D-4641.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The ITI-EXACT series of heavy load, high-precision indexing and rotary tables offers various standard frame sizes with tabletops up to 60 in. dia. These tables incorporate a Hirth coupling and have non-lifting tabletops, as well as an integral...

Ceramic roller bearings, Booth D-4696.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The KTNHA/HC5-SP silicon nitride cylindrical equipped roller bearings provide uniform preload suited for high-speed, compact, high rigidity applications. Shaft thermal elongation problems are eliminated as the roller bearings allow for changes...

Painted inserts, Booth B-6343.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The painted FAS-NER is designed for insertion directly into pre-painted metal, with color matching to the assembly. The FAS-NER system eliminates the need for spot welding and riveting with a self-piercing fastener. The system is a simple...

Microabrasive blasting, Booth B-7119.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The ProCenter combines a micro-abrasive blasting workstation with a dust collection unit. The station works with the company's full line of micro-abrasive blasters, and offers enhanced visibility and ergonomic comfort. It features dual...

Balancing, Booth B-7247.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The Best Balance line of machines balances tooling and tool holders for high-speed cutting operations. As cutting speeds exceed 8000 rpm, it becomes necessary to balance the fixtures to provide a better part finish, longer tooling life, and...

CNC control software, Booth B-6038.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... This company introduces Windows-based control for its CNC machines. The Software features the ability to view and edit programs during machining, run other software simultaneously as a machine is milling, and download large files through a...

Magnesium injection molding.(Top Product)
September 1, 2004... * lightweight materials * environmentally friendly Thixomolding is the injection molding of magnesium or zinc alloys that produces net- or near net-shape parts to tight tolerances without binders, resins or sintering. The one-step...

Expanded foils.(Materials)
September 1, 2004... When bonded with composite craft structures with low innate conductivity, MicroGrid precision expanded foils offer lightning strike protection. These lightweight, flexible foils feature a highly controlled, expanded open area pattern for...

Magnet guide.(Materials)
September 1, 2004... The Guide to Selecting Rare Earth Magnets kit includes a variety of charts and literature, with special selection sheets for grates, traps, rolls, tubes and plates. Among other products is the company's SuperStrength RE permanent magnet...

TPE compounding.(Materials)
September 1, 2004... Serel TPE masterbatch can be combined with SBC and EPDM TPVs to produce hybrid compounds with tailored performance benefits, including improved compressive set and compressive stress relaxation, improved oil- and chemical-resistance, higher wet...

EMI gasketing.(Materials)
September 1, 2004... Available in fabric-over-foam, metal mesh, fabric and tape, waved metal and conductive elastomer varieties, Quietshield electromagnetic gaskets have a shielding effectiveness of 70 to 100 dB between 1 MHz and 18 GHz. Various shapes and sizes...

Vulcanized TPE.(Materials)
September 1, 2004... Nine materials in the NexPrene 9000 series of fully vulcanized thermoplastic materials offer hardnesses ranging from 40 Shore A to 50 Shore D. The series uses a proprietary curing method for dynamically crosslinking the elastomer phase...

Plastic adhesive.(Materials)
September 1, 2004... Plastic Welder SD sandable adhesive is suited for bonding PPO, PVC and various polyesters, polycarbonates, styrenics and composites where filler material must be sanded to a smooth, nonporous finish. Its low exothermic formula exhibits no...

Plastic materials provide high-strength vision.(Application Xtra)
September 1, 2004... * High stiffness for structural components * Lightweight alternative to aluminum Life Optics has designed a high-end, head-mounted surgical vision system boasting light weight, considerable strength and stiffness and exceptional...

Mechatronic system simulation: creating complex automotive communication architectures.
September 1, 2004... Today's automobile designs include a broad range of engineering domains. Hydraulic, mechanical and electrical systems must work together in an automobile design, making it a highly mechatronic system. This increasing complexity in today's car...

Filament-wound plain bearings.(Top Product)
September 1, 2004... * high strength * chemical resistant This high-strength GAR-MAX filament-wound dry bearing exhibits good friction and wear properties under slow speed, oscillating or rotating movements, as well as resistance to shock loads and...

Slewing bearings.(Bearings & Lubricants)
September 1, 2004... Small slewing rings feature compact preloaded designs allowing engineers to traditional king-post designs that require two ball or roller bearings to counter each other. A single slewing ring bearing creates a reactive moment load to counteract...

Vent mist eliminator.(Bearings & Lubricants)
September 1, 2004... The Hilco vent mist eliminator provides 99.97% efficiency in removing oil and airborne contaminants from air streams regardless of particle size. This system removes visible oil vapor from the air stream of vents in lubricating oil systems of...

Synthetic oil.(Bearings & Lubricants)
September 1, 2004... Rarus SHC1025 is a synthetic oil designed for use in severe duty, screw and vane air compressors. It is an ISO-viscosity grade 46 lubricant that is formulated with additives and wax-free synthetic hydrocarbon fluids. Rarus SHC 1025 is,...

Grease dispensers.(Bearings & Lubricants)
September 1, 2004... Streamliner V grease dispensers apply a precise flow of grease to critical machine parts. An alternative to fully integrated lube systems or manual lubrication, The Streamliner V comes pre-filled in a 250 cc reservoir capacity. The unit...

Oil skimmer material.(Bearings & Lubricants)
September 1, 2004... The Light Fuel Oil (LFO) polymer Fuzzy belt stands up to harsh chemicals and solvents. More embedded metal filaments have been added to the original belt design to protect further against static electricity build-up. The Fuzzy belt features...

Angular contact ball bearings.(Bearings & Lubricants)
September 1, 2004... These double-row angular contact ball bearings are for use as primary thrust bearings in ANSI standard centrifugal pumps or in other applications where positioning of the shaft is important. They are also suitable for applications where the...

Propulsion system gets its motor bearings.(Application Xtra)
September 1, 2004... * corrosion resistance * environmentally friendly FourStroke motors are emerging as the sport marine standard, based on a combination of EPA regulations and consumer demand. A FourStroke motor has entirely separate systems for exhaust...

Remote actuation and control system.(Top Product)
September 1, 2004... * fast response time * low power consumption The AirLINE Type 8644 remote process actuation and control system features on/off pneumatic functions, analog and digital I/O modules and fieldbus connectivity in a single, DIN rail-mount...

Medical valve.(Valves & Cylinders)
September 1, 2004... The KIP 2X1958 plastic body bi-directional valve is offered as a 2-way, normally closed unit and features a quiet valve design. Manufactured from Bayblend FR110, ABS and polycarbonate, this compact valve delivers a [C.sub.v] of 0.245 combined...

Needle valves.(Valves & Cylinders)
September 1, 2004... The F10 series forged-body needle valve features working pressures up to 10,000 psig. Straight, 90-degree and oblique angle configurations are available. A non-rotating, hardened needle provides positive shutoff. In addition, the valves feature...

Pneumatic cylinder sensor selection.(Valves & Cylinders)
September 1, 2004... The Pneumatic Cylinder Sensor Center matches the correct sensor, mounting hardware and key support information for more than 500 pneumatic cylinders from various manufacturers. Located at the company's website, the Center uses an online...

Hydraulic cylinder.(Valves & Cylinders)
September 1, 2004... The CDT1 hydraulic cylinder has a nominal pressure up to 1500 psi, a boredom diameter from 1- to 8-in. and a piston rod dia. from 1/2- to 5 1/2-in. It also features 18 standard NFPA mountings, a stroke up to 120 degrees and an SAE straight...

Proportional valves.(Valves & Cylinders)
September 1, 2004... These high-response proportional valves are available in D03 through D08 sizes. They control velocity, position, pressure or force. In addition, they feature improved hysteresis and repeatability with minor feedback from the main spool. The...

Inert diaphragm valve.(Valves & Cylinders)
September 1, 2004... The inert diaphragm valve is a solenoid-operated diaphragm isolation valve designed for use with corrosive or high-purity fluids. The materials of all surfaces in the flow path are inert and impervious to a wide range of aggressive fluids. Body...

Rodless cylinders.(Valves & Cylinders)
September 1, 2004... The HORV series of rodless cylinders features a flat piston that creates a thin profile. A block-type end cap eliminates the need for mounting brackets and the reduced zero stroke dimension results in a dead stroke that is 35% shorter than...

Angle body piston valve.(Valves & Cylinders)
September 1, 2004... This angle body piston valve line is suitable for applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, steam, HVACR and food processing industries. They handle millions of cycles in high-temperature applications. Catalog CATABV0404 includes...