Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from September 2005

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from September 2005

Every day is Labor Day.(EDITORIAL COMMENTS)
September 1, 2005... Every day is Labor Day in manufacturing. I don't mean the hot dog and beer kind (though that helps). I mean the kind where leaders respect their workforce and continually seek ways to improve it. Is there another way the U.S. manufacturing...

Aerospace orders, shipments rise dramatically.(INDUSTRY NEWSLINE)
September 1, 2005... Key indicators show that the aerospace industry is on pace to have its best year in more than a decade, according to an industry association. The Arlington, VA-based Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) said new orders and shipments of...

Legislators eye gas-price regulation.(INDUSTRY NEWSLINE)
September 1, 2005... Hawaii was expected to become the first state in the union this month to cap the wholesale price of gasoline. Starting Sept, 1, the state said it planned to establish a gasoline price ceiling by taking the average of spot-market prices for gas...

Coal-import terminals planned for East Coast.(INDUSTRY NEWSLINE)
September 1, 2005... Based on Department of Energy projections that the U.S. could become a net importer of coal as early as 2013, two groups said they plan to build coal-import terminals on the East Coast, according to report in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Alpha...

DaimlerChrysler CEO to step down.(INDUSTRY NEWSLINE)
September 1, 2005... DaimlerChrysler CEO Juergen Schrempp will leave his post on Dec. 31, after 44 years with the company, and three years before his contract expires. Schrempp, 60, who orchestrated the 1998 merger of Daimler-Benz with Chrysler Corp., will be...

GE, Rolls-Royce share $2.4 billion engine contract.(INDUSTRY NEWSLINE)
September 1, 2005... A joint venture between General Electric Co. and Britain's Rolls-Royce has won a long-anticipated $2.47 billion contract to develop an engine for a new generation of stealth jet fighter. According to the Associated Press, the contract is the...

Johnson controls to acquire York.(INDUSTRY NEWSLINE)
September 1, 2005... Johnson Controls, Inc., and York International Corp. announced last month that Johnson Controls, a Milwaukee, WI-based manufacturer of automotive systems and building control systems, will acquire York, a York, PA-based manufacturer of heating,...

Carrier Corp.
September 1, 2005... Carrier Corp. introduced a central air conditioning system last month it said will be 30% more efficient than the current federal efficiency standard requires. The Farmington, CT-based manufacturer's new system will be 20% smaller, weigh 30%...

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama.
September 1, 2005... Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (TMMAL) said it began V6 engine production at its Huntsville plant for the first time since the facility was built in 2003. The 500-employee operation now has the capacity to produce 120,000 V8 and 130,000 V6...

Akeena Solar.
September 1, 2005... A white paper from a California solar-power company details energy savings possible from California's Million Solar Roofs Initiative, a proposal before the state's senate that calls for the installation of 3,000 megawatts of solar electric...

TRW Automotive.
September 1, 2005... TRW Automotive said last month it will close two manufacturing facilities by mid-2006. They include the company's ball-joint and steering linkage facility in Sterling Heights, MI, and its braking-component facility in Jackson, MI. The closures...

Timken Co.
September 1, 2005... The Timken Co. will cut 190 jobs at its bearing manufacturing facility in Torrington, CT, beginning next month. The facility is part of the former Torrington Co., which Canton, OH-based Timken purchased in 2003, and currently employs 350...

Calendar.(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... * Sept. 17-23 * 93rd Annual Safety Congress and Expo; Orlando, FL; National Safety Council; 800-621-7619; nsc.org. * Sept. 26-29 * Assembly Technology Expo 2005; Rosemont, IL; Reed Exhibitions; 888-267-3796; atexpo.com. * Sept. 26-29 *...

Krylon products group: making your job easier with superior products from a single source.(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Krylon Products Group helps make the job easier by providing a variety of the products you need--all from a single source. Engineering, manufacturing, and warehousing quality products that deliver solutions for numerous industrial and MRO...

Get the most for your maintenance training dollar.(HIGH MAINTENANCE)
September 1, 2005... My colleague, Joel Leonard, aka "The Maintenance Evangelist," coined the term "The Maintenance Crisis," and has been beating this drum of warning for some time: For every 10 skilled maintenance technicians retiring today, only three are...

Best practices: Bobcat Co.'s lean-powered leap: the lean promotion officer of this North Dakota-based manufacturer talks about the company's rapid move into the world of lean, kaizens and continuous improvement.(Cover Story)
September 1, 2005... Bobcat is one of those companies that might have concluded some years ago it was immune to competition. Maker of the well-known Bobcat skid-steer loaders, mini excavators and numerous attachments, the Fargo, ND-based manufacturer had a history...

More of what you need to do more of what you do.(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... No other provider offers you the variety, flexibility and features that a Lista workspace solution can deliver. From workbenches and cabinets to Storage Wall[R] Systems and accessory systems, we've thought of everything. And it's all designed...

Rotary Hammer.(PRODUCT ROUNDUP: Power Tools)
September 1, 2005... The DH24PF3Plus Rotary Hammer delivers three modes of operation: drilling, hammering, and hammer-drilling, controlled by a mode selector dial located under the body. It comes with a depth gauge, side handle and case. Hitachi PowerTools...

Grinder.(PRODUCT ROUNDUP: Power Tools)
September 1, 2005... The G-series of industrial grinders is suitable for light material removal, cleaning rough castings and welds, deburring parts, and other finishing tasks. Available in straight, angle, and extended straight configurations, each grinder features...

Hammer.(PRODUCT ROUNDUP: Power Tools)
September 1, 2005... The 11263EVS 1-3/4-in. SDS-max combination hammer is suitable for drilling or chipping. This model features a trigger mechanism that converts to a rocker switch. Additional handle space provides enough room to use two-hands in vertical...

Crimping tool.(PRODUCT ROUNDUP: Power Tools)
September 1, 2005... The PATRIOT ergonomic crimping tool features an audible "pop-off" and visual crimp indicator. With the 360-degree head rotation, it operates in any position, including tight spaces, and runs on an NiMH battery. FCI-Burndy Use InfoLINK...

Thickness Gage.(PRODUCT NEWS)
September 1, 2005... The PosiTector Ultrasonic Thickness Gage measures wall thicknesses and the effects of corrosion and erosion on tanks, pipes or any structure with access to one side. It features a scan mode, a Hi/Lo alarm, and an internal memory. DeFelsko...

Epoxy adhesive.(PRODUCT NEWS)
September 1, 2005... EP45HT MED is a two-component, heat-cured epoxy adhesive. It is reactive, does not contain any solvents or diluents, and is an electrical insulator. The adhesive can be applied by brush, syringe or spatula. Master Bond, Inc. Use...

Lift truck.(PRODUCT NEWS)
September 1, 2005... The EKS 314 lift truck combines AC technology with an ergonomically designed operator platform. It is suited for order-picking operations. A regenerative lowering and braking design feeds energy back into the truck supply system. Switch-free...

Pallet.(PRODUCT NEWS)
September 1, 2005... The Quantum corrugated shipping pallet is made of single or double wall corrugated board and weatherproof adhesives. Unlike the wood pallet which transfers shock and vibration directly to the product load, this pallet absorbs shock and...

Meeting industry needs today and tomorrow.(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... A CENTURY OF LEADERSHIP From its beginning as a maker of adhesives for the footwear industry, Bostik Inc. has grown into an international adhesives and sealants manufacturer with production and sales operations in 36 nations across five...

How to maintain a variable frequency drive.(TECH CHECK)
September 1, 2005... A variable frequency drive (VFD) controls the speed, torque and direction of an AC induction motor. It takes fixed voltage and frequency AC input and converts it to a variable voltage and frequency AC output. In small VFDs, a single power-pack...

Cutting-system brochure.(NEW LITERATURE)
September 1, 2005... The four-page, color brochure provides details on all features and specifications of the CUT-MASTER 151 air-plasma cutting and gouging system. It includes an illustrated description of the technology. Thermadyne Use InfoLINK...

Flooring brochure.(NEW LITERATURE)
September 1, 2005... A four page, four-color brochure describes the FasTop cementitious water-based urethane flooring systems. It includes a chart of the physical properties and information about support services. The Sherwin-Williams Co. Use InfoLINK...

Signal-selection guide.(NEW LITERATURE)
September 1, 2005... A 75-page, four-color brochure describes signaling for industrial applications. Each product is illustrated with a color image and technical information. Edwards Signaling & Security Systems Use InfoLINK 069-50901-116 or Call...

Valve brochure.(NEW LITERATURE)
September 1, 2005... This brochure describes the Royal Diaphragm Flushometer. It contains information on: dual-filtered fixed by-pass diaphragm technology; the non-hold open handle; and high-copper, low-zinc brass castings. Sloan Valve Co. Use InfoLINK...

Lean-Culture collection.(NEW LITERATURE)
September 1, 2005... "Lean Culture: Collected Practices and Cases," is a compilation of articles from the Manufacturing Advisor monthly newsletter. It includes case studies and advice from experts about success factors in culture change. Highlights include...

Jacks and actuators catalog.(NEW LITERATURE)
September 1, 2005... The 156-page catalog features engineering data and ordering information for a line of jacks, actuators, and accessories. These include metric jacks and linear actuators. The catalog includes information on new accessory offerings, including...

Welding-safety download.(NEW LITERATURE)
September 1, 2005... The free download of the 1999 revision of ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, is available at www.aws.org. Print copies will continue to be available for purchase from Global Engineering Documents at...

Hoist manuals.(NEW LITERATURE)
September 1, 2005... Four hoist manuals are available free online. They include: The Hoist Operators Manual; The Hoist Inspection and Maintenance Personnel Manual; The Manually Lever-Operated Hoist Inspection and Hoist Maintenance Personnel Manual; and The Manually...

AutomationDirect celebrates 11 years of growth.(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... AutomationDirect, originally founded as PLC Direct in 1994, has grown quickly from a tiny PLC company to a well recognized name in the industrial automation market. As the first industrial controls company to successfully use a direct sales...

Overhead-conveyor catalog.(LITERATURE RACK: Material Handling)
September 1, 2005... This catalog, divided into four product sections, describes manual push systems, heavy-duty, high-capacity power and free conveyors. Also available in .pdf, it includes a conveyor planning guide. Richards Wilcox, Inc. Use InfoLINK...

Material-handling catalog.(LITERATURE RACK: Material Handling)
September 1, 2005... A 48-page manufacturer's catalog features a complete line of material storage racks, mobile equipment and space-savings systems. Descriptions, color photographs and specifications are included. Jarke Corp. Use InfoLINK 069-50901-123 or...

Material-handling product catalog.(LITERATURE RACK: Material Handling)
September 1, 2005... This 268-page color publication describes thousands of material handling products from a variety of manufacturers. It features product photos, descriptions, sizing and pricing. It provides a Web site to find local dealers. Products for...

Container catalog.(LITERATURE RACK: Material Handling)
September 1, 2005... A 24-page catalog features the full line of reusable, collapsible ROPAK bulk container and pallet systems. Featured products include those with a variety of footprints. Additionally, services and solutions that can help users customize their...

Forklift helps manufacturer store more.(FIELD REPORT)
September 1, 2005... If getting more business has a downside, it might be the need to fit more product in a fixed space. This has happened to Milwaukee, WI-based industrial coatings manufacturer Hentzen Coatings. "Our business is doing so well we're running out of...

Catalog on CD.(MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Covers the complete Dynatrol[R] line of on-stream process analyzers, measurement, and control instruments; level switches and detectors; and a new line of accessories, along with detailed drawings, wiring diagrams, and examples of proven uses....

Goodway vacuums take cleaning to extreams.(MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Heavy-duty electric and air powered vacuums can be customized to your specifications. They come equipped with reusable pocket filters, which trap particles down to 3 microns. An external filter shaker keeps the filters clear. Their detachable...

Boltless construction system.(MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Build machine safety guards, custom covers, sound enclosures, and more with simple assembly without welding or grinding. Seven 90[degrees] angle composite or steel core connectors join with 1" square aluminum extrusions or steel tubing with the...

Water filters.(MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Orival Filters protect heat exchangers and prevent clogging of nozzles, tubes, and other narrow passages by removing dirt particles down to micron size, of any specific gravity, from once-through and recirculating cooling water systems. Line...

Brushing tools to meet your applications.(MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... This year, Schaefer Brush is celebrating 100 years of continued service. Schaefer Brush is a quality manufacturer of brushes and brush systems to meet your standard or custom application. For technical information, please contact the very...

Heavy-duty chairs & stools.(MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Bevco's 7000 Series of polyurethane seating is designed for outstanding comfort and long lasting use in the toughest workplace environments. 0ur rugged self-skinned polyurethane seat and back resists stains and damage from punctures, grease,...

Brains and brawn in the body of a jib.(MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Your solution for precision lifting in low headroom and obstructed work cells is here. Check out Gorbel's new Easy Arm[TM], incorporating the lifting power of a machine, the flexibility and responsiveness of a human operator, and the...

Test torque wrenches cheaply and easily.(MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... TruCheck torque tester for click-type torque wrenches has a single measurement unit (N.m or lbf.ft). A single button sets the display with zero operator error. Accuracy is 1+/- of reading (35 to 350 N.m or 25 to 250 lbf.ft). TruCheck Plus...

Roura self-dumping hoppers.(MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Roura is the producer of the original self-dumping hoppers, the strongest in the industry. The complete line includes rugged, durable, ultimate strength, and behemoth extra large. Also available are refuse hoppers with plastic lids, open side...

Spill-control equipment.(TECH SPECS: Safety & Environmental Control)
September 1, 2005... * Each modular spill pak is 18 in. L x 18 in. W x 4 in. thick * Contents, with personal protective suit, gloves and goggles, weighs 13 lbs. * Included are 20, 17-in. x 19-in. sorbent pads (covers up to 45 sq. ft.) and three, 3 in. x 48...

Air filter.(TECH SPECS: Safety & Environmental Control)
September 1, 2005... * The Durafil 2V air filter comes in MERV 11, 13 and 14 based on ASHRAE 52.2 (60-65%, 80-85%, and 90-95%, based on ASHRAE 52.1 Dust Spot) * The filter is suited to airflow capacities up to 2,000 cfm * Final pressure drop capability...

Controllers.(TECH SPECS: Safety & Environmental Control)
September 1, 2005... * Models 480A and 580A controllers monitor gas concentrations in the 0-100% LEL (lower explosive limit) * The system operates on 117 Vac, 50-60 Hz (optional 220 Vac, 50-60 Hz) * It can also operate on 24-Vdc primary input power with...

Respiratory protection system.(TECH SPECS: Safety & Environmental Control)
September 1, 2005... * The MAXAIR Respiratory Protection System provides industrial workers with an assigned protection factor (APF) of 1000 * The 20-mm polycarbonate lens offers unobstructed views * The continuous positive-pressure airflow reaches 6-8 cu....

Spill containment.(TECH SPECS: Safety & Environmental Control)
September 1, 2005... * The Drip Sentinel Drum-Top Workstation saves liquids lost during the dispensing process * It weighs 3 lbs. * Dimensions are 24 in. OD x 20 in. ID * The exterior height is 2.75 in.; the interior height is 2 in. Enpac Corp....

Motor training.(TRAINING AIDS)
September 1, 2005... Conference will focus on techniques for fractional horsepower motors and drives. Held Oct. 5-7, in Arlington Heights, IL, seminars include: motor design; motion systems; and performance data format. Motor & Motion Association use...

Machine vision seminar.(TRAINING AIDS)
September 1, 2005... The Fall 2005 seminar "Understanding and Applying Machine Vision Sensors" will focus on how machine vision sensors work. Participants will train in set-up, see demonstrations, and learn benefits. Cognex Corp. Use InfoLINK...

Lean workshops.(TRAINING AIDS)
September 1, 2005... Standard workshops in lean manufacturing delivered directly to the plant include three-day lean champion training; lean black-belt training (five workshops in 23 days); and customized training and consulting. Omnex, Inc. Use InfoLINK...

HVAC Training.(TRAINING AIDS)
September 1, 2005... Courses for HVAC personnel are available through 2005 at the Trane Technology Center in La Crosse, WI. Courses cover absorption, CenTraVac systems, rotary chiller electronics, and water-air systems. The Trane Co. Use InfoLINK...

Linear guide systems.(PRODUCT NEWS)
September 1, 2005... The DryLin W linear guide system is available in multiple rail configurations. It is lightweight, self-lubricating, and resists contaminants. Igus, Inc. Use InfoLINK 069-50901-135 or Call 800-441-6180 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Cart lift.(PRODUCT NEWS)
September 1, 2005... These lifts with tilt-and-rotate decks, position wheeled carts. Accordion safety skirting, and foot or pedestal-mounted controls are available. Air Caster Corp. Use InfoLINK 069-50901-136 or Call 800-441-6180 [ILLUSTRATION...

Industrial degreaser.(PRODUCT NEWS)
September 1, 2005... SoyStrong is a water-rinsable, industrial-strength degreaser, designed to be used in concentrate form. Derived from soybeans, it is suitable for heavy-duty degreasing and cleaning tasks. Available in lined steel 5-gal. pails and 55-gal. drums,...

Machine-Vibration monitor.(PRODUCT NEWS)
September 1, 2005... The Allen-Bradley XM-720 Machine-Vibration monitor protects critical plant-floor assets. It can be integrated into a plant's control and information system. Designed for machinery requiring continuous online monitoring, the monitor is suitable...