What's New In Industry articles from April 2000

What's New In Industry archives from April 2000

Indexing logic from the fast controller.
April 1, 2000... Joining Mitsubishi's established range of position controllers at this month's MACH 2000 show, the Melservo J2-E-S96 is a dedicated servo system designed to give very fast bi-directional turret indexing combined with ease of configuration. ...

Just lift and twist to latch.
April 1, 2000... Like many devices before it, the latest standard product from Dzus started out as a custom-job, providing a neat, stylish solution to securing base station cabinet doors for the telecomms industry. The `lift and twist' pawl latch is a...

Controlled actuation in one unit.
April 1, 2000... By incorporating all ancillary control equipment -- including an ASi fieldbus interface -- into its new Interact intelligent pneumatic actuators, Hoerbiger-Origa has developed an innovative, simplified method of pneumatic automation. The need...

Variations on an encoder theme.(Core Tech encoder)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Innovative encoder system from Stegman offers users millions of variants -- yet involves only a single disc for any number of lines. It even allows electronic zero adjustment in incremental encoders -- open the cap, press a button and off you...

Baby driver.(VF-S9 drive)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Latest addition to Toshiba's family of ac inverters, the tiny VF-S9 drive, comes with an integral EMC filter to inherently satisfy CE certification requirements. The drive has been designed to meet all standards including UL/CUL, CE and...

Communicate by FireWire.(FW7344 motion controller)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... With National Instruments' new motion controller, the FW7344, engineers can install multi-axis distributed control using the high-speed FireWire network bus, with the advantage of far higher data transfer rates than traditional buses. With...

Conveying on air.(Dynaroll)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Dynaroll conveyor drums are ail-pneumatic, eliminating overheating and electrical insulation problems. They allow the conveyor to be adjusted for a pre-set stalling point in the event of a jam. Noise levels are minimal. The speed is adjusted...

Drive in for repairs.(Dowding and Mills PLC)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... ATS, the industrial electronic repair division of Dowding & Mills, has been appointed an approved integrated workshop repairer for Siemens Automation & Drives. The service level agreement covers CNCs, PLCs and drives equipment, increasing ATS'...

More motor variations.(Brook Crompton Parkinson Proprietary Ltd.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Brook Crompton has announced two new variants of its Variable Speed W motor range which now covers 0.55 to 7.5kW in foot, flange and face mountings in two and four-pole types. Tel: 01484 422150 Brook Crompton 459

Inverter link.(A. Friedrich Flender AG)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Motox Master is a new range of motor integrated frequency inverters, comprising Flender geared motor units that incorporate Siemens Micro Master integrated variable frequency inverters, with power ranges from 0.12 to 7.5kW. The units have...

Take six.(Farnell Electronics PLC)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Farnell has expanded its two Electronic and Industrial catalogues into six light weight, fully-colour coded books allowing users to locate, select and order products faster and more easily. The new catalogue consists of five product books,...

Making sense.(Erwin Sick Optic-Electronic Ltd.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Erwin Sick sensor range has been extended by a new capacitive proximity series offering high immunity towards EMC -- they remain unaffected by the proximity of computers, communication equipment, contactors etc. Ease of setting up and extended...

Programming on Command.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... New levels of simplicity and user convenience in the programming of small inverter drives are claimed for Control Techniques' new Windows-based software, Commander SESoft. The software has been developed for CT's small, easy-to-use drive,...

The worm turns for higher torque.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... New W series of worm reduction units from Bonfiglioli -- the W63, W75, W86 and W110 -- offer high transmissible torque said to be, on average, 15 percent more than their predecessors. These new units are available in a cubic shape for easy,...

Bearing gives low-friction operation.(Thomson IBL)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Now in metric sizes, Thomson IBL's composite-lined Fluoro-Nylinder bushing bearing provides smooth, low-friction linear and rotary operation under harsh conditions -- even in temperatures ranging from -240 to 288 [degrees] C. Offered in...

Modular route to machine building.(Linear Drives Ltd.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... ThrustTube range of tubular linear motors from Linear Drives offer a modular approach that could open up new development avenues for machine designers and manufacturers. They offer a simple to use, high performance alternative to conventional...

Skylab analysis.(PID Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Skylab is a three-phase power, harmonic and mains disturbance analyser available from PID. By reading a true rms value every 20ms, it constantly monitors all parameters on both single and three-phase systems. A large backlit display shows...

Click onto digital.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Available from Astrosyn, the Iwatsu range of optical rotary encoders offers high reliability and durability in a range of applications -- for example, manual control of digitised measuring instruments. The high performance and low torque...

Independent measures via the bridge.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... High accuracy co-ordinate measuring machines from Mitutoyo, the Legex CMMs offer a measuring range of 705 x 705 x 455mm (the 707 model) and 907 x 1005 x 605mm for the larger Legex 910. Maximum height for the 910 is 745mm and maximum load 800kg....

Infrared gauges get critical.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Supplied pre-calibrated, simple to operate and requiring no routine maintenance, the MM710 near infrared gauges from NDC, are designed for measurement and control of critical parameters such as moisture, fat, protein and sugars, in food,...

Rapid response to product leaks.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Rapid response and rugged construction of the Uson Model 1210 leak locator system makes it suitable for testing finished products, parts and sub-assemblies in a range of high-speed manufacturing operations. Consisting of a stationary base...

The longer-distance laser.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Designed to complement its range of measurement display and control products, Siko's L'A'S laser measurement system offers an economic solution to long-distance length measurement, particularly in the materials handling industry. It is...

Body sensing.
April 1, 2000... Using RDP's capacitive non-contact measurement technique, the RCDT rotary displacement transducer accurately measures the absolute position of its shaft in relation to its body. The sensor is designed with an integral amplifier which makes it...

Machine vision without the need for PC set-up.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Bridging the gap between single purpose smart cameras and general purpose machine vision systems, In-Sight, an industrial machine vision sensor has been introduced by Cognex. It is said to be the first vision product that uses a spreadsheet...

Handheld shaker tests the vibes.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Compact, self-contained device for the simple testing of accelerometers and vibration monitoring systems is available from Techni Measure. By injecting a known vibration force of 1g at 159.2Hz, the 394C06 portable shaker ensures that the...

Check the trap.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Spirax Sarco's new range of In Trap Sensing (ITS) steam traps with integral Spiratec sensors offers a solution for fitting steam trap monitoring equipment to existing pipelines. The ITS range eliminates the need for a separate sensing chamber...

Sensor gets Smart.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Latest Smart Isotron sensors from Endevco includes the miniature (0.5 gram) Model 2222C piezoelectric accelerometer, fitted with a model 2782 converter that provides the accelerometer with a local charge converter powered by a constant current...

Keeping control of critical processes.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Latest addition to Eurotherm's Series 2000 family of process and temperature controllers is a powerful, multi-function controller/programmer available in a single, dual or three-loop format. Model 2704 is a high-accuracy, high-stability...

Power package monitors network.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Intelligent indoor packaged substation from Merlin Gerin incorporates PowerLogic network monitoring equipment as standard, allowing users to remotely monitor and control its operation to reduce downtime, cut energy costs and help maintain power...

Right on the button.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Allen-Bradley Zero-Force touch buttons need no pressure to activate them, so stress on hands, wrists and arms is eliminated. Two independent sensors register an operator's touch and convert it into an electrical output. Ergonomically...

PLC keeps its cool in the heat.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Tested in the Egyptian desert without forced cooling, the AutoLog AL14-32 series of PLCs for end-users and system or machine builders can work at temperatures up to 80 [degrees] C as standard. These compact controllers offer a choice of 14,...

Meter for OEMs.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... OEM version introduced into the Earl 590 range of low flow mass flowmeters comprises a small sensor with no moving parts and separate converter electronics as a PCB in addition to analogue output, it features an interface allowing users to...

Pumping corrosives.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Designed for applications involving aggressive, corrosive, toxic and solids laden liquids, Wernert NE Series plastics chemical pumps replace the existing NK Series. From George Meller, the NE Series features replacement housing components in...

Sealing and filtration combined in-line.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... In-line filtration of a wide variety of liquids together with highly effective sealing performance is provided by a new range of in-line combination bonded filter seals from Pamargan Products. The combination of filtration and sealing in a...

More options for monitoring.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Extended measurement range, universal power supply, and optional volume or flow conversion are offered on the Milltronics MiniRanger Plus level monitoring system. All models now have an extended measurement range to 15m and a universal...

Mixers are a custom fit.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... New range of mixers from Orthos are for use with plastic-lined bulk containers containing liquids or solid/liquid suspensions. Made by Orthos' principals, EMI Technology Group, mixers are offered fitted to heavy-duty mounting bridges, which...

Pumps handle harsh fluids.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Primeroyal reciprocating dosing pump from Milton Roy is capable of flow rates up to 363 per/hour and pressures up to 700 bar, with an accuracy said to be better than [+ or -] 1 percent. Capable of handling toxic or hazardous fluids such as...

Optimisation by loop.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... ABB Automations latest software, the Loop Optimiser Suite, is said to give process manufacturers increased production capacity, reduced plant downtime, extended lifetime and higher, more consistent product and process quality. The package takes...

Turn on the Waterworks.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... A rapid prototyping system from Laser Lines, the FDM 3000, has a build envelope of 10 x 10 x 10ins and incorporates a support system for use with ABS modelling material called WaterWorks. The FDM 3000 allows hands-free production of concept...

Panel mount PCs are expandable.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Designed for panel mounting, a range of industrial PCs has been developed by Siemens. All six of the Simatic Panel PC 670 units incorporate Intel Pentium II or Celeron processors. Panel mounting depths of 100 or 130mm are available and each...

More than just a quick iFix.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Further improvements have been made to Intellution's iFIX, its industrial automation software solution for monitoring and control of manufacturing operations. The latest version of iFIX features better picture performance, thanks to...

Gems improve your SECS life.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Two new products -- RSView32 GEMTool and RSView32 SECSHost -- have been introduced by Rockwell Automation for its RSView32 human-machine interface software package. GEMTool is an off-the-shelf GEM/SECS-to-PLC driver that gives PLC-based...

3D CAD for building system.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Design support for Alusett's Kanya PVS aluminium building system has been extended by an advanced three-dimensional CAD system. It enables rapid modelling of even the most complex PVS-based projects. Standard PVS extrusions, accessories,...

Gun aims for the sky.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... From bar code scanning specialist, Kelgray, comes the DLL5510M Skylight laser gun. A wide semi-transparent insert in the cover of the reader allows near complete illumination of the gun. This makes the reader perfect for noisy, dark...

Designed for memory.
April 1, 2000... Version 3.0.0 of Weber's Legitronic label design software has an expanded 32-bit memory capacity and RS485 communication: up to 60 printers within a 3km radius can be centrally controlled. A fit-graphics-to-field function allows logos etc to be...

Meeting the standards.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... A 2Dbar code capability has been introduced by Willett for its ink jet printers to meet the EEC200 DataMatrix coding requirement. It is said to enable users to imprint more data than previously possible in a small space. Small component parts...

High speed printer eases the paper chase.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Latest compact thermal printer mechanism from Panasonic combines high print speeds and low power consumption with an easy loading system that is said to simplify paper reel changeover by eliminating paper threading. The EPL2000 thermal...

Chained up for flexibility.
April 1, 2000... Attachment and extended pin chains from Cross & Morse are designed to provide flexible solutions for conveying systems. Attachment chains are available with pitches of up to 1in. Standard attachments include single and double-hole straight...

Bag filling with no adjustment.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Rugged bag filling system from Stewardson Power Handling is designed for varying bag sizes. It is economical and, because there is no adjusting mechanism, there are no hygiene problems. Linked to a powered roller system and serviced by a...

Boxing clever in the crate pool.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Available from Arca, UniLog is a folding plastic box, said to be the first to be compatible with the stacking and nesting crates used in distribution. It can be added to any crate pool and is said to occupy much less space than an empty nesting...

Radio transmits data.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Latest cordless short wave radio connector from Paxar does away with the need for potentially hazardous cable linking the data terminal to the portable printer. The Wanderer II uses short-wave radio signals to transmit data from the...

Printers with 2D options.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... An optional facility to generate and print Data Matrix two-dimensional dot codes using the Linx 6200 continuous jet printer has been developed by Linx Printing Technologies. The use of two-dimensional Data Matrix coding allows manufacturers...

Wrap around labelling applies.
April 1, 2000... For use in a range of applications, the latest labelling system from Collamat Stralfors can apply labels to round, oval and rectangular bottles. Two versions of the system are available: the wraparound option offers an economical...

Stacking 'em up.
April 1, 2000... Available from Welconstruct is a range of galvanised stacking baskets for storing and transporting parts and components. Made from 25mm square wire mesh, the range comprises four sizes up to a maximum of 800 x 600 x 500mm deep. Supplied with or...

Shuttle flexibility from start to finish.
April 1, 2000... With transfer speeds of up to 120m/min, SHS transfer and shuttle cars offer a fast, efficient materials handling solution. The cars are available as single, dual, triple or four deck to suit a range of applications. Designed for efficiency,...

Chain hoists offer variable controls.(Mannesmann AG)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Range of electric chain hoists which offers infinitely variable speed control has been introduced by Mannesmann Dematic. Hoists in the DKES range incorporate an integral digital inverter and control card within the compact, IP55-rated hoist...

Picking productivity.(Boss Group)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Faster, safer work cycles are being achieved at the Attleborough complex of Hamilton Acorn with an ac-powered WK10 order picker from Boss. By picking and placing goods direct on to pallets at the most ergonomic height, operatives no longer have...

Shelving adapts.(Metal clip-together shelves.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Link 51's adaptable shelving system, Stockrax, has an easy clip together design. The system comes in kit form with a steel framework -- the chipboard shelving then sits within the beams attached to the uprights. Tel: 01384 472500 ...

Mini hoist for danger zones.(JD Neuhaus Hebezeuge)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Mini hoists from ID Neuhaus are powered by compressed air, making them safe for use in hazardous areas (zone 2) as well as general lifting applications. The products can also show savings compared to electric hoists that incorporate...

Plug in and lift.(Abus)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Through development of a new drive and gear unit, Abus has developed a very light, compact and yet powerful chain hoist. Due to its small self weight of only 10kg and the possibility of attaching just a 230V plug, the ABU Compact, with its...

Beating the drum.(Southworth Handling)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... For drum and barrel handling applications, Southworth Handling's LEV Drum Turner is suitable for use with steel, plastic and cardboard drums with diameters from 310 to 600mm. It incorporates a ratchet strap tensioner to clamp drums safely and...

Stacking in narrow aisles.(Atlet AB)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Atlet's latest Omni series of very narrow aisle man-up stacker/pickers are capable of operating in aisles as narrow as 1600mm and stacking up to 14.5m. Operators can achieve very high storage density in available space, with full access to all...

Powerfully light.(Mitsubishi Shoji)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Range of pedestrian powered pallet trucks, the PBP16K and PBP20K, has been introduced by Mitsubishi, along with a platform power pallet truck, the PBV20K. Capacities range from 1.6 to 2 tons. The power pallet trucks are said to be quiet,...

Gripping stuff.(Leader Grippers)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Family of collet grippers incorporating a bellows which expands raider compressed air to push the steel jaws of the collett apart, has been introduced by Leader Grippers. An external spacing sleeve limits the stroke of the gripper to prevent...

Greener generating.(A-Plant)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... An environmentally friendly generator has joined A-Plant's Power Generation fleet. It can run for seven days for 24 hours continuously from an integral bunded fuel tank. With a noise level of only 59dBA at 1m mid meeting HSE legislation, the...

Versatility in waterjet cutting.(ESAB AB)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... ESAB Automation's mid-rail Hydrocut waterjet cutter is a gantry-type machine that cuts most materials from cardboard and foam to steel and inconel. It is available in many configurations and sizes and can be supplied with nonabrasive or...

Performance welding.(Murex Welding Products Ltd.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Murex's Tradesmig 323 together with the established Tradesmig 263 are designed to provide good MIG welding performance on mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium. Integral wire feed units and other features such as polarity switching for...

Valves prevent pressure build-up.(relief valves by Brownell)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Automatic relief valves which prevent vacuum or pressure build-up in sealed containers, leading to possible damage, have been launched by Brownell. The pressure and vacuum build-up is equalised with the valve. Standard opening pressure and...

Compressors are upgraded.(Jun-Air's range of compressors)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Joining the range of high-performance oil-less compressors from Jun-Air are freestanding and cabinet-mounted versions including some with a 25-litre tank capacity. Several models are also available fitted with adsorption dryers, providing a...

The sacrificial washer.(alloy washers by Mining and Chemical Products)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... With melt-points no higher than 70 [degrees] C, Mining and Chemical Product's new series of alloys protect against accidental ignition of volatile residues when process plant is dismantled. The alloys are incorporated into vessel and pipe...

Machinery data.(Holroyd Instruments' monitoring instruments)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Holroyd Instruments' MHC range of portable monitoring instruments is based on a high frequency method of detecting and characterising the condition of rotating machinery; Since the launch of the original MHC, the range has been extended to...

Waterless cleaning is done with Vision.(Farmos Visionoil)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Farmos Visionoil is a new waterless cleaning system suitable for the daily maintenance of all hard flooring surfaces, even waxed floors and staircases as well as wooden furniture and leather surfaces. It can virtually eliminate the need for...

A handy test for thickness.(thickness measuring instrument by Krautkramer)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Hand-held thickness gauge from Krautkramer has been designed to meet the need for greater accuracy in measuring the effects of corrosion or erosion, especially in safety critical applications. The DMS2 instrument features a large,...

See if the temperature rises.(TempGuard TMTM rolling bearing temperature monitor)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... New SKF monitoring device available from BSL, the TempGuard TMTM can prevent downtime and maintenance by giving visual warning of increases in the operating temperatures of rolling bearings. When the normal operating temperature of bearings...

Clean up on the factory floor.(industrial and commercial scrubbers and driers)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Having recently launched a range of scrubber/driers for both commercial and industrial applications, BVC-bivac machines now offer a working rate from 950 to 3400[m.sup.2]/hr. Models range from small mains-operated units for use in confined...

If the face fits ...(Iles Optical safety goggles)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Iles Optical has extended its range of safety goggles with the new Stratos Goggle, designed using the latest CAD/CAM technology. incorporating facial contour parameters for high levels of protection. Designed to he easily adjustable, the...

Stepping safely.(Safety treads for steps.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Safety Step self-adhesive tread from Watco is a simple and effective way to improve safety On stairs and steps. These anti-slip treads can be applied in most smooth surfaces requiring enhanced traction and can be used inside or out on concrete,...

Clear and clean.(Antibacterial touch screen for computers.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Microtouch Systems has announced Cleanscreen, a touchscreen that incorporates antibacterial technology. Permanently bonded to the glass surface of MicroTouch ClearTek 3000 touchscreens, Cleanscreen is designed for use in applications where...

Switches improve machine safety.(Guardmaster safety switches)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... New developments to Guardmaster's Sipha family of non-contact safety switches mean that machine builders and users benefit from greater levels of operator safeguarding, improved guard monitoring and easier machine integration. The Sipha...

The feelgood factor in hand.
April 1, 2000... The need for anatomically shaped surgical gloves to meet the extreme levels of cleanliness required for critical environments is met by HypoClean Critical sterile nitrile gloves from Sentinel Laboratories. Manufactured by Safeskin, these...

Tough matting underfoot.(Flexigrid PVC matting)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... Flexigrid matting from Plastic Extruders is now offered in new sizes of standalone modules and in an additional colour. The modules, 1.8m long by 91 and 60cm wide, are designed for localised standing as a modern version of traditional...

Safely held and comfortable too.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 1, 2000... New range of safety harnesses from Sala covers simple low-cost harnesses, a new standard range incorporating Sala's `Surefit' elasticated sections, and a range of functional specialist harnesses. The introduction of `Surefit' section in...

Cutting down ozone.(Vaporiser reduces ozone.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Porvair Technology's Vyon E porous plastic emanators are being titled to the Nozone vaporisers from Atmospheric Solutions, devices designed to reduce the amount of ozone (produced by equipment such as photocopiers and laser printers) in...

Heating economy.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2000... Stokvis aims to significantly reduce fuel bills in industry with their latest Econo-Air direct-fired gas heating and ventilating system. Since it has no flue or heat exchanger, this system wastes no fuel. Air is drawn into the building from...