What's New In Industry articles from April 2002

What's New In Industry archives from April 2002

Covering up for greater valve security.(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Safety specialist Castell Iso-Lok has developed a stainless steel version of its V-Safe valve cover. A highly visible and effective device, it is designed to secure the regulation of liquids and gases by enclosing wheel-operated valves,...

Taking the pressure. (Inspection & Measurement). (SI Pressure Instruments' pneumatic and hydraulic pressure pumps).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Pneumatic and hydraulic pressure pumps from SI Pressure Instruments are for calibration requirements. Three models cover the low, medium and high pressure areas. The low/medium pressure units feature dual source of pneumatic pressure and...

No place like ohm. (Inspection & Measurement).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Combining insulation resistance testing up to 5000V with measurement storage and PC interface software, the Fluke 1550 MegOhmMeter is ideal for installation testing, preventative maintenance and commissioning. It is designed for testing...

Get the measure of turned components. (Inspection & Measurement).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Exameca measuring machines are able to measure both internal/external dimensions and dimensional interrelationships, as well as indexing parameters on shafts and turned parts. Two types of machine -- the Interdim and Unidim -- are being offered...

Making sense of problematic surfaces. (Inspection & Measurement).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Matsushita's FX-311 sensor has been designed to deliver superior sensing performance in problem applications such as glass, colour or gloss surfaces. The FX-311 has a 12-turn potentiometer for precise adjustment and can be operated manually...

Keep process sensors clean. (Inspection & Measurement).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Modular system for cleaning and calibrating process sensors, Mettler's EasyClean can monitor and control the automatic cleaning of process sensors and is completely autonomous when used with retractable housings. It offers automated sensor...

Loadcell integration. (Inspection & Measurement).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Model 3415 loadcell from Variohm is designed to provide a compact package that is easily integrated into test machines which use hydraulic actuators and operate on high cyclical load reversal applications such as those associated with the...

Table top kit assesses torque tools. (Inspection & Measurement).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Crane Electronics' new range of UTA table top joint kits offer a quick, convenient and repeatable, variable stiffness joint for assessing the performance of torque tools. The joint kit is simply bolted to a table top and used in conjunction...

Pulley and belt options. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Wide choice of coupler types is joined by comprehensive ranges of other transmission products in a newly published designers guide from Huco. New to this second edition is a range of V and wedge belts and pulleys to complement existing timing...

Coupling up. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Suitable for connection systems for all types of fluids, the new compact HCB coupling from Staubli has a flush faced non-spill design, preventing any air inclusion in the system when connecting as well as avoiding spillage on disconnection. The...

Limiters and couplings for torque without backlash. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Range of backlash-free torque limiters and couplings designed specifically for the servo market, Autogard's new Series 100 devices feature specially designed roller or ball seats said to guarantee total backlash-free transmission of torque in...

Clutch puts the brake on `run-on'. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Established for high torque density and as cost-effective transmission devices, wrap-spring clutches are said to have taken on a new dimension with the introduction of the EC20CB from Densitron Control Systems. By incorporating a small...

Inserts will self-lock. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Cross Manufacturing has extended its Spiralock range of self-locking wire thread inserts which are now available in sizes down to M3 and 4 x 40 UNC. Applications include aviation and communications, where maximum integrity and resistance...

Stainless cylinders for clean work areas. (Mechanical Components).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Designed for use in applications with water spray, such as food and beverage processing, SMC's CG5-S and CJ5-S stainless steel, double-acting, single rod cylinders, have a configuration that reduces residual liquid. Electro-polishing of the...

Brakes can offer a safe alternative. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Lenze's BFK418 series of spring-operated brakes for servo motors has been designed to offer OEMs a cost-effective, reliable and safe alternative to traditional permanent magnet electromagnetic brakes, Unlike permanent magnet electromagnetic...

Tapping into the flow. (Process Plant & Control).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... UFM 800W hot tapping ultrasonic flowmeter from Krohne enables the retrofit installation of measurement sensors in operational pipelines without interrupting the process. These sensors are designed for the volumetric measurement of flow rates of...

Markers for harsh areas. (Process Plant & Control).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Permark 316 is a stainless steel marker system from Tyco Electronics designed to provide permanent and visible identification to cables, pipes, hoses and other service lines in hostile environments. Using no inks, the system produces permanent...

HMI puts power in engineers' hands. (Process Plant & Control).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... A human/machine interface (HMO that not only displays information, but also allows a machine to be controlled from the shopfloor, means that troubleshooting can be greatly simplified and set-up times significantly reduced. The...

Liquid control right on the level. (Process Plant & Control).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Burkert Fluid Control Systems has extended its range of on/off level switches with the new Type 8181 buoyancy level switches. The whole range can be used in a variety of applications -- food processing to paper and pulp, chemical and...

Monitoring gets Smart. (Process Plant & Control).
April 1, 2002... Latest version of Smart-Link, the remote monitoring system from Applied Weighing, allows the contents of silos, tanks or vessels anywhere in the world to be monitored from a single location using a Windows-based PC. A graphical presentation...

Indicator gives clear check. (Process Plant & Control).
April 1, 2002... Level device which combines the simplicity of a magnetic level indicator with the latest Guided Wave Radar technology has been introduced by level specialist Magnetrol International. The Aurora level device will benefit users who appreciate a...

Positioner gives auto-calibration. (Process Plant & Control).
April 1, 2002... Smart valve positioner, designed to offer simple setup yet sophisticated control, Storm from Heap & Partners has intelligence provided by a microprocessor configured by an integrated LCD and three-button keypad. For precise control,...

Chillers on a closed circuit. (Process Plant & Control).
April 1, 2002... Combining high-efficiency with low energy consumption and process security, ultracool industrial water chillers from ultrafilter claim high cost-effectiveness. In today's manufacturing environment, continuous use of fresh water has a high cost...

Switch breaks in to cut process downtime. (Process Plant & Control).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Miniaturised plug-in circuit breaker with combined switch functionality from E-T-A Circuit Breakers is designed to reduce downtime in process control and automation applications, providing re-settable replacements for blade fuses. It is...

Compact control in the loop. (Process Plant & Control).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... West Instruments has launched what it believes is to be the most compact behind-the-panel multi-loop temperature controller available: it can pack 32 loops into a width of just 206m, opening up opportunities for OEMs and users having to cope...

Stay cool for dewpoint test. (Process Plant & Control).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Michell Instruments claims the latest in cooled mirror dew point measurement technology for its new Optidew instrument. Designed for accuracy, stability and ease of use in laboratory and industrial conditions, Optidew is a humidity transmitter...

Interface can save time. (Process Plant & Control).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Mettler Toledo has introduced a new Profibus PA interface to transmitters from its analytical process instrument range. It specifically meets the requirements of the process industry and is available on selected conductivity, pH and dissolved...

A check on liquid, air and gas flows. (Process Plant & Control).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Flow meter systems specialist Torbar has developed a package for liquid, air and gas flow measurement in pipelines and ducts for a wide range of industrial, commercial and research applications. These include air and water flow measurement on...

Spray aids tube forming. (Factory Equipment).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... MicroCoat lubrication system's precise, consistent application can reduce oil use up to 70 percent, reduce build-up and sticking on forming rolls, and extend tool life in thin wall tube forming operations, Available from EFD, it features...

Concord on the boil. (Factory Equipment).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Concord ES/H natural gas-powered boiler from Ideal replaces the existing concord ES models and delivers enhanced efficiency, expanded choice and, crucially, aids compliance with the latest Building Regulations. It claims one of the widest...

Waterjet power cutting a dash. (Factory Equipment).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... From ABB I-R Waterjet Systems comes the `Cutting System Dashboard', a compact waterjet cutting system designed for cutting dashboards, door panels and similar parts. Developed for BMW in Germany, it features one or two fixed floor-mounted ABB...

Genset meets tough emission laws. (Factory Equipment).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... DFE series of fully-integrated generating sets from Cummins' Power Generation Offer a cost-effective power solution in the 400kVA to 550kVA range. Incorporating the 15-litre Cummins QSX15 engine, the sets comply with the toughest emissions...

Boiler range extended. (Factory Equipment).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Fulton Boiler Works has extended its range of electric steam boilers with the introduction of new 150kW and 200kW Europack models. The ten model electric range now covers outputs from 27kg/h to 320kg/h. The new Europack models are designed...

Parts degreased in-line. (Factory Equipment).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Automatic degreasing and drying using solvents has been available for several years, but now, USF Surface Preparation has launched its `in-line' conveyor series which will automatically process a variety of components using safe, aqueous...

Ultrasonic welder in multi-mode. (Factory Equipment).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... New control system gives the latest Rinco ultrasonic plastic welding machine from Forward all the attributes of the established MP202/ PCS11 machine plus the added advantage of force profiling which is freely programmable. The Dynamic 3000...

High-speed bag filling. (Packaging & Labelling).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Modular jumbo bag filling machine from Webster Griffin, the IBC-PF4 has been developed as a high-speed mobile and completely self-contained unit for weighing and filling food and chemical powders into bulk bags and large boxes. Compact and...

Non-contact labeller right on the case. (Packaging & Labelling).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... MP2000 outer labeller from Imaje prints and applies direct thermal or thermal transfer labels from 50 to 120mm square at up to 50 per minute. The blow applicator makes no contact with the case and may be positioned up to 75mm from the surface...

Custom without practice. (Packaging & Labelling).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Versatile ITS Card System from Tyco Electronics provides OEMs with the opportunity to customise and produce their own identification, information and instruction labels and signs. This complete sign printing system has the capability to make...

Coding's Smarter by laser. (Packaging & Labelling).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... SmartLase SL laser codes from Markem allows up to four lines of print to be coded within an area of over 60 [cm.sup.2] and -- dependent on the substrate and code to be printed -- at line speeds of over 100mm per minute. The SmartLase SL is...

Diagnostics on the web. (Packaging & Labelling).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... New at this month's Inter-pack show in Dusseldorf, Logopak's Webmaster remote software will be demonstrated in a `virtual' situation: five print and apply labelling systems will be linked together in a LAN with outside connection to Logopak's...

Protection under a quilt. (Packaging & Labelling).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... UK distributor of Mercamer products, Packer Systems has added the Greenfiller quilted paper system to its range of protective packing systems. This portable, automatic machine provides a quick and easy way to protect a wide range of products,...

Interface options. (Handling & Storage).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Available in two versions, differing only in Cattron-Theimeg's new TC200 radio/ infrared remote control user interface is modular in design, with the basic unit consisting of one two-direction and one Ergonomic in its styling. It suits a...

Pallets on the move in auto warehouses. (Handling & Storage).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Designed primarily for moving one tonne Euro-pallets, the new Hepco-Winkel telescopic fork systems are ideal for automated warehousing where forklift access is restricted. As the system is no wider than the pallet itself, it is at home in...

Live storage system gives error-free picking. (Handling & Storage).
April 1, 2002... Fast pick rates, easy assembly and total installation and operational flexibility are among benefits claimed for the KDR live storage system from SSI Schaefer. Available with optional pick-by-light systems and/or integral input and output...

Belt system all in a box. (Handling & Storage).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Steel belt system based on an aluminium or stainless steel machine frame and complete with motion control, tracking and tensioning components forms an off-the-shelf solution from Belt Technologies that can be customised to suit specific needs....

Enclosing the flow. (Handling & Storage).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... With their poor flow characteristics, products don't get much harder to convey than carbon black and titanium dioixide: yet both can be conveyed through the aeromechanical systems from Aeromaster (formerly Floveyor). Ideal for handling...

A `dead' stop. (Handling & Storage).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Waldens Trucks has developed a Dead Man's braking system for its container trolley which operates through the handle. The brake is always in the `on' position until the operator moves the handle to the pushing position and, in so doing,...

Interlocks give safe operator access. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Guardmaster-Prosafe trapped key interlocks have an innovative anti-tamper mechanism which makes them a practicable and reliable method of safety power interlocking for installations in industrial, process, petrochemical, nuclear, automotive and...

Tiles combat fatigue. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Static dissipative orthopaedic floor tiles that provide an ESD safe solution to the problems of operator fatigue have been introduced by TBA. Designed for use in Electro Static Protected (ESP) areas where operators are required to stand...

Relays a safe solution. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Between them, the Preventa XPS-Ad and XPS-AK safety relays from Telemecanique, both of which are suitable for use in appropriately designed Category 4 control systems in accordance with EN954-1, can cover almost any application. Just 22.5mm...

Compact relay can save on space. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The PNOZ X7 safety relay from Pilz is a cost-effective device for emergency stop circuits and guard monitoring applications on machinery that requires up to Category 2 to BS EN954-1 for their safety related control circuits. Half the size...

Package protects against gas. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Crowcon has launched a complete gas safety package to protect personnel working with liquid nitrogen from the risk of asphyxiation. Consisting of an oxygen detector, a control unit and a combined beacon/sounder to raise the alarm, Nitrowarn can...

Metering by the hour. (Electrics & Electronics).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Model 732K is the latest addition to Curtis's 700 Series hour meter family. The 732K second generation hour meter incorporates the standard features of the 700G Model, but adds a high-intensity LED indicator to the front face for equipment...

Control cable is PVC and halogen-free. (Electrics & Electronics).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... From igus comes a new control cable with a broad application spectrum, for example in machine tools, processing machinery and for the low-temperature sector. Increasingly, more and more production industries demand PVC-free and halogen-free...

I/red LEDs make a point. (Electrics & Electronics).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Range of point source infrared LEDs made by Optek Technology has been introduced by the Opto & Sensors division of Pacer Components. Unlike a conventional surface emitting LED, these new devices emit photons from a 0.004in diameter area centred...

Drive packs in the extra features. (Electrics & Electronics).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... A quantum leap forward in ac drive performance is claimed by ABB for its new ACS 800, The size has been greatly reduced -- the 165kW model is 80 percent smaller than its predecessor -- and commissioning becomes easy by way of a Start-up...

Servos: now you're torquing. (Electrics & Electronics).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Extension to the Allen-Bradley MP Series Servo motor family brings up to 60Nm continuous stall torque. Suited to high-speed stop/start applications such as packaging machinery, wrapping, sealing and bottling plant, they claim up to 40 percent...

Floor safety at the double. (Buildings & Maintenance).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Rentenkit is a durable 508 x 508mm modular flooring system from Allibert made from 100 percent polypropylene. It provides a secure safety surface and will also trap liquid spills from surrounding working environments. Retenkit is said to...

Rolling shutters open wide. (Buildings & Maintenance).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... The problem of closing wide openings in industrial buildings can be answered by the range of Hormann rolling shutters. Designed for apertures up to 11,800mm wide and 10,000mm high, the shutters are built to withstand the tough conditions and...

Ducting installed. (Buildings & Maintenance).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Screeduct has introduced an installation service for its range of heavy-duty floor ducting. The company manufactures standard and special ducting to suit any screed thickness from 50 to 100mm, with standard covers available in steel and...

Secure on slippy steps. (Buildings & Maintenance).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Securistep colourless non-slip and non-skid resins from AGIS retain the appearance of the underlying support. Combined with their durability these properties provide a solution for floors made slippery by water, oil and grease. Securistep...

Bunds sealed. (Buildings & Maintenance).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Watco Bund Sealer is a block two-part tar extended epoxy resin which is applied to brick, concrete or blockwork. Internally or externally, it can be applied to wet surfaces and can protect metal and concrete prior to sinking into earth or...

Seamless solutions both above and below ground. (Buildings & Maintenance).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Developed as an effective solution to both retention and exclusion of water, oils, fuels and chemicals in above and below ground applications, Permare from Stirling Lloyd is a range of two-component epoxy polysulphide compounds which can be...

Convenience on-site from a single mains facility. (Buildings & Maintenance).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Rollalong's new single mains toilet meets HSE guidelines of ensuring hot and cold running water and a suitably sized wash basin. This compact 1295 x 1220mm unit has a high specification: internal features include a wash hand basin complying...

More muscle is at hand. (Hand Tools).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Leading US power tool brand Milwaukee is being brought onto the UK market from June by owner Atlas Copco. The range spans over 400 tool models from general purpose drills, cordless, Saw-zalls, circular saws, grinders and hammers, to tools...

`Harmless' gun. (Hand Tools).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... BeA says that no harmful substances are emitted by its new 270 hotmelt glue gun, making it suitable for tasks from circuit boards and encapsulating electronics to food packaging. The full hand trigger gives effortless operation, and the grip...

Completing the circle. (Hand Tools).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... EuroSensor's new digital protractor offers 360deg electronic level reading (90deg x 4) for plumb and level or in between, right round the circle. Alternate zero-reference, reading hold, simple calibration needing no special fixtures and a...

Testing times for torque tools. (Hand Tools).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Torque Tool Tester from Norbar is a highly specified but easy to use instrument which, when connected to appropriate transducers, is ideal for a huge range of torque testing applications. For maximum flexibility it has interfaces allowing any...

At home on the range. (Hand Tools).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Two range options on Martindale's CM51 200A clamp meter allows the resolution to increase to 10mA when measuring 40A and below. Its autoranging feature means that the most suitable range is always automatically selected. Display hold and...

Quick change. (Hand Tools).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... A quick flick of a switch changes the operating direction of the Belzer 1RM ratchet combination wrench from Bahco. The tool also has a 15 deg. offset head for greater clearance in tight areas. A further benefit when there is little room is the...

Milling in the groove. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview). (Horn UK's groove milling inserts).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Horn has introduced a series of groove milling inserts with six cutting edges rather than the usual three. The inserts, which form Series 611, 613 and 628 are compatible with Type M 3xx milling cutter shanks for groove milling by circular...

Muddy waters cleaned up. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Along with your briefcase and overnight bag, don't forget -- as if you could -- to pack a five-litre can of dirty water (coolant will do) for your trip to MACH. MecWash Systems will have it clean in no time, demonstrating their new Aqua-Save...

Clamp pressure suits pallets for heavy machining forces. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Reaching 50m/min in rapid traverse, the latest Hitachi Seiki HS400 horizontal machining centre also claims to offer a new concept in pallet clamping, has a 14,000rpm spindle with a tool change time of 1.2secs and a choice of specialist software...

Control increases tool capacity. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... With the launch of the latest version of the high productivity Fanuc Robodrill through 600 Centre, Fanuc introduces its latest 16i MBCNC control and Alpha i servo control, increases tool capacity by a third to 21 tools, and increases rapid...

Right on Trak. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... For most milling work, XYZ's ProtoTRAK milling system, offered in two and three-axis versions, can increase productivity without significant operator training. Canned cycles include profiling without the need for calculator or tables,...

Pentium power for tool/cutter grinder. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Targeting the under 50,000 [pounds sterling] price barrier, Brierley Machine Tools is launching its six-axis CNC controlled ZNC32 Auto which allows fully automatic grinding of end mills and slot drills in addition to all types of self-centring...

Adjustable heads know all the angles. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Centreline has a new range of four adjustable angle heads to enable drilling, milling and other metal-cutting operations to be performed at any angle between [+ or -]90deg. The design also gives Centreline the ability to manufacture bespoke...

Multi-task measuring. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Bowers Metrology's new multi-task instrument, the Checkmatic, is an ingenious gauge capable of performing many internal and external measuring tasks to micro accuracy. The extensive range of retrofitable accessories ensures that even difficult...

Grinding flexibility. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Extended flexibility in production grinding is offered by Bridgeport's FGC 1000 machine. Its capability has been enhanced by developing a new generation of grinding cycles which provide up to four-axis contouring ability. Also included is an...

Milling options. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Available from C Dugard, the range of Eagle CNC vertical machining centres extends from the Mini-Mill, with its X axis of 510mm, to the Kwik-Mill, Eagle 1000, 1300 and 1600. The selection of control systems available includes Fanuc, Siemens,...

Tooling change a real pushover. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(advertisemrnt)
April 1, 2002... Simply by pushing a lever on Wilson Tool's Express Clamp, press brake tooling located anywhere along the beam of the machine can be quickly and safely changed within seconds without the use of any hand tools, pneumatics or hydraulics. This...

Plug `n' play in the pallet pool. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Flexible pallet container from Fastems has been designed as a versatile, expandable alternative to the pallet pool at an equivalent cost. For demonstration purposes, it will be integrated on the Fastems stand at MACH with a Mori Seiki SH5000...

A drop of the hard stuff. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Most machining operations in die and mould making start from a non-hardened steel. With the introduction of its new GC H10P grade, Sandvik says it is offering the possibility to start from pre-hardened steel, eliminating many production steps...

Custom configurations. (Mach/Metalworking -- Show Preview).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... New turn-mill centre from Index, designed G160, with a spindle capacity of 30/ 4265mm and turning lengths of up to 800mm is being launched by Kingsbury. It follows the same modular construction as the larger G400 introduced 18 months ago,...