What's New In Industry articles from April 2003

What's New In Industry archives from April 2003

Taking the complexity out of system building and monitoring. (What's News).
April 1, 2003... Developed to simplify the tasks of system building for the OEM--and process monitoring for the plant operator--Control Techniques' CT Vision system is a data collection and visualisation package built up from a suite of complementary products...

Improving life at the interface. (What's News).
April 1, 2003... Aimed particularly at HMI users with graphical operator interface requirements at the machine or small process level, Rockwell Automation's new PanelView Plus suits applications that need to display information graphically and log data so that...

Controlling four sensors. (What's News).
April 1, 2003... Latest multi-channel controller from SMC saves space by accommodating up to four PSE530 range air pressure sensors. Applications for the new PSE200 controller include confirmation of vacuum, ejector supply pressure, placement and leak testing....

A boost for Bi-Steel. (What's News).
April 1, 2003... Digital Spherosyn encoders and readouts, designed, developed and made by Newall Measurement Systems, are helping Corus Bi-Steel to improve the performance of its Bi-Steel manufacturing system. Positional accuracy during production has been...

Monitoring online: a real breeze. (What's News).
April 1, 2003... For many wind energy operators there can be a considerable cost in simply getting to their wind turbines. In some locations, weather conditions can also prevent visits being made. As a result, SKF has developed WindCon, a remote online...

Full steam ahead. (What's News).
April 1, 2003... Established ProSteam software from Linnhoff March forms the basis of a new Steam System Assessment Tool released to industrial energy users by the US Department of Energy. The SSAT model was commissioned to allow users to understand the...

Surveying the cost of compressed air: how much money does your company spend on energy for generating compressed air? And just how much of that energy is allowed to go to waste? A survey report system from Atlas Copco aims to help you find out. (Compressed Air Systems).
April 1, 2003... It is an established fact, says Atlas Copco, that energy accounts for 75 percent of the lifetime costs of generating compressed air--but it is also true that at least 30 percent of that energy may be wasted. That is why Atlas Copco Compressors...

It's payback time for refrigerated dryers. (Compressed Air Systems).
April 1, 2003... Latest digital scroll refrigerated dryers from Hankison automatically adjust energy usage to match air and heat loads to provide significant cost-savings and a fast return on investment. At the heart of the HDS dryer is a digital control...

New thinking in air preparation. (Compressed Air Systems).
April 1, 2003... Aiming to revolutionise the way users think about selecting air preparation systems, Parker Pneumatic has developed its Moduflex FRL system to suit virtually all compressed air preparation applications, from Mini FRLs to ring main...

Energy costs saved by air management. (Compressed Air Systems).
April 1, 2003... The services supply team at Delphi Automotive Systems, Sudbury, challenged EnergAir Solutions to demonstrate that energy cost savings of 20,000 [pounds sterling] a year could be achieved by installing an Enercon compressed air management...

Sideways look at vane compressors. (Compressed Air Systems).
April 1, 2003... CompAir has turned vane compressor design through 90 degrees with its new range of Hydrovane direct drive rotary vane machines. These new vertical units offer closer integration of drive and compressor element for a high-efficiency,...

Compression with precision. (Compressed Air Systems).
April 1, 2003... Trane's Helirotor screw compressor does its job with just three moving parts: its design requires no oil pump, the oil circulating inside the compressor due to the differential between high pressure (compressor output) and low pressure...

Pneumatics in for the count. (Compressed Air Systems).
April 1, 2003... Compact binary counter valve from Parker Sempress Pneumatic uses integrated sequence operation that suits it to a range of applications in, typically, transport and food industries for controlling slides, flaps, doors and conveyor system locks....

Testing the air for humidity. (Compressed Air Systems).
April 1, 2003... To reduce the likelihood of damage caused by moisture, compressed air supplies are often conditioned to remove or reduce moisture before the air is used by the process. As a result, dryers--typically refrigerant or desiccant column types--are...

Portable lighting is ATEX rated. (Health & Safety).
April 1, 2003... New ATEX portable lighting range from Wolf Safety will meet the demands of the ATEX directive: by July, virtually all Wolf portable safety lighting will comply with this key EU legislation regarding the selection and use of products in...

Under lock and key. (Health & Safety).
April 1, 2003... From Elesa comes a new IP65 lock for doors or access panels. The CMT.AE-VO has a built-in foldaway key and is particularly suited for use in safety-sensitive areas where the benefits of non-metal components are required--typically in...

Time to plan for safer production: ATEX is not just about potentially explosive gaseous environments--dust is equally dangerous, warns Steve Meadows, product manager for process valve products at ASCO Joucomatic. (Health & Safety).
April 1, 2003... The impending ATEX directive, which comes into force in July, has concentrated the minds of plant engineers in all sectors of industry on the dangers of potentially explosive atmospheres. Although this is of necessity, it is timely as research...

A Wizard solution for recycling waste water. (Health & Safety).
April 1, 2003... Offering a simple, robust solution to recycling waste water and industrial fluids while concentrating pollutants for disposal, the WasteWizard from Finishing Techniques uses a polymer membrane that never clogs to filter out and collect soils...

Cameras switch to mono in low light. (Health & Safety).
April 1, 2003... New range of tree day-night bullet cameras from Stortech Electronics are compatible with all PECAN CCTV cameras and components. Offering the benefits of colour and monochrome operation, the cameras claim to provide superior performance in...

Torch knows all the right angles. (Health & Safety).
April 1, 2003... Latest safety torch from SA Equipment is the ATEX-approved EX200R right-angle safety torch, tested for use in Zone 1 and 2 potentially explosive atmospheres (gas, vapour and mist) as well as in Zones 21 and 22 (dusts). Manufactured using...

Ladder offers escape route. (Health & Safety).
April 1, 2003... Offering a quick and efficienty way of leaving a smoke-filled or burning building, Banksie's Fire Escape Ladder is constructed from two sets of stringers, rungs and a box, all fire rated. Operation is simple: the front of the box is slid...

Sticking with safe control. (Health & Safety).
April 1, 2003... From Penny and Giles Controls comes the JC2000 compact joystick controller for precise fingertip control applications where safety and a long, trouble-flee life are primary requirements. It is available in two or three-axis configurations and...

Safety shoes add the style. (Health & Safety).
April 1, 2003... Totectors' Viva range of safety footwear for women combines a choice of uppers in materials including soft leather and Nubuck with a contemporary squarer toe style. Viva footwear is manufactured to EN 345-1 safety footwear standard....

Gloves resist organic solvents. (Health & Safety).
April 1, 2003... Latest chemical-resistant glove introduced by Marigold provides protection against organic solvents and oil-based chemicals--it has been specifically designed to provide protection against ketones (widely used in solvents such as acetone and...

Socket? Lock it. (Health & Safety).
April 1, 2003... Unauthorised or accidental switching on or off of electrical equipment can have serious consequences for safety. To combat this problem, Castell Iso-Lok has introduced the Socket-Safe, a steel enclosure that locks away sockets and plugs to give...

Wipers on a roll. (Health & Safety).
April 1, 2003... Latest range of disposable wipers from Kimberly-Clark are offered in large roll format for use in industrial and food-service sectors. WypAll L wipers are made from Airflex fabric that claims to increase absorbency and performance...

Sensor right on track. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... Weld seam tracking sensor specialist Meta Vision Systems has until now supplied equipment based on the projection of a laser stripe onto the surface of a fabrication. However, for about ten percent of applications this technique suffers from...

Safer bathing. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... Four stainless steel Bighead fasteners are being used to provide a simple, discreet, corrosion-proof method of attaching suckers to the Magnet handy bather, a portable powered bathlift. The fasteners are encapsulated in polyurethane and...

'Lift and twist' fastening. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... Many standard fastener products in the range offered by Dzus began life as custom-developed solutions--the new Lift and Twist pawl latch is the latest such development. Devised originally to provide a neat, stylish solution to securing...

Ribbed fastener gets a grip. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... The effectiveness of the blind rivet nut in providing a reliable fastening is totally dependant on the available grip, says fastener specialist Torque Control. This is particularly crucial in applications likely to be subjected to multi-use....

Sheet welding under control. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... High-performance computer-controlled sheet welding machine from Welwyn Tool can butt or angle weld plastic material in up to 3m lengths for producing large tanks and silos. The Widos PSM 3030 S CNC is the latest in a range of...

Bonding for high peel strength. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... Adhesive bonds have been traditionally strong in sheer but weak in peel strength, says Permabond. And many engineers have found that this can limit their use when joining composite or aluminium structures. Permabond's E3334 epoxy adhesive...

Getting it nailed. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... Able to drive a full coil of up to 300 nails with great penetrative power and accuracy, the lightweight DC566 coil nailer from BeA Fastening Systems weighs just 2.2kg and measures 320 x 273 x 130mm. Designed with a flat angle magazine, it can...

Sealed and locked. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... Dubo sealing/locking rings from Challenge Industrial Fastenings can be used on their own or with a toothed collar ring for high loading applications, such as when using 8.8 and 10.9 bolts. As well as having the locking action of a normal lock...

Downsizing the welding cell. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... Automated production welding for a modest capital outlay--and on a short leadtime--is offered by Motoman Robotics with its new standard welding cell at the lower end of its ArcSystem range. The Batchweld system occupies a space just 2.2m by...

Latch keeps a low profile. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... Low-profile flush compression latch from Specialty Fasteners & Components offers easy installation with a single hole fixing system There are two offset variants of this black finished latch available that allow use with different...

A regular date. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... Pressure regulators and flashback arrestors used in cutting, welding and allied processes contain elastomeric components which deteriorate with age and can cause the units to fait in service, warns Murex. The usual result of an elatomeric...

Joining coated materials. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... Sheetmetal joining machines for coated/painted and dissimilar materials are offered by TOXPressotechnik. Power ratings range from 2 to 2000kN and they are available in various standard and specially engineered designs with a choice of control...

Smoothing the way for trucks. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... Mailbox Mouldings, manufacturer of a range of moulded trucks, trolleys and bins for materials handling, are relying on specially-designed four-stud castor plates from Bighead Bonding Fasteners to fix their wheel castors. The rotational...

Hinge allows torque resetting. (Fastening & Joining).
April 1, 2003... The ability to reset the torque required over the life of the hinge is a feature of a new friction hinge from Specialty Fasteners & Components. Allowing movement and the ability to set the 'open' position required, the torque hinge comes...

Entry-level cabinet. (Electrics & Electronics).
April 1, 2003... New from APW Enclosure Products is IMstart, a cost-effective entry-level 19-inch cabinet designed to serve the requirements of the traditional 19-inch rack user in general applications such as electronics, instrumentation, data recording and...

New additions to AutoCAD family. (Electrics & Electronics).
April 1, 2003... Autodesk has announced its next generation of design software, a full range of powerful new technologies including what is believed to be the fastest AutoCAD software release yet--AutoCAD 2004--and a new family of AutoCAD based products. ...

Get network cabling right first time. (Electrics & Electronics).
April 1, 2003... Hellerman Tyton has announced the introduction of a new package of network cabling installation products targetted at contractors who buy through electrical distributors and wholesalers--and who might be venturing into network cabling for the...

Compact and powerful. (Electrics & Electronics).
April 1, 2003... At less than 1/4 inch, 6mm diameter motors have been manufactured before, but Electro Mechanical Systems has introduced the Faulhaber dc motor in 6mm and a planetary gearhead with six different ratios from 4:1 to 4.96:1. The motor is available...

Speeding up sensor data. (Electrics & Electronics).
April 1, 2003... HBM UK's CP22 computer interface complements its MGCplus multi-channel data acquisition systems by allowing rapid communication from sensors. The CP22 offers a choice of three interfaces, including an RS232 serial link. The TCP/IP, 10/100...

Wireless module. (Electrics & Electronics).
April 1, 2003... Aimed at OEMs, AeroComm has released a 900MHz spread spectrum module. The AC4490 transceiver module is designed to interface with OEM's designs via a serial TTL level connection, providing transparent, bi-directional wireless communication in...

Ergonomic carry cases. (Electrics & Electronics).
April 1, 2003... OKW Enclosures has extended its advanced range of Ergo-Cases, with the new L size versions. Said to be ideal for mobile electronics such as medical devices, stock control units, and test and measurement instruments, the Ergo-Case L is available...

High performing low power SBC. (Electrics & Electronics).
April 1, 2003... Adlink NuPRO--900 is the latest addition to Crenon Microsystems' portfolio. Combining embedded PCI-X technology with Gigabit Ethernet and support for up to 8GB SDRAM, this single board computer offers increased processing capability,...

Ultimate configuration. (Electrics & Electronics).
April 1, 2003... Ultimate Renaissance's Astec MVP series configurable power architecture enables designers to achieve a custom power supply up to 1.2kW at very short notice. This is important in projects with unusual or distinctive power requirements, or where...

A 'Cristal' clear display. (Electrics & Electronics).
April 1, 2003... The CRISTAL series of very low consumption LCD panel instruments from Sensors UK offer both compact and super compact 1/32 and 1/16 DIN standard housings and can be powered from all common ac or dc voltages used throughout industry. ...

Mounting flexibility. (Electrics & Electronics).
April 1, 2003... The AM range of ac induction motors from AEG with its flexible Multi-mount design has been extended so it now covers three phase frames from IEC 80-200 and 0.55kW-30kW and single phase from IEC80-100 and 0.55kW-2.2kW. In this range the...

On the pull. (Handling & Storage).
April 1, 2003... Tirak winch from Tractel is said to save space, weight and expense when compared to cranes and drum winches of the same capacity and with conventional scaffolding in lift shafts.. A mobile, endless wire rope winch, Tirak can be used for any...

Mini but not so small. (Handling & Storage).
April 1, 2003... Southworth Handling has launched the robust Mini-Lift RF 150, designed to suit loads up to 150kg in a compact user-friendly design. Four swivel castors allow maximum manoeuvrability. The power unit and controls are all self contained and...

Lifting in line with ATEX. (Handling & Storage).
April 1, 2003... In line with the demands of the ATEX Directive Edmolift's new fully Ex compliant range of lightweight, highly manoeuvrable lifters is designed for safe use in potentially explosive environments. Manufactured from 100 percent 304 stainless steel...

On the level. (Handling & Storage).
April 1, 2003... Portasilo Bulk Handling Systems, in a joint venture with ATI Tank Hire, has developed the Horizontal Silo. Intended to facilitate easy transport and rapid deployment, the Horizontal Silo is said to be an ideal vessel for temporary storage of...

ThorWorld--setting the standards in loading bay equipment and mobile yardramps.
April 1, 2003... BSI registered with ISO 9002 accreditation since 1992 and CE mark certification, ThorWorld Industries Ltd became one of the first in its industry to achieve the latest ISO 9001:2000 international quality management standard. The company...

Walk or ride-on low level order picker. (Handling & Storage).
April 1, 2003... Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has added a versatile new low level order picker to its range of warehouse equipment. The new product has a two tonne lift capacity and a tiller arm which allows operators to choose either walk-beside or ride-on...

Identify yourself. (Handling & Storage).
April 1, 2003... Magnetic and self-adhesive ticket holders from Beaverswood are effective and versatile devices for for warehouse identification applications. Manufactured in clear plastic with a flexible pull forward front, the holder provides a simple...

Super safe storage. (Handling & Storage).
April 1, 2003... Providing for maximum hygiene and security in the food, electronics, pharmaceutical and medical environments is Welconstruct's stainless steel storage range with three-point door locking. The new units also afford protection for contents...

Get streamlined. (Factory Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Streamline[TM] SL-IV 15 high pressure intensifier from Ingersoll-Rand can bring waterjet cutting technology within the reach of more industries as an economic means of cutting a wide range of materials 'in-house'. The machine has a nominal...

The single life. (Factory Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Newall Measurement Systems has joined forces with IGUS, the German engineering firm, to launch a single-axis, machine tool measurement system featuring an encoder, digital readout, linear rail and carriage. The Newall Single Axis Package...

Taking control. (Factory Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Amadeus control system from Andantex Kinematic is designed to provide automatic registration error correction on printing and converting machines. It is designed for use in conjunction with Redex differential gear boxes or phase shifters, and...

Expanding rangeable range. (Factory Equipment).
April 1, 2003... G E Druck's RTX1000 series of rangeable pressure transmitters is expanded to suit applications where traditional 4-20mA two-wire loop or Smart/HART digital communications are required. Based on Druck's micromachined silicon sensor, the...

Clean-in-Place for fillers. (Factory Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Dawson's CIP system has been developed for incorporation into its wide range of popular filling and capping machines. Designed to be operated automatically by the machine's control system, and to eliminate the need for standard CIP manifolds,...

The new challenger. (Factory Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Transweld Challenger 301T is a new mobile single-phase 240V powered industrial welding equipment package introduced by Murex Welding Products. Designed to be used for a wide range of welding operations, MIG, MAG and flux cored wire...

Caged ball success. (Factory Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Caged Ball technology from THK UK is to be used in numerically controlled machines manufactured by Cental CNC Machinery. Central's heavy duty machinery is not only sold on to customers but is also used by Central for the manufacture of...

Analytical valve. (Factory Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Burkert Fluid Control Systems has launched a low maintenance miniature rocker solenoid valve designed to handle aggressive or contaminated media. The Type 127's compact, modular configuration allows it to be designed into a wide range of...

Able to take the pressure. (Process Plant & Control).
April 1, 2003... The new series of low cost industrial pressure sensors from G E Druck is said to provide a cost effective and reliable solution for high volume/large scale measurement applications. The 1500 series of pressure transducers (voltage output)...

Radar on the level. (Process Plant & Control).
April 1, 2003... Eclipse 707 from Magnetrol is the first 'radar-type' level measurement able to measure both the upper liquid level and the liquid-liquid level interface over a two-wire loop powered connection. Hydrocarbon condensate/water interfaces are...

Close-coupled pump. (Process Plant & Control).
April 1, 2003... Liquiflo pump range from Michael Smith Engineers has been enhanced by the addition of a close-coupled mechanically sealed option for the RotoGear 3 and H Series pump ranges. Close-coupling eliminates the possibility of pump failure due to pump...

Quick release valve. (Process Plant & Control).
April 1, 2003... Said to be a 'step-change' in the design of bleed air valves for industrial engines, the new butterfly valve from Dunlop Aerospace Equipment is designed to handle high-pressure air at the extremes of temperatures that are common in modern, high...

Temperature alarm. (Inspection & Measurement).
April 1, 2003... Effective temperature monitoring is a vital function of many laboratory applications, especially those involving equipment such as ultra low freezers. Triple Red's ES100RX is a flexible radio alarm system, requiring no hard wiring but capable...

Light and low. (Inspection & Measurement).
April 1, 2003... Megger's DLRO600 digital low-resistance ohmmeter weighs in at under 15kg, making it half the weight of a typical high-current low-resistance ohmmeter yet offering a variable test current of 10A to 600A. The wide current range means that DLRO600...

DIN-rail pioneer. (Inspection & Measurement).
April 1, 2003... Ashcroft DXIdp ultra low differential pressure transmitter from Dresser Measurement is the first to be DIN--rail mounted, offering easier and more efficient installation and calibration. Pressurised room or laboratory and filter pressures are...

Truckmaster weighs in. (Inspection & Measurement).
April 1, 2003... Truckmaster's design for over-the-road vehicles is said to be proven for long-term reliable performance. These weighbridges are easy to maintain and their bolt-together design claims to ensure ease of transport with simple on-site assembly and...

Digital camera for industry. (Inspection & Measurement).
April 1, 2003... Pyser-SGI's Digital Microscope Camera has 1280 x 1024 pixel resolution and is said to be ideal for the inspection of fine details. Designed to be highly flexible, the camera adapts to fit an existing compound or stereo microscope and can be...

Flameproof flowmeter. (Inspection & Measurement).
April 1, 2003... A competitively-priced, explosion-protected signal converter in a flameproof housing is being launched by Krohne for use with its H250 and H54 variable area flowmeters. The M10 EEx d converter is an all-electronic, fully programmable...

Optical solution. (Inspection & Measurement).
April 1, 2003... Pyser-SGI has launched a new range of magnifiers, portable microscopes, single and dual axis measuring systems, video inspection systems, and modular microscope systems and components. The Inspecta range is designed to offer a solution to...

Wash down weigher. (Inspection & Measurement).
April 1, 2003... Mettler Toledo's Garvens E-Series checkweigher is available in full stainless steel IP65 wash down specification, making it ideal for applications where hygiene and ease of cleaning are vital. The E-Series complements the S-Series and meets...

Label applicator. (Packaging & Labelling).
April 1, 2003... Weber Marking Systems' new label applicator system for fast-moving sectors such as personal care or food and drink. The Weber RSE2500 features a modular construction that can be adapted to suit the needs of specific applications and customer...

Bench top converter. (Packaging & Labelling).
April 1, 2003... Packer Systems has added a bench top model to its range of waste converters for producing a highly effective packing material from everyday waste corrugated board and cardboard. The machine is aimed at low and medium volume users and at...

Point of sale cost savings. (Packaging & Labelling).
April 1, 2003... Versatile system from Key Capital Equipment is said to add value by avoiding the need for expensive preprinted cases. By simply spot labelling unprinted corrugated fibreboard cases, using litho printed labels applied by the newly launched STOCK...

Monitor tipping while shipping. (Packaging & Labelling).
April 1, 2003... These sensitive, high visibility, moisture proof label indicators are part of the TILTWATCH[T] product range from Shockwatch. Attached to the outside of a shipped package they warn handlers that the contents should be kept in an upright...

Cut it out! (Hand & Power Tools).
April 1, 2003... Bahco Tools introduces the new 319 30cm hacksaw frame. Lightweight at just 500g, the 319 combines comfort and ease of use with maximum strength and cutting capacity. A two-component plastic frame is moulded around a square steel core,...