What's New In Industry articles from February 2001

What's New In Industry archives from February 2001

Projecting the future of lift truck design.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... No, you can't have one -- not at the moment, anyway. Still is backing up its Usable Innovation theme at IMHX by wheeling out Project RXX, a radical, but fully working, electric forklift that represents an r&d investment of over 1m [pounds...

Intrepid Explorer on a roll.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Setting out to achieve a 300 percent increase in service life over equivalent standard spherical roller bearings, the SKF Explorer range, available from BSL also offers tip to 25 percent higher torque loadings. Explorer units offer...

New look for What's new.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... There's a fresh new look coming to What's new in Industry from next month -- plus extra features designed to speed and widen product sourcing opportunities. Product pages -- clearly signposted with our established 15 industrial categories...

Power in the rack.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... As suppliers of complete modular systems for CompactPCI microcomputer applications, Schroff is offering compatible 19ins power supplies with an output power of 250W in 311 Eurocard format. The power supplies are a solution even for applications...

Check your joints.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... BoltFAST is a Windows-based bolted joint analysis software package from Sensor Products that aids the engineer in determining the fatigue endurance limit of a thread, the amount of embedding anticipated in the joint and the optimal tightening...

Industrial PC links up for process control.(Hayes Control Systems)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Beckhoff built-on PC from Hayes Control Systems is a self-contained industrial PC unit that can be attached to a Beckhoff control panel to provide a complete computer system for a wide range of engineering, process and manufacturing...

Software eases motion selection.(Rockwell Automation)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Motion Book 3.1, the latest version of Rockwell Automation's powerful and easy to use sizing and selection software that can save engineers time when specifying motion systems. It combines all the features of Motion Book 3.0 with a number of...

Data transfer via Intranet.(the MacMan Intranet system)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Dissemination and collection of job-related information via shop floor computer terminals is an increasing trend among more go-ahead manufacturing companies, says Okuma, whose MacMan Intranet system takes this concept to its logical conclusion,...

Data on the net.(Omega Engineering offers embedded Internet option in new devices)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Embedded Internet option enables Omega's iSeries range of controllers, panel meters, transmitters and signal conditioners to connect to an Ethernet network with a standard RJ-45 connector. Once connected, the devices can then serve web pages...

Flowmeter on the bus.(Yokogawa)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Yokogawa's ADMAG AE range of electromagnetic flowmeters is now available with Foundation Fieldbus (FF) registration, confirming that it has been verified for conformance and interoperability to the Fieldbus Foundation's specifications. ADMAG AE...

Mini controller takes the middle ground.(Allen-Bradley)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Low-cost controller designed for relay replacement applications, the Allen-Bradley Pico's size and versatility suits it for the middle ground between intelligent relays and micro PLCs. Available from Rockwell Automation, Pico performs...

If it moves, monitor it.(New range of high-performance accelerometers from Monitran)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... New range of high-performance accelerometers from Monitran are designed specifically for direct connection to industry standard PLCs, using a conventional two-wire 4-20mA interface. The MTN/1185 Series is suitable for use in a wide range of...

Steaming at the double.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Many steam and process lines require both an isolation valve and a non-return valve -- in many cases resulting in additional flanges, gaskets and installation work, as well as a valve assembly. Invensys Flow Control has introduced the NR44,...

Facing up to networking.(Heidenhain Corp. interface suitable for automation application)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The primary challenge of many automation applications, such as robotics or materials-handling systems, is the networking of a large number of sensors and actuators within one system. The Heidenhain PROFIBUS-DP interface is well suited for such...

Making sense.(with balances from Mettler-Toledo Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Mettler Toledo's AX analytical balances, MX microbalances and UMX ultra-microbalances incorporate a SmartSens to simplify operation. The system comprises two sensors, one at each side of the weighing chamber As a hand approaches, the sensor...

To new heights.(Sylvac height gauge from Bowers Metrology)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... New Sylvac height gauge from Bowers Metrology, the Z Cal 600, has a 600mm capacity. Ease of use is facilitated by a motorised measuring system, with the probe speed proportional to the finger pressure applied to supply power to all of its...

Checking up on welding safety.(with RF radiation safety meter from Link Microtek)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... An RF radiation safety meter from ink Microtek provides an accurate and inexpensive solution for checking if high-frequency welding equipment complies with guidelines on exposure to RF radiation. Manufactured by Narda, the 8500 series...

Monitoring in the round.(Multimodul MK21-R1 rotational speed monitor )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... From Turck Banner, the innovative Multimodul MK21-R1 rotational speed monitor offers intrinsically safe inputs with both relay and analogue outputs. Designed to monitor pulse sequences from NAMUR sensors in hazardous (even Zone 0) locations,...

Calibration in combination.(Druck Co. offers)(Cost-effective multifunction process calibrator )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Cost-effective multifunction process calibrator from Druck can replace many single function instruments with one compact hand-held package. The DPI measures, sources and simulates temperature and electrical process signals, displaying the...

Measurement at a touch.(with Mitsibishi's)(Quick Vision non-contact CMM range)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... To add versatility to Mitsubishi's Quick Vision non-contact CMM range, a touch trigger probe system with a probe module changing facility is now available. There is no impairment to the performance of the image processing system and touch probe...

Expanding valves.(Rexroth Mecman)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Rexroth has expanded its 579 series of compact, high-performance valves with two smaller orifice diameters of 1.2 and 4mm and the option of a combined valve and cylinder unit. Multiple pressure feed/inlets can also be combined on manifold. A...

Smoother braking.(with Patay range from Leroy-Somer S.A.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The Patay range from Leroy Somer brings together an electric motor and electromagnetic brake in one unit. The brake allows the motor and load to be stopped in a pre-determined time safely. This reduces wear and tear and the risk of damage, and...

Specialist hinges.(from Elesa-Clayton)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... CF range of advanced techno-polymer hinges is designed for specialist enclosure builders for use on switchgear cabinets, machinery guards, control desks, process equipment housings etc. It includes tamper-proof and double pivot hinges as well...

Moving into a strong position.(with RA Rodriguez linear positioning system)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Accurate positioning, long strokes up to 1020mm and the ability to withstand loads up to 5000N are benefits of a new linear positioning system from RA Rodriguez. ProfiLINE 200 is a range of components and options which allows the easy...

Three levels of load and guide.(C-Rail profiles from Machine Building Systems)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... The C-rail profiles introduced to the Item range of machine building components from Machine Building Systems are ideal for the quick and economical construction of lifting or sliding doors, partitions, movable enclosures and guarding elements....

Couplings for harsh areas.(from Tema Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Designed to operate efficiently and reliably in arduous conditions, the H series of heavy-duty couplings from Tema are said to offer improved protection against corrosion. Bodies of all units in the range are interchangeable with standard...

Auto shut-off gives no leaks.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Durable plastic couplings with automatic shut-off valves for leak-free disconnections have been launched by Tom Parker. The couplings are lightweight and easy to use with a plastic thumb-latch design for simple, one-handed disconnection. ...

Meals at the ready.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Suitable for a range of prepared and ready meal applications, a compact alternative to hand sleeving has been introduced by SmartSleeve. Developed as part of a compact range of systems, the CT 60 is specially designed to sleeve multiple...

Making its mark.(label applicator from Weber Marking Systems)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Equipped with a Zebra Z4000 printer engine, the AP 4000 label applicator from Weber is suitable for medium to high-speed applications. Labels can be applied at various attitudes, including top, side or bottom, al speeds of up to 60 a minute,...

Fast film show.(Packaging Automation's PA182)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Benefits of the PA182 from Packaging Automation include a new film feed and rewind to speed the changing of film reels, together with an improved film path. The unit's guarding system is said to give improved hygiene, reduced food traps and...

Cordless scanning cracks the codes.(Hand Held Products Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Hand Held Products says it has introduced the world's first cordless PDF417 bar code scanner in the Imageteam 3870 cordless linear imager. Its linear imaging technology enables high-performance reading of PDF417, MicroPDF417 and all common...

Better labels by design.(from Automated Packaging Systems)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Using point and click technology, PrintPro Label Designer 6.0 from Automated Packaging Systems is fully compatible with NT, Novell, Windows 98 and 2000. Able to design labels for bags in a variety of sizes, the package has true-type fonts...

Components all taped up.(Cabot)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Conductive polystyrene tape for packaging electronic parts is available up to 2000m long and as little as 70[micro]m thick by Industrie-technik Filzwieser (ITF), using Cabelec compounds from Cabot. Conductive sheet is initially extruded as...

Printers easy to upgrade.(W.H. Brady Co.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... From Brady Worldwide comes a printer family which includes the Bradyprinter BP3481 offering a print resolution of 300-dpi and the BP2461 unit with its 200-dpi resolution. Easy to use, they feature an LCD, increased ram and flash memory, while...

Think big for storage and distribution labels.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Distribution/storage and delivery labels call be produced quickly with Sato's M5900RV `big label' direct thermal electronic printer. This new model offers a RISC processor for faster response and quicker data handling, and is considered...

Printer mech inches fowards.(Able Systems)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Diminutive, lightweight one-inch printer mechanism from Able Systems, at just 32 x 42.8 x 14.8mm and 30g, can be designed unobtrusively into almost any equipment, and particularly suits emerging mobile commerce or e-commerce applications. ...

The lost chord.(Label Manufacturing Co.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Cordless design of the Hallo EM21 electronic label dispenser allows use just about anywhere -- on or off site -- with no need for electricity supply. It operates from rechargeable batteries but can also be mains powered. Available from The...

Sealing options.(Busak and Shamban)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Isolast perflouroelastomer seals from Busak+Shamban give good chemical resistance, long life, thermal stability, good compression set characteristics and hysteresis properties. In addition to O-rings, bonded products, sheets, inflatable seals,...

A quick jig.(Printek)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The time token by Seghers hot sand process to clean paint-encrusted jigs is 60 minutes maximum. Lower running costs, better working conditions and superior environmental safeguards are other benefits claimed for the unit, available from...

Two-way stretch.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Requiring no primers, seven new flexible adhesive sealants from Loctite are based on the chemistry of modified-silane polymers. This also brings extended adhesive capability, increased resistance to UV and weathering and is free from solvents,...

Seal grooves its way to reduced friction.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Low friction, optimum sealing effect and reliability are offered by the easy-running Merkel LF300, a rod seal made of polyurethane. The reduced friction allows for 100 percent jolt-free movement and positioning of tools, particularly in light...

Monitoring by wireless.(SKF)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Remote condition monitoring for rotating machines -- using radio telemetry technology -- has been introduced by SKF. Benefits of the system include removing the necessity for cabling, the capability to monitor otherwise inaccessible...

Oil analysis to beat breakdowns.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Shell e-Quip is a service designed to help avoid unexpected mechanical malfunctions. Based on the analysis of oil samples from equipment, it inspects machinery, detects potential problems and lets users know precisely when and why they are...

Goodbye to chips and oil.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Due to its rotary vane pump with 80 percent vacuum, the DS-2 vacuum cleaner from Portable Factory Equipment is said to be stronger than most standard industrial cleaners. It removes oil, heavy sludge, liquids, grease and spent shot blast in...

Lightweight cleaning.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Triple motor battery vacuum from Depureco aims to solve cleaning difficulties in the warehouse. The TM65B is compact, so is ideal for lifting to clean higher shelving: alternatively, lightweight hoses can be taken up to high shelves while...

Steppin' out.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Designed to improve workplace safety, a range of push steps has been launched by Welconstruct. Complementing its three, four and five-step models are three two-step versions, providing a maximum top step height of 510mm. As well as eliminating...

Feet stay warm & dry.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Dunlop Hevea's 100 percent waterproofs Rig-Air boot is made from a polyurethane foam compound composed of microscopic air bubbles, said to give excellent insulation properties -- warm feet down to -25 [degrees] C. It also makes the boot 35...

The eyes have it.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Designed to protect eyes and skin against acid splashes during pickling, an easy to use 200ml spray can containing the active agent hexafluorine has been developed by Avesta Welding. It is claimed to be 100 times more efficient against acid...

Compact light curtains ensure operator safety.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Compact and convenient, the MiniSafe 4600 light curtain from Nelsa is designed to provide operator protection at hazardous sites and enclosures where frequent operator access is required, but physical guarding is too restrictive. A safety...

Shotbolts offer controlled access.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Designed for machine guarding and controlled access applications, a series of high specification shotbolts has been introduced by Castell. Eletrobolt 700 series shotbolts are electrically continuously rated and have a mechanical...

Eye safety on prescription.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Quick and convenient way of obtaining prescription safety glasses is available through Visions, a fixed-price service introduced by Sentinel Laboratories. Visions combines high-spec, designer-style safety frames and lenses with a...

Interlock against high-level risks.(MT-GD2 safety interlock switch)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Heavy-duty performance and dual-channel operation for high safety levels are offered by Guardmaster's MT-GD2 safety interlock switch. In a compact package with industry-standard DIN mounting holes, the switch has four sets of contacts,...

The name is bond.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Resilient two-component polyurethane adhesive has been introduced by Vantico for primerless bonding of surface mount components, but also bonds well to many other composite, engineering plastic materials and metals. Araldite 2027 is highly...

Cleaner bench tops.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Joining the range of bench top ultrasonic cleaning machines from Turbex is the m-08. Features include stainless steel construction, indirect heating, clear operating panel with digital timer and temperature display, integral ultrasonic...

Performing seals.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Time consuming in-house applications of O-rings, gasket seals or sealant compounds can be eradicated thanks to Nyseal, a pre-applied underhead self-sealing solution from PSM. With no additional line side processes and single component supply,...

Acrylic paints are ready-to-spray.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Ready-to-spray conductive acrylic paints from Chomerics are said to help OEMs minimise material usage and product weight by delivering similar EMI/RFI shielding performance with as little as half the coating thickness of previous systems. ...

The pump behind the mask.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Customised masks, vaccum formed by Toolcraft Plastics to screen the entry ports of pumps during painting, prevent the paint getting into moving parts. Designed to just snap on, they are re-usable and economical, saving the job of taping...

Lubricant that fends off dirt.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Innovative, genuinely dry all-purpose lubricant from Starrett, the M1, dries as it protects, so avoiding the dirt, dust and grime that other wet lubricants might attract. When applied, M1 dries instantly and stays that way whatever the...

Precise dosing.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... EFD's 740MD-SS MicroDot needle valve is designed to apply extremely small, accurate amounts of adhesives and other fluids used in precision assembly processes. The 740MD-SS seats the needle in the hub of the dispensing tip instead of the...

Sealing the joints.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Watco has developed a flexible joint sealant for use on industrial floors. The Floor Joint Sealant is a two-part pourable mixture, based on polyurethane technology. It is suitable for filling and sealing moving and non-moving joints in concrete...

Drop anchor.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... From Industrial Flooring Services comes Cement. Grout CX-1 -- a low cost non-shrink free-flowing grout for anchoring machine rails. structural steelwork and other similar applications. Tel: 01925 220000 Ind. Flooring Services 531

Controller expands to control building services.
February 1, 2001... New programmable logic controller added to Moeller's PS4 range, the PS4-271-MMI operates directly on either 230V ac or 115V ac lines. Specifically aimed at the building services market, it can be used as a standalone building controller for...

Ventilator also checks sound.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Passivent's Aircool acoustic ventilator is a controllable air intake and extract ventilator with acoustic attenuation. It is suitable for any area requiring high levels of ventilation combined with sound attenuation. The discreet...

Doors on a rapid roll.(Rapid Roll 300 and 400 series doors)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... Range of Rapid Roll doors from Stokvis now includes the 300 and 400 Series designed for internal applications. The Rapid Roll 300 Series has been formulated to accommodate a maximum door area of 12.25[mm.sup.2], with an opening speed of...

Fast curing floor coating.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Speed of curing is the main benefit claimed for Tremco's new Rapide system of floor protection. Based on a series of differently formulated primers, resins and sealers, Rapide is a total system that can be applied in sequence overnight, and...

Weld consistency.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The DGP-2 precision electrode grinding system from Diamond Ground Products can eliminate the inconsistencies of hand grinding to increase weld quality and output. Welding benefits include improved quality, reduced arc wander, superior arc...

Oil choice.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Tsugami Mori CNC sliding head automatic lathes from Pollard & Co run on soluble oils as well as the traditional neat mineral oils. The machines will also machine very short length components, as well as the more usual longer components...

Coated inserts.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Advanced Carbide Tooling has introduced Futura-coated carbide inserts for its 2.2 parting-off and grooving system, allowing dry machining as well as higher cutting speeds with longer tool life. Tel: 01455 234000 ACT 542

Laser detects broken tool bits.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... From sensor manufacturer Leuze, the new Tool Break Detector uses an intensive laser light to enable it to detect broken tool bits as small as 1mm diameter and offer a much extended 8m depth of field. The new BKL706 tool-tip detector...

The attraction of magnetics.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The capability of being able to perform high-speed milling operations on components without using obstructing straps, clamps or vices is realised by the Speedmill check from Eclipse Magnetics which operates by clamping magnetically. This not...

Hawks are for turning.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Three new two-axis turning centres from Cincinnati Machine represent an extension of the established Hawk range and have been introduced to meet a wider spread of user requirements. With chuck sizes from 170 to 315mm, the Hawk range now offers...

CNC bolt-on automation.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Automation of virtually any CNC chucking lathe is easy with the bolt-on Robo Loader RH-series from Yuasa Warwick Machinery: over 5000 are in use in Japan, based on their capability to increase turning machine utilisation to around 80 percent...

Contacts in starters.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Danfoss range of soft starters has been extended with a new version of the MCI 25. It is equipped with auxilliary contacts for I-O and bypass control. Simple to install and use, CI-tronic soft starters suit most applications. The MCI 25's...

Feel the pulse.(ACS 600 ac drives)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... ABB has extended its ACS 600 range of ac drives by integrating the option of a 12-pulse rectifier into its modules in the power range 55 to 250 kW. This 12-pulse design is said to typically reduce the voltage distortion of the rectifier by 80...

Good connections.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... High current industrial connector which can handle up to 650A at 4kV has been added to the Han HC modular range from Harting. The unit is available with one or two silver-coated copper alloy contacts, and screw terminals are provided for wire...

Drives offer input options.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Spanning a 0.3kW to 90kW power range, the Optidrive from Moeller Electric is a small but powerful ac drive available in both single and three-phase formats in five case sizes. Ready to run, the drives have three programmable digital inputs,...

Low-profile power supply on a high shelf.
February 1, 2001... Available from Artesyn Technologies, the compact NLP150L 150W ac/dc open frame power supply has just a 3.8 by 7.8ins footprint and a height of just 1.26in, so it fits easily on a 1U high shelf. The unit is power factor corrected to meet the...

Digital servo drive suits OEM use.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Joining the range of servo drives from Control Techniques, the digital En-Series is primarily for OEM use, particularly packaging and automated assembly. Using Windows-based software, most applications can be configured in under two...

Turning up the power.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Powerful and flexible amplifier for fibre optic sensing heads has been introduced by Omron. A key feature of the E3X-DAN is the provision of analogue output, provided in addition to the NPN or PNP digital output and making the sensor more...

Legend in hiding.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Hidden legend indicator added to EAO's Series 56 range incorporates a black face, the text or legend becoming clearly visible once the indicator is illuminated. Tel. 01444 236000 EAO 560

Go program a brick.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Brick style Micro PLC from IDEC Electronics, the MicroSmart has add-on I/O expansion, communication and memory option and is easily programmed from new V4.0 IDEC Windows software. Tel: 01256 321000 IDEC Electronics 561

Coating thickness check in the palm of your hand.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Elcometer Instruments' new 456 is a novel palm-sized, coating thickness gauge that uses electromagnetic induction and eddy current to measure a wide variety of coatings on either ferrous metal or non-ferrous metal substrates. All the 456 gauges...

Servo makes the connection.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Control Techniques Dynamics is offering a `plug and play' version of its Unimotor 190 ac brushless servomotor, by providing its 190 frame motors with an improved IP rating and new connectorised 190 housing. The 190 is the largest motor in the...

Pump without oil.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Latest edition to SPX Fenner's range of axial piston water motors can be a valuable tool in battle against water pollution. The F180 Water Motor is lubricated by the fluid which it is pumping -- it has no oil interface. This not only reduces...