What's New In Industry articles from February 2003

What's New In Industry archives from February 2003

Staying on track to meet new data storage and security regs: the 21CFR Part 11 regulation has been defined by the FDA to utilise the benefits of electronic records and signatures in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products. As some--if not all--drugs manufactured around the world will end up in the USA, then this requirement is becoming the defined standard worldwide. (What's News).
February 1, 2003... A major raft of product enhancements announced by Eurotherm has been designed to satisfy the requirements of 21CFR Part 11 (electronic records and electronic signatures) for FDA validation of pharmaceutical and food processes. By ensuring that...

Another nanostep for mankind. (What's News).
February 1, 2003... Combining stepper and piezo-electric linear motors for coarse and fine positioning, Baldor's new X-Y positioning stage provides rapid sub-micron positioning over large working areas. The Nanostepper is available with travels up to 3 x 1.5m for...

Analysis with accuracy. (What's News).
February 1, 2003... Data acquisition and analysis equipment from HBM is helping NEG Micon Rotors produce larger wind turbine blades for wind farms at its UK research site. NEG is developing its next generation of rotor blades. To ensure safety and optimum...

A turn for the better. (What's News).
February 1, 2003... One of the more unusual turning centres available--UK supplier Geo. Kingsbury calls it the closest thing yet to a universal machine tool--the Index V160 is a `hanging spindle' vertical turning lathe with the uncommon option of of an opposed...

Running the slide rule over subcontracting. (What's News).
February 1, 2003... "When you're quoting to two decimal places of a penny, as we sometimes are, you can appreciate just how competitive the subcontracting marketplace is. So it's crucial we utilise the latest machining technology." Those sentiments from DP...

AS-i on the ball. (What's News).
February 1, 2003... Burkert Fluid Control Systems is showing its range of AS-i devices and cable accessories at next month's twin AS-iTECH 2003 shows--at Reading FC's ground on March 4th and at Old Trafford two days later. Many of the components will will be...

Going super-clean in the `Spacea-age': use of the latest materials, lubricants and coatings suit NSK's Spacea bearings for life in superclean and vacuum environments. (Bearings & Seals).
February 1, 2003... Integrating the latest materials, lubricants and coating technologies for high-performance operation under demanding super-clean, vaccum and high-temperature operating conditions, NSK's Spacea bearings have been designed to meet the technical...

Sealing in pH resistance. (Bearings & Seals).
February 1, 2003... Using an innovative polyurethane compound called P5500, a new range of seals available from Ceetak is said to be the first to be compatible with media across the entire pH scale. In particular, their elasticity and resilience suits them for...

Oil seal offers material options. (Bearings & Seals).
February 1, 2003... New non-metallic oil seal from Garlock Sealing Technologies can provide an economic alternative to sourcing original parts--the Klozure 154 range can be supplied to fit shaft diameters from 8 to 2000mm. With its seal lip design based on...

Exploring for a longer life. (Bearings & Seals).
February 1, 2003... Cylindrical roller bearings (CRB) are the latest addition to SKF's Explorer range of high-performance bearings, offering increased dynamic load carrying capacity and a service life up to three times that of conventional CRBs. In joining the...

Unit for vacuum or high temp use. (Bearings & Seals).
February 1, 2003... Hepco's development of a universal bearing capable of working at elevated temperatures and in vacuum applications aims to present designers with two key benfits. Firstly it can operate continuously in temperatures up to 200[degrees]C and,...

New design twist can pull the cost out of fitting. (Bearings & Seals).
February 1, 2003... Self-clinching bearings that can reduce the cost of mounting are now offered to UK OEMs by Unimatic Engineers following a distribution agreement with the US manufacturer Spyraflo. These self-clinching bearings can be mounted directly and...

Seals and wipers for extended life. (Bearings & Seals).
February 1, 2003... New seals and wipers from INA fit the company's KUVE (ball-type) and RUE (roller-type) monorail guides. Various configurations/materials are available to suit different applications. When potential bearing contamination in the problem, INA...

Take a check on ac current. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... Many measuring and monitoring applications in the utility and process industries need a standard ac signal converted into a 4-20mA current output for onward transmission to a control or telemetry system: typical examples might be current...

Testing via PC's USB port. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... Innovative device from Adlink enables multiple instrumentation signals to be acquired and passed through to PC-based test and measurement software through the PC's USB port. The USBDAQ-91-MS, available from Adept AScientific, offers a...

Image sensor cracks the code. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... With its Simatic VS 130 vision sensor, Siemens Automation & Drives has expanded its VS-100 product range with a rugged, easy-to-use image processing sensor which can efficiently read data matrix code. With a maximum throughput of five...

Online monitor won't intrude. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... Non-intrusive monitoring of electric motors via their power cables is offered by the new Explorer Mk11 motor performance tester from Whitelegg Machines. It is suitable for monitoring all sizes of LV and HV motors--and in particular large...

Analogue probe speeds inspection. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... Manufacturers wishing to inspect components on a co-ordinate measuring machine more quickly--and to a higher degree of accuracy than is possible by a touch-trigger probe--can specify the latest option from LK of an analogue scanning probe. ...

Pressure package. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... Engine combustion analysis package from Yokogawa Martron is for use with Yokogawa's digital oscilloscopes and data acquisition systems. This new software package enables engine combustion pressures to be analysed for engines using a...

Remote monitoring from indicator's multi sensors. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... By providing up to three external sensor channels, Druck's flagship DPI 145 pressure indicator now allows simultaneous centralised monitoring of three remote pressure measurement points. The need to dedicate a DPI 145 to each point of...

Probing by DMM ... (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... Offered as an `ideal' general purpose maintenance tool for technicians and engineers, Fluke's true-rms 179 digital multimeter, with its category IV safety rating, comes complete with thermocouple temperature probe. It is for use in tests up to...

Torquing sense. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... Range of Rayleigh Wave TorqSense (RWT) transducers from Sensor Technology can be embedded into OEM products where knowledge of torque is critical. Units are available in seven sizes to measure torque from 100mNm to 10,000Nm, with smaller ranges...

Mini sensor into position. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... Highly miniaturised 9600 linear motion position sensor from Duncan Electronics offers a short (3.8mm) mounting terminal and very low profile. Available from Variohm Components, the 12.7mm overall height of the unit allows its installation...

Signalling intelligence. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... HBM has increased its range of industrial measuring amplifiers with the programmable MP80 (DP) to simplify understanding of the functional relationship between two measured signals. The unit provides the functionality of two measuring...

Insulation tests go up a level. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... With the introduction of insulation testing at 10kV as an option for high-voltage rotating machines, Megger has introduced the Series MEG10-01 portable 10kV insulation test set. For operation from the mains or its internal battery pack, the...

Digital testing on the move. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... Portable, 4.5-digit display test gauge from SI Pressure Instruments is for general pressure testing and monitoring applications. When used with SI's pneumatic and hydraulic kits, the DTG-2k gauge provides a complete calibration solution,...

Temperature test in your palm. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... Designed for testing and verification of of temperature sensing devices in the field, the portable (1.8kg) Jofra ETC temperature checker from Hawco allows in-plant temperature checking to be accomplished without recourse to outside verification...

Polarizing on-site calibration. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... Key advantage gained from the spec. of the Polar 3-D articulating arm, says OGP UK, is that the user can perform quick, simple on-site calibration using a verification artefact. In addition, with the ability to monitor ambient temperature, the...

Accurate records by infrared laser. (Inspection & Measurement).
February 1, 2003... Surface temperature can be an effective diagnostic tool in many situations. To ease the task in high-temperature or difficult access areas, Barnes Group has launched the Raytek range of laser point infrared thermometers. The Principle is...

Mapping out a packaging vision: modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has become an indispensable technique in many food packaging applications. Here, Packaging Automation chairman Anthony Penn looks at the benefits MAP can bring to the ready meals market. (Packaging & Labelling).
February 1, 2003... The idea that food should be capable of longer preservation, better taste and have a more attractive appearance has been around for decades. Many attempts were made to generate improvements, with varying degrees of success, but it was not until...

Bar code readers right on track. (Packaging & Labelling).
February 1, 2003... To complement and extend the functionality of its range of bar code readers and vision systems, Leuze Mayser has added a series of 2D code readers that are offered as position scanners or lightweight hand guns. The devices are suitable for...

Laser machine makes its mark. (Packaging & Labelling).
February 1, 2003... Lightjet laser marking machines from Imaje are offered in two versions, the Matrix and Vector. They are suitable for indelible and discreet marking on paper, glass, cardboard, PET and even `difficult' materials such as ceramics and rubber. ...

Labelling: it's a piece of cake. (Packaging & Labelling).
February 1, 2003... Mr. Kipling cake maker Manor Bakeries has purchased six ALX 720 print and apply labelling systems from Advanced Labelling Systems. The units' front-of-pack applicator easily adjusts to apply labels to the side of the packaging: on Manor's...

Simple selection. (Packaging & Labelling).
February 1, 2003... Rocol has improved the packaging for all its bulk grease and fluid products. All are now supplied in 18kg resilient plastic packs that are tapered for easy stacking and storage. And for added security, all packs are now tamper-evident, with...

Battery-powered strapping. (Packaging & Labelling).
February 1, 2003... Low-cost hand strapping tool from Cyklop uses battery technology combined with a tensioning system and friction sealing. Weighing just 3kg and ergonomically balanced, the CL100 offers automatic strap width adjustment for straps between 8 and...

Stationery all wrapped up. (Packaging & Labelling).
February 1, 2003... New Pfankuch packaging machine aimed at the stationery, publishing and printing sectors has been introduced by Wrapid. The VP-665 is said to be ideal for wrapping items up to 15mm thick, such as greeting cards, leaflets, photographic papers,...

LED printing to a wide format. (Packaging & Labelling).
February 1, 2003... Wide-format digital reprographic specialist KIP claims to have launched the world's fastest wide-format LED printer. The KIP 8000HDP will provide output speeds of 14.4m/minute. This four-roll production system employs KIP's high-definition...

Boxing clever by automation. (Packaging & Labelling).
February 1, 2003... Innovative fully-automatic fastening solution for the manufacture of high-volume wooden cigar boxes has been supplied by BeA Fastening Systems to Sewtec Automation, a project engineering company specialising in the design and manufacture of...

Print connections. (Packaging & Labelling).
February 1, 2003... Manufacturers wanting to introduce bar coding easily into their operations could benefit from Zebra Technologies' enhanced 2746e thermal bar code label printer. The full-size 2746e features expanded connectivity, including standard serial,...

End of the line. (Packaging & Labelling).
February 1, 2003... Latest bag closing machine for end of line product packaging is being shown by RM Tool at this month's Southern Manufacturing show. This new unit offers ease of access, low maintenance and reduced running costs. It is the latest in a line of...

The seal of approval. (Packaging & Labelling).
February 1, 2003... Paxar's 9460 portable bar code label printer is being used exclusively at three regional distribution centres of office product wholesaler Spicers. After a ten-month trial, 82 of the units are now used throughout Spicers' logistics network for...

Double the safety. (Electrics & Electronics).
February 1, 2003... CMM200 is a DIN rail mountable motor safety relay, capable of monitoring motors of up to 690V (ac or dc). Developed by Castell Safety International the device is believed unique--the only back EMF device to be controlled by dual...

New design, in short. (Electrics & Electronics).
February 1, 2003... T10FM torque flange from HBM meets the demand for increased measuring ranges. The transducer has an accuracy of 0.1 and is available in three sizes for nominal torques up to 80kNm. The transducer's short design allows greater permissible...

Control your patch with PatchView. (Electrics & Electronics).
February 1, 2003... Network managers can now use a web interface to see a live on-screen representation of the physical location and status of every single voice and data connection in their network. PatchView 3.0 has been developed by RiT and launched into...

PQ analyser gets Smart. (Electrics & Electronics).
February 1, 2003... Memobox 300 Smart is the new addition to the successful Memobox family from LEM. Developed on the basis of the Memobox 800, 300 Smart provides measurement to all relevant Power Quality parameter. The unit measures 170mm x 125mm x 55mm, much...

Single board computer gets tough. (Electrics & Electronics).
February 1, 2003... New, ultra-compact 3U CompactPCI single board computer with master/slave capability and onboard PMC (PCI mezzanine card) site is targeted at new and legacy commercial and government COTS applications. Introduced by Crellon Microsystems this...

Power to the network. (Electrics & Electronics).
February 1, 2003... Adlink EBC-2000 SBC is a powerful network engine, combining Pentium-class computing power with extensive connectivity features to support routing, VPN, VoIP gateways, firewalls, QoS, load balancing and traffic, network and storage management...

Switches jump ahead. (Electrics & Electronics).
February 1, 2003... Surface-mount changeover Jumper Switches are now available from ITW Erg, designed for use with manufacturers' automatic pick and place equipment and reflow soldering ovens. The switch can also operate as both an on/off and changeover switch,...

Testing times for insulation. (Electrics & Electronics).
February 1, 2003... New compact and robust ISO-TEL 500 from LEM is three instruments in one. A hand-held unit, smaller than many single function insulation testers, combines a universal insulation tester offering low resistance and continuity tests at 200mA, an...

Get on the ball. (Electrics & Electronics).
February 1, 2003... Read Cosine has launched the SPR 3096WT-CAB, an ergonomically designed keyboard with an integrated onboard trackball, offering full 104-key functionality but with a mini footprint. This new addition to the range is intended for situations where...

Need to feel the pressure? (Electrics & Electronics).
February 1, 2003... Sensortechnics' digital output pressure sensors are designed to offer precision measurement in standardised sensor housings. Their 12 or 14-bit digital serial outputs are said to provide superior offset, span and linearity characteristics,...

Crane control. (Electrics & Electronics).
February 1, 2003... Lightweight Paddle-Type controller from Cattron-Theimeg is suitable for use indoors or out, and with either radio frequency or infra-red systems. It is compatible with all Cattron-Theimeg AT and MP series receiver/decoder units. The...

Perfect battery. (Handling & Storage).
February 1, 2003... Perfect Plus, the new lift truck battery from Hawker Traction, offers increased capacity within the same dimensions so giving extended truck running time and increased battery reliability and availability. Capacities have been increased by...

A truck for all seasons. (Handling & Storage).
February 1, 2003... 7FBRE Cold Store Cabin reach truck offers productive and safe operation in cold store warehousing at temperatures as low as -35[degrees] C. The Cold Store Cabin is the latest in Toyota Industrial Equipment's 7FBRE range, which comprises five...

Versatile transporter from US. (Handling & Storage).
February 1, 2003... The Container Transporter/Rotator from Southworth Products combines three functions in one machine. It can be used to transport containers from a staging area, to a work cell and back again. While in the work cell the unit will raise a 1500lb...

Automated sorting within arm's reach. (Handling & Storage).
February 1, 2003... Rotasorter is a new, low-cost, modular design sortation system from Polymark GB. Said to offer true flexibility, each sorter unit basically comprises a drive motor and a cam operated rotating arm. Any number of units can be added to the outside...

A wrap for pallets. (Handling & Storage).
February 1, 2003... WS3 semi-automatic stretchwrappers from Limpet Tapes are designed to maximise pallet stability in transit and storage at a highly competitive cost. The range can handle uniform or random sized pallets up to 3m high with loads up to 2500kg....

Climb the stairs. (Handling & Storage).
February 1, 2003... New powered climbing trucks from Welconstruct allow one person to move goods safely up and down stairs at up to 48 stairs per minute. Capable of handling up to 140Kg the new stair climbers have a maximum step capacity of 210mm. The truck weighs...

Versatile platform. (Handling & Storage).
February 1, 2003... Mobi-Platform, distributed by E.V.Leonard, is designed to &liver productivity, safety and comfort while carrying out all overhead or elevated tasks. This aluminium alloy platform is easily assembled and quickly dismantled for easy storage and...

Shrink gun that cools it. (Handling & Storage).
February 1, 2003... The Ripack 2000 is a high-quality shrink gun, claimed to offer a fast and reliable performance with complete safety--it remains cold both during and after use, so preventing any risk of burning and eliminating the need for protective clothing....

Light and sound. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
February 1, 2003... Xpro is the `no frills' addition to the Flashguard range from Klaxon Signals. On activation it provides a 110 dB(A) high output piezo sounder with a high visibility xenon strobe for up to 15 minutes, according to the setting of the cut-off...

Universal cleaning. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
February 1, 2003... Universal Wipes are a versatile non-woven towelette product from Chela, for use in a variety of industries. They are designed to be effective at removing uncured silicone sealant, oil and grease from tools, equipment and hands, to leave a...

New safety products on hand. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
February 1, 2003... Marigold Industrial is launching a new range of eight hand protection products designed to be ideally suited for use in the manufacturing sector. Two of these new glove designs incorporate the latest in a micro-pore technology which allows...

Spilling solutions. (Safety, Security & Sleaning).
February 1, 2003... Spillage control kits are available from Darcy Products, specially developed for low hazard liquids with a high pollution potential when transported or stored in bulk. The kits will contain and absorb a range of liquids such as milk, cream and...

One network, dual circuit safety. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
February 1, 2003... AmGard AS--i is a range of heavy-duty machinery access control products from Fortress Interlocks. A new cabling system allows machinery safety equipment such as access gate switch interlocks, to operate in parallel with standard machinery...

Safety with style. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
February 1, 2003... Protector First Base Plus is a baseball cap from Scott International, with a bump protection certificate to EN812. The cap incorporates a patented inner sprung head protection shell with ventilation slots and is covered by durable, washable...

Look out for originals. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
February 1, 2003... The ubiquitous break glass call point was introduced by KAC Alarm Company in 1972. The patented operating mechanism has since become accepted globally as the industry standard for manual activation devices in fire systems with many companies...

Now in colour. (Mechanical Components).
February 1, 2003... SLS prototypes with a permanent surface colouring, are now available from 3T RPD as a low-cost method of colouring bulk parts. Laser sintered components are being used in an increasingly wide range of applications, some of which, claims 3T,...

Multi lip service. (Mechanical Components).
February 1, 2003... Chevron multi-lip seal has an acetal header and gland ring for use on hydraulic systems that operate up to 420bar or a surface speed of 0.5m/s Developed by James Walker, the new seal has a maximum operating temperature of +100[degrees]C...

Strike a balance. (Mechanical Components).
February 1, 2003... High speed ring balancer system that helps users to maximise the productivity of their machining centres, lathes and grinding equipment is the latest addition to Schmitt Europe's range of dynamic balancing solutions. Providing balancing to...

Reduce costs at high speed. (Mechanical Components).
February 1, 2003... Caged Ball technology with a special ball-return system is said to be the key to the performance of the HBN ballscrew from THK. This high-performance ballscrew is designed to be of particular value for applications that demand high-speed...

Removable, re-usable blind bolt. (Mechanical Components).
February 1, 2003... The new blind bolt and nut from Torque Control provides a simple sturdy way of fixing where access is limited to only one side, making it suitable for vertical applications such as fencing, playground equipment, signs and other outside...

New springs not a wind up! (Mechanical Components).
February 1, 2003... New departure in spring technology is offered by manufacturer Abssac. Machined springs are available in all the formats expected of traditional wound springs such as compression, extension, torsion, lateral translation and lateral bending....

Fire without smoke! (Mechanical Components).
February 1, 2003... When exposed to fire, Icore's latest range of Lohal ultra-lightweight flexible conduit emits no toxic smoke or fumes, making it a useful option for safety critical applications in rail and underground systems, public buildings and industrial...

Getting a handle. (Mechanical Components).
February 1, 2003... New polyamide handles from Bulte Plastics. Resistant to corrosion, impact and common chemicals they are said to have good dimensional stability and high thermal resistance. Several models are available for use with self-tapping screws, hex...

New flow monitor. (Process Plant & Control).
February 1, 2003... AT868 AquaTrans ultrasonic flow transmitter is microprocessor based, and can display up to four flow parameters in sequence for applications such as cooling water or process wastewater. Developed by GE Panametrics, AquaTrans is easily...

Traceability for tubing. (Process Plant & Control).
February 1, 2003... Watson--Marlow Bredel has introduced LaserTraceability in its PumpSil[R] brand of platinum-cured silicone tubing. By laser etching the part number, lot number and use-by date on the tubing full traceability is maintained, even after removal...

Silver Eagle is a featherweight. (Process Plant & Control).
February 1, 2003... Silver Eagle series from Watts UK is a state-of-the-art backflow assembly. Weighing just 61 lbs for the four-inch valve, Silver Eagle is said to be the host compact design available, 200 percent lighter than its close competitors. Made...

Anytime, any place, anywhere. (Process Plant & Control).
February 1, 2003... For remote siting of licence-exempt wireless sensors, and where cabling systems could prove to be impractical or costly, the Grant Telemetry System is said to be ideal, and suitable for either temporary or permanent installations. Up to...

`Pneu' barrel mixer. (Process Plant & Control).
February 1, 2003... Pneumix is a new barrel mixing and dispensing system designed and developed in the UK by Tapflo. Targetted primarily at the paint and ink industry, it consists of a mixer pipe securely fitted in the fill hole of any container up to 1000...

Drying advances. (Process Plant & Control).
February 1, 2003... High tech hollow fibre membrane from Hoerbiger-Origa has been developed to replace the desiccant absorption media of older style membranes used in compressed air drying. The advantages include no need for an external power supply, there is no...

The power to move--at speed. (Process Plant & Control).
February 1, 2003... Latest addition to the Movac series of linear actuators is the POWERline range from Modular Robotic Systems, said to have a power to size ratio almost double that of many alternatives. The new actuator provides thrusts to 12Kn at speeds of up...

Welding gets heavy. (Factory Equipment).
February 1, 2003... Designed for heavy industrial use, the new high power semi-automatic ESABMig from ESAB delivers up to 500A at 60 percent duty cycle, making it suitable for welding mild and stainless steel from 1.0mm thick and aluminium from 1mm thick. ...

Single-step copying. (Factory Equipment).
February 1, 2003... CNC programmes for machining moulds, dies and patterns can now be generated automatically using 3D scanning developed by Unimatic Engineers. UnimatiClone has applications in both rapid prototyping and the reproduction of existing components....