What's New In Industry articles from February 2004

What's New In Industry archives from February 2004

Top brass let vehicle brakes keep their cool.(What's News)
February 1, 2004... Metal fibre specialist Fibre Technology has applied its rapid solidification Melt Overflow process to produce the first 'filial brass' (uniform brass filaments) for the thermally conductive component of vehicle brake pads to improve heat...

Auto tester speeds hardness checks.(What's News)
February 1, 2004... Able to perform tests using forces from 10gf to 2kgf, Indentec's new micro Vickers hardness test machine--said to be the first fully automatic, British-made machine of its type--incorporates motorised turret and load change mechanisms and an...

Inserts on tap.(What's News)
February 1, 2004... Extensive range of inserts available from Tappex now includes over 20 standard variations--based on three product designs--for use in thermoplastics, thermosets, composites and structural foam. One of the most popular is the Trisert, which...

Close the sensor/vision gap.(What's News)
February 1, 2004... Designed to close the gap between a photoelectric sensor and a machine vision system, Matsushita's LightPix vision sensor is suitable for colour checking, position and fill level checking in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, packaging and many...

Terminal flowmetering on the skids.(What's News)
February 1, 2004... Micro Motion Coriolis mass flowmeters from Emerson Process Management have been supplied as mobile metering skid units to improve the efficiency of rail and road tank loading operations at the new Oiltanking terminal in Belgium. Independent...

IMHX forges software link.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2004... Running right alongside IMHX, the Softworld Supply Chain event sets leading edge, effective supply chain management right next to the latest in materials handling and storage. Now in its 12th year, SSC offers the experise of around 80...

Take five: Linde's 39X gets heavy.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Just in time for an IMHX launch, Linde has expanded its 39X series of i/c-engined fork lift trucks: the H40, H45 and H50 machines extend the range right up to five tonnes capacity. Diesel-powered versions of the new models are available...

Standards: time to go global?(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... At IMHX, BITA plans to present new initiatives to harmonise existing national standards towards ISO, and even global, standards in order to facilitate the free trade and movement of goods. Many current standards will be affected by work now in...

More new options from Still's three-phase R60.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Three new three-phase ac-powered models have been added to Still's R60 electric counterbalanced lift truck line up--the 2.2-tonne R60-22I, the 2.5-tonne R60-25I and the 3.0-tonne R60-30I These new models supplement the existing 1.6-tonne and...

Truck blazes a new trail.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Toyota is bringing to IMHX two innovations that have been nominated for the 2004 FLTA awards. The new Trailermaster--a development of the established PP13 powered paltet trucks--is designed to help reduce manual handling related injuries. And...

Action stations.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Heavy-duty pallet racking and longspan shelving from SSI Schaefer has been included in the refurbished parts warehouse of VT Group at Portsmouth for construction of two new Type 45 destroyers. The ships are being built jointly by VT and BAE...

The long and winding load.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Designed for the space-saving and safe handling of long and awkward loads, Combilift multi-directional fork lift trucks ranging from 2.5 to 10 tonnes capacity are going on show at IMHX, with examples of both LPG and diesel power options. ...

The lowdown on order picking.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Developed according to the latest thinking in ergonomics, Still's new CS-20 low-level order picker places all its function controls within fingertip reach of the operator in its control "cockpit'. Two different driving profiles can be selected...

Truck shocks on the record.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... ShockSwitch ID from Lamberholm Electronics has been designed to pinpoint and cut the cost of damage to lift truck fleets. Easily fitted to just about any fork truck, this small. PC-driven device can record and supply details of 400 events...

Protection in transit.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Range of packaging systems from Packer Products aim to provide optimum product protection in transit. Working exhibits at IMHX include waste converters, stretchwrappers and the Greenfiller protective pad system. The compact, benchtop...

Transporters keep pallets on the move.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Making their UK debut, Atlet's new P Series of compact, high-performance pallet transporters are said to be ideal for loading and unloading lorries and for transportation within the warehouse. Three variants, with capacities up to 2500kg, will...

A single source for the loading bay.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Providing a one-stop single source for loading bay equipment, safety aids, lifting platforms and yard ramps, Thorworld is showing at IMHX a selection from its extended range. Loading bay equipment includes dock plates and boards, dock seals...

An open and shut case.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Combining the strength and security of aluminium with the rapid response of a sprint high-speed door, the new Sara sprint 300 has at its heart Sara's Disc-Drive technology. This allows the aluminium slats to wind separately and smoothly on up...

Stacker suits narrow aisles.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Meeting the demand for a man-up truck with relatively low lift heights up to 7.5m, the EKX 410 narrow aisle stacker from Jungheinrich offers one-tonne capacity with travel and lift speeds the same as larger models in the range. All the...

Storage--going with the Flow.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Aiming to promote increased productivity in the warehouse, LS2 Carton Live Storage Systems from Flowstore Systems can simplify pick face operations. After a carton is removed, another automatically moves forward on a roller system to take...

Loadhog puts the lid on it.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Designed to make the distribution of pallet loads more cost-effective and less wasteful the Loadhog can eliminate the tonnes of strapping and shrinkwrapping used to secure loads to wooden or plastic pallets by replacing them with an ingenious...

Combi truck for intensive work.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Vector C15 is BT Rolatruc's advanced Combi truck for intensive operations that require maximum use space with high productivity. It can lift 1500kg to 10m and 1000kg to 14.3m. Its articulated chassis provides good stability and minimises space...

Battery system takes charge.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Charger Room Management system introduced by Chloride Motive Power is a multi-level network system that sets out to help firms with electric vehicle fleets manage their battery usage. A variation of Chloride's 'CMP.Net' system, it allows...

Stop-start trucks step on the gas.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... For fork lift trucks, working environments don't come much tougher than Pall-Ex's 48-bay distribution hub at Ellistown, near Leicester, which runs 30 compressed natural gas-powered Hyster lift trucks plus ancillary vehicles on a stop-start...

Racking on the right track.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Lineside racking system, launched at IMHX by Linpac Storage Systems, has been developed for assembly trackside operations where storage and pick efficiency are paramount. Storing totes two deep allows picking with a reserve tote stored behind,...

Arm in arm.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... A balancer arm, a bionic arm, crane system and conveyor go on show from Taunton-based materials handling specialist SCM Materials Handling. From its l0,000[ft.sup.2] manufacturing base, SCM also offers products including Rolex conveyors,...

Trucks offer width options.(Handling & Storage/IMHX)
February 1, 2004... Latest Series 2 reach truck range from Jungheinrich begins in the 48V class with capacities of 1400 and 1600kg, offering the truck as the ETV with a standard 1270mm width or as the smaller ETM at 1170mm. Drive, lift and steer motors are all...

Slotless belt boosts hygiene.(Handling & Storage)
February 1, 2004... Doing away with the joints--and the resulting slots--found in conventional modular conveyor belts by creating a 24-inch wide link moulding eases hygiene maintenance and gives a stiffer, better working surface, says MPB Single Link Belt...

Slat conveyor can cut wastage.(Handling & Storage)
February 1, 2004... Improved operating efficiencies and potential cost cutting by lightweighting existing plastic bottles are benefits Isoma's miniature slat conveyors can bring to dairy and juice plants. This conveyor transfers empty, lightweight bottles at...

Turn on the light.(Handling & Storage)
February 1, 2004... Range of light-duty turntable trucks from Waldens Trucks are designed to provide cost-effective handling when moving less heavy, bulky items. The trucks are easily controlled and manoeuvred by one person using the T-drawbar with its plate-type...

China at a push.(Handling & Storage)
February 1, 2004... Two Hi-Torque Power Pusher units from Nu-Star have been delivered to the Marlborough Pottery site of Churchill China in Stoke-on-Trent. These pedestrian-operated, battery-powered tug units can push/pull rolling loads of up to 40,000kg. At...

Stainless steel on the line.(Handling & Storage)
February 1, 2004... Responsing to user demand, Conveyor Units is now offering the system design engineer stainless steel lineshafts, as well as its conveyors. Suitable for a wide range of handling applications, these stainless steel units are on demonstration...

Multi-directional manoeuvres.(Handling & Storage)
February 1, 2004... Manoeuvrable, multi-directional side-loader from Sidetracker Engineering is handling 18m aluminium extrusions at the Derbyshire factory of Newburgh Engineering. Specialising in precision machining, Newburgh operates from a sloping site within...

Join the band.(Handling & Storage)
February 1, 2004... Offering a simple solution to aid the storage of drums, cartons and pallets around the warehouse, packaging solutions provider FDL Packaging Group has introduced a simple-to-use containment band system. Made from high-grade natural rubber,...

Say 'logistics'.(Handling & Storage)
February 1, 2004... French retailer Intermarche has implemented at its Meung distribution centre an advanced voice-directed logistics technology based on the VoiceLogistics system from Voxware following a value assessment that helped identify areas where voice...

For oil-free air, just add water.(Compressed Air Systems)
February 1, 2004... You won't find any oil within the compressor element of Atlas Copco's innovative AQ screw compressors--even the bearings are lubricated by water. At the heart of these new machines is a water-injected screw element that produces...

Compressors keep the noise well down.(Compressed Air Systems)
February 1, 2004... From Boge comes a new range of rotary screw compressors claiming to increase free air delivery by ten percent whilst, in many cases, reducing the specific power consumption. The seven models that make up the second generation S series...

Fresh air in harsh zones.(Compressed Air Systems)
February 1, 2004... Designed for use by up to three mask users, the stainless steel Niltox compressed air purifier for breathing suits use in harsh of extreme environments such as marine and offshore. Available flora Willpower Breathing Air, this stainless steel...

Taking oil out of the equation.(Compressed Air Systems)
February 1, 2004... Designed for those applications where there is a need for high-quality 'active' air--that is, air that comes into direct contact with the process it serves the new water-injected single screw DH Series of machines from CompAir offers a...

Pipework system gives a quick fit on the main line.(Compressed Air Systems)
February 1, 2004... Legris is extending the range of its Transair rapid-fit compressed air pipework system with two new sizes designed specifically for ring mains. Flow rates for the 76 and 100mm diameter pipes (three and four-inch) are said to be more than...

Fittings range extended.(Compressed Air Systems)
February 1, 2004... Norgren has expanded fourfold its Pneufit C range of composite fittings and also introduced the ultra-compact Pneufit M series with sizes down to M3. Suitable for use in a wide range of applications, Pneufit has been designed to provide fast...

Units combine dryer with compressor.(Compressed Air Systems)
February 1, 2004... Combining an L-Series rotary screw compressor and a refrigerant dryer, CompAir's new LF Aircentre range is offered in five model sizes ranging from 7.5 to 22kW. This new range of machines has been designed to offer users a compact,...

Cutting the cost of dryer air ...(Compressed Air Systems)
February 1, 2004... Second generation of Drypoint AV adsorption compressed air dryers from Beko Technologies have improved both running costs and operational reliability. Inside the machines, moist compressed air flows through the inlet filters into the...

... And staying calm under pressure.(Compressed Air Systems)
February 1, 2004... Designed to cope with the specific difficulties of high-pressure compressed air drying, Beko's Drypoint AC HP is said to offer significant benefits to such processes as drying of control air, granulated drying, laboratory and analytical...

Intelligent control of clean air.(Compressed Air Systems)
February 1, 2004... Designed to provide a controlled, economical supply of ultra-clean, ultra-dry air, the new eight model Pro Dry range of heatless desiccant compressed air dryers from Walker Filtration covers capacities from 6 to 66scfm (10 to 112N[m.sup.3]/hr)....

Turning up the heat to speed bearing fitting.(Bearings & Seals)
February 1, 2004... Bearing heaters can provide a clean, accurate and safe way to fit bearings that greatly reduces the likelihood of damaging the bearing or introducing contaminants that may seriously reduce its operating life. With the latest SKF TIH series...

Versatile sealing at the double.(Bearings & Seals)
February 1, 2004... Latest general duty O-ring cartridge seal from John Crane incorporates an internal pumping ring, bringing an efficient sealing solution that is versatile enought to suit a wide range of industrial applications. The 4620P can be used in rotating...

Better than two in the bush?(Bearings & Seals)
February 1, 2004... Hepco is advocating use of its Pacific linear bearing as a 'higher-spec yet cheaper' alternative to ball bushings in many applications. Whilst a typical ball bushing can run up to 2m/s if well lubricated and maintained, a Pacific is...

Bearings cope with vibration.(Bearings & Seals)
February 1, 2004... Most machinery is designed to operate us smoothly us possible, but there are some machines in which the generation of vibration is an essential part of their operation--vibratory machines such us piledrivers and screening equipment often...

In reverse.(Bearings & Seals)
February 1, 2004... From Abssac comes a range of self-reversing screws from 10 to 180mm diameter. They are offered in carbon, alloy and stainless steels up to 6m long. Unlike the traditional lead screw and nut combination, says Abssac, the new self-reversing...

Sealing in performance, from '63 Imps to today's F1.(Bearings & Seals)
February 1, 2004... The 1963 Hillman Imp may seem to have little in common with the current crop of Formal One cars. Yet the same Wills Rings metallic seals from Busak+Shamban that helped improve the performance of rallying Imps over 40 years ago are widely used...

Linear bearings better by design.(Bearings & Seals)
February 1, 2004... Design improvements to the glide pads and and axial fastener on igus' DryLin R linear bearings have brought an increased load capacity, higher precision and longer life. Changing the glide pad design from curved to flat reduces the...

Cast off for a longer life.(Bearings & Seals)
February 1, 2004... Longer life spherical roller bearings for use in the guide rolls of continuous casting machines have been developed by NSK. The new Super Wear-Resistant (SWR) bearing claims more than twice the life of conventional SUJ2 bearing types and NSK...

Seals offer material options.(Bearings & Seals)
February 1, 2004... Expanding Cockermouth, Cumbria, plant of sealing specialist James Walker is now precision moulding 'O' rings in over 100 general and high-performance clastomers. Material grades range from medium nitrile, ethylene-propylene and silicones...

Take a PEEK ...(Mechanical Components)
February 1, 2004... Manufacturers of plant and machinery used in extreme conditions can ensure that all electrical systems are fully protected with Kopex International's PEEK range of high-performance, nonmetallic flexible conduits. PEEK is a specialist...

Tiny gear, big performer.(Mechanical Components)
February 1, 2004... Davall Gears has designed and manufactured full form sub-miniature gears with modulo size varying from 0.3 to 0.13. Specialised modified gear forms have also been produced down to 0.l module, ten teeth. The gear components have been...

Interchangeable collets.(Mechanical Components)
February 1, 2004... Simon Nann has introduced a new range of collets interchangeable with System Hainbuch clamping heads and which suit the same manufacturer's power chucks. Available exclusively in the UK from Gewefa, the collets offer high clamping forces,...

Take a seat ...(Mechanical Components)
February 1, 2004... Large diameter bent wan components of up to 14mm in mild steel are used extensively in the manufacture of vehicle seats lo provide fixings and adjustment mechanisms, while smaller diameter wires are used to give strength and shape to foam...

All-in-one.(Mechanical Components)
February 1, 2004... The choice of wall-mounting monobloc construction enclosures available from Hellermanntyton has been extended to a total of 14 sizes, now ranging from 300 x 200 x 150mm to 1200 x 800 x 300mm. The enclosures--type reference CRSX--are made...

Holding on.(Mechanical Components)
February 1, 2004... A new range of holding magnets from Densitron Control Systems develops a high attraction force of up to 600N to flat metal surfaces, which makes them capable of lifting 60kg. Particularly suited to work holding, door catches of fixed ring...

High precision--low volume.(Mechanical Components)
February 1, 2004... Frenco is expanding its manufacturing services to provide rapid production of low volume high quality precision components for a wide range of markets within the engineering sector. Targeting the automotive, defence and aerospace sectors along...

Two into one.(Environmental Control)
February 1, 2004... D2 dual Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen Sulfide electrochemical sensor is believed to be the smallest two-gas sensor on the market. Introduced by Alphasense, the D2 measures only 14.5mm by 11.5mm (height) yet encloses the company's well-proven...

Closed-circuit stays cool.(Environmental Control)
February 1, 2004... In the modern manufacturing environment the continuous use of fresh water can have a high cost implication for the production process. The use of a closed-circuit water chiller not only allows recycling of water for the cooling process, but...

Washing makes an impact.(Environmental Control)
February 1, 2004... Pyradisc range from Breconcherry is a development of the company's Turbodisc spray head. Pyradisc has a square shroud to protect the wash head and to direct the water into a pyramid of fast-moving droplets, creating a square target area....

System support.(Environmental Control)
February 1, 2004... Batteries are at the heart of all back-up power systems, and are the main cause of operational failures. Without continuous battery monitoring, users of the majority of static UPS systems, centralised emergency lighting systems and rectifiers...

Clearly sticky.(Finishing & Materials)
February 1, 2004... Vitralit from Eurobond Adhesives is a single-part UV/Visible light curing structural adhesive which can be used for bonding laminated or tinted glass, coloured or opaque plastics, metals and composites. Vitralit is an extremely versatile...

Rocol's range.(Finishing & Materials)
February 1, 2004... ROCOL Lubricants' range of industrial adhesives encompasses instant adhesives, thread locking, gasketing, thread sealing and retaining products. Four Rocol thread locking products will lock and seal any threaded component, and instant...

Food grade corrosion protection.(Finishing & Materials)
February 1, 2004... Food grade grease that offers heavy-duty, long-term corrosion protection has been launched by ROCOL Lubricants. Foodlube Protect corrosion inhibitor has the ability to operate al temperatures ranging from -40 to +110[degrees]C, and can be used...

Precisely ...(Process Plant & Control)
February 1, 2004... Simple, controlled liquid dosing at very low flow rates is available with the new LIQUI-FLOW Pump Controller from Bronkhorst. In one simple combination, a close coupled mass flowmeter and pump accepts analogue or digital signals defining...

For stirring solutions ...(Process Plant & Control)
February 1, 2004... Chemineer's new DT range of top-entering mixers is helping a major pharmaceutical manufacturer in France enhance the quality and efficiency of production for a product ion which the active ingredients are suspended in solvents. Utilised in...

Valve that's less wearing.(Process Plant & Control)
February 1, 2004... GS Control Valve from Schubert & Salzer is a specialist designed valve which minimises cavitation erosion. The valve's unique operating principle requires a short working stroke and has low moving masses within the valve mechanism. The...

Pump range.(Process Plant & Control)
February 1, 2004... Durability and accuracy are said to be among the important benefits offered by the new range of FMI dispensers and piston pumps, recently introduced to the UK by liquids handling specialists, Michael Smith Engineers. The range of seven pump...

Taking control.(Process Plant & Control)
February 1, 2004... Tyco Valves & Controls has developed a range & digital devices capable of providing control and monitoring in networked valve systems. A traditional hardwired arrangement of valves and field devices can no longer meet the needs of a...

Butterfly is the new BOSS.(Process Plant & Control)
February 1, 2004... BSS has introduced the own-brand BOSS range of semi-lugged butterfly valves. WRC approved, the range complements BSS's existing wafer and lugged products and is available with EPDM of BUNA liners. The new BOSS semi-lugged butterfly valves,...

Valve steams ahead.(Process Plant & Control)
February 1, 2004... Schubert & Salzer's new concept in valve positioning complements their range of Steam Control Valves. The integrated digital valve positioner, combined with the compact GS Control Valve, from a lightweight control valve package for maximum...

Liquid on the level.(Process Plant & Control)
February 1, 2004... Fozmula, producers of liquid level measurement instruments, has announced the introduction of its new closed hydrostatic gauging system, the G/LL48. Rugged yet compact, the system comprises a transmitter and a gauge connected by a thin...

Cleaning? It's a blast.(Process Plant & Control)
February 1, 2004... New Hammelmann Ergoblast 3000 high--pressure blast gun, launched by Calder Pressure Systems, has done away with the conventional trigger to make life less tiring for the operator. To operate the new gun the operator wears a small...

Klaxon sounds it out.(Process Plant & Control)
February 1, 2004... Klaxon Signals has updated three core electronic sounders within its Syrex range. The redesigned Syrex 5, Syrex LC and Syrex 6P now offer greatly improved usability and performance. Possessing an impressive 32 tones each, all units in the...

Turning up the heat.(Process Plant & Control)
February 1, 2004... Lapp Limited has extended its range of heat-resistant silicone cables with the new Silflex[R] H05SS-F cable with HAR (harmonised) approval for use throughout Europe. The cable replaces the VDE type N2GMH2G and is halogen-free with a...

Turbo safety.(Safety, Security & Cleaning)
February 1, 2004... New Turbolite airlamps from Wolf Safety are said to be the only ATEX Certified compressed air safety lamps for use in hazardous areas. Compliant for use in zones 1 and 2 hazardous areas, the Turbolites can be safely used throughout Europe...

Beaming in.(Safety, Security & Cleaning)
February 1, 2004... The 6500RS and 6500R conventional infrared beam detectors from System Sensor Europe can protect spaces such as shopping centre atriums, historic buildings and warehouses. The 6500RS features Asuretest, a remote test capability that tests the...

Stay in contact with safety.(Safety, Security & Cleaning)
February 1, 2004... SGE safety contact strips from Scientific Technologies feature moulded end caps and wiring plugs that insert directly into the safety contact for easier assembly. The co-extruded safety contact is ma integral part of the profile of the...

Just look ...(Safety, Security & Cleaning)
February 1, 2004... New auto-darkening welding filters from Hornell, Speedglas 9002V and 9002X, increase flexibility for welders who use a variety of amperages and methods. An electronic unit enables adjustment of sensitivity (the switching of the lens from...

Carpets 'twist again'.(Buildings & Maintenance)
February 1, 2004... Following the success of last year's CATALYST Stipple Twist carpet tiles, ColourSource has doubled the 'off the shelf' range of colours and textures and introduced a high performance 'high impact' 50 x 50cm the for busy contract installations....