What's New In Industry articles from January 2004

What's New In Industry archives from January 2004

Packaging machine refurbishment.(What's Your Problem?)
January 1, 2004... I have a small packaging machine that I am about to overhaul mechanically and electrically. At present the control is via pushbuttons and selector switches but I would like to replace this with a small HMI to enable easier product selection. On...

MMI's solution: can you suggest something?(What's Your Problem?)
January 1, 2004... The ESA Vt155 is perfect for your needs. It's a 4" graphical touch screen allowing you not only to select the product via simple recipe functions but also via product pictures which can be imported as bitmaps. With approx 200 protocols...

Operator crib sheet.(What's Your Problem?)
January 1, 2004... We manually assemble products for the electrical industry. Our assemblers are provided with laminated crib sheets consisting of photographs of components and assembly instructions. This works well except the sheets need changing frequently due...

MMI's solution: do you have any ideas?(What's Your Problem?)
January 1, 2004... A Hakko V7 would put you in the picture-available as SVGA in 8.4, 10.4 & 12.1 inch versions with 32000 colours these units offer unrivalled picture quality. Store your pictures as jpg's and display them in any order you like, you can even show...

Easy data.(What's Your Problem?)
January 1, 2004... For our heat-treatment system we require a cost effective way of monitoring data taken from our loop controllers and our PLC over a period of a few weeks. The data needs to be able to be imported into a spreadsheet for analysis and long term...

MMI's solution: how can we do this?(What's Your Problem?)
January 1, 2004... No need for a PC with a dodgy floppy. The Hakko V7 series HMIs can accommodate all your requirements and more. Having multiple serial ports the V7 can communicate with both the PLC and the loop controllers even though they may use different...

Laser measurement goes walkabout.(What's News)
January 1, 2004... Major functional enhancements to a leading laser tracking system are set to provide users with a 'walk-around' CMM solution. Users in industries from aviation and automobiles to power generation and precision engineering "will be better...

Stepper drive goes direct.(What's News)
January 1, 2004... Plug-in power module for Parker Hannifin's DIN rail mounting stepper drives provides direct on-line operation from standard single-phase ac mains supplies. With its 250W continuous power rating, the P25L module can supply up to three Parker L...

Sensing by ultrasonics.(What's News)
January 1, 2004... Erwin Sick has moved into ultrasonic sensors with the UM range of devices for the reliable detection and accurate distance measurement of materials including transparent film, glass and fluids. Ideal for high-speed manufacturing environments...

Plants get a fieldbus boost.(What's News)
January 1, 2004... Bringing the benefits of fieldbus networking to plants that do not have fieldbus I/O, the new Rosemount 3420 fieldbus interface module (FIM) from Emerson Process Management provides an interface between Foundation fieldbus devices and any...

Profiler upgrade.(What's News)
January 1, 2004... Upgraded Still 'MicroMesure' system for 3D non-contact surface profiling now offers improved SurfaceMap control software to provide rapid pre-scan and automatic surface search functions. In order to make the changeover from one sensor to...

Checking out Aston's DB9.(Quality Control)
January 1, 2004... The body of Aston Martin's new DB9 spoils car boasts an aluminium-bonded frame 25 percent lighter than its DB7 forerunner, yet with twice the torsional rigidity. To check the quality of this structure before the car is hand-built around...

Cut the cost of stress analysis.(Quality Control)(Cover Story)
January 1, 2004... CANHEAD system from HBM is designed to reduce installation costs during experimental stress analysis using strain gauges. Particularly suited to tests involving hundreds or thousands of measuring points, the system is based on separating the...

Measuring large structures.(Quality Control)
January 1, 2004... Versatile, low-cost method of measuring large structures--or multiple components--within a 6m x 4m floor area by utilising portable arm measuring technology is offered by EuroPac Metrology. The GridLOK system might be simple in its...

It's thermal time.(Quality Control)
January 1, 2004... Special thermal analysis automation package offer from Mettler Toledo includes a DSC or TGA together with a sample robot and new XS balance. The TGA incorporates a top-of-the-range ultra-microbalance with built-in calibration weights for...

Sensors take an early bath.(Quality Control)
January 1, 2004... New line of constant-temperature fluid baths for calibrating thermometers and temperature sensors has been developed by Hart Scientific. These deep-well compact baths--models 6331, 7321, 7341 and 7381--provide the temperature metrologist with...

A plug for metrology.(Quality Control)
January 1, 2004... Designed for use in harsh environments, SmartPlugs internal measuring instruments from Bowers Metrology claim to give the operator great speed of use, unmatched measuring accuracy and excellent repeatability. Advanced hand-held ergonomics...

Software aids auto test development.(Quality Control)
January 1, 2004... Newest version of National Instruments' test management software, TestStand 3.0, is designed to help engineers build and deploy automated prototype, validation and manufacturing test systems 75 percent faster. TestStand 3.0 delivers more...

Portable data logger gets set for the future.(Quality Control)
January 1, 2004... Full-feature, future-proofed data logger from Grant Instruments is a portable, lightweight unit with a memory that can be expanded for greater application flexibility. Twin processors, separate control and data acquisition modules and a choice...

Personnel for quality control.(Quality Control)
January 1, 2004... With fixed hourly rates and mileage costs, and no hidden extras, the supply of quality control personnel from Quality Response to manufacturing industries is proving to be particularly popular with the automotive sector. Quality Response...

Turn the tables for test and calibration.(Quality Control)
January 1, 2004... Scorsby motion tables, manual and motorised tilt/turn tables, tachometer testers, pressure/vacuum chambers and centrifuges are being offered in the UK by Ideal Aerosmith. These products are used in testing mad calibrating rate sensors,...

Display links DRO with graphics.(Quality Control)
January 1, 2004... Quadra-Chek, a division of Acu-Rite, has extended its digital readout portfolio for the gauge and inspection market by launching the Metronics Gage-Chek display. Accommodating up to eight encoder inputs, this versatile display combines familiar...

Torquing sense.(Quality Control)
January 1, 2004... New E400 'Torqsense' rotary torque sensors to be launched at MTEC by Sensor Technology uses a non-contact measurement technique, so easing the task of accurate real-time torque monitoring to the simple job of literally mounting the transducer...

Stamp down on secondary costs.(Fastening & Joining)
January 1, 2004... >From Doncaster-based Arconix comes a method of automatically feeding fasteners into progressive stamping dies that effectively eliminates secondary fastener installation costs--in effect, the fastener is installed while the part is actually...

Press tool gives self-locking in a snap.(Fastening & Joining)
January 1, 2004... SnapLock punch press tool that creates a self-locking joint at the edge of sheet metal components as part of the CNC machining cycle has been introduced by US maker Mate Precision Tooling. It is offered in the UK by distributor Burrhart...

Ford's focus on fastening.(Fastening & Joining)
January 1, 2004... Versatility of Profils multi-function sheet metal fastener is being used by Ford in the assembly of its Focus, Fiesta and Ka models. Up to six Profil RSN 'top hat' nuts are installed in each vehicle, providing high-strength, watertight...

Weld check on and off-line.(Fastening & Joining)
January 1, 2004... Weld inspection and measurement system launched at Weldex by Micro Epsilon and Applied Industrial Systems is based around the new LLT2800 laser profile measurement sensor that uses laser line triangulation. A laser diode projects a solid...

Reach for the Sky ...(Fastening & Joining)
January 1, 2004... With approval for aircraft use. the US-designed Skybolt quarter-turn fasteners, now offered by European distributor Protex Fasteners, claim extreme strength and vibration resistance combined with low weight. New products now available from...

Linear fastening.(Fastening & Joining)
January 1, 2004... Innovative Bigstrip bonding fastener system from Bighead is useful where linear fixings are needed with materials such as gypsum, which has a short 'pot' life, or with accelerated adhesives where separate Bighead fasteners could not be located...

Fastening comes in from the cold.(Fastening & Joining)
January 1, 2004... Cold formed components, special fastenings and finished headed parts with additional rolled, turned, milled and drilled features are being offered by Gesipa following their acquisition of cold forming specialist Unibolt. The Danish manufacturer...

New spin on quarter-turn fasteners.(Fastening & Joining)
January 1, 2004... Fixing the 15,000 mirror polished, spun aluminium cladding discs on the exterior of Selfridges' ultra-modern store in Birmingham's redeveloped Bull Ring called for a challenging fastener solution that had to meet anti-corrosion, security and...

Pins provide a quick release.(Fastening & Joining)
January 1, 2004... Where objects regularly need to be fastened or attached, or where excessive vibration might occur, WDS's stainless steel quick-release pins can provide a quicker alternative to cotter pin designs. And, claims WDS, they are less likely to work...

All hands on decking ...(Feature: fastening & joining)
January 1, 2004... Tebo hidden deck fastener, available from Hire Station's 90-plus UK branches, is said to produce a clean deck with no fastener marks or potentially dangerous 'pop-ups'. Driven by a mallet, the tool fastens as quickly as a screw gun and can...

Riveting stuff ...(Fastening & Joining)
January 1, 2004... A single Gesipa PolyGrip rivet can replace up to three sizes of conventional blind rivets, generate high resistance to dynamic loads and can minimise suface 'damage to the workpiece--especially when joining thinner materials--due to its larger...

Nailer piles on the power.(Fastening & Joining)
January 1, 2004... Lightweight DC566 coil nailer from BeA Fastening Systems can drive a full coil of up to 300 nails with high penetrative power and accuracy. Yet the tool weighs in at just 2.2kg and measures 320 x 273 x 130mm. Designed with a flat angle...

Welding in 3D.(Fastening & Joining)
January 1, 2004... When used in welding applications, Demmeler three-dimensional worktables from Carver & Co. mean there is no need for expsnsive jigs: the workpiece can be easily assembled in position on the table and clamped prior to welding. The design ensures...

Point of ATEX.(Factory Equipment)
January 1, 2004... Zellweger Analytics' new Sense-point flammable gas detector, the Sensepoint High Temperature Sensor, is designed for use in high temperature hazardous areas such as gas turbines and drying ovens. Certified for use in environments up to...

Control choice.(Factory Equipment)
January 1, 2004... Rugged AristoTig 400 indoor/outdoor welding units from ESAB offer a choice of control panels. The T4 and T6 MMC (man-machine-communications) panels are both ergonomically designed to be user-friendly and feature digital displays of...

New power for welding.(Factory Equipment)
January 1, 2004... Three new industrial Transtig AC/DC welding packages from Murex Welding Products provide high quality TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) or MMA (Manual Metal Arc) welding in either AC or DC process modes. The Transtig AC/DC201iS, 203iS and 353iS are...

Read the latest probe.(Factory Equipment)
January 1, 2004... Monitran's latest MTN/ECPD-2 series driver for use with their range of inductive eddy current proximity probes has a two-wire 4-20mA output to inter face directly with PLCs. Eddy current probes are used extensively in industry to monitor...

Combined for safety.(Factory Equipment)
January 1, 2004... Ramsey AC9 GP general-purpose combined checkweigher and metal detection system offers food and consumer product manufacturers maximum flexibility and versatility while setting new hygiene and wash-down standards. Engineered within an ultra...

Micro-ohmmeter.(Factory Equipment)
January 1, 2004... New compact bench top programmable micro-ohmmeter from H.Tinsley & Co can be used for cable resistance measurement, contact resistance measurement of components and inductive resistance measurement. It can also perform ground continuity and...

300-ton load cell.(Factory Equipment)
January 1, 2004... New compact DBCL load cell from Applied Measurements is capable of measuring from 1 to 300 tons in tension and compression, and should suit many applications where load values are measured in the offshore, construction, building and testing...

Let's torque.(Plant Maintenance)
January 1, 2004... The new Torqueleader PETA, from MHH Engineering, is said to be a new approach to torque calibration and analysis. PETA (Personal Electronic Torque Analyser) is a complete analysis system comprising a high speed CF2 analogue to digital...

Height of safety.(Plant Maintenance)
January 1, 2004... PROline is the latest safety product to be launched by industrial abseiling organisation Proteq. An overhead line safety system, PROline has been developed in response to the ever increasing need to protect employees working at height. The...

Percussion drill powers up.(Plant Maintenance)
January 1, 2004... Makita has developed two new models of two-speed, 20mm percussion drills with features to enhance performance and operator comfort. The HP 2070 and 2071 drills have 1010W continuous rating motor, delivering up to 58,000 blows per minute in...

For important little places.(Electrics & Electronics)
January 1, 2004... New P14/G from Peak Test Services is a threaded probe designed for testing cable harnesses and automotive electrical systems. An exceptionally small mounting diameter allows it to he used in applications where probes need to be spaced at 2.2mm...

Timing counts.(Electrics & Electronics)
January 1, 2004... Trimble Lassen PT GPS timing module from Diamond Point Int. is believed to be the smallest embedded timing receiver on the market. The module enables system integrators to add precise GPS or Universal Time Conversion time and synchronisation to...

Approval for plug and socket.(Electrics & Electronics)
January 1, 2004... VDE and KEMA approved plug and socket connectors from Camden Electronics are designed for faster and safer connections in lighting and electrical applications, providing total protection of live parts. The CLC series plug and socket...

The right connections.(Electrics & Electronics)
January 1, 2004... Lapp's Epic[R] H-BVE high voltage contact inserts for cable connection are now available in a new cage clamp termination version. The cage clamp mechanism offers a number of advantages over screw connection including ease and speed of assembly...

Built-in translation.(Electrics & Electronics)
January 1, 2004... The new A3980 from Allegro MicroSystems is a complete DMOS microstepping motor driver integrated circuit with a built-in translator. The device is designed to operate bipolar stepper motors in full, half, eighth and sixteenth step modes, at up...

Make the switch.(Electrics & Electronics)
January 1, 2004... EAO has a wide range of easy-installation, compact switches for industrial applications, including 16mm switches sealed up to IP65 and approved to a range of standards, such as UL/UR. CE and ENEC. A choice of illuminated and non-illuminated...

Stable shunts.(Electrics & Electronics)
January 1, 2004... PRC MS Series of shunts, from Variohm-Eurosensor, come in resistance values of between .0001 to 100 ohms and have a tolerance of [+ or -] 005 percent combined with a temperature coefficient of [+ or-]10ppm/[degrees]C. The shunts are housed...

Tiny gear, big performer.(Mechanical Components)
January 1, 2004... Davall Gears has designed and manufactured full form subminiature gears with module size varying from 0.3 to 0.13. Specialised modified gear forms have also been produced down to 0.1 module, 10 teeth. The gear components have been...

Advanced barrier design.(Mechanical Components)
January 1, 2004... Following the success of their universal gland with single orientation clamping, Croclock, Peppers Cable Glands has launched a new range of barrier glands including a version with Croclock for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Four...

The cap (or plug) fits ...(Mechanical Components)
January 1, 2004... Heyco has introduced a comprehensive range of plastic caps and plugs for engineers and designers. There are said to be hundreds of new sizes in three different colours, and fifteen new styles. Ideal for protecting finished items and components...

Front and back.(Packaging & Labelling)
January 1, 2004... The conveyor-based 70FBL from PALS Labelling can be used to provide high speed, precise from and hack labelling on a range of cosmetics, healthcare and household products, packed in standard and special shape containers. This high...

Shock monitor.(Packaging & Labelling)
January 1, 2004... Brownell's reusable 'Shockmaster' monitors and identifies shock and vibration during transit. The Shockmaster consists of a spring-loaded weight with integral trigger, which engages a spring-loaded sleeve. The entire assembly is enclosed...

Multi-lane check is sound.(Packaging & Labelling)
January 1, 2004... A new ultrasonic sensor system being introduced by Leuze Mayser is purpose-designed for the simultaneous monitoring of multiple lanes of labels held on a single web prior to them being slit into individual rolls for retail sale. It enables...

Pallet-able labeling.(Packaging & Labelling)
January 1, 2004... Pallet labelling can be easy and highly cost-effective with the Ventus Print and Apply system available exclusively from Lenox Systems. Applying labels accurately to one or two sides of the pallet, at between six and 15 pallets per minute,...

Tagged!(Packaging & Labelling)
January 1, 2004... ritchey-id, previously Ritchey Tagg Industrial Sales, is to specialise in identification tags and labels that effectively fulfil industrial, HSE legislative or insurance company requirements. ritchey-id's range of identification tags...

Small print.(Packaging & Labelling)
January 1, 2004... Labelling machines, dedicated to handling smaller containers, am available from the Kosme company. Typical applications include self adhesive patch and wrap-around labels for round containers, together with front/back labelling of square...

Clean printing anywhere.(Packaging & Labelling)
January 1, 2004... Believed to be the most advanced two-line printer to date, the Linx 4900 from Linx Printing Technologies is a robustly constructed, simple to operate, continuous ink jet printing system. With a smooth, stainless steel enclosure which need...

Loads to hand.(Handling & Storage)
January 1, 2004... BT Rolatruc has introduced the new BT Pro Lifter, said to "make light work" of moving and positioning heavy loads. Pro Lifter features a unique device to easily overcome the load's inertia --a drive mechanism incorporated into the steer...

3-phase enters new phase.(Handling & Storage)
January 1, 2004... STILL Materials Handling announces the introduction of three new three-phase ac powered models to its R 60 electric counterbalance line-up in the 2.0 to 3.0 tonne capacity sector--the 2.2 tonne R60-221, the 2.5 tonne R60-251 and the 3 tonne...

'Supermodel'.(Handling & Storage)
January 1, 2004... The first quarter of 2004 will see the launch of the latest LPG and diesel counterbalance trucks in the capacity range of 1.5 to 3.5 tonnes. The 'supermodel' from Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks is said to be modelled along the same lines as a...

Standalone bay.(Handling & Storage)
January 1, 2004... Crawford Amber has introduced a standalone, external loading bay module that mounts quickly and easily at existing door openings. Comprising a dock leveller, shelter, sectional door, support structure and cladding, the new Load House offers an...

Need a lift--somewhere?(Handling & Storage)
January 1, 2004... In many situations it is often not appropriate to have permanent ground sockets for use by lifting davits when maintenance and lifting jobs are needed to be undertaken. The new Porta-Base from Reid Lifting Equipment is a portable socket...

Grab 'n' carry.(Handling & Storage)
January 1, 2004... An innovative multi-purpose machine, the KEI,A, has been introduced by Walden Brothers. Its design will provide a manual handling solution for building and landscaping sites and builders merchants, as well as nurseries and garden centres. It...

Simply strong.(Handling & Storage)
January 1, 2004... Palletower's latest range of wire formed shelving is simple to assemble and easy to adjust for a wide range of storage applications. The durable, free-standing shelving is finished in bright zinc plate and engineered for maximum wear and...

Extra Sens.(Environmental Control)
January 1, 2004... DeltaSense's new intelligent humidity transmitter, the Smart Sens 3000, comes with an integrated temperature output and built-in compensation circuits for reliable performance without costly recalibration. Based on a capacitive sensor with...

Heat for any space.(Environmental Control)
January 1, 2004... High performance oil fired cabinet heater range from Benson Heating offers a variety of configurations, including internal or external weatherproof, vertical, horizontal or downflow nozzled or ducted outlet only. Manufactured from...

Yes, Master.(Environmental Control)
January 1, 2004... The Master Station Panel, from Anglo Nordic Burner Products, can be "tailor made" to detect various leaking gases including refrigerants, LPG and C[O.sub.2]. With up to 32 gas sensors installed at critical points throughout a building and...

Heating sees red.(Environmental Control)
January 1, 2004... Victory (Heatlight Technology) has developed a range of energy efficient commercial and industrial infrared heaters for buildings that can be difficult to heat. Typically these include warehouses and factories, but any draughty buildings of...

Fast to fit flooring.(Building & Maintenance)
January 1, 2004... Floorline matting in jumbo rolls up to 60m long is now available from Plastic Extruders. The benefits include reduced wastage when cutting to length and the facility to have very long seamless walkways. The hard-wearing matting is primarily...

Light fittings.(Building & Maintenance)
January 1, 2004... Kee Klamp has announced the expansion of its Kee Lite aluminium range of tube fittings to meet increased market demand. Strong, lightweight and corrosion resistant, Kee Lite[R] fittings are now available in a wider range of sizes and types to...

Clean cleaning.(Building & Maintenance)
January 1, 2004... The Dyson 'Animal', available from Key Industrial Equipment, is said to be idol for working environments. It uses patented Root8 Cyclone[TM] technology to provide vacuum cleaning with consistently more suction power. Automatic Height Adjustment...

Plug & go pump.(Process Plant & Control)
January 1, 2004... Modular 'plug and go' vacuum pumping stations from BOC Edwards come complete with everything needed to create and control medium to high vacuum in the laboratory, including turbomolecular pump, backing pump, controller, forced air cooling and...

New pipe keeps its cool.(Process Plant & Control)
January 1, 2004... Designed for use at temperatures as low -40[degrees]C, Durapipe has launched Duracool pre-insulated ABS pipe systems. Duracool comprises lengths of pre-insulated Durapipe ABS pipe and Thermo-Click; a patented jointing system that enables...

Rugged pressure regulator.(Process Plant & Control)
January 1, 2004... Thomas Wright/Thorite Group are distributors for the Marsh Bellofram Type 51 ss pressure regulator. Designed for service with a variety of corrosive gases in harsh environments, the regulator features 316 stainless steel construction for the...

Tough jet pump.(Process Plant & Control)
January 1, 2004... Genflo S-pump, available for sale or hire from Jet-Pump Solutions, is a robust, heavy-duty jet pump suitable for mopping up or transferring slurries, solids, powders and liquids including acids, alkalis, oils and harsh abrasives. Solids...

Arresting wear.(Safety, Security & Cleaning)
January 1, 2004... Silver Back is a lightweight fall arrest harness from Protecta. Specially designed for ease of fitting and comfort for prolonged use, the harness features contoured padding around the shoulders and waist. The harness is quick to fit, fasten,...

Stop tampering with an ATL.(Safety, Security & Cleaning)
January 1, 2004... By ensuring valves and actuators are only operated by authorised individuals, the Anti-Tamper Lock from Smith Flow Control is a simple to use method to reduce the risk of human error or deliberate tampering. For safety applications the...

Full protection undercover.(Safety, Security & Cleaning)
January 1, 2004... Xcelcius[R] underwear range from Praybourne offers complete protection for workers in hot, cold and/or potentially combustible environments. The range includes thermal garments incorporating Viloft and flame retardant wear with Protex to...