What's New In Industry articles from July 2001

What's New In Industry archives from July 2001

Rugged PC stays slim.
July 1, 2001... Supplied in a thin, fully enclosed case, the SlimCase Panel from CKS Holdings is a full function personal computer that is ideal for harsh environments where total IP54 sealing is required. The standard VESA plate fitting on the rear of the...

On the ball.
July 1, 2001... Track Ball keyboard from PCD Maltron has the ball situated in the central portion between the two concave sections, where it is easily reached by either thumb and can be very easily removed for cleaning. 451 PCD Maltron 020 8398 3265

Data acquisition right in your lap.
July 1, 2001... Claimed to be the lowest cost E series data acquisition device for PCMCIA, National Instruments' high-performance DAQCard-6024E multi-function I/O device delivers portable DAQ for a variety of applications. The DAQCard-6024E features...

Taking a step to learn fast.
July 1, 2001... Programming software from Siemens Automation and Drives has been designed specifically for simple control tasks. The Step 7 Lite software enables first-time PLC users to learn simply and quickly. Typical applications include special...

A sketch taking shape.
July 1, 2001... Faster, easier sketching is provided by Delcam's updated PowerSHAPE hybrid modelling software for the design of products incorporating complex shapes and tooling for their manufacture. PowerSHAPE 3.1 incorporates an additional sketching...

Processing power at the double.
July 1, 2001... Powerful new single-board computer from Sequoia's Industrial Systems Division is a dual PIII-based FC-PGA, PICMG card with VGA and Ethernet. The Axiom SBC8179VE features dual-socket 370 architecture and a 100MHz Bus Clock, which, together...

PC power in the hand.
July 1, 2001... Slightly larger than a postcard, Intermec's 700 hand-held computer weighs less than 16 ounces, including its rechargeable battery. Based on the commercial version of Microsoft's Pocket PC operating system, this rugged device is aimed at...

Floor standing projector.
July 1, 2001... Vertical floor standing optical projector from Starrett can measure larger components found in the electronics, pressing, mould and die and extrusion industries. As well as offering many standard features the VF600 is highly configurable:...

Fast sensors.
July 1, 2001... MiniVLS optical speed sensors from Compact Instruments can operate at up to 250,000rpm. Primarily designed for speed-related use, they can also be used for high-speed detection of object presence -- in controlled conditions without...

System gives a multiple data check.
July 1, 2001... Used with Measurement Computing Corporation's PCI data acquisition boards, Dasylab software from Adept is able to provide an impressive d/a solution to display results from multiple strain gauge installations -- you can monitor multiple...

Tester irons out detection errors.
July 1, 2001... Designed to eliminate the risk of detection errors being introduced between different shift operators, Mitutoyo's new range of In2ViewHT automatic hardness testers are fitted with a MicroLite system that allows the units' illuminators to be...

Scales in for the count.
July 1, 2001... CB counting scales from Sartorius aim to meet current industrial needs by combining durability and practicality with accuracy, speed and ease of use. They enable the user to weigh in grams, kilograms or pounds and ounces with weighing...

A simple indication.
July 1, 2001... High-performance indicator suitable for a wide range of applications, Avery Berkel's new L136 can be easily integrated with any existing load cell, platform scale or weigh-bridge. Its robust, pickled and electro-polished stainless steel...

Weigh and check in harsh areas.
July 1, 2001... Developed to meet applications in industrial weighing and checking of goods received/dispatched, logistics, production and quality control, Mettler Toledo's new Spider SW scale is a rugged device made of diecast aluminium with load plates of...

Tough I/O can cope with the shopfloor.
July 1, 2001... Latest addition to the Allen-Bradley FLEX family of distributed I/O, the I798 FLEX Armor from Rockwell is a hardened, fully modular, expandable I/O platform (up to 64 points per node) rated UP65/67. It is designed to be machine mountable,...

Panel meters make it clear.
July 1, 2001... From Jumo, the di08 and di32 are the first in a series of digital panel meters providing accurate, reliable monitoring of process values with a large, clear display. They can be used anywhere in the process industry -- for food processing,...

When liquid control gets critical ...
July 1, 2001... Aimed at typical uses including continuous flow control for critical dispense applications CMP slurry dispense to replace existing peristaltic pumps and batch control for chemical spiking and blending, the NT 6500 integrated flow controller has...

Measuring the low flows.
July 1, 2001... Gemini mini flow meters from Bell Flow Systems can be used wherever accurate low flow measurement is required on liquids from petrol to paint. There are two sizes available: the G1 covers two to 100 litres/hr, while the G2 covers from 15 to 500...

Recorders meet FDA standards.
July 1, 2001... New phase of Eurotherm 5000 Series data acquisition recorders have been designed to meet the demanding requirements of the FDA (and other authorising bodies) in relation to digital data storage and electronic signatures. They can be delivered...

Into gear.
July 1, 2001... Range of gearboxes from Control Techniques Dynamics can be fitted to any of the company's servomotor ranges in a matter of minutes. The LP range is attached to CT Dynamic's Unimotor servomotors by a simple adapter kit: the input shaft of...

Conveying at a faster rate.
July 1, 2001... Available from Tsubaki, the Double Plus free-flow conveyor chain conveys objects 2.5 times faster than the actual chain speed. As a result, motor speeds up to 60 percent slower can be used, leading to improved reliability and substantial...

Fasteners fix and finish in one go.
July 1, 2001... Series of socket drive fasteners designed to fix and finish in one step has been introduced by SEAC to extend its Polytop screw range. All sizes and gauges of Polytop socket drive screws are available with a new format six-point hex head in...

Drives know all the right angles.
July 1, 2001... Modular range of right-angle gear drives designed and manufactured by Renold share a common `three-in-one' casing and use many shared components. As well as bringing manufacturing benefits, the three basic variants of e.PM units can be...

Pulley design cuts out the keyway.
July 1, 2001... Inconvenience and expense of keyway machining and finish-boring when fitting timing belt pulleys are eliminated with the Avante range of pulleys from Cross & Morse. The pulleys do not require a retaining screw and plate, obviating the need...

Clutches can control that tension.
July 1, 2001... In response to user demand, Huco Engineering Components has extended its Vari-Tork range of user-adjustable friction clutches to include a size 48. This is a larger version of the popular size 25 and is rated at twice the power dissipation...

Coat with a quality stamp.
July 1, 2001... MicroCoat lubrication system from EFD uses Low Volume Low Pressure (LVLP) air to consistently apply a fine coat of oil to metal stock without dripping, mist or waste. Metal stampers are said to report extended die life up to 300 percent,...

Quick change pallet system.
July 1, 2001... Romheld can increase productivity with retrofits to virtually any new or existing machining centre with Midaco manual and automatic pallet systems: exchange pallets in seconds with [+ or -] 0.0001 in (0.0025mm) repeatability. Midaco pallet...

Probe tunes in for automated set-up.
July 1, 2001... Compact MP18 probe system from Renishaw offers the benefits of automated part set-up and in-cycle gauging. The system is available with 69 user-selectable radio transmission channels -- up to 69 probes can be used in the same building, at the...

Machining at the double.
July 1, 2001... Two new twin vice systems from WDS can enable users producing machined parts to `double their productivity' by clamping two or more components at once. The heavy-duty Twin Vice and the lighter duty machinable Speed Clamp are the same size...

Tooling in check.
July 1, 2001... With Walter's Heli Toolcheck non-contact measurement system, tools up to 300mm diameter and 500mm long can be accommodated with a repeatable measuring accuracy of [+ or -] 2 microns on the machine that is designed for both manual and automatic...

Bolting on the automation.
July 1, 2001... Automation of virtually any CNC chucking lathe is offered by the bolt-on Robo Loader RH-series from Yuasa Warwick Machinery. Made by Matsuura Iron Works, it consists of two major elements: a carousel-type, multi-pallet work feeder and a...

Self-loading an aid to productivity.
July 1, 2001... Bringing CNC vertical turning into the realm of horizontal spindle lathes with chuck diameters of 165 and 210mm, the CS15 and CS18 inverted vertical turning cells from Hitachi Seiki can also add the productivity advantages of self-loading to a...

On a roll ...
July 1, 2001... Small enough to sit in the palm of your hand, the RF75 electronic roll feed from Clark's Press Equipment is designed to fit onto the press bed, beside tooling and within existing press guards. With an accuracy of 0.5mm up to 350spm, a...

Tap into light-headed fabrication.
July 1, 2001... RAD-120 right-angle milling, drilling and tapping head from Centreline has been redesigned with a fabricated rather than a cast aluminium body and now weighs ten per cent less at 4.1kg. The tool is intended to be changed automatically into the...

Speed up sheet metal automation.
July 1, 2001... Uprated version of Finn-Power's bending automation equipment is intended as a stand-alone cell or as an integral part of a flexible manufacturing system including sheet storage and/or laser cutting plus optional forming and component sorting....

Complex parts from one-hit wonders.
July 1, 2001... Latest 13-axis, 80-tool turret Citizen M12 and M16 CNC sliding head automatic lathes offer highly productive solutions for one-hit machining of complex components. Normally, says NC Engineering, parts of this type would involve a number of...

Sliding to higher productivity.
July 1, 2001... Complete machining of simple or complex parts in a single set-up from bar up to 32mm dia. is possible with the STAR V-32 CNC sliding headstock lathe from A&S Precision. It has eight CNC axes and is equipped with a seven-station, gang-type...

Pallet storage at a push.
July 1, 2001... From high-density live storage specialist Flowstore comes the Pushback robust pallet storage solution, claiming more capacity, more selectivity, lower costs and faster operation. Pushback is a live storage system, providing efficient accessible...

Security gets smart.
July 1, 2001... E-Lock is a smart electronic access and locking system from Lista for drawer cabinets to store valuable tools and materials. In replacing conventional mechanical locking systems and easily-lost keys, E-Lock can offer foolproof security and...

Skirting with safety.
July 1, 2001... Britannia Lift has launched a new hydraulic lift platform in a standardised package that incorporates galvanised wire mesh skirts and other value-added benefits. The mesh skirts enable the lift to exceed current statutory safety...

Handling gets a lift.
July 1, 2001... Range of Servolifts for industry from Pickerings Lifts offer a lifting capacity of 250kg. Car sizes are from 400 to 2000mm, in 50mm increments and serve up to seven floors, with maximum 18m travel. There are serving height and floor loading...

Platforms on the tilt.
July 1, 2001... Edmolift has expanded its range of tilting platforms to include 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000kg versions with tilting angles of 45 and 90 degrees being available. Tilters can be powered with a choice of three-phase and single-phase electric...

Conveyor keeps goods moving fast.
July 1, 2001... Dexion has acquired the sole manufacturing rights for a heavy-duty, high-speed belt conveyor. Originally designed by Caljan, the combination of load-bearing capability and belt speed make the conveyor suited to applications where a high...

Options for order picking.
July 1, 2001... New from Boss, the WV range of low and medium-level order picking trucks are available with fixed platform, forks and/or lifting forks. With picking heights from 2.8 to 4.4m, the new WV machines are offered in a range of options to suit each...

Feed and seal at high speed.
July 1, 2001... From Packaging Automation the new Fast Track 400 is a high-speed four-lane, three-metre integral conveyor fed filling and heat sealing line. Equipped with an integral denester, volumetric filler and overcapper, the new module is designed to...

Look before you label.
July 1, 2001... Dymo LabelPoint range of handheld electronic labellers from Esselte are for professional labelling on the move and in busy factory and warehouse environments, They have simple-to-use ABC keyboards, a large display for easy editing and print...

Packaging control goes electronic.
July 1, 2001... Fully automatic SL6000 indexing end loader from Bradman-Lake brings speed and flexibility to intermittent cartoning operations. It will pack up to 100 cartons/minute with rapid, electronically-repeatable size changes. Key to this...

Sharp printer on the tabletop.
July 1, 2001... Latest Paxar Monarch tabletop printer the Monarch 9850, is aimed at high volume, high-speed demands of manufacturing organisations and logistics companies. It delivers a maximum print speed of 250mm/second and boasts a 90Mhz 32-bit RISC...

Pallet system locks on to cut waste.
July 1, 2001... Limpet Tapes says that its Lock n'Pop pallet stabilisation system can significantly reduce packaging waste such as wraps, straps and bindings -- and in some instances eliminate them altogether. Applied in liquid form, it locks packaging...

Pallet labelling in real time.
July 1, 2001... Logopak's latest `real time' industrial pallet labelling system is the 920DK (double head). Fitted with one double-headed automatic 920 pallet labeller, it is capable of applying EAN 128 `print & apply' labels on two adjacent faces at a very...

Labels top and bottom.
July 1, 2001... Soft trays of ready meals, fresh produce or delicate items can be labelled simultaneously on the top and the bottom, without side-pressure that might pinch and distort the container, using a new system developed by Sussex & Berkshire Machinery....

Stack `em up.
July 1, 2001... Innovative open-ended, attached lidded container (ALC) from Paxton has been designed specifically for use in warehousing or transportation applications, allowing picking even in stacks of five high. Imagine looking at a stack of five...

Odd shapes wrapped up.
July 1, 2001... Shrink wrapping large or irregular shaped items is said to be both practical and affordable with a new range of purpose-built machines from Autoflow Packaging. Items such as flat-pack furniture, ladders, doom, garden, DIY and building...

Compact unit prints fast.
July 1, 2001... SATO has launched a new small, high speed, high-performance label printing system, the CT 400. Weighing only 3kg and measuring 165mm high, 198mm wide and 230mm deep, it prints labels and tags up to 104mm wide and 356mm long by direct thermal or...

A new twist on recloseable bags.
July 1, 2001... From Supreme Plastics comes Twistlok, a new concept in recloseable packaging, based on a film which can be simply twisted together after opening, to retain and protect the remaining contents. Twistlok recloseable bags can be manufactured on...

A remote check on printer status.
July 1, 2001... Excel WebLink is a printer management tool from Marconi Data Systems which provides for remote status monitoring of one or more Marconi Excel series ink jet printers. WebLink allows a Videojet Excel printer to be connected to a LAN/WAN,...

Sealed by vacuum.
July 1, 2001... From Static Control Components comes the 235 Vacuseal low-cost vacuum sealer for dry pack bags. This unit complements an existing range of heat sealers and moisture barrier packaging products that also includes bags, desiccants and humidity...

Colour codes with a lotta bottle.
July 1, 2001... The proven run-time of dye-based inks has traditionally led to the accepted norm of black codes on brown bottles. But time are changing, says Marconi Data Systems -- high-contrast opaque codes are now increasingly in demand to make it easier...

Printing by piezo.
July 1, 2001... Capable of printing excellent quality readable bar codes, text and graphic images, Weber's ML 128 high-resolution inkjet printer uses advanced piezoelectric technology to deliver up to four lines of variable information at 200dpi on both porous...

Leaks revealed at any angle.
July 1, 2001... All-angle aerosol valve that can work at any angle -- even upside down, if you must -- makes it easy to detect leaks on even hard-to-reach sections of pipeline with Ambersil's Leak Detector. This biodegradable, waterbased formulation is...

PTFE added to seal options.
July 1, 2001... PTFE compounds have been added to the range of sealing solutions offered by FTL. Radial shaft seals, memory packings, rings and seals, packing sets or piston seals are all available, together with composites permanently bonding PTFE with...

Heat measurement right on target.
July 1, 2001... Taking the temperature of very small or partially obscured target objects is the main application for Ircon's latest Ultimax Plus non-contact thermometer. The handheld UX70P is able to operate as a single or double wavelength instrument in...

Add a little heat to the toolkit.
July 1, 2001... Flir's new ThermoVision LabView digital toolkit allows the established ThermaCAM SC3000 thermal imaging camera to achieve a new order of connectivity when teamed with National Instruments' IMAQ frame grabber cards. The option is aimed at users...

Dryers fight condensation.
July 1, 2001... Tank vent dryers and adsorbents from Brownell can prevent fluids from contaminantion by moisture condensation. They can also prevent release of toxic vapours. Optional electronic detectors monitor dryer efficiency and capacity. 544...

The cleaning explosion.
July 1, 2001... Innovative floor cleaning system from CG Flooring uses compressed air to apply small quantities of sodium bicarbonate mixed with water to the floor: the soda particles then `explode' on contact with the surface to create an abrasive effect....

Washers turn up the pressure.
July 1, 2001... Designed for demanding, heavy tasks, two additions have been made to the range of hot and cold pressure washers from Alto. These two mobile ranges -- the cold water Triton and hot water DX -- combine Wap technology with a Kew Technology pump...

Checking pH on-line.
July 1, 2001... All-in-one cartridge electrode system from ABB is for continuous on-line pH and redox monitoring and comes with a package of new features and options to increase operational versatility and widen the scope of application. Also, the cartridge...

Clean sweep.
July 1, 2001... Euromec's Atom ride-on sweeper has been designed to clean indoor and outdoor areas that may have previously only been accessible to pedestrian machines. A simple handle bar system makes steering easy with logical control of all other functions...

Socket `n' see.
July 1, 2001... Identifying the correct fuse or circuit breaker to pull to isolate a particular circuit no longer has to be a matter of guesswork with the launch of the Kew Technik `Socket & See' fuse finder. The system consists of a transmitter -- which...

Electrodes stay fresh and dry.
July 1, 2001... To help welders work more efficiently and comfortably, ESAB's VacPac system is said to ensure that the electrodes are always fresh and dry and avoids the risk of pores in the weld metal and hydrogen cracks. The latest VacPac for use in any...

An air of economy.
July 1, 2001... Two new compressors in Boge's `S' range are for applications with a large compressed air demand. The S270 and S340 screw compressors, which provide 32.6 and 35.4m3/min at 8 bar are said to offer economies of scale in terms of the energy...

Robot at home on the wall or ceiling.
July 1, 2001... Addition to Panasonic's VR range of compact, flexible industrial robot arms is a high-speed six-axis multifunction benchtop system that combines a payload capacity of 4kg with a wide working envelope radius of 947mm. Suitable for the...

Compressed air kept on the move.(Jun-Air's newest dc voltage compressors)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
July 1, 2001... Latest dc voltage compressors from Jun-Air are ideal where there is no access to mains power: special purpose transport including ambulances, refrigerated trucks, public service vehicles and mobile plant can utilise an auxiliary power source...

Keep the parts apart.
July 1, 2001... Two separator indexers from Leader have been developed to perform a variety of functions including counting, separating and sorting parts on a production line. Designated VE14 and VE15, they have stroke lengths of 20 and 40mm and both...

Pressure under control.
July 1, 2001... Enerpac's new pendant remote control Turbo Air Pump uses turbocharger technology to boost performance while offering easy and precise control for safe, one-man operation. Using its own exhaust air to help boost pump power, the new pendant...

Weld unit turns up the power.
July 1, 2001... Tradestig ac/dc 161iS from Murex is an inverter-based 160A ac/dc tungsten inert gas (TIG) or manual metal arc (MMA) welding power source providing 10 to 160A ac or dc TIG welding from a small and highly portable unit. Incorporating a new and...

Clean fleet.
July 1, 2001... For use on trucks, vans, cars or plant and equipment, Deb has launched six Janitol Truckwash cleaners. Truckwash Regular is for use on bodywork, engines, chassis etc., while for heavy oil and grime Truckwash Concentrate is for chassis,...

Infrared safety goes on a roll.
July 1, 2001... Offered in lengths up to 10m, an infrared safety edge system has been introduced by Schmersal that complies fully with the latest European Standard BS EN 1760-2:2001. The system is supplied with infrared light transmitters and receivers...

Flashback with user protection.
July 1, 2001... Two Saffire 36e flashback arrestors from Murex are said to provide maximum protection for operators and their equipment in the event of a flashback during gas welding or cutting operations. The multi-functional devices are suitable for...

Safety at the highest level.
July 1, 2001... Designed for machine guarding applications that require a high level of safety integrity, Smartscan's 7000 series of safety light curtains meet the highest standards for safety, third party approved for compliance to the latest European and...

The time machine.
July 1, 2001... Designed to reduce payroll administration time and cost, Infotime 30 is an intelligent stand-alone time clock and/or terminal from Warwick Time Stamp Co. It is fully backwards compatible with the company's TNA2000 Windows-based time and...

Grating in glassfibre.(Grating Co.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
July 1, 2001... For industrial areas requiring non-slip, corrosion resistant flooring, the Grating Company has introduced a range of glassfibre moulded gratings and stair treads -- lighter and easier to install than steel and with anti-slip properties. This...

A clean sheet.
July 1, 2001... Altro has introduced an integral zinc-based biocide, AltroSan, to its food grade Whiterock PVC wall cladding sheets, Whiterock Extruded and Whiterock Pastels, for greater protection in hygienic areas. The boicide is said to continue working for...

A fast cure for old floors.
July 1, 2001... Self-curing, self-smoothing floor screed from Weber that can be either pumped or poured to suit the installation, Hardac Top Screed suits a wide range of applications from work-ishops and warehouses to cleanrooms. A cementitious polymer...