What's New In Industry articles from July 2003

What's New In Industry archives from July 2003

Interlocks cut maintenance time. (What's News).
July 1, 2003... Plastics manufacturer Cabot Plastics has seen an increase in productivity after the trapped key interlock systems fitted to its Banbury mixers were modified by Castell in partnership with Vital Link. Comprehensive interlocking systems in...

Transfer control. (What's News).
July 1, 2003... Innovative 'Q.i' material transfer control solution from Mettler Toedo and Procter & Gamble is a software and services package combining predictive adaptive control technology and material transfer controller to generate higher performance...

Truck offers five drive options. (What's News).
July 1, 2003... New--from the design of its guard to the footwell--is how Still describes its RX-50 three-wheel electric fork lift. Successor to the R-50, it comes in 1.0, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 tonne capacities and applies some of the technical and design ideas...

Funding a boost for materials research. (What's News).
July 1, 2003... The Daresbury Lab-based National Centre for Electron Spectroscopy and Surface Analysis has been awarded a four-year EPSRC grant to fund its pioneering materials research. It will allow the Scienta ESCA 300 spectrometer for x-ray spectroscopy to...

Spin-out company on its metal. (What's News).
July 1, 2003... A metal extraction process which could decrease the cost and environmental impact of producing metals normally difficult and expensive to extract is to be commercialised by Cambridge University spin-out company Metalysis. Metal already...

Seeing the light. (What's News).
July 1, 2003... Swiss optosensoric specialist CEDES has created a new partnership with the UK sister company of Japanese group Toyoda Gosei. So far the British firm has bought over one hundred CEDES Safe4 light curtains for their machinery. ...

Weighing system integrates into PC. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... An upgraded version of Bizerba's NT industrial PC is said to be the first system of its kind to incorporate a dedicated weighing system. Designed specifically for use in demanding industrial environments, this new integrated scale provides a...

Plumbing the depths. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... Monitran's new compact accelerometer can be operated submerged to a depth of 100m, making it ideal for vibration monitoring of underwater pumps, roll bearings in the continuously wet conditions of paper mills and applications where rotating...

Testing the texture. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... Now part of the Brookfield range of instruments, the LFRA texture analyser can determine the characteristics of a wide range of materials for product and process development or routine quality control purposes. It is available with a range...

Quality control scheme a real corker. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... Now this is the sort of technology application we like to hear about. An advanced adoption of integrated machine vision (IMV) has allowed the creation of a classification process for wine bottle corks that could transform the industry's quality...

Mind the gap. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... Door and other panel gaps in the auto industry have traditionally been measured using mechanical means or by camera systems--time-consuming methods that cannot be carried out online as a 100 percent test, says Sensor UK, whose new gap...

Portable gauge keeps inspection moving. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... Packed into an impact-resistant moulded casing around the size of a personal organiser--and weighing only 1.0kg--Krautkramer's latest ultrasonic thickness gauge sets out to provide a portable solution to rapid, precise inspection of component...

Calibration for quality. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... From Enviro Technology Services, the API M7(00)E calibrator is a microprocessor-based unit providing more stable and accurate calibration gas for quality control purposes in process industry, air quality and CEMS applications. By using a...

Easy audit accuracy for pre-tightened fasteners. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... Combining features of a digital torque wrench and a specialised inspection tool for auditing fastening processes in a single package, the ProWrench Audit from Crane Electronics allows users to audit accurately a pre-tightened fastener. This is...

Under pressure. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... New series of handheld pressure meters from ETI suit a range of industrial applications measuring gauge or differential air pressure. Users can select one of 11 measuring units, including bar, mbar, psi, kPa, inHg, mmHg, [ozin.sup.2] and...

Thickness gauge adds the data. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... Using the proven multiple echo technique that allows metal thickness measurements to be taken while completely ignoring the coating--only the metal thickness is measured--the Cygnus 3 ultrasonic thickness gauge with datalogging allows the user...

Scope for fast inspection. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... The MS1000LW is a handheld, fast and easy-to-use inspection microscope from Special Application Products that can be used for cost-effective inspection of BGAs and other components. The unit's lens offers x70 magnification that remains...

When the going gets tight ... (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... From Atlas Copco comes the power-MACS system for all tightening application--regardless of complexity. Said to support all know tightening and process monitoring methods, powerMACS consists of intelligent Tightening Controllers (TC), WinTC...

Ring encoder makes its mark. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... Renishaw's RESR high-resolution ring encoder system uses newly-patented technology to allow encoder graduations to be marked directly on the outer edge of precision stainless steel rings. To provide compatibility with various...

Another check in the wall. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... A Starrett three-axis camera-based inspection system has been added to the quality control operation of medical device manufacturer Laryngeal Mask, many of whose components are moulded from soft silicone rubber down to 20 durometer with a wall...

An Inspecta calls. (Quality Control).
July 1, 2003... Wide-ranging Inspecta series of inspection and measurement equipment from Pyser includes magnifiers, portable microscopes, single and dual-axis measuring systems, video inspection systems, modular microscopes and components. Claiming to...

Synergy sets a new chain standard: after more than three years of development, laboratory testing and extensive field trials, Renold's Synergy chain has evolved. (Profile: Renold).
July 1, 2003... When it was introduced some three years ago, Renold's innovative Synergy chain in many ways set the standard for transmission chain performance. Now, three years on, Renold has 'raised the bar' with a new-look, redesigned Synergy that offers...

Taking the tension. (Profile: Renold).
July 1, 2003... Innovative self-adjusting chain tensioner from Renold is easy to install, maintenance-free, and combines the roles of tensioner and noise damper in one. Roll-Ring is based on a toothed ring made from a specially formulated, fully...

Stainless chain is lube-free. (Profile: Renold).
July 1, 2003... Renold has launched a new range of self-lubricating stainless steel chain for applications where a clean environment and resistance to corrosion is important. Renold SynCor--an amalgamation of lube-free Syno and stainless steel Cods...

A click off the old block. (Profile: Renold).
July 1, 2003... Polymer blocks can be simply clicked on and off roller chain for easy maintenance thanks to the Klik-Top innovation from Renold's A&S Chain. The design of the externally attached clips enables a single polymer block to be clicked off easily and...

Keeping industry driving in the right direction: one-way cam clutches are the workhorses of general industry and are also used in the leisure and white goods markets. Here, Tsubaki's Bob Young outlines their uses. (Bearings & Seals).
July 1, 2003... One-way mechanical clutches are efficient devices that utilise differences in axial rotating direction and speed of rotation to prevent reverse rotary motion and ensure safety. They are one of the simplest and most effective devices for...

Quicker bearing mounting. (Bearings & Seals).
July 1, 2003... The SKF SensorMount system combats the mounting problems of large bearings. Consisting of a sensor integrated with the bearing, plus a dedicated hand-held indicator, SensorMount allows large spherical roller and CARB bearings on tapered...

Sliding with precision. (Bearings & Seals).
July 1, 2003... Specifically developed for automation applications requiring fast, accurate load moving in confined spaces, Parker Pneumatic's new P5SP precision slide tables can be used individually, combined with similar units to produce multi-axis devices,...

Custom seals. (Bearings & Seals).
July 1, 2003... Pioneer Weston Seals, part of Wyko Production Services Division, has invested over 250,000 [pounds sterling] in production machinery, test equipment and factory mods for the custom design, manufacture and testing of rotary ptfe seals. The...

Tough specials for alum. plant. (Bearings & Seals).
July 1, 2003... Success in a gruelling six-month test has led to an order for ten of the highest capacity split roller hearings ever produced by Wyko's specialist bearing company SRB. Weighing over two tonnes each, the bespoke SRB Heavy Series beatings support...

Seals can take the hot stuff. (Bearings & Seals).
July 1, 2003... Based on a polyurethane material created by Parker Hanifin's worldwide seal group, Ceetak's new P4300 high-performance seals claim to withstand mating temperatures and deliver excellent rebound characteristics under extreme pressure. P4300...

Explore the performance of SRTBs. (Bearings & Seals).
July 1, 2003... Range of spherical miler thrust beatings (SRTBs) has been added to SKF's Explorer class of rolling element bearings. Explorers claim a substantial improvement in key operational parameters relevant to the beating type and its typical...

New ballscrew options speed up the fast lane. (Bearings & Seals).
July 1, 2003... New options from THK--including end machining choices, support bearings and support nuts--have expanded the scope of its Fast Lane range of rolled and ground ballscrews. THK says that by extending the range of options available to the OEM,...

A monorail with all the extras. (Bearings & Seals).
July 1, 2003... Monorail guidance systems are frequently specified for linear motion applications where there are particular requirements for accuracy, performance or compact bearing arrangements. And thanks to their ability to carry loads from all...

On a pedestal ... (Bearings & Seals).
July 1, 2003... Split roller beating manufacturer Cooper Bearing Group has launched a ranger of split roller beating pedestals that are compatible with standard SN bearings. Claiming great cost-savings in installation and maintenance time, the SN units have...

Swiss rollers. (Bearings & Seals).
July 1, 2003... Swiss-based specialist beating manufacturer Jesa has launched a UK arm near Swindon to provide bespoke bearings, overmoulded beatings and subassemblies. Jesa's expertise, not only in beatings but in plastic injection over-moulding and robber...

Contour control. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... Latest contouring control from Heidenhain aims to offer benefits to all users of milling machines and machining centres. Although a big step forward in terms of processing power, the iTNC530 retains the friendly look and feel of previous TNC...

Press tools fast. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... Of particular value for prototyping and short production runs, a new technique by Truflo Air Movement uses laser cutting to produce laminated steel press tools as a fast, inexpensive alternative to conventional machined tools. It employs...

Invest to survive 'cash point' subcontracting. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... According to Hull-based precision machinists Fisadco, the subcontract metalcutting business is changing fast, with ever-growing pressures on leadtime reduction and delivery, tighter margins and a more focused attitude towards quality. ...

Software gets its teeth into saw blade grinding. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... Saw tooth production routines on the Walter range of Woodtronic Rapide range of circular saw blade grinders are now up to 30 percent faster due to developments to the machines' control software. In addition, optional cross-slide functionality...

CNC power to die for. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... High-frequency spindles of 60,000rpm, feed rates of 25,000mm/min and acceleration speeds of 1.5m/[sec.sup.2] are offered by the new Solaruce SV-HSC travelling column, fixed-table milling machine from Ward CNC. Ideal for ultra-effective mould...

The single-axis solutions. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... Newall Measurement System has joined forces with IGUS of Germany to launch a single-axis machine tool measurement system incorporation an encoder, digital readout, linear rail and carriage. The Newall Single Axis Package brings together the...

High-speed VMCs. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... From Whitehouse come two OKK vertical-spindle bridge-type machining centres aimed at the mould/die sector and companies producing small to large batches of simple or complex components. The 40-taper VP400 and VP600 are capable of sub-micron...

Sheet metal source. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... Press & Shear has been appointed main agent for the Jetcam range of sheet metal CADCAM products. This follows agreement between Jetcam and Radan Computational to transfer its distribution agreement in the UK Press & Shear. Jetcam's Martin...

Finance gets smart. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... Smart Finance, seen as a new concept in asset finance through which customers can increase profits by acquiring the latest in machine tool technology while maintaining or even lowering their monthly outgoings, has been introduced by 600 Group....

Just a touch of functionality. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... British lathe builder Harrison has re-engineered its flagship Alpha 'U' range of CNC/manual lathes to incorporate a Fanuc 21i-T-based touchscreen. This new 1000 Series control features a 10.4ins wide colour touchscreen, keypad and system...

Fast CNC for small batches. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... KM Series of CNC milling machines from TPH Machine Tools has been designed with small batch production in mind--ideal for mouldmaking, tool-rooms and R&D shops. Operation and program input have been greatly simplified by the advanced use of...

High-torque workhorse. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... Described by UK agents Yuasa Warwick Machinery as a 'production workhorse', the latest mill-turn centre from Takamaz offers an 18/15kW (that's 30 minutes peak/continuous) spindle motor driving a chuck up to loins diameter. With an opposing...

Tooling gets in the groove. (Machine Tools & Tooling).
July 1, 2003... Face grooving tools from Advanced Carbide Tooling's ACT2.2 range have brought significant improvements in cycle times, tooling costs and the number of out-of-tolerance components for specialist control equipment manufacturer Penny & Giles. ...

Clear indication ... (Electrics & Electronics).
July 1, 2003... These Emergency Stop mushroom heads, from OEM Automatic, are simple and effective. A flag indicator clearly shows the status of the mushroom head from the front and the side. A simple snap-action pull will reset the unit which can be supplied...

Solenoid specials. (Electrics & Electronics).
July 1, 2003... OEM Automatic offers a complete range of standard solenoid valves from ERA-SIB with the additional ability to rapidly produce customised valves from concept and design through to finished product. Extreme high and low temperatures (from...

Compact economy. (Electrics & Electronics).
July 1, 2003... The flange and cover of this new IP67 encoder range is made from a high-tech composite carbon fibre material. The compact size of the encoder Oust 37 x 32mm) means very little space is required for mounting. The units are available in both...

Shh ... supply and control. (Electrics & Electronics).
July 1, 2003... A8285 and A8287 integrated circuits from Allegro MicroSystems are supply and control voltage regulators designed for the low-noise block section of analogue and digital satellite receivers, set-top boxes and internal satellite tuners. The...

Hinged insulation sleeve. (Electrics & Electronics).
July 1, 2003... Heyco's insulation product range features a one-touch insulation sleeve for straight or flag type terminals. Once the terminal has been crimped onto its wire, the new Heyco sleeve is fitted over the terminal to prevent the ingress of dust...

More value per slot. (Electrics & Electronics).
July 1, 2003... New I/O-rich PMC modules from Crellon Microsystems combine plentiful digital I/Os with flexible timer/counters on a single card to reduce hardware costs and save PMC slots. Extensive software support, including C libraries for popular RTOS...

The sensitive type. (Electrics & Electronics).
July 1, 2003... Patented robber safe edge from OEM will protect against crushing or trap points on powered doors, gates, guards and scissor lifts. The robber profile is made up of two sections of copper wire cored conductive robber, and an insulating...

A moving dc solution. (Electrics & Electronics).
July 1, 2003... Doga range of permanent magnet dc motors is available from OEM Automatic, with or without worm gearboxes. Ideally suited to battery-powered portable applications, the standard range shows power values up to 24V dc, 16-235W, at up to 4000rpm....

Change of scene for UPS. (Electrics & Electronics).
July 1, 2003... An advanced modular UPS system has been developed by Soeomec Sieon, with the needs of the telecommunications industry specifically in mind. Already widely in use in other industries, the new addition to the Modulys TC Series will enable the...

Trackball gets on board. (Electrics & Electronics).
July 1, 2003... Read Cosine's range of computer keyboards has been expanded to include a mini-cabled keyboard incorporating an integral trackball. This new keyboard, the P/N 8695TPS-UKE, incorporates the functionality of a 104-key keyboard and is believed...

New sensor shows its teeth. (Electrics & Electronics).
July 1, 2003... Allegro Microsystems' new ATS645 is a differential Hall-effect gear tooth sensor, able to sense, very small symmetrical tooth geometries with high reliability in applications such as automotive ABS and transmission systems. In operation,...

Blackbox found. (Factory Equipment).
July 1, 2003... In many production plants there is no need for local display or control, and level readings are fed directly back into the site PLC, SCADA, or other distributed control system. In this situation the 'extra' features on most ultrasonic systems...

Simply topping. (Factory Equipment).
July 1, 2003... When maintaining a fleet of fork-lift trucks, the right quantity of the right water (BS4974 compliant) for battery top-up is extremely important. Vivendi Water Systems has made it easy to ensure a reliable supply of deionised water on tap with...

Workshop benchmark. (Factory Equipment).
July 1, 2003... A new selection of Contract Workshop Equipment is available from Key Industrial Equipment. The range includes a foreman's workstation manufactured from welded steel with reinforced doors and an inclined writing surface with protection on...

Light safety on guard. (Factory Equipment).
July 1, 2003... Scientific Technologies' MiniProtect MP2100 Protective Light Curtain provides reliable, cost effective Type 2 guarding on equipment where low risk factors have been assessed. The MP2100 provides 30mm resolution, 15-metre range and protected...

Slimline column guard. (Factory Equipment).
July 1, 2003... Developed by LinPac Storage Systems as an accessory to their versatile racking ranges, the new narrow faced column guard is an unobtrusive upright protector. It has been designed to deflect accidental damage to the upright without slowing down...

All-change cubicles. (Factory Equipment).
July 1, 2003... OLN is a modular floor standing enclosure system from Hellerman Tyton, designed to provide a rigid yet versatile suite of cubicles which can be extended by using a wide range of accessories. This IP55 enclosure range consists of a structure...

Cut above the rest. (Factory Equipment).
July 1, 2003... Bahco's new Side-cutter Angled High Leverage (AHL) pliers, developed with the help of professional electricians, feature a sharper cutting edge, new joint and an angled head for 20 percent better cutting capability. Also newly launched are...

Perfect pitch. (Handling & Storage).
July 1, 2003... Atlet's new Piccolo pedestrian pallet transporter is pitched at applications where space is tight and where short cycles are required, including loading bays, trailer unit interiors, small warehouses and retail outlets. Piccolo is compact...

Mini load with maxi benefit. (Handling & Storage).
July 1, 2003... A fully automated mini-load system from Linpac Storage Systems is said to offer efficient handling of totes and trays. The system is designed to meet the exacting requirements of fast moving storage/retrieval machines whilst providing an...

Pump for sticky situations. (Handling & Storage).
July 1, 2003... Transferring very high viscosity creams, gels and pastes can present a major problem for manufacturers in food, pharmaceutical and process industries. Pump Engineering has developed a solution for these products using an air-operated CSF...

Buddy takes the strain. (Handling & Storage).
July 1, 2003... Dram Buddy is a range of small, lightweight and robust trolleys designed to remove drams from pallets to floor level with minimal operator effort and maximum safety. The new trolleys from Southworth Handling come in three models with an...

Get a load of this. (Handling & Storage).
July 1, 2003... With pressure to improve material flow and cut overheads, more companies are making efficient loading bay design a priority. The Hafa Load House from Crawford Amber is designed to meet the need for optimum loading bay performance,...

Racking revolution. (Handling & Storage).
July 1, 2003... Strongbox has introduced a range of instrument racks incorporating new features designed to improve system flexibility, maximise cable aperture access space for the rack width and make baying simpler and more efficient. In the new...

Small truck is big news. (Handling & Storage).
July 1, 2003... Rocla has announced the introduction of what is believed to be the smallest, most compact powered pallet truck--the new ac powered TW series of pallet trucks. The Rocla TW13ac has a 1350mm turning radius combined with 700mm chassis width,...

Space saving storage. (Handling & Storage).
July 1, 2003... A new range of next generation storage containers designed to save up to 70 percent storage space, is available from Key Industrial Equipment. The new design, said to be revolutionary, enables the bin to stack and nest, with the facility...

High speed from Hi-Tech. (Packaging & Labelling).
July 1, 2003... Atlanta Hi-Tech is the latest addition to Ulma Packaging's product range, capable of flow packing up to 400 packs per minute--depending on the application. Designed to be installed into an automated packaging line, the machine is equipped...

Watch for shock in transit. (Packaging & Labelling).
July 1, 2003... Shockwatch Clips and Labels turn bright red when subjected to any impact that exceeds a pre-set threshold limit and can be applied with (or without) a companion warning label to almost any shipped item or container. Used in conjunction with the...

New angles on wrapping. (Packaging & Labelling).
July 1, 2003... Orion Packaging has extended its capability by becoming UK distributors for the Heikaus Winwrap Stretch Machines, designed to operate using Winwrap pre-stretched film. The Heikaus RD 202, with a simple user display, is a portable pump-up...

New imager. (Packaging & Labelling).
July 1, 2003... HHP has launched the Imageteam[TM] 4600, its first retail and commercial advanced area imager. The new model is available in two versions, the IT4600PDF and IT46002D, and is said to be the most economical imager of its type. The IT4600 is...

Silicone safety. (Mechanical Components).
July 1, 2003... Low-smoke/low-toxic silicone rubber extrusions and seals are available from Silicone Fabrications, meeting UL94 VO (2mm) for use wherever public safety is important. Low or high volumes can be supplied as extruded profiles, cord, tube and strip...

'Peel away' gasket. (Mechanical Components).
July 1, 2003... A new, high-performance PTFE gasket material has been introduced by Garlock Sealing Technologies. Gen2 is the latest addition to the Gylon range of gasket materials and provides a cost-effective alternative to fibrous gaskets. Gen2 allows a...

Smooth operators. (Mechanical Components).
July 1, 2003... Flexicon has launched a new range of smooth PVC conduit, considered ideal for a wide range of applications, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The new LPC series is Liquid tight, and offers all the advantages of PVC...

Suction cups. (Mechanical Components).
July 1, 2003... V-Thane[R] polyurethane suction cups, specifically for high wear applications, have recently been developed by Hallam Polymer Engineering. The original custom design required that parts could be made in small quantities, give the lift required...

Speed up the process of getting it down! (Buildings & Maintenance).
July 1, 2003... Instarmac has tackled the problem of prolonged 'downtime' when refurbishing commercial and industrial floors. Two new self-smoothing cementitious systems--Cemfloor IB and Cemfloor IT--have been developed to facilitate speedy installation and...