What's New In Industry articles from July 2005

What's New In Industry archives from July 2005

WHAT'S NEW: CNC bridge mills think big.
July 20, 2005... Suited to light and medium-duty metal cutting applications, XYZ Machine Tools' new BRM CNC bridge mills can offer an economical alternative to routers and large milling machines. Control is by way of the easy-to-use XYZ VMX-7 CNC, with...

WHAT'S NEW: Turn up the heat.
July 20, 2005... Raytek's new MIH non-contact infra-red temperature sensor has a measurement range of -40 to +600 degrees C and can be used in areas with ambient temperatures up to 180 degrees C without air- or water- cooling accessories. Such cooling...

WHAT'S NEW: Winning ways with 'green' metals.
July 20, 2005... Researchers at Sheffield Hallam University have teamed up with Cambridge University spin-off company Metalysis to exploit a new process for 'winning' metals from their oxides, with the aim of making metal production more efficient and less...

WHAT'S NEW: Belts precisely into position.
July 20, 2005... Designed to meet precision positioning and speed control applications previously considered to be the domain of standard grade rolled ballscrew technology, the Breco range of Brecoflex StandardPlus endless polyurethane timing belts from...

WHAT'S NEW: Air quality control for harsh environments.
July 20, 2005... New from Hoerbiger-Origa, the A25 is a G1 (1-in port) filter/regulator/lubricator for controlling the quality of compressed air, particularly in arduous environments. The standard filter element has a 30mu m pore size, while pressure drop...

WHAT'S NEW: Encoder tunes in to the right programme.
July 20, 2005... By offering full programmability, the new DRS61 incremental encoder from Sick-Stegmann gives greater flexibility to the user and a significant reduction in stocks of pre-programmed or application/machine-specific devices. Using a PC and...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Bearings: a suitable case for treatment.
July 20, 2005... Choosing the right surface treatment for the application is one of the key factors in reducing friction, improving corrosion resistance and achieving longer bearing life, says bearing specialists The Barden Corporation. Demands of modern...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Heater makes bearing fitting easy.
July 20, 2005... SKF has introduced a high-efficiency portable induction heater to give easier bearing mounting. The TIH 030m is a lightweight device offering short heating times by placing the induction coil outside the heater's housing. Traditional...

BEARINGS & SEALS: High precision meets grinder requirements.
July 20, 2005... NSK's BGR super precision angular contact bearings combine the benefits of SHX heat- and seizure-resistant steel and ceramic balls to meet the high accuracy (ISO Class 2) and high-speed (up to 244,000rpm) requirements of the internal grinding...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Gathering speed to create next spindle generation.
July 20, 2005... To meet increasing demands for higher productivity, the latest machine tools are increasingly being equipped with motorised spindles. The only problem with this is that the integral motor acts as a heat source within the spindle, tending to...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Ballscrews in the Premier league.
July 20, 2005... Any combination of acuracy and pre-load can be supplied across all types of HepcoMotion's BSP Premier Series of ballscrews. Ballcsrew Premier is a compact range of rolled and ground screws in a single DIN nut format. Incorporating grade C7...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Vibration analysis right in your lap.
July 20, 2005... A conventional laptop computer can be turned into a machine diagnostics tool with a new cost-effective vibration analysis system from FAG Industrial Services. An improved version of FAG's vibration analyser, the new FAG Bearing Analyser 111...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Linear motion for heavy loads.
July 20, 2005... Latest additions to the THK range of linear motion guides have been designed for heavy and ultra-heavy load applications, particularly in the machine tools industry where high speeds, ultra-high levels of rigidity, extremely precise positioning...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Seal shroud tackles water pump leaks.
July 20, 2005... A new design of seal shroud to combat the problem of leaking seals - and consequent bearing failure - in automotive water pumps has been patented by Concentric Pumps. Such failures can be a costly source of warranty claims on engine...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Servo drives right in tune.
July 20, 2005... From Inmoco comes Danaher Motion's SERVOSTAR 200 (S200) series of all- digital industrial drives. The first with a velocity loop bandwidth up to 800Hz, they offer simplified tuning and high system throughput - as much as two to three times...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Software keeps lasers right on target.
July 20, 2005... Designed for use in semiconductor, data storage, laser processing, automotive and machine tool applications, the Aerotech A3200 software machine control system offers advanced motion control commands aimed at improving finished quality and...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Motors can take the heat out of using VFDs.
July 20, 2005... The result of this growth, says motor specialist WEG, is that increasing numbers of explosion proof electric motors are being employed across all industry sectors. The term "Explosion-proof" describes a range of motors for use in hazardous...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Drives with a purpose.
July 20, 2005... AutomationDrive FC301 is a new general purpose drive from Danfoss Motion Controls. This latest addition to the Danfoss VLT family is based on the same platform as the high-performance FC302 launched last year: the two together cover the full...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Easy speed control for ac or dc motors.
July 20, 2005... Range of electronic speed controllers has been introduced by Parvalux for its ac induction motors, dc shunt, permanent magnet and brushless motors. The 3001 series inverter offers accurate and reliable control of ac squirrel cage...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Communication by Ethernet.
July 20, 2005... A new communications processor from Siemens Automation & Drives suits small to medium industrial Ethernet comms and can connect a controller with up to 12 partner devices. The CP 343-1 Lean is only half as wide as other Ethernet CPs for...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Extending IP54.
July 20, 2005... ABB has extended its range of IP54 protected standard drives from the previous maximum of 45kW to 110kW. The range starts at 1.1kW. ABB says that its standard IP54 drive with IP54 enclosure does not require de-rating: many others do, and...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Plant update.
July 20, 2005... By converting 50Hz to 40Hz, ABB variable speed drives are saving a fertilizer manufacturer the cost of investing in new pumps and process equipment. The 40Hz pumps are at Terra Nitrogen's Billingham plant and were fitted before 50Hz became the...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Cables offer an affordable option.
July 20, 2005... Designed to offer an affordable option when used in energy chain systems, Chainflex control cables from igus can withstand the stress of tight bending radii to deliver a long service life at a lower cost. There are more than 500 sizes and...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Soft start keeps cool on the bypass.
July 20, 2005... The third - and smallest - of Rockwell Automation's SMC-Flex soft start range covers applications from one to 95A. Its integrated bypass automatically closes when the motor reaches nominal speed, providing cooler running and, as a...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Sensor for auto engine control.
July 20, 2005... ATS625 from Allegro Microsystems is a zero-speed differential gear tooth sensor, optimised to address the stringent requirements of automotive engine control, especially crank speed and position sensing. Using differential threshold detection...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Making the Ethernet connection.
July 20, 2005... From Harting comes the new M12-RJ45 bulkhead mounting adaptor, the latest in its range of interconnection products for interfacing in industrial Ethernet systems. Aimed at applications in factory automation and machine control, the device is...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Driving up the range.
July 20, 2005... ABB has set about expanded its established range of component drives by adding 1.5 and 2.2Kw versions to its existing 0.18, 0.37 and 0.75kW models. These ABB component drives are small, simple, low-cost devices used to control pumps,...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: New base for safety control.
July 20, 2005... Pilz has expanded its PNOZmulti range of software-configurable, modular safety controllers through the introduction of new base units and extra I/O modules, plus components specifically for users of power presses. The software has also been...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Soft start shreds energy costs.
July 20, 2005... A soft start that acts like an energy controller has reduced power consumption by 30 percent on a waste paper shredder run by Mondi Packaging at Wisbeach. The unit was recommended and supplied by Silverteam to distributor Nottingham Electrical...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Uncoupling with safety.
July 20, 2005... Developed to cope with extremely high flow rates, the latest vented safety coupling available from Tom Parker disconnects in two stages: the coupling is vented and so minimises the risk of sudden component separation. Sudden component...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Compressors offer power frequency options.
July 20, 2005... Range of oil-free compressors from Jun-Air has been extended with the OF1200, a higher output version of the established OF300. With an output of 130 litres/min at 8 bar (10 bar optional), the OF1200 offers a useful 45 percent increase over...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Plugging leaks for better financial health.
July 20, 2005... Compressed air is produced using electricity - its generation equivalent to about ten percent of industry's total electricity usage, rising to 30 percent in some sectors. These are weighty figures and highlight why companies have compelling...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Ultrasound check for leaks.
July 20, 2005... Battery-operated, lightweight and hand-held, the Beko leak detector can operate on both compressed air and vacuum systems. It detects leaks, which generate a high-frequency unltrasound, through a microphone that the operator trains on any...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Extending the oil-free options.
July 20, 2005... Latest additions to the Atlas Copco range of 8 to 10-bar oil-free SF silenced, fan-cooled WorkPlace compressors include a new SF1 10-bar model, 10-bar compressor elements for the SF2 and SF4 (increasing flows by 21 and 33 percent respectively)...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Instrument air...anywhere.
July 20, 2005... Perma Pure's latest portable Zero-Air generator produces high-purity, particle-free dry air at up to 18 litres/minute. Its portability makes it ideal on remote monitoring sites or with mobile test facilities. The Zero Air generator...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Sealing in smoother performance.
July 20, 2005... Developed for use in a range of industrial applications including door actuation, screen printing, special purpose machinery and packaging equipment, the range of rodless cylinders offered by Ultraline have been designed with a special type...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Dryer for low airflows.
July 20, 2005... Extended range of Drypoint AC adsorption dryers from Beko Technologies now offers small units in eight flow sizes from 10.2 to 112.2m/h (6 to 66scfm). These small dryers have been constructed in what Beko terms 'an especially...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Filters bring an air of efficiency.
July 20, 2005... Claiming to be 'the most energy-efficient compressed air filters in the world', the new HPC Oil-X Evolution units from Thorite combine extremely low air-flow resistance with advances in element design such as deep bed pleating, graded...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Keeping up with FDA mandates.
July 20, 2005... Sigpack Systems' pharmaceutical clients must abide by and, in many cases, be one step ahead of FDA mandates. One industry leader, Dey, L.P. of Napa, California, realized that, the FDA was about to come out with a regulation whereby all unit...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Poly labels on their metal.
July 20, 2005... Designed to meet a move towards replacing metal rating plates with printed labels, CIL's new 8000K labels claim greater durability than a traditional thermal transfer printed label. Printed data is resistant to fluids such as methyl...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Scribing system makes its mark.
July 20, 2005... SIC Marking has developed a bespoke scribing solution based on its i111s machine for specialist commercial vehicle maker LDV. It meets all health and safety criteria and SIC integrated the operation seamlessly into LDV's production process. ...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Controlling static.
July 20, 2005... Designed to combat film handling and processing problems such as web wandering, shrinkage during cooling, air pockets etc., Meech's new 990v2 static generator gives a safe and controlled application of static charge to create a temporary bond...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: New dairy solution.
July 20, 2005... Bag-in-box specialist, Rapak has supplied the new Autokap 620 FC Dairy Filler to Irish dairy, Arrabawn Co-Op. The redesigned Autokap has a number of enhancements to provide easy maintenance and increase hygiene during the filling process,...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Hot on security.
July 20, 2005... Sessions of York is offering cost-effective and attractive tamper evident labelling, utilising a modified version of its versatile Sequence Performance Labeller. As product passes through a heat tunnel, monoaxial or biaxial material is applied...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Pre-stretch film star?
July 20, 2005... Micro-Wrap is a new pre-stretched pallet wrap, manufactured and distributed by Vale Pack. Supplied in 8mu and 10mu for both machine and hand fill, Micro-Wrap is designed for industrial pallet packaging for load stabilisation. Fully...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Fast track pallet handling.
July 20, 2005... Smurfit Weston Super Mare, specialist manufacture of corrugated sheet board, has recently invested in Mosca pallet systems to replace older equipment. The new installation comprises a KCK-131 pallet press, incorporating turn-cross and...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Case printing writ large.
July 20, 2005... Marsh 1100 and 3100 are the latest large character ink jet printers from Videojet Technologies. Able to print 17mm high (Marsh 1100) of 70mm high (Marsh 3100), these printers are said to deliver 'the next technological leap' in reliable online...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Box of Dreamz.
July 20, 2005... Boxes GH, working with Ditone, has produced premium packaging for a new range of luxury popcom. The cartons are manufactured from Avanta Prima 400 micron folding box board, printed in six colours with UV gloss. They feature a crash lock...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: ECO building has a high-tech heart.
July 20, 2005... One of the most remarkable ecological buildings in Britain has been designed, built and occupied by an industrial automation systems integrator. Few companies would choose to demonstrate their abilities so publicly, but for GB Innomech it has...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Partitioning with flexibility.
July 20, 2005... Industrial partitioning specialist Troax has launched a versatile and economical partitioning system that is easy to install in factories, warehouses and offices. Based on the Troax Sabre partitioning system, new Sabre Lite panels are bolted...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Sound security.
July 20, 2005... Security sounders from audio/visual signalling specialist Klaxon have been chosen for installation in a new apartment block in Manchester. Installer Altex chose the Minn-XE due to its sleek and compact form, which makes it naturally...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: And the canopy came, too.
July 20, 2005... When APW, manufacturer of metal work enclosures for the electronics industries, moved assembly operations from Uxbridge to Chandlers Ford, the canopy building used to store finished products prior to consignment moved too. The 12 x 12 x 5m high...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Door offers fast easy access.
July 20, 2005... Building on its continuous development of the next generation of access solutions, door manufacturer and supplier Kaba Door Systems has launched the ETM automatic drive unit. Offering quick and easy installation, and ideal for interior...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Long life flooring.
July 20, 2005... One problem with floor coatings is that they often don't last very long - and the main costs are not always the paint, but the preparation and application. Robex has a range of hard wearing 'fluid applied' floor coatings guaranteed for...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Working safely at height.
July 20, 2005... The safety of maintenance personnel working at height requires special attention. And many types of flat roofing membrance on industrial premises need protection, too. One answer to both problems is Plastic Extruders' 100 percent...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Rail depot kept clean.
July 20, 2005... Industrial floor coatings from Addagrip are being used by Thameslink Trains as a protective flooring for a 4000m2 train servicing depot in Bedford. For such demanding use the flooring had to be hard-wearing and slip-resistant, yet easy to...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Piping fixed in a click.
July 20, 2005... Since switching from conventional welded structural steelwork to Halfen's Powerclick 63 system, the heavy-duty 'big brother' to conventional strut framing systems, compressor and generator supplier Atlas Copco Energas has achieved both time...

FASTENING & JOINING: Pins lock into aero quality.
July 20, 2005... Quality with enhanced performance is an extremely useful benefit and, says fastener specialist Elesa, nowhere more than in the case of removable fasteners. Elesa's KL range of aerospace spec. ball lock pins suit installation or...

FASTENING & JOINING: Adhesive can take the heat.
July 20, 2005... MasterBond's new two-component EP21HT is a room temperature curing epoxy adhesive with a 'forgiving' 1:1 mix ratio, weight or volume. Containing no solvents or volatiles, EP21HT is 100 percent reactive and claims excellent physical...

FASTENING & JOINING: Sending out the right signals for assembly.
July 20, 2005... Developed with the aim of driving down the costs of mechanical fastening, the new air-operated HSD hand screwdriver from Weber Automatic Assembly Systems is used in conjunction with a novel 'signal box' which evaluates 'OK/not OK' signals...

FASTENING & JOINING: Make the lead-free connection.
July 20, 2005... Harting has introduced lead(Pb)-free versions of all its electronics connectors, incorporating optimised surface finishes for solder crimp, wire-wrap, IDC and press-fit products. Ninety percent of its electronics connectors will be in...

FASTENING & JOINING: Pipe cement cuts fitting time.
July 20, 2005... Labour-saving One-Step solvent cement for Durapipe's PVC-U pressure pipework system can reduce installation times by as much as 25 percent. It has been developed to eliminate the need for abrading on new pipe and fittings. Installers...

FASTENING & JOINING: High-tack tape now high-shear.
July 20, 2005... To complement its HTA high-tack bonding foam tape, Technibond has introduced a high-shear adhesion version suitable for weight loading on difficult surface areas. Applications for the HPA product (high peel adhesion) include the quick and...

FASTENING & JOINING: A head for fastening.
July 20, 2005... SEAC has set out to make sure that its Polytops polymer-headed fasteners are as small as possible, making them both neat and unobtrusive, especially when colours have been customised to match fixing parts. There is also no need for capping,...

FASTENING & JOINING: Adhesive on the spot.
July 20, 2005... A precision dispensing system that applies accurate, consistent amounts of adhesive, lubricants, silicones, epoxies and other fluids used in benchtop assembly processes has been introduced by EFD. The Ultra 2400 dispensing workstation...

FASTENING & JOINING: MIG/MAG welders keep the weight down.
July 20, 2005... Developed to offer MIG/MAG welding capabilities in a compact and lightweight package, Kemppi's new 2520 and 2530 machines are said to achieve their considerable weight reduction over traditionally built units through the use of intelligent...

FASTENING & JOINING: Inserts get a grip on plastics.
July 20, 2005... After-mould insert installation times into plastics can be reduced considerably, says Bollhoff, with its QUICKSERT Hex hexagonal drive. The hexagonal internal bore allows a plain drive pin to replace the conventional mating thread material: the...

FASTENING & JOINING: A quick cure.
July 20, 2005... Master Bond's EP24AN is a fast-curing, two-component epoxy adhesive with high thermal conductivity of over 22 BTU/in/ft2/hr/ degrees F. It also claims superior electrical insulation properties and has a volume resistivity of >10 13 ohm-cm....

HANDLING & STORAGE: Two-tonne turn.
July 20, 2005... Waldens' Turntable Truck range includes a substantially built, high performance selection with a carrying capacity of two tonnes. Three platform sizes are available; 1200mm x 600mm, 1500mm x 800mm, and 2000mm x 1000mm, with a platform height...

HANDLING & STORAGE: All change?
July 20, 2005... With manual handling of pallets an increasing concern, and the presence of wood pallets in a clean zone now unacceptable. Premier Pallet Systems has developed a transfer device to present the recovered pallet at floor level for exchange, and...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Tighter turns create space.
July 20, 2005... A fleet of FLEXI G3 articulated lift trucks from Narrow Aisle has been instrumental in helping Harlow Group Storage Ltd achieve maximum storage density and warehouse efficiency. In 2003 the Harlow Group moved to a 40,000 sq ft warehouse on...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Gas-powered expansion.
July 20, 2005... The introduction of a gas-powered Aisle-Master articulated forklift has enabled Fannin Healthcare N.I., an independent distributor of medical, surgical and laboratory products, to optimise storage capacity at its new 6,500sq ft warehouse...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Big push for shop floor safety.
July 20, 2005... Cotswolds based Godwin Pumps recently took delivery of a Nu-Star Super Pusher for moving their large HL130 - HL250 Dri-Prime units around the manufacturing and testing facilities. The pumps are mounted on skid-bases and the finished...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Accredited for Thoroughness.
July 20, 2005... Toyota Industrial Equipment is now accredited to help UK forklift operators meet their legal obligation to hold a certificate of Thorough Examination for any forklift that they own, hire or lease. The accreditation from CFTS (Consolidated...

HANDLING & STORAGE: New heavyweight.
July 20, 2005... Toyota Industrial Equipment has introduced a new range of five heavy- duty stackers. The 7SLL range is built around Toyota's Powerdrive system, said to significantly improve safety, reliability and performance. Lifting up to 5.4m, the 7SLL...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Midland handling Land Rover.
July 20, 2005... When Land Rover commissioned COMAU ESTIL to provide a new production facility, Midland Handling Equipment supplied two Trakmaster 406 power and free conveyor systems. These are to handle the front two wheel valances from an initial assembly...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Spill kit carts.
July 20, 2005... Two new spill kits from Empteezy are specifically designed to provide rapid spill response. Customers have a choice of a roll holder version or a flat topped work cart type both packed with the absorbents to deal with most day-to-day...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Training milestone.
July 20, 2005... A landmark in safety training has been reached by Servatruc Training Services, an offshoot of Servatruc Ltd. Within four years, Servatruc Training has coached 1500 operators in the procedures and techniques for safe and efficient use of fork...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Streamlining.
July 20, 2005... Bloxwich Engineering in Walsall has halved the number of forklifts in use, leading to significant cost savings, after selecting leading forklift distributor M&W Toyota Handling, to upgrade its fleet. Barry Downs, Operations Director at...

HANDLING & STORAGE: On the case.
July 20, 2005... Walkers Snack Foods recently appointed Astec Conveyors to upgrade their packing lines and increase handling capacity. The handling system transfers complete filled and taped cartons from end of lines through to a number of robot...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Added racking.
July 20, 2005... John Dixon has recently joined SSI Schaefer with 20 years experience in the mobile racking industry. John's new role as Product Manager for Mobile Racking is something of a niche area, with only a handful of people in the UK with such...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Raising capacity.
July 20, 2005... Daryl Anodising has improved its warehouse configuration and increased storage capacity by 30 percent, by exploiting the versatility of two LPG-powered customised multi-directional forklifts from Combilift. Combilift customised the...

HANDLING & STORAGE: BMW stores more in less.
July 20, 2005... A new Atlet Tergo URF narrow aisle swivel reach truck has helped BMW to increase storage densities by 40 percent and improve load selectivity in the body panel picking area at its central warehouse in Bracknell. The picking area was...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Keep STILL on the move.
July 20, 2005... STILL HP 25 W combines a fully functional hand pallet truck with a highly accurate scale for weighing and transporting in a single action, saving both time and manpower. The STILL pallet truck scale is based on the HP 25 hand pallet truck and...