What's New In Industry articles from March 2000

What's New In Industry archives from March 2000

Motor performance set to take a step up.(innovative stepper motors)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... The motion control market has tended to be dominated by servos, while advances in the design of stepper motors have tended to lag behind servo motors (says SmartDrive's Geoff Sore). However, in the last few years the introduction of...

PCs cope with harsh zones.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Range of industrial PCs, single board computers and I/O board products from IMO has been designed using rugged construction to ensure system integrity even in harsh environments. The standard configured PC systems come with single board...

Sealing up a winning formula.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... DP Seals is continuing its involvement in the world of Formula One with the design and production of a new generation of seals for the much heralded Jaguar Racing Team. The company has developed an improved fluoroelastomer seal for the...

An automatic connection.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Festo has completed development of pneumatic subsystems for an automated battery pack assembly system designed by Gravatom Engineering Systems Ltd (GESL). The system was conceived by GESL for the battery systems division of AEA Technology,...

Support for 3D package.(EdgeCAM for Mechanical Desktop Version 4.5)(Version 4.5)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Strengthening its involvement with the Mechanical Applications Initiative, the strategic alliance between Autodesk and application developers Pathtrace launches its EdgeCAM for Mechanical Desktop Version 4.5 off-line CNC programing software....

Single source service.(Rexroth Hydraulics)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Rexroth Hydraulics is offering a comprehensive maintenance, repair, spares and technical consultancy package. This single source facility, which also extends to on-site installation, commissioning and fluid management, is designed to benefit...

Surfing for robots.(Robotsystems.co.uk web site)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Robotsystems.co.uk website aims to aid the industrial robotics/automation community in the presentation of themselves and their products and provide an application/industry-specific directory to enable users to source appropriate suppliers for...

Drives off the shelf.(ABB Automation's Drives and Motors Division signs contract with Independent Control Systems)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Agreement between ABB Automation's Drives and Motors Division and Independent Control Systems (ICS) that will see all ABB dc drives module business in the UK being channelled through the Telford-based system integrator, making ABB's DCS 400 and...

Moving to expand.(IVC Technologies)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... IVC Technologies has moved its Spraycoat business units to a new [35,000ft.sup.2] purpose-built facility less than a mile from J2 of the M5. The new facility is said to enable IVC to restructure and expand in all areas of business. Tel:...

Weighing upgrades.(Sartorius' industrial platform scales)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2000... Design modifications and the introduction of additional models, makes it easier to perform a range of industrial weighing jobs on the upgraded QC series industrial platform scales from Sartorius. The latest design includes an easy-to-read,...

Weighing options.(Mettler-Toledo's compact scales)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2000... Blue Viper range of compact scales from Mettler-Toledo are available in two platform sizes and five weighing ranges from 3 to 60kg. They offer a dual-range scale with 2 x 3000 display divisions and are available as a certified version to OIML,...

Testing thickness with all materials.(Krautkramer launches coating thickness meter)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2000... The CTM20 coating thickness meter from Krautkramer is an ultrasonic product that measures the precise thickness of up to three layers of coating in a single measurement -- whatever the materials. This hand-held instrument, which weighs 300g,...

Transmission by radio waves.(Mitutoyo's digimatic transmitter)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2000... Simple, cost-effective means of sending measurement data to a printer/processor by radio wave is provided by Mitutoyo's digimatic transmitter. The unit easily clips onto the data output socket of the company's Absolute model digimatic calipers...

Bore gauges at the ready.(Bowers Metrology)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Latest range of extended travel bore gauges from Bowers Metrology encompasses analogue, digital and piston grip versions. Its main advantage is the ability to inspect a large range of bore sizes without the need to interchange the measuring...

Sensor's electronics built-in.(GWI's LAS-5010V laser displacement sensor)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2000... Joining GWI's range of sensors for factory automation is the LAS-5010V laser displacement sensor with the conditioning electronics built into its housing. The result is a compact, self-contained unit eliminating the need for the usual...

Put to the test.(Professional Instrument Dist. launches new product)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Amprobe Genius 80 from Professional Instrument Dist. is an installation tester that complies fully with EN61557 and measures and analyses power to EN50160, lux, temperature, humidity, air speed and noise. Tel: 01756 799737 PID 466

In for the count.(Marsden Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Highly accurate, with a claimed 1/1,000,000 internal resolution, Marsden's DC-190 counting scale is ac/battery operated, has a 200-item memory. Up to six set point data can be programmed for each item. Tel: 0118 935 1655 Marsden 467

Checkweighing stage by stage by computer.(Sartorius' ProControl for Windows software)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Complete process control is possible for a range of industrial applications, with the launch of Sartorius' computer-aided system for average weight control and checkweighing of prepacked items. ProControl for Windows offers testing at every...

Sensors offer fine detection.(Datalogic)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Datalogic's SL5 sensors are said to be the first tubular plastic M18 sensors with laser emission compliant to Class 1 requirements (EN 60825-1), so guaranteeing maximum operator safety in all conditions. The visible red laser emission,...

Take us to your Lieder.(MCC launches new single loop controllers)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2000... French company MCC is launching its second generation of single loop controllers with its new Lieder range. Equipped with a 16-bit microprocessor and available in three standard formats -- 48 x 48mm, 48 x 96mm and 96 x 96mm -- these controllers...

Data signals on the move without wires.(Brief Article)(Evaluation)
March 1, 2000... Sensorlink wireless telemetry system from TSM makes it possible to send data signals from any sensor or strain gauge on to any data logger or read-out device. Sensorlink features miniature microprocessors and digital circuitry which offers...

Control options.(IMO's PID temperature controller)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2000... Compact, high-performance PID temperature controller from IMO, the FCL-13A, suits all types of temperature and process control and comes in a standard 48mm wide x 24mm high DIN standard enclosure for panel mounting. It offers full IP65...

Thermal testing.(Tempatron launches digital infrared thermometer)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2000... Chino IR-TA digital infrared thermometer from Tempatron is designed for numerous measurement control applications from food, energy and paper industries, air conditioning and industrial paint treatment to rubber, plastics and petrochemical...

Smart position.(RDP Electronics launches line of magneto-strictive position sensors)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2000... The MTS Temposonics III fieldbus family of magneto-strictive position sensors from RDP Electronics have been developed to offer a convenient means of integrating with industry-standard networks by providing CANbus, DeviceNet, SSI and...

PLC offers ac/dc options.(Programmable Logic Controller)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Mitsubishi has extended the range of installations to which its FX2N PLC can be applied. Amongst these are two new central processor unit modules; one with ac inputs, the other for dc power supply. The dc module will allow the FX2N to be...

At your service.(Pipeline Center, machine parts distributor)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... National distributors Pipeline Center have extended their supply service to process industries and now offer a complete package of valves and actuators, together with associated pipe and fittings, through their Technical Industrial Center. ...

Forging ahead.(Pegler and Louden, machinery industry)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Pegler and Louden's new range of forged steel valves expands their product choice, technical support package capability and customer service. The gate, globe and check valve products are available in sizes ranging from 1/4in to 2ins. Tel:...

Pinch valve panel mounts.(Densitron Control Systems, machinery industry)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... A washdown pinch valve which is designed for panel mounting has been added to Densitron Control Systems' range of solenoids which now incorporates more than 20 types and sizes. Well suited for delivering regular, accurate dosing of a range...

Valve is easy to maintain.(Brief Article)(Evaluation)
March 1, 2000... Sempell, part of the Tyco group has introduced the VA500 globe valve, designed for isolation duties on medium to high-pressure liquid/ steam/gas pipelines in the power, chemical and processing industries. A benefit of the valve is its ease...

Probe meter with extras.(Brief Article)(Evaluation)
March 1, 2000... Development of ABB's Aqua Probe insertion flowmeter -- the new AquaProbe 11 -- incorporates the high-spec transmitter from ABB's new technology AquaMaster flowmeter. This technology provides multiple displays for forward/reverse flow rates...

Pump range extended.(Ingersoll-Dresser Pump Company)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Ingersoll-Dresser has extended its CPXS range of magnetic drive, sealless chemical process pumps with the Model 150 drive. This extends the maximum drive rating to 45kW at 2950rpm with Neodymium magnets and 37kW at 2950rpm with Samarium Cobalt...

Running dry under pressure.(Pump Engineering's Ponndorf PK50)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... For liquids transfer applications where pumps need to be able to run dry without the risk of damage, Pump Engineering has introduced the Ponndorf PK50 peristaltic pump. The PK50 uses a sealed pump case which is half filled with liquid....

Guidance options.(SMC Private Ltd.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... SMC's extended range of guide tables includes the MGF and MGT series, both of which are said to offer improved assembly/conveyor system operation. The MGF is a non-rotating guide table. Its large internal bearing makes it resistant to eccentric...

Control on the corners.(HCR circular motion guide)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... The HCR circular motion guide from THK is designed to provide accurate, smooth motion in processes requiring four-way equal load rating. Achieving a high level of rigidity and durability, the HCR is suitable for a range of applications. It...

Linear stages -- the smooth way to travel.(Aerotech Inc. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania))(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... In the ALS130 series of linear motor stages from Aerotech, bidirectional repeatability of 0.1 microns is paired with a maximum speed of 300mm/sec and a no load acceleration of 1G. The direct drive feature of the motors means the stages are...

Spring range offers material options.(TFC)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Range of small crest to crest wave springs introduced by TFC caters for applications including limited radial and axial space. The springs come in a range of sizes and are available in a choice of materials including carbon spring steel or...

Planets by the million.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Planetary gearboxes capable of handling torque levels up to one million Nm are offered by the Brown Group. The Millennium series consists of both in-line and right angle models with a range of torque levels from 1000Nm to 1milllion Nm available...

Take the shuttle.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... A shuttle cylinder said to combine compact design and high technical specification with a competitive price has been launched by Rexroth Mecman. RexMover is a rodless design which measures just over half the length of a conventional...

Labels right on target.(label printers from Target)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... TEC B-482 series of label printers from Target claims fast throughput, auto-print and remote diagnostics at a low cost. It has a DRAM of up to 16M byte for a print length of up to 2.726m, together with a high performance CPU. It offers a 300...

Shredding into the void.(Easyfill shredder from Easypack)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Easyfill shredder from Easypack turns surplus cardboard boxes into cost-effective, protective void fill material for transit packaging. It trims boxes as it shreds -- no need for pre-cutting. Tel: 01707 376261 Easypack 511

All sealed up at the end of the line.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Complete system for end of line operations to close, seal, code and stabilise cases in one compact operation has been introduced by Limpet Systems. The basic system features the Compact Unitizer, XL35 semi automatic case taper and Legend 55 ink...

Scanner tackles damaged codes.(Mini-X Dual VV bar code scanner, from Accu-Sort)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Mini-X Dual VV bar code scanner, from Accu-Sort, has a high scan rate and as standard includes the company's DRX decoding technology. This system enables any damaged or poorly printed codes to be electronically reconstructed, making high read...

The first of many.(Datamax Corporation's thermal printers)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Datamax Corporation have introduced the first in a new line of thermal printers. The DMX-E-3202 is designed for a range of labelling and non-traditional point-of-sale (POS) applications, including document tracking, inventory control,...

Closed at a pinch.(Fischbein Saxon's Pinch Bag Closer)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Fischbein Saxon's Pinch Bag Closer, the PBC 5600, has been fully updated. This heavy-duty bag closing system uses hot air to melt the pre-applied glue and folds the Longer stepped-end of the bag onto the now molten glue surface effecting an...

Quick change from modular labeller.(Sessions of York)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Improved versatility and performance are offered by the redesigned Magnum Flat Sheet from Sessions. This fully automatic system can now handle most types of self-adhesive label. The Spitfire intermittent pack feeding unit has superseded the...

Faster labelling.(Willett 255)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Developed to meet all pallet labelling needs, the Willett 255 is capable of high-speed labelling but is compact enough to enable users to move it from one packaging line to another. The system places two standard format pallet labels,...

Sustaining resources.(Nefab RePak and Nefab ExPak)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... The RePak and ExPak packaging systems that have been introduced by Nefab are said to have proven lifetimes of between 50 and 400 cycles. Developed to counter the threat to the environment from packaging waste, the material is manufactured...

Label design on the tabletop.(Paxar 9640)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Range of tabletop printing options from Paxar has been extended with the launch of the 9640, a compact and affordable thermal direct or thermal transfer printer. Typical applications include price mark-downs, returns marking and asset...

Data right to hand.(Hand Held Products Dolphin 7400)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Dolphin 7400 from Hand Held Products is a rugged handheld computer platform for Windows CE that features an innovative modular design. The device can incorporate a wide variety of automated data collection technologies such as scanners, digital...

A better address.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Latest release of Schneider's PL7 software language enables PLC programmers to add symbols to program addresses more easily. Using %11.7 as an address denotes input 7 on the first card: by simply right-clicking the mouse and using the Associate...

The X factor speeds up plant integration.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... The total integration of a manufacturing plant -- from the factory floor through to high-level business systems -- is provided by the latest version of Wizard's innovative Manufacturing Execution System (MES), Xfactory V1.4. This new...

Software make its mark.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... WinTotal W2000 is an extended version of Raychem's design and print software that can simplify even highly complex wire and cable marking. Designed for printing i/d codes onto heatshrinkable sleeves, wraparound labels and tie-on markers,...

PC protection.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... For those looking to computerise operations in hazardous areas, Armagard has introduced a purged enclosure for Zone 1 environments. It enables a standard desktop PC and up to 21-inch monitor to be used `without risk', providing an...

Taking off for in-flight simulation.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Honeywell's Shadow Plant dynamic simulation software is for training process plant operators and for evaluating ways to improve plant performance. Part of the Honeywell Hi-Spec Solutions@sset.MAX suite of products -- designed to maximise...

Mini PC on a single-board.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Highly-featured single-board PC which is said to provide a very compact solution for embedded applications has been introduced by Blue Chip Technology. UK designed and built, Photon is based on the AMD AM5x86-P75 running at an internal...

Motherboard base.(Siemens Automation and Drives)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... New family of products from Siemens Automation & Drives are all based around a common motherboard designed for applications where hostile environments associated with manufacturing and process industries are likely. This view universal PC...

The write stuff.(Halesowen Microcentre)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Halesowen Microcentre's report writer module enables reports to be customized as an adjunct to its quality systems software. Standard generic reports on FMEA, SPC, SQA, gauges, MSA and control plans are built into each software package. The new...

In the right mould.(Delcam PS-Estimator)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... To help mouldmakers produce quotes quickly and accurately, Delcam has launched a new estimating package. Called PS-Estimator, the system includes a range of options to give easier and more thorough investigation of CAD models. The first of...

Imagine there's no prototype.(AMESim)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... AMESim is a full fluid power aplication-oriented simulation software designed for engineers involved in the design of fuel injection systems, vehicle thermal management, gearboxes and power-train, braking systems, power steering systems,...

Type T accuracy.(Anville Instruments Series 425)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Anville Instruments has extended its range of the Series 425 to provide higher accuracy and stability type T thermocouple measurement for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Two versions are available: Series 425/TC/16-T with 16 type T...

Keeping guard on net communications.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... To protect small offices and home offices that connect to the Internet via DSL, cable modems and ISDN, Wick Hill has introduced the Watchguard SOHO Internet security appliance. This compact, all-in-one solution enables small businesses and home...

Solve supply chain problems.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... For situations where flexible solutions to manage and control medium to large warehouses and distribution centres are needed, Heyde offers its HELAS warehouse management system which combines the use of technologies such as radio frequency data...

Control high throughput.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Pneumatic accumulation system giving precise control of loads on high throughput conveyors has been introduced by ECS. It uses photocells to sense the position of loads on a conveyor track and control the powered rollers, instead of using the...

Effortless moves with air skates.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Aluminium air skates from Hovair can provide a versatile and effortless method of both moving and installing plant and machinery. Used in combinations of four, six, eight or more -- depending on the weight of the load to be manoeuvred --...

Bulk bag safety at the bar.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Spout closure bars available on Spiroflow bulk bag discharge systems are a multi-function feature designed to bring convenience and safety to GIBC handling, as well as dust-free discharge. Closing pneumatically around the spout above the...

Safer handling overhead.(Ingersoll-Rand ergonomic handling systems)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Based on an extensive range of overhead conveyance rails, and available in aluminium, steel or stainless steel, Ingersoll-Rand's latest ergonomic handling systems are said to offer improved employee protection and greater process efficiency....

Palletising on the move.(Dawson Group PLC)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Key feature Dawson's new semi-automatic Spacesaver palletiser is that it is moveable by fork lift truck enabling it to be moved from one production line to another at short notice. Upon repositioning, the unit merely requires to be placed...

Electric winches allow smoother lifting.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Range of electric winches from Pfaff Silverblue is suitable for light to medium duty groups, where a maximum of 120 switches per hour is required. The Silverline family consists of ten models ranging from 125 to 2000kg lifting capacity....

Modular system puts equipment `on air'.(Solving)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Packaged as a ready to use modular air bearing system, a range of air-film equipment has been introduced by Solving. Capable of moving loads of 5 to 250 tonnes, sets of air bearings use compressed air to form a thin film of air beneath the...

Pallet trucks take it easy.(Southworth Handling)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... For use in the warehouse and on the shop floor, Southworth Handling has introduced the Pal Lift Hi Lift pallet truck range. Robust and easy to steer, with up to 300deg. turning capability, these cost-effective trucks are designed to lift...

Pallets are ready for multi-trips.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Palletower has introduced a range of multi-trip sleeved containers. The versatile units offer a complete returnable packaging system and comprise an injection moulded pallet base, intermediate folding sleeve which can be made from cardboard or...

Carting it away.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Portable filtration cart from Hydrotechnik can he used in an even wider range of industry applications -- with diesel as well as oil. Called the Schroeder Sentry, the new cart provides effective off-line contamination control, whilst...

Strength for gouging.(Murex Welding Products Transarc DC 400E)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... For MMA, TIG and arc air gouging applications, Murex Welding Products has developed the Transarc DC 400E. This machine features a strengthened frame, immersion-resistant enamelling for the transformer and inductor and waterproof switches for...

Modular benches.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Welconstruct's new range of workstations are of modular design, for easy on-site assembly. Standard benches are offered in six sizes up to 1500 X 750mm maximum. Left or right handed `L' shaped workstations can also he supplied with one piece...

Tube alignment no longer a fiddle.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Weldlogic has introduced the Centrator Tube Alignment Tool so that the welder no longer has to fiddle about trying to achieve the perfect `fit up'. The Centrator simply inserts into the pipe and, by turning the central actuating handle,...

The weld zone has it taped.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... To save time and money in the welding of large diameter tubes, vessels and flat sheet made from thin wall stainless, carbon or alloy steels, two new grades of backing tape have been introduced by Huntingdon Fusion Techniques. Argweld...

Ecodrain that has a brain.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Zander's new level sensing condensate drain that saves on running costs by preventing compressed air escaping from the system. The new electronic Ecodrain LS senses the level of condensate in a system and allows only unwanted condensate to...

Simply push to fit pipework.(Legris Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Transair aluminium push-to-fit compressed air pipework from Legris has been designed to overcome the problems of extensive labour and waiting times when installing or modifying pipework. Transair is a complete system of aluminium tubing in...

Camera stands the heat.(Ircon Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Ircon has extended the range of its digiCam-IR infrared camera which now measures from 0 to +600 [degrees] C -- previous limit was to +350 [degrees] C. It offers 12-bit resolution and accuracy of [+ or -] 2 [degrees] C or [+ or -] 2% of full...

Machinery check.(Holroyd Instruments)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2000... Holroyd Instruments' MHC range of portable condition monitoring instruments is based on a high-frequency way of detecting and characterising the condition of rotating machinery. Latest development is an integrated single-channel module called...

Smart way to get into condition.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Plant personnel can identify, prioritise and plan to reduce typical maintenance problems that may result in lost productivity and unplanned stoppages -- while also virtually eliminating errors in data gathering and reporting -- with a new...

Combatting scale build-up.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Flocare's Scalewatcher `C' system combats electronically the build-up of scale in commercial pipework. Housed in IP67-rated polycarbonate enclosures for high ingress and impact protection, it is available in a range of sizes and power outputs...

Blowdown for boiler efficiency.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... To maintain the efficiency of a steam boiler Controlled Flame Boilers offers the CFB range of blowdown vessels. Designed to accommodate all typical boiler sizes, these systems are used to blow down the boiler, ensuring that the total...

Check vibration.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2000... Sensonics has introduced the new ME9601 system, a vibration monitor installed in three stages to give warning of excessive vibration levels on all types of rotating plant. The system consists of an accelerometer and a wall-mounted enclosure...