What's New In Industry articles from March 2001

What's New In Industry archives from March 2001

COVER STORY.(UK's Climate Change Levy)(Brief Article)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2001... With UK industry about to face up to the Government's Climate Change Levy -- it comes into force on April 1st -- BSL has announced it is offering a resource for companies looking to cut energy usage and offset the potential costs of this new...

Circuit breaker.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Aimed at avoiding costly production line down times, E-T-A's electronic circuit breaker offers selective disconnection of load circuits attached to switched mode power supplies. The ESS1 provides protection for output circuits connected to 24V...

A small footprint.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... From Raychem, the Tyco vertical surface mount polymeric positive temperature co-efficient resettable fuse is for overcurrent circuit protection in compact form factor main distribution frame modules and dense linecards supporting multiple...

Plug-in power.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Plug-in power module has been launched by Parker Hannifin for its range of DIN rail mounting stepper drives which gives direct on-line operation from standard single-phase ac mains supplies. The P25L power module can supply up to three...

More servomotor options.(from GE Fanuc)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... GE Fanuc Beta range of ac servo motors is available in an extended range of six models, with the addition of two small units designated the M Series with outputs of 200W and 400W respectively. The motors, which provide high power despite...

A softer start with a smoother stop.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... MSF Soft Starters from Emotron offer ultra-smooth starting through torque ramping, continuous machine/process protection against underload and overload situations, plus ultrasmooth stopping through torque ramping and/or advanced braking...

Time is of the essence.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Latest timer series from Carlo Gavazzi includes the most frequently used timer functions in the most popular housing types allied to high level of safety and reliability. The timers, with single and multi functions, are available in three...

On the bridge.
March 1, 2001... Only 240 x 190 x 110mm and weighing just 1.5kg including batteries, the Cropico PW5 Wheatstone bridge has been developed as the resistance measuring solution where size and portability are important. This complete self-contained instrument has...

Mini thermometer.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... With add-on air cooler, the Javelin infrared thermometer from Ircon provides non-contact temperature measurement in environments of up to 150 [degrees]. To protect the lens against air borne particles an air purge unit is a further option....

Making sense.(laser sensors)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Balluff's new NPS 18k laser sensors provide a cost-effective solution for the more demanding photoelectric applications. These laser photoelectric switches are suited for small part detection and where precise switching is required. 462...

Liquid analysis gets the full treatment.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Developed to meet a whole range of water treatment applications, a new family of process liquid analysers, the 1055 series, has been introduced by the Uniloc Division of Rosemount Analytical. Their dual-channel, multi-measurand capability,...

Digital testing on the move.(digital test meters)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Range of portable, digital test meters from Labfacility measures a wide variety of parameters from temperature, sound and light to mechanical quantities and includes versatile multimeters for various electrical parameters. The range...

Gauge given add-on versatility.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Bowers Metrology is offering an extended range of accessories for its Universal gauge. The instrument performs measuring tasks such as internal and external measurement of bores, threads, grooves, tapers, splines, shallow spigots and recessed...

Probe provides a machine health check.(temperature, vibration monitor)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Effective means of checking the health of a machine -- measuring vibration and temperature to assess its operating state -- is offered by the SKF Marlin condition detector, available from BSL. The hand-held tool provides factory and...

Probe options.(level transmitters)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Single rigid rod and single flexible probe options have been added to the Eclipse rapge of GWR level transmitters from Magnetrol. The Eclipse 708 provides a single rigid rod probe option, making effective wave level measurement possible in...

Magnetic pumps.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Ultrachem ANSI dimensional magnetically driven pumps from Michael Smith Engineers are based on a ductile iron casting and incorporate a Tefzel (ETFE) lining for high corrosion resistance. The pumps, which deliver flows to 75m3/hr and heads to...

Fit-and-forget.(dry vacuum pumps)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Two models have been added to BOC Edwards' GV Drystar range of dry vacuum pumps: the GV260M and GV410M complete the series which offers high-capacity, fit-and-forget vacuum pumping. Proven claw technology, with built-in roots mechanism, gives...

Manifold design seals a tapeless connection.(from Parker Hannifin)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Innovative manifold design for Parker Hannifin's new Rosemount coplanar process transmitters offers factory-fitted compression tube ends, providing a `connectionless' interface which eliminates the need for PTFE tape or sealant: it makes it...

Plant data caught in the web.(remote plant monitoring)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Web-enabled fastflex remote terminal unit that allows anyone with the required security codes to access real-time plant data with just a PC and a modem via an ordinary telephone line, has been introduced by Transmitton. Because no special...

Panel meters get smart.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... G format range of 1/32 DIN smart panel meters from Omron has been extended with the launch of a counting/timing controller, offering dual display, front panel parameter setting and an in-built option for simple system integration. The H8GN...

Logging the data.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Powerful, high-speed DT800 data logger from dataTaker is suitable for a range of process control applications. This data logger and data acquisition unit has universal sensor input, including TC, RTD, strain, serial and SDI-12. The DT800...

Upping the load.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Cooper split roller bearings from BSL are offered in a higher capacity package that offers up to 38 percent more roller bearing capacity, or a three times improvement in [L.sub.10] bearing life, with no dimensional increase. This redesign also...

At a stroke.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Long stroke pneumatic linear actuators from Leader Grippers feature an antirotation bar to assure precise positioning. Applications include pick up and transfer of parts as part of a single-stage positioning system or as a Z-axis for an...

High-performance chain on a roll.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Said to offer higher performance size for size than standard roller chains, Tsubaki HT series chain is suitable for tough and demanding applications such as quarrying, conveying, bulk handling and mobile drive systems. The chains are...

Cost-effective boost for torque levels.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... By integrating a servo motor and planetary gears in one unit, the Exlar PSA series of geared servo actuators from Inmoco can overcome the costly requirement for discrete gear reducers to boost torque output levels. The PSA series aims to...

Rail system on the ball.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... High load capacity, long service life, excellent running properties and long service intervals are claimed benefits of Generation 2000, a ball rail system from Rexroth Star. The system is said to offer 30 percent more dynamic load capacity and...

The worms that turn.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Range of helical worms from Rehfuss combines its SM worm geared motors to give deep ratios (up to 581:1) with efficiencies of more than 80 percent. The helical worms convert the SM range to the SSM range and are available from 0.06 to...

Robotics deal.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Robot supplier Motoman has teamed up with design house and systems integrator BTM to offer advanced robotic equipment for component handling and transfer applications. The co-operation agreement makes available Motoman's Japanese-built,...

Stacks of baskets.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... New range of plastic-coated wire mesh baskets for storing small or bulky items is offered by Welconstruct. Providing high visibility of contents, the baskets can be stacked up to six high. Castors can also be fitted for ease of movement. ...

Conductor closes in on crane power.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... For many years the crane market has traditionally used single bar conductor systems for the supply of power on long travel applications, the primary reason for this, says Metreel, being the cost advantage over technically advanced enclosed...

Guard plays safe to avoid collisions.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... When installed on a moving crane with either manual or remote control, Ultraguard from Cattron-Theimeg will, as a result of three user-set ranges, successively warn of an approaching object, slow down, then finally stop travel. Use of this...

Hi-tech truck CAN take the bus.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... One of the most advanced trucks of its kind with its advanced CANBUS technology, Narrow Aisle's Hi-Racker Combi 120ac can be easily and quickly reprogrammed for a range of different functions to suit operational needs -- slowdown/acceleration;...

Pick-and-place.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Festo's new range of pneumatically-driven, small dimension linear axes suit handling and assembly functions. The HMPL linear actuator is slender and robust, making it ideal as a highly-precise individual model or -- by combining it quickly and...

Electric trucks offer a stack of options.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... With both a straddle leg option and initial lift capacity, Hyster's new S1.2S - 1.5S range of electric stacker trucks combines heavy-duty lifting capabilities with a range of options and can be used in lifting situations that normally might...

The joy of remote control.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Latest remote control device from Mannesmann Dematic, the RC-J joystick model, suits a variety of remote control applications, particularly variable speed control of cranes, hoists, travel drives and materials handling systems, The RC-J is...

Weighing as you lift.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Nova Weigh's weighing systems, integrated into pallet trucks and fork lift trucks, claim an accuracy better than 0.1 percent of the applied load. By having the weighing systems built in the forks, every charge is weighed immediately, without...

Easy tube handling.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... ABB's new FlexTube tube handling system offers a custom-designed system capable of considerable flexibility in the range of tubing and the variety of palletizing patterns that can be handled. Comprising a robot, tube gripper and pallet...

Lifting in all directions.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... The Tasker-360 is a new battery-powered counterbalance lift truck with a full 360deg. multi-direction capability. Available from Sidetracker Engineering, the truck is designed to carry long loads or pallets inside or outside and on rougher...

Graded filtration.(Alpha Controls Inc. introduces line of compressed air filters)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Covering four grades of filtration, the latest range of compressed air filters from Alpha Controls is designed to provide high-quality compressed air, starting with pre-filtration particle removal through to activated carbon oil removal down to...

Vacuum ovens.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Offering precise PID temperature control (up to 240 [degrees] C) and vacuum conditions in sizes from 16 to 127.5 litres, the Models 1425, 1445 and 1465 digital vacuum ovens are available from Townson & Mercer. Cross-flow ventilation through the...

Weld cleaner.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Weld burn from tig, fused and precision welds is rapidly cleaned to a scratch-free surface using the Electrowand from Finishing Solutions. Features of the wand include 100V options for onsite work, fume filtration options, sealed body and...

Precision weld head bridges that gap.(Townsend Coates introduces high-precision electrode weld head)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... High precision weld head from Townsend Coates offers ultra-small etectrodes with fine gap adjustment and is ideal for parallel gap applications such as small cells in power pack production. Suitable for joining thin tab material to various...

Drying blow by blow.(Secomak introduces turbo-blower drying systems)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Range of all-in-one drying systems from Secomak combines air knives and blowers with drip trays, enclosure panels and acoustic covers in a complete turnkey package. The units are said to reduce the cost of drying by up to 90 percent, compared...

Carried away on the level.(BR Lewis introduces adjustable-height levelling casters)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Available from BR Lewis, the Carrymaster range of adjustable levelling castors eliminates the need for the fitting of separate castors and adjustable mounting feet by doing the job of both. Once in position, machinery is quickly secured and...

Gripping stuff.(Carver Inc. introduces line of machine vices)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Versatile and with a low profile, Carver machine vices grip workpieces safely and securely in position for applications where conventional vices cannot be used. They are said to be ideal for milling, grinding and general surface machining...

Welds kept clean.(Anapol introduces electrochemical weld-cleaning machine)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Surface treatment specialist Anopol has launched a portable electrochemical weld cleaning machine suitable for small and medium size applications. It is also suitable for localised electropolishing stainless steel. Cleaning is essential as...

Insulation can cut down energy loss.(Cape Calsil introduces Gentherm 650, calcium silicate insulation product)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Cape Calsil's Gentherm 650 is a new high temperature calcium silicate insulation product which has been cost engineered to compare favourably in price with fibrous insulation. Claiming the superior thermal performance benefits of calcium...

Seals stick to the task.(Silicone Fabrication Services introduces tape-less adhesive system for gaskets and seals)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Directly applied `tape-less' adhesive system developed by Silicone Fabrication Services means that silicone rubber gaskets and fabricated seals, such as joined rings, now come complete with an adhesive backing. Applied to solid silicone...

A pig in the pipeline can speed production.(HPS introduces pipeline flow-maintenance system)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Aimed at industries that use pipelines to transfer fluids -- typically food, drink, chemicals etc. -- the HPS pigging system means no product is wasted at the end of runs, far less effluent is produced and production turnover is faster. In some...

Turning dark.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Nederman's self-darkening welding helmets can be combined with a high-powered respiratory system. The self-contained `fresh air unit' has four or eight-hour rechargeable cells. Units are available with audio/visual alarm for low battery and...

Failsafe light curtains check up for faults.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Matsushita's Category 4 UZKA2 safety light curtains incorporate a reliable fail-safe design which enables the user to operate the device confidently. Two independent self-monitoring microprocessors ensure that any possible fault condition...

Lighting up the hazards.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Offering flexibility in both light output and voltage rating plus easy maintenance, an EEx derated floodlight for Zone 1 areas has been added to the Petrel range of hazardous area light fittings from PEP Electrical Products. The ATEX...

Switches sealed for safety.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Sealed, safety limit switches from Aerco are small and cover IP68 ratlng. The Super Sealed CE series suits a variety of conditions and environments and includes environmentally protected and heavy-duty miniature limit switches. A selection...

A service to the environment.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... BP has developed a program to assist companies respond to the Climate Change Levy. BP recognised that its customers would need to acquire new expertise to respond to essential emission reduction targets set by the Government and to...

Saving measures on compressors.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Atlas Copco says that customers using the company's compressors can enjoy practical and proven ways to save on their fuel bills and, eventually, on their energy tax liabilities. Atlas has developed a measuring box that can reveal just how much...

Changing climates.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... No fooling -- April 1st sees the introduction of the Government's new Climate Change Levy. Carrieann Davies assesses the implications for manufacturing industry. If you were asked to sum up one problem with Britain, what would it be? The...

Conserving energy.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Riello Active, a new service concept for commercial burners introduced by Riello Burners, has been developed to help the energy user in boiler plants by conserving energy and keeping operating costs to a minimum. There is a choice of two...

Drives catch a chill.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... York has extended its range of variable speed drives (VSD) for chillers. Millennium centrifugal chillers and retrofit applications up to 4900kW can now be supplied with a factory-packaged variable speed drive, delivering chiller energy savings...

Motors are in stock.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... ABB Automation claims to have become the first motor manufacturer to launch a full range of stocked motors in the highest European efficiency class, Eff1. The new motors will qualify for the Government's Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme....

Levy gains support.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Coolmation has launched a new support service for chilled water and cooling system users in the industrial and process sector concerned about the impact of the Climate Change Levy (ECL). Using Coolmation's CCL Advice Line (tel: 0800 731 5466),...

Condensing costs.(evaporative condensers from Baltimore Aircoil)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Baltimore Aircoil has produced a range of evaporative condensers which makes use of a corrosion protection system and other design features developed to minimise maintenance costs. The company claims the VX Series -- available in 62 models...

Compressing the issue.(air compressor equipment from Meech Air Technology)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... A key issue in the control of costs when using compressed air is the type of nozzle used. Air Saver jets and nozzles from Meech Air Technology incorporate external and internal profiles to produce a Coanda effect that entrains surrounding air,...

Finance comes with a guarantee.(from Siemens)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Siemens has begun offering customers guaranteed financial protection, should the Government's Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme fail to materialise. Any firm buying motors or variable speed drives from Manchester-based Siemens Automation...

Watch out for the changes.(Home Automation's Watchman 360 series)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Home Automation's latest generation of stand-alone, occupancy sensors are suitable for specifiers and contractors concerned with lighting control system projects designed to save energy and climate levies. The new Watchman 360 series is...

Gas heaters extended.(by Schwank)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Schwank has extended the Supra range of gas fired radiant plaque heaters to aid energy managers facing high space heating costs. The Supra 15 and 40 models join forces with the Supra 10, 20 and 30 units to provide output levels of 7.7kW to...

Slimmer hinge.(Emka 1031)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Ultra-slim 1031 hinge from Emka enables concealed fitment on the narrow door flanges of specialist cabinets and allows 115deg. opening. As 20mm door flanges become more common in order to create more usable space -- previously the norm has been...

Cold store door takes the knocks.(UK Lift's Iso-Tek)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Free of costly panel defrost systems, the Iso-Tek cold store door is also impactable, allowing quick, tool-free repairs and so avoiding expensive service call outs. The hinged, hanging-panel design means there is no panel deformation or loss of...

Upgraded goods lifts need no pit.(Gebhardt ConVer 146)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Upgraded range of goods lifts which can be installed without a pit or other building work has been introduced by European Conveyor Systems. The Gebhardt ConVer 146 lifts incorporate a stable, free-standing galvanized framework which is...

Keep out damp.(Watco Dampshield epoxy resin)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Watco Dampshield is a penetrative epoxy resin damp-proofing agent, suitable for a wide range of applications on concerete, brick or stone. Applied by roller, its epoxy resins penetrate and bond with the substrate where they seal the pores to...

Door springs into action.(Stokvis Thermadoor 640-2K)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Latest Thermadoor Model 640-2K insulated sectional overhead door from Stokvis appears to be a standard sectional door but is, in fact, a loading bay door with a difference. Designed specifically with quick and easy installation in mind, this...

Fast degreasing.(IDC Biosane degreasers)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... IDC's Biosane range of fast-acting cold degreasers can remove oily and greasy matter, inks, adhesives and soaps across a very wide range of products and substrates. Typical uses include cleaning off mineral and synthetic based oils, temporary...

Get it taped.(Davies Tapes AT191)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... From Davies Tapes comes AT191, a high-grade smooth fabric tape, strong in tension, with a weather resistant finish and incorporating a high-stability adhesive system, the properties of the tape include a high adhesion and good shear...

A close finish.(Scapa 6830 sandblasting tape)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... For use both in manual or computer-plotted engraving, Scapa 6830 sandblasting tape is suitable for medium and deeper gravure on soft and hard materials, including stone, marble, granite, glass and metal. It is ideal for deep and medium...

One-part adhesives see the light.(Loctite Corp.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Eight new Loctite one-part adhesives, which cure by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, give total, tack-free curing on demand within three to 30 seconds; cure through a remarkable 13mm; substrate versatility; clean, easy, safe application; and...

Tube gets a heart of steel.(gas-tight tube)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Thin wall gas-tight tube, capable of withstanding very high pressures in corrosive environments such as the offshore and petrochemical industries, combines epoxy resin and ultra high-strength steel from SSAB Swedish Steel. Bondstrand SSL...

The big build-up.(Kanya products)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Kanya has extended its range of aluminium extrusions and accessories for the PVS building system, used to construct machine guards, frameworks, conveyors and specialist enclosures. As well as several new 5m long extrusions such as a runner...

Robots placed on a pedestal.(Fanuc Robotics)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... New -- and more affordable -- generation of pedestal robots for general industrial painting and coating processes has been developed by Fanuc Robotics. Development of the electric serve-driven P 120 and P 145 robots can bring a 50 percent...

A new Window on labelling.(Prisym2000 labelling software)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Prisym2000 is the fourth generation of labelling software from MAP80 and is designed to support the new features of Windows 2000. Changes to the directory structure within Windows 2000 means that programs written for earlier versions may...

Blueprint for coding.(Willett Connector and Blueprint software products)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2001... Connector and Blueprint are two new software products from Willett. Developed to enable a multinational customer to centralise control of the multi-printer site, Connector is more than a systems integration tool for small character inkjet...

Show makes knowledge the key.
March 1, 2001... This year's Pakex show is aiming to provide visitors with the `complete knowledge offering'. Alongside the showcase of global exhibitors and the supply chain feature, which provides application case studies on the latest technology and industry...

Superior Scanning.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... From Leuze Mayser comes a range of colour, contrast and luminescence scanners. One key product, the KRTM 20 multicolour contrast scanner, is said to bring superior performance to the detection of print marks and can also sense height...

Wrap it up.(Sessions of York Sequence and Basic 100 labelers)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Machines from Sessions of York include the Sequence front and back labeller for continuous of a set of labels. The Basic 100 side labeller will be applying wrap-around labels to cylindrical containers. 575 Sessions 01904 659224

Detective work.(metal detection systems)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... Metal Detection systems from Fortress Technology include a pharmaceutical tablet system, lab-size gravity system and end-of-line metal detector for metalised/non-metalised film. Phantom can run metalised and non-metalised film packs without...

Clear codes for all substrates.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2001... With the introduction of its Videojet Triumph T120 printer, Marconi Data Systems has provided a means of printing large, visible characters onto porous/non-porous substrates and irregular shaped or sized products. This machine uses...