What's New In Industry articles from March 2004

What's New In Industry archives from March 2004

On the level ...(What's News)
March 1, 2004... Innovative Optical Level Sensor (OLS)from Product Innovation measures liquid levels directly rather than interpreting an electronic signal, as for example in capacitance, ultrasonic and magnetostrictive devices. This allows it to measure...

Measuring up.(What's News)
March 1, 2004... From CEDES comes an intelligent light curtain designed for height measuring. The Object 100 knows which of its beams have been interrupted and calculates the height using the highest and lowest beam information. The unit has a slender 15 x...

Plant data direct to desk.(What's News)
March 1, 2004... An enhancement to ABB's distributed control system (DCS) gives personnel From all areas of manufacturing or process plants access to customised information according to their job function. While this data is extracted from the same source, it...

Honed to perfection.(What's News)
March 1, 2004... The desire to achieve improved performance in their own contract machine shop has led Apperley Honing to develop a range of tools that can be retrofitted to existing honing machines for improved metal removal rates, reduced running costs--and...

Laser tracker gets tough.(What's News)
March 1, 2004... Three advanced performance features have been built into the latest portable CMM from Faro. In addition to all the benefits of its predecessor--a 230ft range, 0.00l in accuracy and a Super-ADM facility to increase efficiency and reduce...

Profibus power to the core.(What's News)
March 1, 2004... Added to the Chainflex range from igus are specialist Profibas cables with integrated supply cores. In addition to the shielded bus element, four more power supply cores, each of 1.5[mm.sup.2] cross-section, are incorporated in the new CF11...

Jointly in control.(What's News)
March 1, 2004... Following a joint venture initiative formalised recently between drives company Hepco and motion control specialist SmartDrive, both companies are co-operating on the production of integrated slide solutions for use with Hepco's driven...

Process under supervision.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Omron is showing a process supervision system combining its F160 vision products with CJ1 programmable controllers and NS machine management HMI terminals. This allows real-time monitoring of key process parameters and detection of evolving...

Robots march on.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Webster Griffin md Mark Wilson forecasts the end for manual pallet loading. He says: "Our Okura 1600 robot palletiser is a low-cost alternative that provides the flexibility and durability to cope with everything a demanding commercial...

TOTAL solutions at the ready.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Few would doubt that users of automation equipment are seeking solutions, rather than simply a bundle of products. Yet Schneider Electric believes that many automation suppliers claiming to adopt a solution-led approach are falling short of...

Applicator adds a bit of zip.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Compact Reseat 460X applicator from Supreme Plastics adds resealability to packaging produced on flow wrappers. It can also be used with other vertical or horizontal continuous form-fill-seal machinery. The applicator creates resealable,...

Reeling in the pack stability.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... The Duro-Pallet IRB being shown by Kayserberg Plastics is a plastic pallet and lid system that comes with integral inertia reel belts designed to improve overall pack stability and eliminate wasteful strapping and packaging films, it comes in...

Thermal printers strike it rich.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... From Weyfringe come two 'feature-rich' thermal transfer label printers. "The larger H Series (pictured) comes in 203 and 300dpi versions, both with free unlimited use label design and print software. If situations preclude the use of a PC, they...

Pick'n'place.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Endoline's 310 Series pick'n'place machines automatically load products into cases and trays ,and are designed to appeal to users looking for their first move into automation, or those who feel other machines are too complicated or expensive....

More options in conveying.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Volkmann is adding two new models to its range of PPC pharmaceutical specification vacuum conveyors. The series now offers body diameters of 170, 250, 315 and 450mm which can extend the transfer rates to over 11,100 litres/hr. PPC...

Screen shows labelling data.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Tactile data screen on Sessions' new Bravo self-adhesive labelling system shows comprehensive information such as work status and production control data. Operating at speeds up to 35,000 per hour, the Bravo--based on the existing Sequence...

Labelling control, front and back.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Providing precise front and back labelling applications--including healthcare and household products packed in both standard and special shaped containers--the latest system introduced by PALS Labelling offers a dedicated, colour touch-screen...

Servos drive precise application.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... For their new 400 Series of servo-driven label applicators, Herma engineers have set about redefining the limits of both servo drive and label applicator technology, including development of a bespoke six-tier multilayer circuit board. Bulky...

A new Vision of automation.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... High-performance output but a small footprint are combined for Packaging Automation's latest tray sealing machine, which complement's the existing range of Vision units. Able to provide atmospheric, MAP-F, MAP-V and high oxygen sealing, this...

Drive towards strapping solution.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... On show in the UK for the first time, Mosca's RO-MS-4-H fully automated horizontal pallet strapping machine can be simply programmed to strap in any position, so making it ideal for strapping different layers of products such as drinks,...

Water, water everywhere.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Using a fleet of mobile water purification plant, Elga Process Water's Aquamove provides pure water at any time anywhere. For emergency, temporary capacity management, outage cover or commissioning of new plant, Aquamove provide 24/7 response...

Totally coding.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... New from Weber is a range of laser coders designed for high-speed packaging use. They can produce quality text down to 0.02in high as well as numerous bar code symbols and graphic images onto materials such as plastics, glass, paper, cardboard,...

Metal detection.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... New combined checkweigher/metal detector from Mettler is aimed at food industry use. Made in stainless steel, it has fully interlocked covers and either bins or roller track for rejected products, it can also be supplied as a simple...

All strapped up.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Two battery hand-strapping tools are being launched by Cyklop. On the ergonomically balanced CB 130, all functions are undertaken via push-button technology, doing away with lever-based designs. The CL100, meanwhile, achieves tensions of up to...

Right on track for heat transfer.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Aimed specifically at heat transfer duties involving viscous food products ranging from dairy and yellow fats and fruit juices to baby foods and soft drinks, Alfa Laval's ViscoLine range of tubular heat exchangers are designed around a bundle...

Software's coding flexibility.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Offering improved and flexible control of coding data, CLARiFY software from Claricom aims to ensure that accurate and appropriate data is printed on every production run. Able to operate on either a standalone PC or acrossan...

Weighing up hygiene.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... With particular focus on GMP and hygienic applications, Nova Weigh's process weighing and dosing systems include the new ST-Ex weight controller, with its advanced filling algorithms to ensure accurate cut-off of product without overshoot. ...

At the end-of-line.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Packaging equipment specialist Limpet Tapes is showing the latest developments in its Lock'n'Pop pallet stabilisation system. By unitising without using wraps, straps, hot glues or cold adhesives, Lock'n'Pop can increase stability and reduce...

Printer high on connectivity.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... A wide choice of connectivity options is offered by Paxar's latest high-spec. tag and label printer. Replacing the 9850 machine, the new 9855 has been designed for demanding logistics applications and features a 600m ribbon that is as simple to...

A benchtop conversion.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Aimed at low/medium-volume users, or situations where usage might be seasonal or unpredictable, a compact, benchtop waste converter which turns waste corrugated board into an effective packing material is on show from Packer Products. The...

Wrapping at a stretch.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Limpet Tapes' WS3 range of semi-automatic stretchwrappers are designed to maximise pallet stability in transit. These machines can handle uniform or random-sized pallets up to 3m high with loads up to 2500kg. They offer variable wrapping...

Minimise the costs of disposal.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... For organisations keen to minimise the impact of packaging disposal tariffs, FDL Packaging Group can guide both fillers and end-users towards environmentally-friendly solutions. FDL is also promoting its single-source supply service that...

Cutting out box pre-print costs.(TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show)
March 1, 2004... Upgraded high-resolution Merlin ink jet printer from Alpha Dot offers basic date coding through to full box printing, in many cases eliminating the need for pre-printing boxes and labels. As well as cardboard cases. Merlin can be used on porous...

Metering the process flow.(Process Plant & Control)
March 1, 2004... With its EHEDG certification, the Rosemount 8721 magnetic flowmeter introduced by Emerson Process Management is aimed at food, beverage, pharmaceutical and biotech applications. Only FDA-approved materials come into contact with the process...

Sensing low flow.(Process Plant & Control)
March 1, 2004... From Titan Enterprises come ragged low flow sensors in corrosion-resistant engineering plastics or stainless steel for flows up to 30 litres/min. Using 8 or 10mm hose bar connections or 1/4 and 1/2in BSPF threads, the 800--1000 Series...

Transmitters suit harsh zones.(Process Plant & Control)
March 1, 2004... At home in hostile conditions where conventional devices may not perform accurately or reliably with abrasive process media and cleaning processes, pressure shock or condensation, the new Druck Flush Diaphragm Pressure Transmitters are based...

Partners in productivity.(Process Plant & Control)
March 1, 2004... A strategic partnership combining the torque measurement and data collection expertise of Crane Electronics with SPC software from Lighthouse Systems has created a new web-based process management system. Initially devised for an automotive...

Valves for aggressive liquids.(Process Plant & Control)
March 1, 2004... Range of LFV chemically inert solenoid valves from Lee Products resist aggressive chemicals and are fully flushable. They come in a choice of configurations and include a 'starfish' manifold in 5, 6, 7 or 8-valve versions. LFV series...

Safer control of batch flows.(Process Plant & Control)
March 1, 2004... Four easy-to-use panel and field-mounting flow batch controllers from Beka will dispense liquids, solids or components in hazardous and safe areas. Two of the models have ATEX Group 11 Category 1G intrinsic safety certification. These...

Tension control.(Packaging & Labelling)
March 1, 2004... Labels manufacturer Skanem has been retrofitting ZF Hysteresis units to its Gallus printing machines to meet industry demands. The precise tension control provided by the ZF system lets multiple layers of material pass through seven print and...

Labelling goes auto.(Packaging & Labelling)
March 1, 2004... Motoman has introduced standard cells to automate the application of labels to palletised cartons and paper or cardboard reels. It aims to relieve operators of this tedious job and eliminate human errors. A six-axis robot, either...

Crystal clear and smells sweet.(Packaging & Labelling)
March 1, 2004... Ditone, the Boxes Group division specialising in advanced technology labels, is producing the Cannon logo on a new luxury Trilogy car mat and boot protector--it even has a built-in air freshener. The 3D 'Crystal' label, in two sizes, is...

Validation data online.(Packaging & Labelling)
March 1, 2004... Bar coded labels are the intelligence in today's fast-moving supply chains. Yet a 'bad' bar code reduces efficiency and can lead to lagging production lines and even noncompliance fines. Now, from Printronix, comes a thermal bar coding...

Foot control of Bluetooth.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... Custom-designed wireless foot controls from Schmersal use Bluetooth technology to increase operational safety in medical and industrial applications by eliminating unnecessary cables and the potential hazards they can cause. They also bring...

Safety through the roof.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... Specifically designed for emergency smoke extraction, Helios' new centrifugal roof fans are independently tested and certified for 400[degrees]C for two hours and can operate continually at 170[degrees]C. They are fully speed controllable...

Fire fighter stays cool.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... A high-performance fire extinguishing agent said to have negligible impact on the environment and 'insignificant' global warming potential--lower than any halocarbon agent acceptable for use in occupied spaces--is at the heart of a fixed fire...

Filter combats asthma.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... Recognising the dangers of occupational asthma, particularly from gases given off by soldering processes, Nederman has developed an all-gas filter as an optional extra for its EK pollution contol system. It claims four times the absorption...

Providing clean air zones.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... Providing a uniform flow of air of about 0.5m/sec through its specially designed surface, the Airscreen Desk from WorkPoint supplies selectable air quality up to laboratory grade within industrial surroundings. Providing full sitdown kneespace,...

Fall system under arrest.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... From height equipment specialist Sala comes Sayfclimb, a temporary fall arrest system for operators working on structures requiring infrequent maintenance. Fully portable and installed in about 30 minutes, Sayfclimb sets out to offer a...

Staying cool at the exits.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... A fieldbus-based system tanning on fireproof cables is providing intelligent smoke control at Whiteley's Shopping Centre in London's Bayswater to provide safe escape routes in the event of a fire. Over 100 field devices are controlled by the...

Protection under foot.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... Upgraded safety footwear from Prospecta deliver higher specs, with the Union (illustrated) and Shire styles having a steel midplate for penetration resistance. They are also anti-static as standard and offer steel toe caps to 2000 joules, shock...

The key to safer access.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... The ability of the Allen-Bradley Guardmaster Prosafe range of trapped key interlocks to simplify safety provision, yet still provide safe access to the largest machine installations, is demonstrated at Spooner Vicars on Merseyside. Stainless...

Combined protection.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... Combining head, eye, face, hearing, welding and respiratory protection in a single headpiece, Procap from Scott Health & Safety has been designed for use with powered air-purifying respirators in demanding environments such as welding, metal...

Functions at the junction.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... Wiring junction boxes in demanding process environments is said to be much easier and safer with Hawke International's EZ enclosure. The two-part lidded enclosure gives better access for fast installation, plus easier inspection and...

Step on it ...(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... The Ladder M8, available though THS Tools Group distributors, is a device to stop ladder slippage without additional support on tricky surfaces such as gravel, grass, wood, concrete, tarmac etc. that may be contaminated with oil, water or even...

Safety light.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... MityLite Zone 1 from Peli Products is an intrinsically sate version of the MityLite pocket torch Just 12cm long, it uses two AAA batteries and weighs 46g. It call be submerged up to 150m, has an unbreakable, chemical-resistant body and a...

Steam package comes clean.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... Designed for hospital sterilisation and smaller industrial applications, Spirax Sarco's new Compact Clean Steam Generator range uses plant steam to heat treated feedwater, producing up to 580kg/hr of clean steam. Applications include cleanroom...

ATEX approval.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... Sensonics has secured ATEX approval for its range of PZ velocity transducers, accelerometers and AECP eddy current probes for use in measuring vibration and non-contact displacement. The devices can now be used in areas where potentially...

Guarding for upgrade work.(Health & Safety)
March 1, 2004... Machine builders and users may sometimes find that the guarding new-build projects and upgrades takes longer than expected and costs rise accordingly. For both new-build and upgrades, a Procter Machinery Guarding design engineer will visit...

Measurement's missing link.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... From Tesa comes a new gauging system called Tesa Micro-Hite 3D, hailed as the 'missing link' between a conventional precision measuring hand tool and a co-ordinate measuring machine. Achieving high accuracy levels and with a measuring volume of...

DAQ gets in step.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... National Instruments is hosting a free series of half-day nationwide Step-by-Step data acquisition seminars throughout this month showing engineers end scientists how best to create modular and flexible test, measurement and control systems...

Spot the difference.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... Fully integrated infrared camera system from FUR Systems enables temperature differences as small as 0.08[degrees]C to be seen in a range from -40 to +500[degrees]C. The ThermoVision A40-M camera's maintenance-free and uncooled microbolometer...

Sensor images stay shard in real time.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... Providing sharp, true colour performance through the use of its Foveon EX direct image sensor, the latest HanVision digital colour camera from Pacer Components suits a while range of industrial, scientific, medical and communications...

Sampling a real gas.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... Easidew Sampler from Michell Instruments is a general purpose sampling system for easy measurement of dew point in many compressed air and industrial gas applications. It provides all the components to allow a sample of gas under test to be...

Take thermal imaging online.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... Land Instruments claims to have extended the potential for continuous, online thermal imaging into new areas--almost any application where temperatures from 20 to +500[degrees]C need to be monitored without contact--with its FTI Mini Mini...

Transducers check pressure.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... New pressure transducers from Active are suitable for pressure measurement or as part of process control systems in hydraulic or pneumatic machines. All units operate at up to 80[degrees]C. The PCS 50 has a half-inch PT thread and comes in...

Auto titration.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... From Mettler Toledo comes a range of auto samplers to complement its series of titrators. Units soil general titrators or Karl Fischer instruments analysing nine to 60 samples, or can improve sample preparation. Automating titration is said to...

Fascia mount's an Ultra option.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... Pulsar Process Measurement have made all of their core "Ultra" range of ultrasonic level and flow measurement and control equipment available in a fascia-mount format. This provides a neat, stainless steel internal enclosure that makes the...

More and less.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... HBM has improved its popular TIOFS torque flanges to give an improved measuring range at lower ranges by adding two models with nominal torques of 100 and 200 Nm. Depending on the measuring range the T10FS can be used at speeds of up to 24,000...

Big benefits from little TEDS.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... HBM is leading the industry with a range of equipment capable of providing Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) functions. The aim of TEDS is to transfer essential transducer characteristics to an amplifier in an electronic format,...

Test cell is shear genius.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... Freeman Technology has developed a new generation Shear Cell accessory for its FT4 Powder Flow Rheometer (designed to accurately and consistently measure the flow properties of powders). The Shear Cell utilises the FT4 platform to provide...

Multimeter with bite.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... Seaward Electronic has expanded its 800 series of electrical installation testers with the introduction of a digital clamp multimeter, capable of accommodating conductors of up to 34mm diameter.. The new Seaward CMS00 clamp multimeter...

Scanning with a-peel.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... Believed to be the only instrument of its kind currently available, the new 'micro-wave-scan' from Sheen Instruments combines accurate measurement of orange peel and DOI (distinctiveness of image) on small and curved surfaces with versatility...

Get a load of these shackles.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... Straightpoint has launched a range of shackle loadcells. The Loadshackles are available in capacities from 6 to 35 tonnes as a 'D' shackle, and 50 to 500 tonnes as bow shackles. Loadshacklcs come with calibration and proof test...

Tough cookie won't crumble.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... The T30LA, Thames Side-Maywood's ultra-high capacity compression load cell assembly for tank, silo and vessel weighing, is available in capacities up to 600 tonnes. It features integral lift-off prevention, and can readily accommodate...

PIC-A meter.(Inspection & Measurement)
March 1, 2004... PICA series from Sensors UK is a range of full function panel mounting instruments utilising a compact 1/32 Din standard panel housing. All models accept industry standard input signals such as 4-20 ma, [+ or -]10V, Ptl00 or thermocouple and...

Sinking feeling?(Electrics & Electronics)
March 1, 2004... Crydom Magnetics' compact new submersible float switch can be used in water, industrial wastewater and sewerage tanks. Offering 33 percent size reduction over Crydom's standard FFSMC range, the new LM series float suits installations where...

The Hall effect.(Electrics & Electronics)
March 1, 2004... A new, high-performance digital output Hall effect geartooth sensor has been introduced by Hamlin Electronics Europe, with internal electronic protection and robust construction for use in harsh industrial and automotive applications. The...

New motors stepping up.(Electrics & Electronics)
March 1, 2004... Electro Mechanical Systems (EMS) has launched a new two-phase Stepper Motor from Swiss principal ARSAPE. With a diameter of 22mm and a high power-to volume ratio, the AM 2224 achieves an output of 2.5W and a peak holding torque of 45 mNm to...

Offers galaxy of options.(Electrics & Electronics)
March 1, 2004... Designed for versatility, the Gemini family of mass interconnect products from Virginia Panel Corporation allows rapid connectivity of PXI test instrumentation to Devices Under Test. Available exclusively from The Peak Group these...

Switches rehoused.(Electrics & Electronics)
March 1, 2004... Erwin Sick's latest range of V12 photoelectric switches is redesigned and rehoused in cylindrical M12 housings. This state-of-the-art technology offers users a quality, low-cost solution suitable for a wide range of applications. The M12...

The joy of text.(Electrics & Electronics)
March 1, 2004... Magelis XBTN is a range of human-machine interface terminals from Schneider Electric's Telemecanique brand, designed for close and easy integration with Telemecanique Twido entry-level programmable controllers. List prices for the...

Tough 'D' type.(Electrics & Electronics)
March 1, 2004... Available from Aerco is a range of stainless steel miniature 'D' connectors from Positronic Industries, designed for applications where corrosion-proof interconnection is required. The Positronic connectors conform to MILSPEC MIL-DTL-24308...

Getting heavy ...(Mechanical Components)
March 1, 2004... Holmbury has launched heavy-duty hydraulic couplings, the HSC 5000 Range, designed to withstand the most severe pressure pulse applications and particularly suitable for excavator hammer attachments, rock crushers and test figs. The HSC 5000...