What's New In Industry articles from March 2006

What's New In Industry archives from March 2006

WHAT'S NEW: Safe pair of hands.
March 30, 2006... With many workers at risk of viral infection through accidental blood exposure, Mapa Professional has introduced its BioPro glove. Offering reduced risk of viral contamination, yet retaining maximum dexterity for the user, it is said to be a...

WHAT'S NEW: Ceramics - just what the doctor ordered.
March 30, 2006... A custom-designed ceramic feed-thru developed by the Alberox Products Division of Morgan Technical Ceramics offers increased reliability and robustness in internal bone growth stimulators. Using an novel ceramic- to-metal seal assembly rather...

WHAT'S NEW: Compact switchgear cuts substations down to size.
March 30, 2006... Suitable for retrofit, extensions or new build, ABB's PASS (plus and switch system) MO self-contained switchgear module for outdoor distribution substations up to 145kV has received Energy Networks Association approval. Offering reduced...

WHAT'S NEW: Terminals suit the hard life.
March 30, 2006... Purpose-designed to stand the rigours of factory floor environments, Captec's Sabre integrated, rugged PC terminals are aimed at shop floor MES/ERP/MRP client applications. PC manufacturer Captec has designed the terminals to give...

WHAT'S NEW: Tools and parts to hand.
March 30, 2006... An ideal solution for handling tools and parts, the Ladder Cart from Rubbermaid has a central recess able to hold a ladder up to 1.80m or bulky items such as neon tubes or ceiling slabs. Its design, structure and height are said to...

WHAT'S NEW: Relays provide motor protection.
March 30, 2006... Wide range of digital protection relays to protect motors from abnormal conditions in the power supply, faults in the cable and problems in the motor itself is now offered by Softstart UK. Manufactured by Solcon Industries, the range...

WHAT'S NEW: CMMs measure up for Chinese space projects.
March 30, 2006... Custom-built co-ordinate measuring machines have been built by Rugby- based ITP Group for the Beijing Space Authority with more orders scheduled for this year. The first machine was delivered in December 2003, with orders for two further...

WHAT'S NEW: Valves in control.
March 30, 2006... Dresser Masoneilan control valves are now being fitted with James Walker's Supagraf Control gland packing to meet stringent VOC emission control levels specified in ISO 15848. The control valves are now certified yo ISO 15848-1 Class BH...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Whistling while you work.
March 30, 2006... From Inmoco comes one of the world's smallest digital servo drives: the Whistle, from Elmo Motion Controls. The size of a matchbox and weighing just 50g, the PCB-mounted Whistle can deliver 10A/500W of continuous current, or 20A/1000W of...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Joining in the Chorus.
March 30, 2006... A motor system developed to move a wide body Air Canada jet aircraft on the ground, without using a tug or the aircraft's engines, is the first result of collaboration between Semikron and Chorus Motors to develop motor systems solutions....

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Gear up for wind power.
March 30, 2006... The need to reduce dependency on fossil fuels is spurring the growth of alternative energy sources offering the advantages of minimal environmental impact, unlimited potential - and low cost. One of the most important of these is wind power....

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Controller with a turn of speed.
March 30, 2006... Motion and control, specialist Parker Hannifin has expanded its range of controllers with a standalone unit suitable for single or multi-axis motion control. The C3 powerPLmC-E20 is designed as a process controller for industry standard...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Easy coupling.
March 30, 2006... Special design element in the Centaflex-A Series of flexible power transmission coupling from Centa Transmissions allows easy in-situ replacement. And while Centa couplings have four-way flexibility that easily overcomes radial, torsional,...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Soft starts for all voltages.
March 30, 2006... For starting/stopping pumps, compressors, conveyors, mixers, fans etc, soft starts offer a functionally appropriate and cost-effective solution. The packages of soft starts from Solcon Industries range from models to meet low/medium voltage...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: All geared up.
March 30, 2006... Abssac now offers couplings formally known as Deck gear couplings and Sier Bath Deck gear. As sole UK distributor for the mechanical TB Woods product line, the intellectual properties of Deck Manufacturing and the assets of The Sier Bath...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Inverter adds functions.
March 30, 2006... Extra function for PI control and ramps have been added with improved analog input to the Lenze smd range of inverters, with no increase in cost. Units cover 0.25 to 2.2kW with single-phase input and up to 22kW with three-phase supply. ...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: The Italian job.
March 30, 2006... The latest drive package supplied by Hansen Transmissions to Europa Crown is destined for a vegetable oil production plant in Northern Italy. Total order value is some #60,000. The main Hansen P4 gear unit, with associated motor/drive...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Making a start.
March 30, 2006... Free from Moeller is an easy-to-use Starter Selection Tool. Based on the company's 'xStart' motor control gear, the tool will enable electrical designers, plant engineers, electrical contractors and wholesalers to resolve motor starter...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Low-cost drive packs in features.
March 30, 2006... Aimed at OEMs, panelbuilders, system integrators and end users, ABB's new drive range is rated from 0.37 to 7.5kW and suits a range of machinery applications in sectors from food handling and printing to material handling and textiles. ...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Two-axis control.
March 30, 2006... Versatile and cost-effective choice for both standalone and networked motion control systems, the QControl 2 two-axis servo controller from Quin combines high-speed processing and full support for IEC 61131-3- compliant programming with...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Integration for dc driver.
March 30, 2006... A1441 from Allegro Microsystems is a full-bridge motor driver integrated circuit designed to drive single-phase, low-voltage bipolar brushless dc motors. Commutation of the motor is achieved by a Hall-effect sensing element which detects...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Variable speed drives at large.
March 30, 2006... Mitsubishi Electric has expanded its F700 series of variable speed drives for electric motors with 15 larger sizes up to 530kW. At launch last year the range ran from 0.7 to 55kW. The F700 units feature both optimum excitation control and...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Cleaning up cloudy water.
March 30, 2006... Cloudy water at a borehole owned by South Staffordshire Water has been investigated using a hired ABB drive supplied by ABB Drives Alliance member Central Electric. SSW approached Central Electric to help with tests on the borehole. CE...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Coupling up.
March 30, 2006... Mayr Transmissions has extended its ROBA-DS torsionally rigid coupling range up to 22,000Nm, maintaining the patented cone seating arrangement between flexible disc and hub flange to ensure backlash-free torque transmission, high torque...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Keeping the noise down.
March 30, 2006... Designed to keep the noise down while providing a supply of clean, dry air for manufacturing processes, the Jun-Air range of oil-lubricated compressors can achieve decibel ratings as low as 35dB(A), with 47dB(A) achieved by the oil-less...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Headtorch keeps the hands free.
March 30, 2006... ATEX Equipment Category 1 specification of the new Wolf HT-200 Zone 'O' headtorch means it can be used safely in Zone 'O' hazardous areas without any risk to plant or personnel. Recognised as an indispensible item of emergency rescue...

HEALTH & SAFETY: An inspector calls.
March 30, 2006... The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is always keen to promote itself as an organisation that provides advice and guidance to help people manage risks in the workplace, and if you look at the range of publications and tools the HSE has...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Anchored by aluminium.
March 30, 2006... As an alternative to the established use of stainless steel, Uniline Safety Systems has introduced an aluminium force management anchor for fall protection systems across its entire range. As part of the new design, Uniline has also...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Safety first with UV light.
March 30, 2006... A practical guide to UV light health and safety issues has been released by UV Light Technology. Risk Assessment of Exposure to UV Light Emissions from Artificial Sources is split into two sections: Part One provides information and...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Keep your distance for lightning protection.
March 30, 2006... The DEHNconductor system is a range of components designed to maintain the critical separation distance which is a key parameter in planning and installing lightning protection systems. Maintaining this separation - determined by calculations...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Clear the air.
March 30, 2006... Leeds repro furniture maker Andy Thornton Ltd has extended its use of Airbench equipment from Workpoint Environments. ATL uses the Airbench downdraught bench for hand and powered sanding and ageing of timber items, particularly chairs, where...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Failsafe supply of breathing air.
March 30, 2006... Aiming to bring a new level of safety to airline users, the new Draeger Automatic Switch Over Valve (ASOV) enables users to connect compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA) to an external air supply, such as a factory ring main. Should the...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Puncture protection afoot.
March 30, 2006... Safety footwear specialist Jallatte offers higher levels of underfoot protection with the launch of its Flextane puncture-resistant midsole. It is said to provide 100 percent protection due to a new manufacturing process in which the sole is...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Stand up for pipes.
March 30, 2006... In a move to increase safety in the access industry, AFI Aerial Platforms offers a number of scissor lifts with a specially adapted stand for holding pipes. "There is now increasing pressure on construction site operators to find safer...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Checking up on gases.
March 30, 2006... Featuring the latest infrared technology, the Draeger Polytron Pulsar Open Path gas detector can detect hydrocarbon leaks within a line of sight of up to 200m. Designed for failsafe detection of a range of hydrocarbons, it has built-in...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Switch on to safety.
March 30, 2006... Stainless steel version of Allen-Bradley Guardmaster's (Rockwell) Lifeline 4 cable pull switch suits use if hygiene (food and beverage) and/or corrosion resistance (mining or paper production) are essential requirements. The 316-bodied...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Maintenance the key to door safety.
March 30, 2006... Michael Markham, chairman of the Door & Hardware Federation's repair and service group and managing director of Stanair Industrial Door Services, considers the importance of maintenance for industrial doors - and the possible repercussions...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Fencing rivals steel constructions.
March 30, 2006... Designed to provide an economical alternative to steel fence constructions, the new HepcoMotion MFS Machine Fencing System can be used in all areas of a factory, but typically around machine installations. The rigidity of the MFS is...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Set for take-off.
March 30, 2006... Weighing thousands of kg, the four flight simulators at Alteon Training near Gatwick, require a 1.5m thick concrete base for support. To avoid the final floor finish de-laminating due to the high moisture level inherent in such a substantial...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Doors for bakery.
March 30, 2006... Omega Doors has supplied over 100 steel hinged doors to Warburton's new 'super bakery' in Wakefield, meeting standards set by insurers, hygiene and building control. Warburtons invested over #60m on what is now Europe's largest bakery,...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Roof work won't stop production.
March 30, 2006... With solvent-free Kemperol, there is no longer any need to halt manufacturing production during essential flat roof repairs - even in sensitive applications such as foodstuffs. Liquid-applied waterproofing can be safer and quicker than...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: A spicy entrance.
March 30, 2006... Door manufacturer and supplier Kaba Door Systems has been appointed by Indian food manufacturer Patak's Foods to service and maintain doors at its UK headquarters and factory in Lancashire. Kaba now maintains around 30 rapid rise doors, 20...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Floor copes with store 'hammering'.
March 30, 2006... Food deliveries to the recently completed Morrisons supermarket in Glasgow arrive by lorry at the warehouse drop-off point at the rear of the store. Here Morrisons staff unload and strip the pallets and distribute the goods onto the supermarket...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Double-skin partitioning for production.
March 30, 2006... Troax Excalibur double-skin steel partitioning has been used to construct over 400m2 of custom production facilities for Morgan Advanced Ceramics' new ceramics production plant at Rugby. The modular partitioning was used by contractor Prestige...

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE: Flooring refurbishment gives durability.
March 30, 2006... When the UK production facility of turf care equipment manufacturer Ransomes Jacobsen required a flooring refurbishment it was essential that a durable, low-maintenance and cost-efficient flooring solution was specified. Specialist building...

FEATURE: Data the key to improving compressed air performance.
March 30, 2006... Experts estimate that a great many of the compressors used in compressed air systems could really be dispensed with because they only run to make up for the unnecessary loss of air and pressure, says Beko Technologies. TO ACHIEVE the...

COMPRESSED AIR/PNEUMATICS: A drop of the compressed stuff.
March 30, 2006... Leading whisky producer Highland Park has used Hydrovane air compressors as part of its distillery process on Orkney for over 30 years, and the brand adheres to traditional methods of distilling that go way back - no corners are cut. ...

COMPRESSED AIR/PNEUMATICS: Air distribution.
March 30, 2006... Washington-based pneumatics specialist Wearside Pneumatics has been appointed an Atlas-Copco authorised compressor distributor in the North- East, responsibile for compressors and associated equipment such as dryers, filters, separators,...

COMPRESSED AIR/PNEUMATICS: Getting the air around.
March 30, 2006... Compressed air distribution system from Teseo is easily installed and particularly suited to small air distribution systems as well as for mainline drops. No special tooling is required: it is simple to cut and there is a full range of...

COMPRESSED AIR/PNEUMATICS: Portables given extra options.
March 30, 2006... Ingersoll Rand's 7/26E and 7/31E portable compressors replace the previous 7/26 and 7/31 models and are based on a redesigned common platform offering features and options not previously, such as a bunded base. Other developments include an...

COMPRESSED AIR/PNEUMATICS: Oil-free air with canopy option.
March 30, 2006... From Boge Compressors come the new OK oil-free piston compressors providing 100 percent oil-less compression up to 15 bar g. The units meet the needs of sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and healthcare that require a compact, oil-free...

COMPRESSED AIR/PNEUMATICS: Dryer keeps up the pressure.
March 30, 2006... The latest membrane drying technology from Atlas Copco gives reliable operation in harsh environments and demanding situations where space is limited. Incorporating advanced water separation fibre technology, the compact, maintenance-free SD...

COMPRESSED AIR/PNEUMATICS: Air provides door control.
March 30, 2006... Woodwood Door Controls makes automatic door operators and smoke ventilation systems for public and commercial buildings - HSBC banks, the Birmingham Bullring, the Stock Exchange, the Lowry Centre, hospitals, schools etc. - with compressed air...

COMPRESSED AIR/PNEUMATICS: Clean, dry air for pneumatics.
March 30, 2006... With the increasing demand for ultra-clean compressed air with low maintenance, Bambi has developed its VT range of oil-free compressors to meet the needs of the latest pneumatic equipment. With noise levels starting as low as 72dB(A), these...

COMPRESSED AIR/PNEUMATICS: Cold comfort.
March 30, 2006... Sub Zero 316 stainless steel valves and air service units from Midland ACS are aimed at food and pharmaceutical uses and also at offshore oil and gas wellhead control use where operating temperatures can drop to - 50oC. The largest...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Success sealed for DBR9 racers.
March 30, 2006... WYKO's Oxford-based Motorsport Team has supplied a range of bearing and sealing products for use in the development and campaigning of the Aston Martin DBR9 race cars in their first race season. WYKO worked with the designers and purchasing...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Wipe millions off motor maintenance costs.
March 30, 2006... Research in the USA has found that bearing systems failures in electric motors are costing the electric utility industry $150m a year. An equivalent figure for the UK utility is open to conjecture: however, even with the relative size...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Smooth flying by LM guides.
March 30, 2006... The latest range of linear motion (LM) guides from THK has been specially designed to help aircraft systems manufacturers reduce the weight, size and complexity of the mechanisms used for moving passengers seats, footrests, food trays and...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Hybrid bearing takes the heat.
March 30, 2006... A special 1m diameter Kaydon hybrid bearing that required the design of bespoke tooling and the use of difficult-to-machine materials is being used on a new jet fighter exhaust system. This Kaydon design can operate in temperatures up to...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Keeping 'little helpers' in the food mix.
March 30, 2006... Almost 10,000 different enzymes work within human organs - and until now only 3000 of them have been scientifically investigated. As highly specialised 'biocatalysts' they split protein, starch and fat molecules. Additionally, these...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Bearings resist harsh conditions.
March 30, 2006... Oldham-based X-Tek Innovations is using igus bearings on an innovative cable reel for cameras used in underground pipes. The injection moulded polymer bushes were selected for their minimal wear, long life, low cost and ability to handle...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Cut costs, boost control.
March 30, 2006... Ballscrews and linear motion products from THK play a key role in manufacturing cells producing a range of automotive drive shafts used in front wheel drive cars, vans and trucks. The THK ball-screws and linear drives can be used where,...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Wyko for IKO.
March 30, 2006... WYKO has been appointed official UK national end user partner for IKO needle bearings and cylindrical roller bearings. Users can now expect direct access and national support for IKO products thanks to the extensive level of stock,...

FINISHING & MATERIALS: Runner system hots up for pallet production.
March 30, 2006... Customised hot runner systems have been developed to enable moulding specialist AVK Plastics to produce large plastic pallets on low- pressure injection molding equipment. Synventive Molding Solutions presented the new technology -...

FINISHING & MATERIALS: Get it taped for aerospace.
March 30, 2006... From 3M comes a new self-adhesive glass cloth tape - commonly known as cargo pit tape - that exceeds aerospace flame retardant standards FAR 25.853(a) and 25.855(d). The product is formulated without penta, octa or deca Bromated Diphenyl...

FINISHING & MATERIALS: Take a long look at product finishing.
March 30, 2006... Offering a high degree of flexibility, Rosler's Long Radius finishing machines can be used for in-line continuous processing and for batch processing. In the latter case, the machines are equipped with a pneumatic separation flap - batch...

FINISHING & MATERIALS: Blast machines get Smart.
March 30, 2006... Surface preparation and finishing equipment specialist Wheelabrator Group has launched a seven-model range of economically-priced, entry- level SmartLine machines that include air, shot and suction blast technology. The new Roller Conveyor...

FINISHING & MATERIALS: Power grinder is a fast feeder.
March 30, 2006... REMA Model HBM 3500 abrasive belt power grinder from Surface Technology Products claims to remove feeders and gates on castings up to ten times faster than a manual machine. Power grinding combines the superior cutting ability of zirconia...

FINISHING & MATERIALS: Keeping clean at low cost.
March 30, 2006... Microsolve ultrasonic cleaning systems can attain the highest cleaning standards yet keep running costs low. Solvent retention features in the latest Guyson Kerry Microsolve machines, including: triple coil reflux cooling, vapour break, 150...

FINISHING & MATERIALS: Two-part acrylic gets tough.
March 30, 2006... Seven-minute handling time, high strength and minimal surface preparation are offered by 3M's latest structural acrylic adhesive. Scotch-Weld DP805 two-part 1:1 mix ratio adhesive offers a three-to- five minute working life and then builds...

FINISHING & MATERIALS: Finding the right formula.
March 30, 2006... Formula 20 mould release agent from Ambersil is based on an active material formulated to provide improved release characteristics - compared to conventional non-silicone release agents - on a range of thermoplastic and thermoset materials,...

HANDLING & STORAGE: 4 lift training.
March 30, 2006... Combilift, originator of the Combilift four-way forklift, has teamed up with Mentor, a provider of training for materials handling equipment. The two companies have developed a specific training programme to enable Combilift operators to...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Airbag gives Lift 'n' Tilt safety.
March 30, 2006... Lift 'n' Tilt units from Airlift & Tilt are designed to provide a safer and more productive environment by eliminating unnecessary lifting or bending in the workplace. The airbag powered mechanism will position a workpiece for optimum...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Easier loading.
March 30, 2006... Reduced manual handling and speedier loading has been achieved by Johnson Hospitality Services with a purpose-designed sloping modular platform from Thorworld Industries. The two section, 4000 kg capacity loading platform has been supplied...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Trucks take hold.
March 30, 2006... The handling of large, non-palletised goods such as brown and white goods will be easier and safer following the launch of a new Carton Clamp from B&B Attachments, a leading supplier of masts and forklift truck attachments. Manufactured by...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Atlet trucks move Instore.
March 30, 2006... Value retailer Instore has specified Atlet for the supply of 72 lift trucks for a new distribution centre in Huddersfield. As part of a #10 million-plus investment to streamline Instore's distribution operations five Atlet Omni DCR man-up...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Supplying a growth industry.
March 30, 2006... After experiencing poor service from their supplier Monaghan Middlebrook Mushrooms, based at Drem near North Berwick, have recently been supplied with three new Hyster H3.00XM, 3000kg capacity LPG counterbalance lift trucks by Barloworld...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Bays loaded with Easilift.
March 30, 2006... Easilift Loading Systems has supplied loading bay equipment for a purpose-designed national distribution centre opened at Trident Business Park, Huddersfield by the Instore retail chain, in a contract valued at #160,000. The building...

HANDLING & STORAGE: MasterMover on a roll.
March 30, 2006... Amcor Flexibles Camvac Ltd contacted MasterMover to solve a mechanical handling issue. Operators were moving large reels of plastic film, weighing up to 1.5 tonnes, on barrows. This was causing a health and safety issue because of the...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Doubling up.
March 30, 2006... Righton, a leading independent supplier of specialist metals and industrial plastics, has doubled stockholding capacity at its West Yorkshire service centre with the installation of custom-built racking from Pro-Dek Storage Systems. The...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Wheels hitch a prestige lift.
March 30, 2006... Every Rolls-Royce Phantom is hand-built to customer order at the company's head office and manufacturing plant in Goodwood, West Sussex. Even the wheels are carefully lifted, positioned and bolted on by hand. Working closely with...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Bendis on film.
March 30, 2006... Two new Bendi forklifts from Translift Bendi allow bpi films to make best use of storage space and to maximise handling efficiency at the company's Sevenoaks site. The plant produces polythene film products up to 2.5m wide. When more...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Storage safety.
March 30, 2006... Industrial safety specialist Troax has redesigned its range of Anti- Collapse wire mesh pallet rack safety screens to offer greater flexibility and improved safety at a more competitive cost. This enables it to meet the safety requirements of...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Bridging the gap.
March 30, 2006... Demag Cranes & Components has supplied an electric wire rope hoist to assist the construction of the new Swale Viaduct, part of the #100 million A249 Swale Improvement Scheme being undertaken by Carillion Construction on behalf of the...