What's New In Industry articles from May 2000

What's New In Industry archives from May 2000

Interlocks in control of safer sequencing.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Used in everything from plastic pipes to window insulation, bottles to resins, PVC is very much part of our daily lives, To ensure maximum levels of safety in the manufacture of vinyl chloride -- the materials fundamental to PVC manufacture --...

Wipe away dirt and confusion.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Selecting the correct industrial wiper for a particular job is made easier by Kimberly-Clark's decision to reorganise its entire wiper range over the next 12 months. The KIMTECH brand now includes all specialist wipers designed...

Intelligent actuation gets super-clever.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Retaining all the features of Rotork's original non-intrusive IQ vane actuator, the latest intelligent IQ has been re-styled and re-engineered. Rationalised electronics -- replacing separate components with Application Specific Integrated...

Shaft problems sealed up.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Originally developed to provide a quick and easy repair or way of recovering shafts with worn sealing diameters, SKF's Speedi-Sleeve is now being adopted as a cost-effective method of generating the ideal sealing surface and lowering the cost...

Cutting the cost of reworking.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Power transmission specialist, Cross & Morse has reduced its charges for reworking -- including finish boring, adding keyways and custom machining -- by as much as 50 percent. The price reductions apply to all Cross & Morse components which are...

Analysis alliance.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Formerly YSI Metals Analysis, Niton UK has been established following the strategic alliance formed earlier in the year with Niton Corporation. Building on YSI's expertise in metals analysis and positive material identification (PMI), the new...

Take the tube.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Acquisition of Pulzer, the German manufacturer of computer-controlled tube bending and forming equipment allows Trumpf to provide a complete production system to cut, weld and form tube, section and hydroformed parts in the same way as it does...

Welcome in the hillside.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... New laboratory complex has been completed by density metrology company H & D Fitzgerald in St Asaph, North Wales, to house their UKAS accredited facility. For maximum stability, the entire complex has been constructed under a hillside with the...

Automation on the move.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Rockwell Automation's Complete Automation `On the Move' events are planned for May and June at Whittlebury Hall near Towcester (23rd and 24th May), Cheltenham Racecourse (6th aud 7th June) and Reebok Stadium (13th and 14th June). Each event...

PCs in control.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Version 5 of the Prodigy SCADA package provides a powerful sequence control language which allows a standard PC to replace the traditional PLC for many control applications. By combining an unlimited number of control programs and PID loops...

Chip choice.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... New range of 1614 industrial rack mount PCs from Xycom Automation have a standard 4U height and a 14-slot backplane (eight ISA and four PCI available). The base model features an Intel 370 Celeron 400MHz processor with 126k cache and PCI IDE...

Data at a distance.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Designed to enable displayed data to be read over long distances, Amplicon's BDF series are large four or six-digit displays with 50 or 100mm high LEDs. The l00mm displays have a viewing distance of up to 60m. Recent additions to Amplicon's...

The mother of all industrial PCs.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Developed to meet the requirements of industries using PCs for process control and factory automation, the Siemens Simatic PC R145 is fitted with a Pentium III processor as standard. At the heart of this new Simatic PC is a motherboard that...

A pilot for best practice.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Originally designed for Corus Group (the merged British Steel and Koninklijke Hoogovens) which needed a reliable way to capture and replay steelmaking best practice. Cogsys Pilot is now being aimed at any company with a continuous or...

Monitor gives a clearer view.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... New 12.1ins TFT flat panel monitor has been added to Rockwell's range of Allen-Bradley RAC6185 industrial displays. The unit expands the existing lineup to provide end-users and OEMS with five display size options. Incorporating active...

Focusing on production.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Plant Focus, from Waterside solutions, is a Windows software package to provide high-quality reports on production line efficiency. It has been designed to monitor processes such as wrapping, bottling and canning lines or specific component...

Where size matters.
May 1, 2000... Baumer electric says It has developed a new scanning principle of the pulse disc in shaft encoders so they can be encased in the smallest of housing -- a boon for designers and motor builders when space is restricted. The principle operates...

Taking temperatures.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Pyropen R from Calex Electronics is a hand-held infrared thermometer which boasts laser sighting, high accuracy and repeatability, fast response, narrow field of view and adjustable emissivity. The Pyropen R also comes with Pyrolog data...

Current tests.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... From Magnus Power comes a new ac high-current control desk-based fixture for testing devices that need calibrated current measurements, typically transducers and circuit breakers. After threading a busbar through up to 12 transducer units under...

Taking a check on torque.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... New rotary torque transducers from Norbar Torque Tools are more compact, have a wider calibration range and are even more rugged than earlier models. These rotary transducers are designed to measure the torque and angle or torque and speed...

Encoder for fast spindles.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Miniature kit encoder capable of measuring spindle speeds well in excess of 40,000rm has been introduced by Motor Technology. Designed for accurately controlling spindle speeds in high-speed cutting applications, the GEL 244 kit encoder,...

Portability in the balance.
May 1, 2000... The TA series of portable balances from Avery Berkel is purpose-designed for precision weighing applications. There are two model types with either four or eight keys. Both offer a variety of features, the four-key version being...

The portable workshop.
May 1, 2000... Druck's MCX II portable documenting calibrator -- a successor to their MCX -- is virtually a calibration workshop in a single instrument with over 90 input/output ranges for pressure, temperature, electrical and frequency parameters. The...

Get into condition.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Signal conditioning system designed to reduce both development costs and time to market has been introduced by add2. Genix is a modular multi-channel generic interface offering up to 3000 channels of flexible signal conditioning -- each channel...

Scaling the peak.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Advent range of engine tachometers from Compact Instruments features speed sensing circuitry which allows for accurate single shot peak speed readings to be taken on machines with automatic overspeed cut-out. Speed range is 60 to 18,000 rpm and...

Portable unit takes analysis into the field.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Portable version of Burel & Kjaer's Pulse multi-purpose analyser suits many field applications -- the measurement, analysis, verification and reporting of sound intensity, noise source identification and sound quality among others. ...

Art of detection.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Reliably detecting small moving objects whose positions cannot be accurately guaranteed is the forte of the new XUVF range of fork and frame photosensors from Telemecanique, a brand of Schneider Electric. Unlike conventional sensors, these...

More banjos.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Extended range of John Guest Banjo flow controls includes items in 4 to 12mm sizes in metric and BSP threads. This new range features a needle valve of high sensitivity for very precise adjustment. This adjustment is through a knurled knob or...

Pumping chemicals.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Range of self-priming, non-metallic double diaphragm pumps from Kecol Pumps are for use where chemical resistance is paramount. The SandPIPER II units have non-metallic bodies and come in polypropylene, PVDF, nylon and conductive acetal. The...

Cope with hazards.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Bartec's extended Modex range of explosion-protected modules now includes Interbus-S, CAN-BUS, Profibus DP and LONWORKS interfaces. The modules, with up to 16 inputs or outputs, can be placed inside Zones One and Two hazardous areas. This...

GET CLOSER CONTROL through `downsizing'.(integrated valve manifolds)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Compact Generation C Buslink system of integrated valve manifolds from Asco Joucomatic allow simplified connection to PLCs and PCs. The system offers enhanced levels of control over previous Buslink systems but within a space envelope...

High temperature switching on the side.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Gems Sensors has introduced a new high-temperature version of its LS-7 Series side-mounted liquid level switches for use in small vessels where top or bottom switch mounting is not practical. Constructed in Gems' own Versaplast material,...

Variables put on display.(Beka Associates)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... New range of rugged IP66 field mounting 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 digit loop-powered indicators from Beka can display process variables in almost any environment. Housed in a custom-designed GRP enclosure providing improved display visibility and a...

Controlling hazards.(Amot Controls)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Extended range of hazardous area control and instrumentation systems and panels from Amot Controls offers a line of products providing a solution to hazardous area problems and the option to supply fully certified systems. All systems are...

Rail network.(Hirschmann Network Systems)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2000... Hirschmann Network Systems has introduced a new RH1 Ethernet rail hub for industrial networks. The DIN rail mounted and dc-powered rail hub is designed to meet the demands and environmental extremes of factory automation, traffic management and...

Value options.(DPL double seat valve)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2000... New DPL double seat valve is made in machined forged 316L material and is available in versions including the DSD dry operation valve and the individual single seat lift valve, the DSSL. Tel: 01799 522885 DPL 494

Fine tuning process flows.(Gestra)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Gestra's I/A Series of intelligent vortex flowmeters are designed to be configured for actual operating conditions, providing efficient integration of measurements into process control systems using I/A Series systems. Based around...

Butterfly spreads its wings.(butterly valves)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Keystone Figure 320 is a new range of modern, low cost wafer-type butterfly valves from Tyco Valves and Controls. Although developed primarily for the utility heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) market, the valves incorporate a...

Isolator in the driving seat.(main generator transformers)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Mains powered signal isolated from Status Instruments is capable of accepting and driving virtually any common high-level process. The SEM 1100 combines the functions of ground loop removal and the possibility of voltage/current signal...

Set point ...(Beka 498 set-point statioons reviewed.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Two new panel-mounting loop powered manual set point stations from Beka each incorporate a high-resolution ten-turn control knob allowing any variable represented by a 4/20mA signal to be accurately adjusted from within the process area. A...

SCADA package for Windows NT.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... New NT version of Alstom's Alspa P1200 SCADA software can run under Windows NT. The first of a new generation of 32-bit SCADA software packages, the P1200 NT is equally suitable for use in a low-cost, single control station with just a few...

Plant control at a touch.(Densitron 501 touchscreen)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Developed for use in food, chemical and pharmaceutical processing where equipment needs to be subjected to high pressure washing, a new 1/4 VGA touchscreen from Densitron is sealed to IP65 standards. With an extended life of more than...

Take a check on high flows.(Circor)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Versatility to match exact user system requirements is said to be combined with a cost-effective package of high-flow capability and long cycle life on CVH Series check valves, developed jointly by CIRCOR Instrumentation companies Hoke...

PLC adds computer comms link.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Users of Matsushita's mid-range, high-performance FP2 modular programmable logic controller now have the option of adding computer communication units (CCUs) and serial data units (SDUs) to their capability. As a result, HMIs, SCADA...

Fill the gap with space to spare.(Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1200 control system for small spaces.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1200 from Rockwell Automation is a packaged controller solution that provides application flexibility for control projects where panel space is at a premium. Positioned between the MicroLogix 1000 and MicroLogix...

Tough pumps for dosing.(Milton Roy G Series)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2000... Suited to applications demanding robust, mechanically actuated diaphragm pumps -- for example dosing chemicals in water treatment and industrial processes -- the `G' Series pumps from Milton Roy incorporate a variable eccentric system for...

On the limit.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Series of industrial torque limiting clutches from Mayr Transmissions comes in six standard sizes, 2.5-1400Nm torque capacity. Offering precise, reliable torque control and overload protection, they feature multiple or single-position (360deg)...

An ideal couple.(Reich Multi Mont Sella coupling)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2000... Reich Multi Mont Sella coupling from Ringflex is available in several versions, including standard, flanged, spacer, brake disc/drum, torque limiters, freewheels and clutches. The coupling has max. torque ratings of up to 630,000Nm and is...

Latching on.(High Productivity Toggle Latch from Dzus.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Toggle latches from Dzus suit high profile applications such as securing luggage doors on the Aerospatiale Squirrel helicopter to retaining the detachable hard top roof on the Ferrari F40. Now Dzus has the High Productivity Toggle Latch using...

Getting to grips with handling.(pneumatic components)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Pneumatic handling components that are smaller, easier to configure and offer improved performance have been introduced by Festo. Designed for automated handling applications, the HAT (Handling and Assembly Technology) range includes linear...

Multi functions save space.(SH5V axial piston pump)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... New SH5V axial piston pump from Samhydraulik offers load sensing, continuous power and pressure cut-off functions in one, easy-to-install unit. The space-saving integrated design can benefit both OEM and end-users by reducing installation time...

Flexibility from plug-in valves.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Range of ISO standard plug-in valves from Rexroth Mecman claim significantly faster servicing and greater design flexibility. These valves feature integrated electrical connections and are pre-wired and tested to reduce design, purchasing and...

Paper chain.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... TSL plain roller and flange roller chain is now available in cast iron, carbon steel or, for critical environments, stainless steel, particularly appropriate for the paper, pulp converting, waste paper and wood processing sectors. TSL, the...

Print package.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Innovative label printing system from Stielow is said to match perfect procedures with virtually unlimited scope and a choice of layouts and formats to meet all requirements, with individual programmes tailored to users' needs. Stielow's...

Scan in all directions.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Powerful DX8200 omni-directional laser scanner from Datalogic is an integrated solution for omni-directional bar code reading. The DX8200 works on conveyors and sorting systems, reading from the top and from the side. It features a 1m depth of...

Something up their sleeves.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Two new carton sleeving machines from Bradman Lake mark a new development of their versatile Flexible Carton Control system. The 100ppm SW100 and faster SW150 are designed to wrap and seal print carton sleeves around chilled or frozen...

Simply a quick change in coding technology.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Latest pack coding innovations from Allen Coding Systems provide a simple way of removing a machine's detachable foil magazine and a method of automatic printhead alignment. Removing a foil magazine can be awkward and time-consuming:...

Easy label creation.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... New version of Willett's LabelMate is an easy-to-use label creation package with specially developed drivers for Willett programmable overprinters, label printer applicators and most popular desktops. LabelMate has been designed to allow novice...

Printer foils the fabric test.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... In a move to introduce a self-adhesive label printer able to utilise the widest possible range of lower priced foils -- including fabrics for use in textiles and clothing labels -- Sessions' new Ocelot thermal transfer printer incorporates a...

Labelling on the move.
May 1, 2000... From Sussex & Berkshire Machinery comes Etipack's `Tiny' pressure-sensitive applicator. Stepper motor driven, it is capable of dispensing speeds up to 12m/minute, yet weighs just 20kg, so it can be readily moved from one production line to the...

Weighing up recipe batches.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Directed at process industries, Rospen's Rapido is an advanced batch weight discharge system which has the capacity to create fast, accurate weighments for pack filling or recipe accumulation applications. This loss-in-weight, or...

Pallet holds spills and leaks.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Allibert's Retenpal pallet is capable of retaining spills and leaks from battery acids, chemicals, oils and other hazardous liquids. Manufactured in 100percent corrosion-resistant plastic, the pallet's tough monobloc construction has a...

Shock protection.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... CP Cases has introduced 'E Rack' range of shock-mounted high tensile aluminium containers to protect sensitive 19-inch rack-mountable equipment exposed to vibration, shock or adverse climates and off, ring protection to IP65. Tel: 020 1568...

Get a grip on seals.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... New from Leader Grippers is an ingenious six-finger model designed to handle O-rings, seals or similar components on pick-and-place machines, robots etc. Made by Sommer Automatic, the unit features two separately driven pistons. Tel: 01932...

Trucks work in tight spaces.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Smallest in the latest range of Pucci three-wheel electric forklifts, manoeuvre in aisles only 2.73m wide, comparable to the average reach truck. But, unlike a reach truck it can also work in rough yards. These Pucci trucks can eliminate...

Jibs made for smooth slewing.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Range of steel manufactured jibs and knuckle jibs from Clayton, the specialist lifting equipment division of Chadburns, are suitable for loads of up to 2 tonnes. They can be supplied as post-mounted (GBA Series) or wall-mounted (GBP series)...

Trolley beats the drum.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... New range of trolleys from Safety Trolley Systems aims to make back injuries through improper practices a thing of the past. The range includes a multipurpose trolley capable of moving barrels or crates for the drinks industry, a pallet...

Versatility in storage.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Storage system specialist Flowstore Systems has introduced a versatile modular framework tube and bracket system which can be used to create a multitude of structures. Flex' O System can be assembled and reassembled on site as many times...

Lift trucks come clean.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... New generation of environmentally-friendly diesel and LP gas-powered lift trucks designed and produced for the European marketplace is being launched by Nissan. Said to be the cleanest and most fuel efficient yet from Nissan, they have a...

Cap stops the knocks.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Moulded polyethylene cap for Magline's range of aluminium hand trucks protects against inadvertent damage to bags or boxes during transit. Caps are standard on all new hand trucks and can be retrofitted to existing Magliner trucks. Tel:...

Pallets on-line.(Palletways' e-POD delivery confirmation tool)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Palletways' e-POD is a facility that uses the Internet to confirm delivery of palletised consignments on-line. Users will see virtual copies of their consignment notes the day after delivery. Once a delivery note has been signed it will be...

Tilting away the strain.(UNS Tergo reach truck)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2000... Latest-generation reach truck from Atlet, the UNS Tergo, is an evolution of the Tergo UNE, introduced five years ago. This was developed as a result of research into the effects of repetitive strain injury on reach truck drivers. With its...

Flexibility in pallet handling.(Southworth Handling)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2000... Southworth's Flexlift range has now been extended to cover effective manual palletising and depalletising tasks where Euro-pallets are utilised. This scissor lift range comes in a range of supply voltages and features a compact power pack....

Stepping down.(Densitron Control Systems power stepping motor)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2000... Developing 2.3 Nm continuous, or [is greater than] 3.5Nm intermittent torque, the new DSM57II5H from Densitron Control Systems is a power stepping motor available in a size 23 frame. Although the torque rating is competitive with many size 34...

Power solutions.(from Ultimate Renaissance)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2000... Now available from UR (Ultimate Renaissance) is a modular 1000W power solution that combines up to 25 off the shelf dc-dc power modules to provide 1 to 10 output voltages ranging from 2 to 60V. Tel: 01793 439310 Ultimate Renaissance...

Brushless dc motors.(from API Portescap)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... API Portescap has developed a range of brushless dc motors using their Ironless dc motor technology. The present range of 26mm and 22mm diameter sensorless motors has been complemented with a 13mm diameter motor. All use rare-earth magnets,...

Modular motor provides durability.(Maxon Motor's RE40 motor)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2000... Recently introduced by Maxon Motor is the RE40 motor which forms part of a modular system that includes planetary gearheads and encoders. The 150W RE40 dc motor, which has an external diameter of 40mm and is 71mm long, is fitted with a...

Measuring up concisely.(with the new Hager compact Kilowatt-hour meters)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2000... Hager is launching a new range of compact Kilowatt-hour meters (KWH). Designed to take less space in an enclosure allowing more room for other control and measuring devices, the five meters range from 32A to 1500A. Hager says that the...

Gearing up for efficiency.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Mannesmann Dematic has added to its range of geared motors with the INDRIVE variable speed model. The INDRIVE units incorporate a digital frequency inverter within the motor's terminal box. The inverter allows the motor to be run efficiently at...

Relays set to provide variety.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Moeller Electric has extended its range of Easy control relays with the new Easy 600 range. Equipped with more inputs and outputs than the original models, the Easy 600 is suitable for a variety of applications that demand increased capability...

Keeping the heat on.(Thermal Engineering Services from Carbolite)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2000... A specialist maintenance service for electric furnaces and ovens has been set up by Carbolite. Thermal Engineering Services offers a comprehensive range of work, including routine calibration and validation, preventive maintenance, breakdown...

Greases keep guides running smoothly.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... THK has released details of four new lubricants which have been designed to maintain the smooth movement of the company's LM Guide products over a long operating life. The first, AFA, is a moisture-resistant, high-grade synthetic grease...

Big 'Ed keeps on going.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... New scrubber / dryer from Walter-Broadley Machines has been nicknamed Big 'Ed due to its 801mm head and increased battery running time. The Challenger 801 has W-B's water economiser fitted as standard: it is said to make a tank full of...

Tackling wet or dry waste.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Dry or wet, the new ID/IW 2050 from Nilfisk-Advance is said to tackle virtually every type if production waste going. With two powerful motors and a 50mm oil-resistant hose, the ID/IW 2050 is fast, efficient and easy to empty. The trolley...