What's New In Industry articles from May 2002

What's New In Industry archives from May 2002

The drive towards efficiency.
May 1, 2002... Following an agreement to provide distribution and logistical support for Siemens low-voltage electric motors, Exico is showing a wide range of new products at this month's Drives & Controls Show. Alongside the full range of EFF1-rated...

Computer security. (Industrial Computing).
May 1, 2002... Computer cabinet offering a high level of security for computer equipment with an ergonomic workstation area in a single, compact storage unit, has been introduced by GBP Ergonomics. As well as preventing theft, the sturdy lockable cabinet also...

Panel PC for a clear view. (Industrial Computing).
May 1, 2002... New Panel PC with ATX-board and 64MB video RAM from Brodersen is ideal for workplaces where visualisation, image processing and visual control are important. The A18-Ergo/ATX comes with protective glass, an optional touch screen and various...

SCADA software can speed up stand-alone processes. (Industrial Computing).
May 1, 2002... Designed to offer rapid development, flexibility and simplicity VijeoLook is a new SCADA software addition to Schneider Electric's portfolio of HMI and industrial automation products. It comes with OPC Factory Server pre-configured to work with...

Cut the cost of robot programming. (Industrial Computing).
May 1, 2002... Robot simulation package from ABB allows manufacturers to achieve off-line programming -- on an office PC -- without stopping production. RobotStudio, said to be the first easy-to-use software for the simulation and true offline programming...

Data at speed. (Industrial Computing).
May 1, 2002... National Instruments has extended its high-performance 16-bit NI 6052E data acquisition (DAO.) family to portable applications with the introduction of the DAQ-Pad-6052E for IEEE 1394. This device uses the NI E series data acquisition hardware...

Customising for data collection. (Industrial Computing).
May 1, 2002... Amplicon has added a range of versatile, easy to install, serial communication driven data collection terminals to its product offering, suiting applications including shopfloor data collection, operator HMI, machine monitoring, downtime...

Thin client for case or panel. (Industrial Computing).
May 1, 2002... CKS Holdings has added a new thin client to add to their range of rugged computers. Ideal for industrial environments because they have no moving parts, thin clients are semi-intelligent devices that can display information and/or run...

Scale ready for lift-off. (Inspection & Measurement).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Latest addition to Applied Weighing's range of process weighing equipment is a platform scale with a gas lift top plate for easy lifting and cleaning by one person. The model GLP pit-installed platform scale is designed to meet the hygiene...

Sensor gets into gear. (Inspection & Measurement).
May 1, 2002... Buhler TF-M-PT100-VAL spring-loaded temperature sensor from AC Fluid Technology, provides accurate monitoring of housing temperature in all conditions. The sensor eliminates problems associated with lack of sensor contact with the bearing...

Sensors reveal the art of detection. (Inspection & Measurement).
May 1, 2002... Three new additions to Omron's E3Z family of photosensors cover specialist applications such as the detection of transparent bottles and films, the sensing of tiny targets, and through-beam installations where accurate alignment would be...

Probe cuts auto set-up down to size. (Inspection & Measurement).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Compact OMP40 inspection probe from Renishaw uses their proven technology, but miniaturisation of electronics has allowed the development or an ultra-compact probe that measures just 40mm diameter by 50mm length, yet with no compromise in its...

Making sense of luminescence. (Inspection & Measurement).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The LUT series of luminescence sensors from Erwin Sick are able to detect fluorescent materials or markings on any type of product. They are particularly useful in situations where lack of contrast or inconsistency in the colour, pattern or...

Stethoscope makes for easy listening. (Inspection & Measurement).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... STE2 electronic stethoscope from Compact Instruments makes the location of all mechanically generated noise fast, simple and comfortable. The STE2 comes complete with two probes -- 70 and 300mm -- to suit most applications and has a frequency...

Gear up for more torque. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The Leroy Somer Cb 3000 range of high-performance gearboxes for electric motors is engineered to meet the requirements of manufacturers for reduced maintenance, compact dimensions and strength, providing a highly cost-effective solution. ...

Quick fix fastenings. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... EJOT mini-fasteners can offer savings in component space, weight and assembly costs compared to conventional fastening methods. The `Mikro' range comprises fastener diameters from 1 to 2.5mm and provides a secure and consistent solution to...

Right angle drive option can reduce machine size. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... ZF Industrial's new WT range of gearheads provides machine designers with the convenient option of turning servomotor drive systems through 90 deg. This can reduce the overall size envelope of a machine while providing increased torque and...

Where there's brass there's higher loads. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... One-piece cage design of NSK's new EM series cylindrical roller bearings enables a greater number of larger rollers to be integrated, claiming up to 30 percent higher load capacity than conventional riveted brass cage bearings of similar size....

Lookout bellow. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Thin walls equal sensitivity, suiting Servomotor bellows for accurate instrument applications. They can provide large deflections with minute forces and are said to be up to 25 times more sensitive than hydroformed bellows in the same size...

Bearings support screw drives. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... New range or support bearings for small screw drives available from INA are compact assemblies that claim significant benefits over conventional bearing arrangements, especially in relation to ease and cost of assembly. Series ZKLR units...

Putting the brake on handling. (Mechanical Components).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Lenze's latest mechatronic braking system, comprising the BFK458 spring-operated brake and Moditorque Control, has been developed to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective variable braking torque in a wide range of industrial applications...

TIG unit offers preset data. (Factory Equipment).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... ESAB's Aristotig 255 ac/dc, with presettable data and pulsing features, delivers high quality TIG welding on all types of materials. The built-in pulse device allows greater control of the weld pool for TIG welding in ac and dc modes. A lower...

Clamp options on the side. (Factory Equipment).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... With manufacturers keen to minimise wastage and reduce machining times, there is a trend towards machining components straight from billets, says Wixroyd, who have responded by extending their range of side clamps. The new Dyna Force...

Boost for compressor energy efficiency. (Factory Equipment).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... By matching a hybrid permanent magnet synchronous motor with a standard frequency inverter in its new Nirvana variable speed drive compressor, Ingersoll-Rand says users can reduce energy consumption and costs by at least 28 percent during the...

Mini pumps packs in the power. (Factory Equipment).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Latest vacuum pump/compressor from ASF Thomas aims to set new benchmark standards for flow, pressure and vacuum, and in a highly compact form factor. The 7006 miniature diaphragm vacuum pump/compressor offers a significantly reduced size,...

Ne'er a slip. (Factory Equipment).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Reliance Gear wanted customers to gain maximum benefit from the high torsional stiffness of stainless steel Reli-a-Flex couplings without resorting to using set screws. The result is a clamp of `cross-slit' design producing consistent pressure...

Advanced blast options. (Factory Equipment).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Hodge Clemenco has taken its hand blast cabinets to new levels of sophistication and performance with a number of advanced options which include automatic filter cleaning, multi-nozzle blasting and floor scraper systems. Instead of the...

Teaching old finishers new trichs. (Factory Equipment).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Versatile aqueous degreaser has been introduced by Kerry Ultrasonics for metal finishers seeking an alternative to degreasing with chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene. The Kerry Multimatic IW25V -- and the larger IW50V -- are...

Fast-pack medication. (Packaging & Labelling).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Fully automated HDW high-speed four side seal packaging machine from Doyen is for high-speed pouching of electrodes, sutures, wound care dressings, transdermal patches, surgical gloves and other medical devices. This continuous motion,...

Print text and codes fast. (Packaging & Labelling).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Merlin 170 from Alpha Dot is an all-in-one inkjet printer that prints text and time codes at up to 300dpi in three different character heights. It can print directly onto a wide range of porous and semi-porous outer packages including kraft...

Printer can take alcohol or water to match substrates. (Packaging & Labelling).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Crayon X-tra large character ink jet printer from Imaje can use water or alcohol-based inks, allowing coding of both porous and non-porous substrate with one or two lines of type. A choice of one or two 7-nozzle or one 16-nozzle print heads...

Printers makes a self-contained impact. (Packaging & Labelling).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Ap890 and Ap892 impact printers from Able Systems aim to solve common ticketing challenges at an attractive price. These are complete, self-contained printing systems, featuring a choice of power sources to satisfy mains, battery or vehicle 12V...

Pack `n' seal. (Packaging & Labelling).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Ulma Niagara 280 and 380 form, fill and seal machines from Wrapid can each seal up to 80 packs/minute, with the 380 offering the larger pack width dimensions of up to 380mm. Both machines have been manufactured to run with various films...

An objective view of transparency. (Packaging & Labelling).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Haze-Gard Plus from Sheen Instruments has been designed to provide objective measurement data and quality assurance statistics on the transmission properties of clear plastic bottles, containers and synthetic packaging materials. The unit can...

Labeller suits multitasking.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... High-speed model added to Sessions' range of high-speed print and apply labelling systems, the SPA924 unit is a one-to-one labelling system designed for use in a wide variety of industrial applications. This multi-tasking labeller builds...

Sound analysis. (Environmental Control).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Designed for acoustic measurement, environmental noise monitoring, and occupational health and safety applications, AcSoft's SVAN 945 and 943 are respectively Type 1 and 2 approved digital sound level meters offering optional real-time...

Pump offers head options. (Environmental Control).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Developed for use in laboratory-based sampling and dosing applications, the 323 series of peristaltic pumps offered by Watson-Marlow Bredel -- on show at this month's ET2002 exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham -- bring both power and performance...

All-in-one analyser keeps an eye on emissions. (Environmental Control).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Gaseous emissions from process plant, boilers, incinerators and power stations can be checked and logged using a new handheld analyser from Telegan. In one compact unit, Tempest 100 offers monitoring for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide,...

Vacuum system keeps the dust down. (Environmental Control).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Latest high vacuum system from Nederman the P300, has been developed for use with pneumatic and electric tools such as grinders and welders and as a general vacuum cleaner. When used to control the dust and fumes produced by pneumatic tools, it...

Tackling asbestos. (Environmental Control).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Airmec is targeting asbestos remediation by launching essential hazardous materials services. From a small, section to a complete strip-out, Airmec can create a safe system of work for hazardous materials removal, building complete...

A big chill from a small footprint. (Environmental Control).(Daikin product introduction)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... New range of R407C small water-cooled chillers introduced by Daikin, the EUW Compactline Junior, offers capacities between 13 and 65kW and is designed among modular lines giving a footprint some 60 percent less than those of contemporary units....

Black smoke turned into no smoke. (Environmental Control).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... On diesel trucks, plant and heavy equipment, black exhaust smoke can be a problem. Specialist Agriemach's answer is the Gorgo range of diesel exhaust water-driven purifiers: trucks and plant fitted with Gorgo emit water vapour. Gorgo uses...

Tool system in the groove. (Metalworking Equipment).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... A new 2.2mm wide tooling system for face grooving at diameters down to 14mm and depths of 10mm has been developed by Advanced Carbide Tooling. The system initially includes 20 standard versions, for left or right hand turning on diameters from...

All star cast gives high performance. (Metalworking Equipment).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... New Zayer 20KF milling machine from Viking Machine Tools boasts an all-cast construction which, compared to competitively-priced fabricated machines, claims much improved levels of stability, rigidity and cutting performance. This makes the...

Punch/shear lines give fast plate processing. (Metalworking Equipment).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Kaltenbach KPS Topline punch and shearing system achieves fast accurate processing of strip-fed steel plate and angle. It is ideal for the structural and steel fabrication industries -- accurate processing of steel end plates and cross braces...

Pre-setter measures up. (Metalworking Equipment).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Latest Zoller `Phoenix' pre-setter and measuring machine from Gewefa is designed for Mapal style bladed reamers, offering automatic measuring for all tools with special measuring programmes for reamers in snap gauge or oversize principle for...

Get a hold on punch presses. (Metalworking Equipment).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... New range of multi-tool holders suitable for CNC punch presses that has been introduced by Wilson Tool allow the number of tools carried on the machine to be increased and the tool change and setting time reduced. Central to the Wilson...

Reflect on Flotronic Pumps. (Advertisement Feature).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Ltd, a major producer of car door mirrors, have improved their Paint Kitchen operation and standardised on Flotronic Pumps, after successfully trialling an FPL `One Nut' Double Diaphragm pump. Schefenacker...

No cakes, no cloggs. (Process Plant & Control).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... In certain process applications -- particularly where powders and granulars are being handled -- there is the potential for materials to choke or block valves, for example in storage hoppers and tanks. Pinch valves, which are less likely to...

Switching liquids or gas in mid-stream. (Process Plant & Control).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... From Parker Instrumentation comes an innovative valve system for automated stream switching in gas and liquid analysis applications. The R-max uses surface-mounting techniques to reduce the size of control systems for process analysers and gas...

Providing power for AS-i. (Process Plant & Control).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... AS-Interference (AS-i) is one of the most popular automation networking solutions, linking binary sensors and actuators at the field level. It uses a single cable to carry both data signals and electric power around the plant, thus reducing...

Valve and piezo link to catch the bus. (Process Plant & Control).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... An intrinsically-safe, fieldbus-compatible process valve is the culmination of an alliance between Hoerbiger-Origa and RGS Electro-Pneumatics. In a simultaneous development, an H-O piezo-pneumatic pilot operator has been integrated into an RGS...

Solenoid valve keeps out the heat. (Process Plant & Control). (Burkert Contromatic).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... In addition to long life and high reliability, the innovative design of Burkert's new technical solenoid valves means virtually no heat transfer between fluid and coil and minimised dead volume. Through a choice of sizes and body/seal...

Three-step charging. (Electrics & Electronics). (ACAL Electronics' chargers for lead-acid batteries).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Range of chargers that provide a rapid, safe method of charging lead-acid batteries has been introduced by Acal Electronics. Made by Mascot, the chargers feature a three-step charging technique with coloured LEDs to indicate the three modes....

Put motor control onto the bus. (Electrics & Electronics). (Hayes Control Systems' PowerBus Terminals).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Controlling motors of up to 4kW directly from any of the principal fieldbus systems is said to be straightforward and inexpensive with the new KL8001 range of PowerBus Terminals from Hayes Control Systems. Used in conjunction with an ordinary...

Just push to connect. (Electrics & Electronics). (Icore International's push-on busbar connectors).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Durability, versatility, low insertion force and consistently low contact resistance are among benefits claimed for the latest range of push-on busbar connectors from Icore International. Available in standard versions rated at up to 800A...

Extending dc motor power. (Electrics & Electronics). (Leroy Somer).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Leroy Somer has extended its LSK range of industrial dc motors. The laminated frame units are now offered in ratings from 2 to 750kW and in both compensated and non-compensated types. These square-framed, drip-proof motors with in-built...

Fire protection up the junction. (Electrics & Electronics). (Spelsberg's WKE fireproof junction boxes for electrical circuits).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Spelsberg's WKE fireproof junction boxes are for critical electrical circuits (sprinklers, lighting etc) needing 30 to 90 minutes' fire protection. Designed for fast installation, there are three sizes of enclosure with IP54 flame-resistant...

Non-spill couplings. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... From Tom Parker comes the Chemquick CQN08 range of high-flow, non-spill quick disconnect couplings. Made by Colder Products from ultra-pure ptfe, they use no contaminating lubricants and meet most industrial ultra-pure standards, suiting them...

Efficiency in tight spaces. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Micromech has introduced the nine-model Parker Pneumatic P5T series of short stroke thrust slides for heavy-duty short stroke applications in factory automation processes where mounting envelopes are limited and substantial side loading is...

On the rack. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics). (KT Hydraulics' KS-90 degree rotary actuator).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Offered in single or twin-rack versions, the KS-90 degree rotary actuator from KT offers a working pressure up to 207 bar. Applications include refineries and general industrial use. Its rack and pinion design provides a linear, balanced torque...

Selling `value': all change for pneumatics? (Hydraulics & Pneumatics).(on-line ordering system)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... IN A WORLD where machine performance and delivering results are of paramount importance, Norgren is looking to a future where performance is bought and sold, while the products themselves become the conduit. Sean Toomes, Norgren's international...

Improving the flow. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics). (SMC Pneumatics' Series ARJ310 air regulators).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Series ARJ310 air regulator from SMC claims improved flow rates over similar units. The compact (18.3 x 82.5 x 46cm), lightweight (65g) unit accommodates two threads -- inside female M5 x 0.8, outside male thread 1/8in. One-touch fittings...

Weightwatching for OEMs. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Norgren's Pneufit C range of push-fit pneumatic fittings and accessories from Wyko are aimed primarily at OEMs seeking smaller and lighter airline systems to fit into more compact machines. Pneufit fittings use `grab ring' technology to...

Harmony on the button. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics). (Parker Pneumatic's Harmony PXB-B3 push button valves).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... For use with Schneider Harmoney pushbutton operators, the Harmony PXB-B3 range of 22mm push button valves from Parker covers spring return and mushroom head pushbuttons and selector switches. Units have 3/2 normally open or closed functions and...

Solutions set the standard. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Festo has introduced a range of `Plug and Work' standardised system solutions to reduce installation and commissioning times and maximise ease of use. First off the pre-engineered line is a comprehensive solution for handling applications. ...

A block on travel drive. (Handling & Storage).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... DRS range of modular wheel blocks for travel drive applications from Demag Cranes have been designed to be small and compact, whilst demonstrating a higher load capacity compared with other units of a similar wheel diameter. They allow worn...

Truck gives closer control. (Handling & Storage). (Hyster improves A1.00-1.50XL rear wheel drive drive lift trucks).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Hyster has introduced further improvements into its A1.00-1.50XL rear wheel drive lift truck series to bring it into line with the other models in the electric range. With its compact design and tight turning circle -- thanks to its load...

Transfer units on the ball. (Handling & Storage).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... New range of bail transfer units from WDS offer load carrying capacities up to 2033kg. Using precision guide technology to minimise friction, they are available in high-capacity medium-duty and lightweight configurations and are ideal for any...

Smoothing the flow. (Handling & Storage).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... CSL's new range of spiral conveyors provide a smooth continuous flow and high throughput of product, either up or down from different floor levels while occupying minimum floor space. No special controls are needed and with just one drive unit,...

Go by trolley. (Handling & Storage).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... F18/L18 and GKS transport trolley system from Southworth can take loads up to 36 tonnes. The L18 steerable castor machine has a 170mm dia. turntable and 180 deg.steering angle. The trailing F18 trolley is width adjustable and its cassettes can...

Sweeper fits truck forks. (Plant Maintenance).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Gurney Reeve's five-machine range of fork-mounted sweeper/collectors offers sweeping applications in an industrial environment. Models 42/1066, 48/1220 and 54/1370 use LPG drive, while models 48D and 54D have a Yamaha diesel engine. ...

Auto lubrication of multiple points. (Plant Maintenance).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... SYSTEM MultiPoint is a new automatic lubricator from SKF for multiple grease lubrication points. It can automatically lubricate each point simultaneously with the correct amount of lubricant and so removes human error and neglect in...

Making a clean sweep in four working widths. (Plant Maintenance).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Yard and road sweepers in four widths which can be fitted to fork lift trucks, tractors and other vehicles are the latest additions to Reco's SGG range of amenity equipment. Available in widths from one to 1.8m, the machines have 48cm...

Water alarm improves plant life. (Plant Maintenance).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Ingress of water into fluid power or lubrication systems can reduce the lifetime of the oil and cause damage to many of the components used in the systems. The Buhler WW6 water alarm from AC Fluid Technology reliably detects water using the...

Fittings adapt with a push. (Plant Maintenance).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... John Guest is offering a number of adaptors to make it easier to use its Push Fit fittings and pipe to extend or alter an existing galvanised system. Connections to galvanised can be with either a straight adaptor, which can be connected to the...

Cycles for industry and commerce. (Advertorial).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... A growing number of UK companies see the environmental and cost saving benefits of using cycles to transport people, packages and post around their sites. Journey times are typically cut by 70%, there are no harmful emissions from cycles and...

Polishing up the tubes. (Finishing & Materials).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Surtech have introduced a new portable abrasive power tool for polishing tubes on site, Model PR 1503 consists of a powerful 1200W motor with variable speed control and a spring loaded abrasive belt arm which allows the abrasive belt to shape...

Overlay toughens up the panel. (Finishing & Materials).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... CTL Components has developed a process for creating instrumentation front-panel overlays that combine the versatility of screen printing with the durability of a hard plastic finish. Known as Dataface technology, this new process consists of...

Pinhole reflow comes out from behind the shield. (Finishing & Materials).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Pin-in-hole reflow, the technique of soldering SMD and traditional leaded components in one operation, has been confirmed as eminently feasible with the introduction by Tecan of thin-metal reflector shields, which simply drop over...

Bins and trays kept clean. (Finishing & Materials).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Up to 60 plastic tote bins and trays -- maximum 600 x 400mm -- can be automatically washed, rinsed and dried every hour with the new, conveyorised aqueous cleaning system from USF Surface Preparation. The In-line C600/3 system holds the bins in...

Minis into position. (Drives & controls: show preview).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... New from Parker Hannifin's Electromechanical Division are two new `mini' precision linear positioners, each just 40mm wide, for use in very small space envelopes -- a characteristic of many applications in today's fast-growing photonics,...

Servo motion integration. (Drives & controls: show preview).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... New range of motion control products from Schneider Electric includes Lexium, a comprehensive series of integrated servo motion systems offering programmable controller-based, stand alone and multi-vendor fieldbus solutions. Also on show will...

Couple up to cut downtime. (Drives & controls: show preview).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Grid, gear, disc and elastomer couplings added to the Falk Couplings range available from Wyko are designed to ensure long life and smooth operation on the factory floor. Easily installed, they offer high load capacity, minimum maintenance and...