What's New In Industry articles from May 2003

What's New In Industry archives from May 2003

Pointing the finger at safety rules. (What's News).
May 1, 2003... With increasingly tight workplace legislation looming, power tool manufacturer Desoutter has built up a 'strategic alliance' with specialist companies whose expertise can be brought to bear to develop effective solutions. Dust extraction...

A treat for the Airbus. (What's News).
May 1, 2003... Vital components used in construction of the wings for the new Airbus at Broughton, near Chester, are being treated in an advanced anodising process employing heat exchangers from SWEP. The gasketed heat exchangers have been supplied with...

Turn of speed for positional control. (What's News).
May 1, 2003... Introduction by inspection and metrology specialist Renishaw of its new RLE10 fibre-optic laser encoder for positional feedback in all kinds of applications is said to have eliminated many of the hitherto performance problems in respect of...

Improving asset efficiency. (What's News).
May 1, 2003... Aiming to pick up where traditional plant asset management programs typically stop, SKF's new Asset Efficiency Optimisation (AEO) concept is said to produce the same output for less cost--or more output for the same cost. The programs...

Compact camera opens up thermal imaging use. (What's News).
May 1, 2003... Already well established as an essential tool in plant maintenance and monitoring applications, infrared thermography could be about to take a major step forward in manufacturing processes. The latest thermal imaging camera from Flir sets...

A clear message. (What's News).
May 1, 2003... Eurotherm's four-model Series 3000 temperature/process controllers send out a clear message to operators--a 'plain language' scrolling text message display provides users with a customisable 'message centre' showing the name and function of...

Your starter for ten ... Moeller aims to deliver on motor protection with an innovative new approach that leads our review of new drives and controls products ahead of next month's Drives & Controls Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... In applications such as centrifuges, crushers and mills, high-powered drives are required to start high-inertia loads that, in turn, have extensive run-up times--in excess of ten seconds. The need to ensure that the drive starts first time...

Speed and torque cut down to size. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... To meet tight torque and speed regulation requirements of challenging motor control applications, Rockwell Automation's PowerFlex 700 ac drive with vector control uses Allen-Bradley Force Technology to regulate motor speed to an accuracy of...

Designed to couple without stress. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... Well aware of the potentially disastrous effects of premature fatigue failure in mechanical components, design engineers at Reliance Gear have combined design, testing and an in-house finite element-based design tool to produce the Reli-a-Flex...

Squeezing out a little bit extra. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... MicroFlex brushless ac servo drive from Baldor aims to enable OEMs to squeeze extra performance out of motion machinery--whilst also trimming costs. Although designed for low-cost and volume manufacture, this new single-axis drive also offers...

Drive used at the machine. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... For a machine designer needing a control on or near the machine itself, Bosch Rexroth offers the Duradrive solution. This compact unit contains all the functionality expected of a sophisticated control--plus its high degree of protection allows...

Switching on to plug'n'play. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... At Drives & Controls, Harting is to launch a range of IP67 plug'n'play Past Ethernet switches and interconnectivity solutions. The devices arc said to cover all relevant international standards being developed on both sides of the Atlantic. ...

Making new moves in motion control. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... Advanced auto-tuning software is the key to the speed of commissioning offered by the new ViX digital servo drive from Unimatic Engineers--it is installable in 15 minutes and claims to set new cost/performance standards in all but the highest...

Rack and panel connections. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... Latest range of space-saving rack and panel connectors from Icore Int. are designed to simplify the design and construction of withdrawable assemblies such as motor starters and power supplies which require dependable high-current connections....

Inverter can deliver high-speed benefits. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... High-speed machine tool motors could benefit considerably from a REFU inverter developed by Cirencester-based Bosch Electric Drives & Controls. The REFUspeed is an optimised frequency converter drive system for permanent magnet and inductor...

Calculated action to cut energy costs. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... An innovative energy payback calculator that helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) evaluate the benefit of buying variable speed drives using the Government's Action Energy loan has been launched by ABB. It shows that, even with...

Wizard in tune. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... National Instruments is extending the] power of LabVIEW and motion control soft, rare with its new Piezo Tuning Wizard. Using this free Lab-VIEW application, motion control developers can now easily tune and control piezo-based motors for...

I/0 for drive-based automation. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... Complementing existing servo and inverter drives, Lenze is introducing at Drives & Controls two new I/O systems with features said to suit all applications in drive-based automation. The Compact system suits simpler applications with up to...

Power in a small package. (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... A motor the size of a pencil tip is one innovation brought to Drives & Controls by maxon motor. The RE8 is 8mm dia., 16mm long and weighs under 4g, yet offers a power output of 0.5W. At 0.8mm dia., its ceramic shaft is as thin as a pencil lead...

Drive on a roll ... (Drives & Controls).
May 1, 2003... From Techna Int. come Uhing Rolling-Ring linear drives, developed for simple or complex winding operations, linear transport of equipment for cutting, coating, feeding, measurement, packaging tests, spraying, x/y table movement etc. Uhing...

In-line print gives one-step packaging: Autobag 'print-as-you-pack' systems developed by Automated Packaging Systems can cut both time and costs when it comes to bagging small components. (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... By incorporating in-line thermal transfer printers into its Autobag range of automatic and semi-automatic bagging systems, Automated Packaging Systems (APS) has effectively eliminated the need for separate labelling units and the labour...

Laser gets Smarter. (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... Sharing the same compact design as existing SmartLase products, the Markem SL130 C[O.sub.2] laser coder uses enhanced power output to print clear, variable data onto a wide variety of substances. The 130 system consists of a 30W air-cooled...

Labelling solution hits the heights. (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... A state-of-the-art sorting and labelling solution for a major German video and DVD distribution operation is being supplied by Axiom GB. Main elements of the machinery design for Deluxe Media Services (part of the the Rank Group)...

Coding control. (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... Designed to operate on Markem's SmartDate coders, the company's SmartTouch control unit allows operators to upgrade to higher levels of coding control and security, ease of set-up and access to on-line data. Measuring just 24 x 15cm, the...

Productivity on the menu. (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... Multi-tasking Vemag 500 and HP15 machines from Reiser are aimed at small and large-volume bakery production respectively. They are depositors, fillers, dividers, sheeters, formers, extruders and portioners, all rolled into one, allowing one...

Label samples. (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... Brand owners often have a need ahead of bulk production runs for small quantities of printed self-adhesive labels to dress product samples. Sessions of York offers a fast, effective solution, with virtually any quantity of press quality labels...

Machine on form ... (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... Compact pack forming machine introduced by Ceetak has been developed specifically for the snacks/confectionery market. The BB200 produces a stable stand-up pack, even when empty, enabling downstream filling processes to be simplified. The...

Printer keeps data on the move. (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... Latest addition to Paxar's range of portable bar code tag and label printers is a lightweight machine with easy 'drop-in' supplies and robust 'clamshell' construction--it can survive a 900mm drop test. Based on the existing 9460, the new...

Strapping without the air. (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... Latest machine from Mosca, aimed at the graphics industry, features an innovative airless strapping system. Mosca claims that the all-electric technology of its RO-TAI-5 strapper will both improve efficiency and provide cost-savings over...

Upgrade for mobile printer. (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... From Zebra Technologies comes the QL 420, a four-inch wide enhanced version of its established QL 320 mobile printer. Designed to cope with the likely rigors of typical manufacturing, warehousing and distribution environments, the 420...

Tailpipe protection. (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... Bikers can be extremely fussy when it comes to the quality of their machine's chromework. The highly polished surface of this expensive motorcycle exhaust is being protected from any accidental scratches and impact damage during transport and...

Getting a head with labelling. (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... The speed and reliability of Omega paper converting machines at Bridlington-based Burton Engineering has been increased by the latest high-speed labelling head from Advanced Labelling Systems. The compact design of the ALS 380 head, which makes...

Labels above and below ... (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... Meeting the need for weigh/price labelling equipment offering increased throughput, greater functionality and improved integration flexibility, the Bizerba Graphic Labelling Machine for Industry (GLM-I) meets applications typically in food,...

Transdermals at high speed. (Packaging & Labelling).
May 1, 2003... Advances to Doyen Medipharm's TD600/1200 machine for high-speed production of transdermal devices includes a new multi-axis servo motor drive system and touchscreen interface, allowing rapid changeover within validated parameters: previously,...

Seal out leaks in the final analysis. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... In the design of any analytical instrument, among the most critical components to consider are the solenoid valves used to control fluid flow: these must be free of leaks that can cause instruments to produce inaccurate analysis results....

Valve options. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... Haskel/Butech high-pressure valve, fittings and tubing systems from Haskel Energy Systems are now offered with valve packing and stuffing box options, extending their standard -73 to +135[degrees]C operating temperature range up to -253 to...

More control for AS-i. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... Ideal for incorporation into modern distributed control systems, yet powerful enough for use as a standalone programmable controller, the Controller E from IFM Electronic incorporates up to two AS-i masters, 128 Kwords of program memory and an...

Tough water transfer problems pumped away. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... With unpredicatable weather patterns leaving more storage areas and boiler rooms at risk from flooding, Lowara stainless steel pumps from Wyko can offer a solution to drainage and water transfer problems, from water displays to removing...

Profibus positioner a dead cert. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... An advanced electro-pneumatic side control positioner from Burkert Fluid Control Systems, designed for pneumatically-actuated process valves, has been installed in one of the largest Profibus network systems in the UK--the Johnson Matthey...

Air and gas control. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... FCX Thompson Valves has two new flow control products for compressed air and natural gas uses. The K16 miniature dome-loaded pressure regulator is already supplying product configurations to makers of portable fluid sampling test figs, and is...

Industrial PC rides the rails. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... Compact CX 1000 controller from Hayes Control Systems offers PC power in a DIN-rail mounted module. At just 100 x 38 x 91mm and specifically aimed at industrial control use, the unit brings PC control to applications where the cost/size of a...

Checking up on dust. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... Model DT400G dust monitor from Yokogawa combines stability and durability in applications including electrostatic precipitation, powder transport and dust recovery. This new instrument incorporates a direct insertion sensor that operates on the...

Safety on the buses. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... Erwin Sick has extended its range of Intelliface safety interfaces into the safety bus network. To coincide with the availability of Profibus Safe systems, the new UE4150 IP67 Profibus node can co-exist on the same standard bus network as...

Big clean-up for rotary lobe pump. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... For processes requiring high level cleanability, SSP Pumps has unveiled its Series X range of rotary lobe pumps, their characteristric smooth, low shear pumping action ideal for the assured, gentle handling of delicate and sensitive media. The...

Clamp-on flowmeter gets the measure of gas. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... Able to monitor accurately the flow of any gas at high or low pressure, the DigitalFlow GC868 ultrasonic clamp-on gas flowmeter from GE Panametrics now offers certification to ATEX 11 2 GD EEx md 11C T6. High accuracy of [+ or -] 2 percent...

Pulling the plug to reduce process blockages. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... Large bore, severe service instrument valve from Anderson Greenwood claims all the benefits of a metal seated gate valve but is configured as a conical seated plug valve, making it less susceptible to blockage from challenging process media....

Fluid bed dryers save fuel in dry silo mortar plant. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... Ventilex fluid bed dryers from Orthos have been developed to bring improved fuel economy and other operational benefits in sand processing to the expanding dry silo mortar market being adopted by major producers such as RMC, COPI and Tarmac....

Remote monitoring and control. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... Already a DTI innovation award-winner, FAW's t-mac is an internet-enabled monitor and control device that constantly monitors and controls industrial assets from air and water flow, refrigeration and heating, as well as remote assets such as...

Stall-free pumping. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... From IR/ARO Fluid Products comes a new range of EXP ultra-compatible air-operated diaphragm pumps. Using patented stall-free air valve technology, the EXP units claim high reliability with a simplified major shift valve and housing providing...

Float to order. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... Latest configurable float sensor from Hamlin can be ordered to meet user specifications. Units have magnetically-operated switch contacts for a life expectancy beyond that of conventional designs. Sensors am made from moulded polypropylene and...

Fast flow check. (Process Plant & Control).
May 1, 2003... New software in the latest version of Flo-Dar, the radar-based, open-channel flowmeter technology from Marsh McBirney, makes possible a higher range of measurement and the ability to measure flows up to 5m/sec. Both ac and dc-powered units,...

Not too true. (Electrics & Electronics).
May 1, 2003... ATS672LSB, self-calibrating gear-tooth sensor from Allegro Microsystems, features tight timing accuracy over temperature, true zero-speed operation, true power-on sensing and airgap independent switch points. The device is designed for...

Extra pin adds flexibility. (Electrics & Electronics).
May 1, 2003... LTSR current transducer range from LEM features an extra "REF" pin, providing access to the internal voltage reference of the ASIC and which can also receive the internal reference (from 1.9 to 2.7V) of the digital signal processors or A/D...

Choice and economy on rail? (Electrics & Electronics).
May 1, 2003... Klemsan range of DIN rail-mounted terminal blocks, available from Ce-Tek, offer electrical contractors, installers and equipment manufacturers a wide and economical choice of size, colour and ratings combined with full drop-in compatibility...

New transducer is TOP. (Electrics & Electronics).
May 1, 2003... The new TOP transfer transducers from HBM provide greater accuracy in checking calibration equipment with a repeatability of up to ten times better than required in the ISO 376 force calibration standard. There are two versions of the...

Smart thinking on the board. (Electrics & Electronics).
May 1, 2003... Secured power distribution boards that can be expanded or contracted as a building's occupancy level rises or falls have been introduced by ABB, thanks to a smart plug-in system that separates the distribution board's infrastructure side from...

Modularity is key. (Electrics & Electronics).
May 1, 2003... Modularity is the key concept of Assembleon's comprehensive A-Series component placement platform, claimed to be a uniquely flexible solution for 30k cph to 100k cph high-mix SMT applications at the same footprint. The A Series provides...

VESA first. (Electrics & Electronics).
May 1, 2003... Ergotron has launched the first wall mount that complies with VESA's new standard monitor mounting interface. The 100 x 200 mm hole pattern is to be used for the new generation of larger flat screen monitors. Ergotron's HD pivot mounts a screen...

Riding high. (Factory Equipment).
May 1, 2003... For use where floor space is limited, Rusmail has introduced a new range of overhead cable driven conveyors. Manufactured from galvanised or stainless steel, depending upon the requirements of the system, it has the ability to handle loads...

Cutting edge. (Factory Equipment).
May 1, 2003... Two new cells for automated waterjet cutting, suitable for three-dimensional as well as two-dimensional machining applications, have been introduced by Motoman Robotics. The 2000-Series has one or two 6axis robots mounted on a pedestal...

Broaden your welding range. (Factory Equipment).
May 1, 2003... The new Tradesmig models, 283S and 333S further broaden the Murex Tradesmig range of MIG welding equipment for light industrial, automotive, general repair and light production markets. These industrial composite MIG welders are designed to...

Keeping weight in check. (Factory Equipment).
May 1, 2003... Ramsey AC4 GP, from the Process Instruments Division of Thermo Electron Corporation, uses a washdown brushless motor and controller. The new development is said to provide significantly improved performance in terms of accuracy, reliability,...

Core drills take a tip. (Factory Equipment).
May 1, 2003... Users of diamond coredrills can undertake re-tipping and repairs with the latest development from Diaquip Sales and Service. Called Diatip, three machines are available suitable for wet or dry coredrills ranging in size from 35mm to 700mm...

Breathe easier. (Factory Equipment).
May 1, 2003... Compact BQR breathing air filter unit, from Staubli Connectors Division, converts instrument air to Breathing Air quality through a two stage filter unit, and meets the requirements of European Standard EN 12021. Flow regulator and pressure...

Probe new depths. (Factory Equipment).
May 1, 2003... Crydom Magnetics has combined a reed switch based fluid level sensor with a robust stainless steel housing to create a deep level probe sensor, suitable for boreholes and deep wells with restricted space or access. The new Submersible...

Run with scissors. (Handling & Storage).
May 1, 2003... Advanced Handling has broadened its range of scissor tables. The Bulldog mobile scissor range is a low cost alternative to AHL's premium range, and includes single and double lift models. They are CE marked and conform to EN 1570. The...

Three wheels on my forklift. (Handling & Storage).
May 1, 2003... A 3-wheel forklift track for easier, safer and more productive manoeuvring in confined areas has been launched by Toyota. The 48 volt 7FBEF is available in four models up to 2 tonnes. Designed to be a multi-purpose Forklift, with enough...

Diesel power without emissions. (Handling & Storage).
May 1, 2003... AC powered, 80- volt, 4 wheeled electric counterbalance track from Mitsubishi will "provide all the power of a diesel truck but without the emissions". Supplied by Hamech, in capacities up to 3.5 tonnes, the FB20-35K PAC is designed to be...

'In' place. (Handling & Storage).
May 1, 2003... The six-metre Combi-Store from Empteezy provides a safe and effective storage solution where a mixture of drums and small containers needs to be housed in one area. One end of the store has lockable sliding doors providing access by...

Robotic loader. (Handling & Storage).
May 1, 2003... ANCA has released a robotic loader option for the TX7 using Fanuc's robot "LR Mate 200 iB". This solution is said to provide increasing flexibility for customer's demands. The robotic loader can be used as an alternative to ANCA's existing...

Setting the limits. (Handling & Storage).
May 1, 2003... Automatic height selection is now available on Toyota's reach truck models 7FBRE 16, 20 and 25 with lift heights of 6.3 metres and above. Said to be unique to Toyota's range, pre-selection allows operators to pre-programme the required beam...

Actively extend your reach. (Handling & Storage).
May 1, 2003... 'Active' reach truck range from Lansing Linde has been supplemented by an AC powered option for all 'Active' models. In addition, the range has been extended to encompass the 'compact' sector with capacities of 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 tonne, as well...

Comfort gets a lift. (Handling & Storage).
May 1, 2003... Three new 2200--3000kg capacity counterbalance lift trucks have been launched by Euro Daewoo UK, with all emphasis on high performance, reliability and operator comfort. B22X, B25X and B30X four wheel, deep-drop DIN battery type models all...

Gas safety is on the cards. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
May 1, 2003... Wide-area protection against gas and fire hazards is provided by Gasmonitor Plus, Crowcon's modular control system for remote detectors. Detector signals are monitored by individual, removable control cards, each having a unique LED bar graph...

Who's at work. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
May 1, 2003... To maximise the impact of safety warnings when personnel are working on dangerous machinery, Castell Iso-Lok has introduced a line of highly visible safety information boards. The boards reinforce the danger message with a personal picture,...

Safety torch has an angle. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
May 1, 2003... Wolf Safety's 'Intrinsically Safe' torches with variable beam adjustment, now comply with the 94/9/EC ATEX Equipment Directive. CE marking also complies with the Workplace Directive. Reclassified and remarked accordingly, these safety...

Get into the network. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
May 1, 2003... Notifier's Intelligent Digital Delivery Network, I[D.sup.2]net, is said to set new industry standards for response speed, reliability, robustness and flexibility. The system is designed for medium to very large multiple building complexes...

OEM interlocks. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
May 1, 2003... A new system of interlock components, designed to form an integral part of OEM machinery, has been developed by Mistura Systems. The safety system is assembled during the manufacture of the machine, saving on both costs and assembly time as...

Safer containment. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
May 1, 2003... For the utmost safety when handling the vast range of flammable liquids that are in use every day in industrial, commercial and laboratory premises, Walter Page (Safeways) offers a comprehensive range of Justrite[R] safety cans equipment. The...

Look--no hands. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
May 1, 2003... Special safety features of Maestro International's EF624 eye/face wash include a 90 degree swivel arm for quick accessibility in emergencies and water supplied via a ball valve opened by a push-flag, leaving the victim with both hands free. ...

An absolute first in measurement? (Inspection & Measurement).
May 1, 2003... Newall Measurement Systems claim to have pushed the boundaries of machine tool measurement with the introduction of the first linear encoder to incorporate an AC inductive-technology measuring system that relies on a ball-based design. The...

New tester to expand the limits. (Inspection & Measurement).
May 1, 2003... Mark3 of Megger's PAT4 portable appliance tester is pre-programmed with additional test limits in line with the latest changes in the IEE Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Test of Electrical Equipment. The Mk3 PAT4 testers...

Water analysis made easy. (Inspection & Measurement).
May 1, 2003... Water analysis specialist, Palintest has introduced a new photometer, Photometer 8000, said to deliver rapid, accurate results. Advanced performance is coupled with easy operation and user calibration capability and is suitable for all...

Anti static goes down a "storm". (Environmental Control).
May 1, 2003... Fraser Anti-Static Techniques' new static eliminator, the Ionstorm 3700 Controller and 3800 Bar, provides long range performance for processes in the plastics, paper, packaging and textiles industries. The 3700 Controller allows the user to...