What's New In Industry articles from May 2006

What's New In Industry archives from May 2006

WHAT'S NEW: Closer detection.
May 31, 2006... Machine shops are regularly faced with the problem of broken tools during production. Identifying where and why the tool was damaged can be problematic, whilst scrap, re-work, machine downtime and delay all contribute to a reduction in...

WHAT'S NEW: Playing it straight.
May 31, 2006... Safety and productivity are at the forefront of new three-wheel electric lift trucks from Nissan, with a unique Synchro feature providing 'instant' straight line travel by automatically returning the machine's steering wheel spinner knob to...

WHAT'S NEW: Lightening up the ATEX burden.
May 31, 2006... Many thousands of hazardous area sites now face necessary compliance with the ATEX Workplace Directive under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations, otherwise known as DESEAR. And one of the many requirements is to...

WHAT'S NEW: Carting the ladder about.
May 31, 2006... When handling ladders, Rubbermaid's Mobile Work Station provides greater mobility, enhanced access and safe ladder handling, all with minimal storage requirements. Ladder cart management offers mid-cart positioning to create stability and...

WHAT'S NEW: Cash prizes for better design.
May 31, 2006... Prizemoney totalling #4000 is being offered by bearings specialist igus to industrial designers demonstrating the best uses of plastic plain bearings innovative or demanding applications. The second igus Manus Plain Bearing Design Contest...

WHAT'S NEW: Holding fast.
May 31, 2006... BigHead has launched a marine version of its fastener range made in 316S11 stainless steel to provide a high-speed problem-solving fastener for boat and yacht construction, repair and maintenance. With head sizes up to 58mm and thread forms up...

WHAT'S NEW: Welding system speeds set-up.
May 31, 2006... ESAB's Qsetis out to revolutionise the way welding parameters are optimised for short-arc welding. Qset offers potential for significant set-up time savings as no trial-and-error set-up procedures are required. It can offer improved weld...

WHAT'S NEW: In close proximity.
May 31, 2006... New from Allegro Microsystems, the ATS635/636 series of programmable back-biased Hall-effect IC sensors are true power-on state devices which use an optimised Hall-effect IC and magnet combination to switch in response to magnetic signals...

WHAT'S NEW: Chromatography in plain English.
May 31, 2006... New features incorporated into the GC1000 Mk11 process gas chromatograph from Yokogawa include an HMI that provides easy operation via plain English displays, a stable gas regulator installed in the isothermal oven, long-life liquid injection...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Nerve racking.
May 31, 2006... Primary reason for Hozelock logistics director Terry Bennett wishing to modify his existing warehouse and for building an extension to this facility was because of the amount of stock that the garden product manufacturer was being forced to...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Sorting out the pallets.
May 31, 2006... Still fork lift truck distributor Langley Mechanical Services has won Business Post Supplier of the Year Award 2005 for safety solutions implemented at the UK Pallets central sorting hub in Lichfield. Managers and supervisors now use specially...

HANDLING & STORAGE: On the case.
May 31, 2006... Customisable instrument cases from QED are tough, lightweight thermoplastic containers for protecting electronics, instrumentation, comms equipment etc. from shock, drop and vibration, as well as withstanding corrosion, dust ingress and...

HANDLING & STORAGE: A narrow winner.
May 31, 2006... Independent touring car champion Matt Neal drove his way to victory throughout last season in his Type R Honda. But he also has a keen eye for the winning kind of lift truck. Rimstock, the family business, makes high-performance alloy wheels...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Giving cost-effectiveness a lift.
May 31, 2006... When it came to putting an extra loading dock at its Manchester complex, the laser printers-to-sewing machines manufacturer Brother had to consider the cost of buying an additional fork lift truck as well as the associated civil engineering...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Saving time for spares distribution.
May 31, 2006... Nasus Mechanical Handling, Still's Shrewsbury-based distributor, has reduced Samsung Electronics' lead times through two Still MX-X man-up order pickers at its Telford spare parts distribution depot. The Telford warehouse is Samsung's...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Low-profile integration.
May 31, 2006... The low-profile (80mm) Mini scissor lift range from Airlift & Tilt integrates into high-volume conveyor production lines, offering raise and lower times of just five seconds, and up to 250,000 cycles between servicing. The two standard...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Treading carefully.
May 31, 2006... Wheeltread materials specifically developed to suit cold store applications have been introduced by Rader Volgel. The UK distributor is TeP Technica. Vulkollen fulfils almost all modern industrial truck requirements in terms of...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Truck flexibility.
May 31, 2006... Pick-up truck hardtop manufacturer, Truckman, has taken delivery of an Aisle-Master articulated fork lift truck to ensure flexible, reliable handling of its growing range of products at recently expanded premises. Following conversion of...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Solutions every which way.
May 31, 2006... British Turntable's expertise in mechanical rotary and linear handling equipment, combined with acquisition of Hovair Systems' air film portfolio and Cawley Marine's right to distribute Jung lifting and moving equipment, enables it to offer...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Plenty more room upstairs.
May 31, 2006... New relocatable lifting platforms from Transdek provide an economical, flexible means of loading and unloading double-deck trailers with fixed or powered internal floors. The platforms avoid the need for tail-lifts on trailers or scissor-...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Saving costs by investment.
May 31, 2006... With its C-Series Economy Range of scissor lift tables Edmolift's, manufacturing costs are minimised by utilising the most up-to-date production methods, the savings passing directly to the user. There are six tables in the range, all...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Attachments: all change.
May 31, 2006... Lift truck attachments can be changed quickly and easily with B&B Attachments' PowerMount quick release system. The driver can rapidly change from one attachment to another, usually within 30 seconds, to increase the versatility and...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Four-way trucks provide a stock answer.
May 31, 2006... Replacing overhead cranes with two Combilift four-way forklifts has enabled steel stockholder G H Cook to increase the amount of stock carried at its Sheffield warehouse. Improved handling and storage of product in all stages of production has...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Live racking.
May 31, 2006... Span Track full-width roller carton flow track system from The Live Storage Company converts pallet racking and static pick faces into efficient live picking environments. These robust, durable modular units slot into new or existing...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Truck gets mean with fuel.
May 31, 2006... New drive management system has given a significant fuel economy improvement to Still's R70-25 and R70-30 counter-balance fork lift trucks. Already among the most fuel-efficient trucks around, the two R70 machines now have an Intelligent...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Go undercover.
May 31, 2006... Medlock Medical in Manchester has installed a CopriSystems canopy to provide environmental protection for its loading and unloading operations. Goods are transported from factory to warehouse prior to global distribution. The canopy is...

HANDLING & STORAGE/CONVEYORS: Conveyors minding the store.
May 31, 2006... Conveyors (UK) has created a new process buffer store between welding and drilling operations handling auto seat covers at the Warwickshire plant of Ricor, manufacturer of automotive pressings and assemblies. Conveyors (UK) proposed a...

HANDLING & STORAGE/CONVEYORS: Chute to fill.
May 31, 2006... Developments at the Chivas, Newbridge, scotch whisky plant looked to increase hand packing rates and create a more ergonomically favourable picking position. This resulted in Conveyor Systems Ltd being awarded a contract for a bespoke system...

HANDLING & STORAGE/CONVEYORS: Quick change.
May 31, 2006... The patented quick-release mechanism of Gramac powered belt bends enable two maintenance engineers to change a damaged or worn vulcanised conveyor belt in situ in less than ten minutes. Now manufactured by Quartz Systems, Gramac belt...

HANDLING & STORAGE/CONVEYORS: All steamed up about conveyors.
May 31, 2006... One way to reduce production downtime and inflated labour costs, yet at the same time maintaining high standards of hygiene throughout the production cycle, is to use steam as a cleaning agent on conveyors. Heated under pressure to 180...

HANDLING & STORAGE/CONVEYORS: Robots down on the farm.
May 31, 2006... Robotic and automation projects to reduce the labour costs of farmers and growers are being developed by researchers at Warwick University's horticultural arm, Warwick HRI, and the university's manufacturing engineering section, Warwick...

HANDLING & STORAGE: A store of knowledge.
May 31, 2006... SSI Schaefer has completed fit-out of a fully integrated, fully functional, operating warehouse in Rushden, Northants, run by Exel on behalf of leading educational publisher Harcourt Education. In a contract worth over #1m, the project has...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Are you sitting comfortably?
May 31, 2006... Key developments to Toyota's 7FBMF and 71C ranges of four-wheel engine and electric-powered counterbalanced fork lifts aim to ensure users benefit from greater productivity, safety and operator efficiency. The new developments include...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Increased speed in the warehouse.
May 31, 2006... Furniture fittings and architectural hardware supplier Hafele has continued the automation of materials handling at its Rugby distribution centre by the installation of two additional automated high-bay cranes linked to heavy-duty pallet...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Turret trucks offer multi-configurations.
May 31, 2006... Designed to work in demanding operations with minimal operating clearances, Hyster's C Series of man-up VNA turret trucks can be tailored to suit a range of applications from pallet put aways, picking and transporting to staging in high-density...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Warehouse design suits articulated lift truck.
May 31, 2006... To gain best use of valuable space, Alpha Colour Printers of Gloucester has built a new warehouse designed specifically around the Bendi articulated fork lift from Translift Engineering. But saving space was not the only benefit: versatility...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Bagging system provides packaging flexibility.
May 31, 2006... Automated Packaging Systems, innovators in high reliability automated packaging systems, has installed its flagship 'print and pack' bagging systems at Joseph Gleave & Son Ltd, a tools, engineering consumables and workshop equipment...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Now Hitachi cracks the code.
May 31, 2006... Hitachi is the latest major coding equipment manufacturer to adopt Claricom's Packaging Coding Management Systems (PCMS) to eliminate coding errors. Hitachi is now working with Claricom to offer a market- leading PCMS for central network...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Blow-moulding goes on-site.
May 31, 2006... PET containers are becoming the norm for filling operations involving soft drinks, bottled water and even edible oil. However, costs associated with storing and transporting these low-weight to large- volume ratio containers can be...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Creating a fizz.
May 31, 2006... Coding/marking specialist Markem has created a fizz at Coca-Cola, improving product line labelling efficiency. The packaging team at Coca-Cola Enterprises approached Markem with a brief to improve accuracy and increase the speed of...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: UV protection in the bag.
May 31, 2006... Improved UV protection bags from Automated Packaging Systems offer better 'imprintability' for bar codes than previously - and at lower cost. With an improved look of final pack presentation, the bags have a high- quality, glossy finish,...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Clean switching for food industry use.
May 31, 2006... New safety switches for Proseal's range of heat sealing equipment for the food industry have been developed in response to requests for an easy-to-use and flexible system. Made in stainless steel, the switches offer durability and hygiene...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Making the headlines.
May 31, 2006... Northern Ireland's fast-growing regional newspaper, the Irish News, is using specialist strapping equipment from Mosca as part of its investment in a new state-of-the-art mailroom. The company required fast and reliable strappers to complement...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Pressing ahead.
May 31, 2006... In comparison with metal pressings, plastics may suffer from shrinkage, joint line and RFI / EMI shielding problems, be degraded over time by heat, light and ultra-violet rays and hold lower dimensional tolerances. Then, unlike...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Co-operating for better healthcare.
May 31, 2006... Close co-operation between Clamason, Bruderer and Simac Masic has provided an exemplary engineering solution for a critical small precision component which exceeds the exceptionally stringent quality requirements of an international healthcare...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Long life on the big screen.
May 31, 2006... Improved FAG Spherical roller bearings for use in vibrating screens now offer a longer service life. Available from Schaeffler, the bearings now have a new thin-layer chrome-plated bore. This coating resists weather influences, water...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Pneumatics at the double.
May 31, 2006... Hoerbiger-Origa's new compact directional pneumatic valve can operate as two independent valves in a single body, or in conjunction with a manifold. Originally launched in a 1/8-inch size, the S10 valve is now offered as a quarter-inch...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Turning green.
May 31, 2006... Metal part and finishing specialist Tecan has been recognised for its ongoing commitment to minimising its effect on the environment by being granted ISO 14001 status for its in-house environmental management systems (EMS). ISO 14001...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Guide trough for energy chains.
May 31, 2006... Self-supporting energy chains travelling long distances must be guided adequately whether over 50m in a high-bay warehouse or 500m on a crane installation. From energy chain manufacturer igus comes a new aluminium guiding trough system...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Another PC in the wall.
May 31, 2006... New PC enclosure in Rittal's ATX range offers all access from the front for situations where wall-mounting provides the best, or only, option. The enclosure overcomes the PC format problem of requiring access to both front and rear. By...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Chain treated to cut maintenance.
May 31, 2006... Chain for applications where access is difficult or the risk of product contamination is not permitted has typically been technically complicated and burdened with a hefty price tag. To counter these factors, Rexnord's new roller chain...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Guides boost capacity.
May 31, 2006... Designer, developer and manufacturer of linear motion solutions, THK, has launched two new models to extend its range of high-performance LM Guide systems. The latest versions of the SRW Caged Roller guide are now offered with extra wide...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Smooth mounts.
May 31, 2006... Rubber anti-vibration dampers for small flange-mounted industrial motors such as steppers and servos have been introduced by Astrosyn International Technology. The mounts suit uses where motor noise and vibration need to be minimised, such as...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Take closer control of speed.
May 31, 2006... An advanced method of open-loop speed control devised at Control Techniques is now available on its Unidrive SP range of ac drives. Rotor Flux Control (RFC) is seen as a major advantage where a combination of dynamic performance, stability and...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Keep a cold head.
May 31, 2006... Cold heading specialist Fisco Fasteners is putting samples its TS16949 certificated parts on show at this month's Subcon show, alongside a range of special nuts and wire formed parts. Examples of components already being supplied to...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Oil separator shows the way out of mist.
May 31, 2006... Alfa Laval's AlfDex oil mist separator is to be built into DaimlerChrysler group diesel engines through an #18m five-year order. This follows similar moves by manufacturers such as Scania and Volvo in 2004/5, prompted by legislation...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Blasting away coating overspray.
May 31, 2006... A major producer of high speed steel cutting tools has installed a Guyson Multiblast RSB blast machine for cleaning off 'overspray' from drill holding fixtures which become encrusted with coating when its drills are PVD coated. This...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Rapid prototyping at high-res.
May 31, 2006... New version of the Stratasys FDM Vantage rapid prototyping system, available from Laser Lines, offers three additional modelling material options and a higher resolution than the previous base model. Besides the standard polycarbonate (PC)...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Motor integration.
May 31, 2006... The Omnimotor OE Motors BLDC-3 with integrated drive and control electronics is based on a compact NEMA 23 frame size and presents the user with 150 - 300mNm continuous torque capability in three package sizes. The BLDC-3 motor combines a...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Switching with gas.
May 31, 2006... The ZX family of compact, modular, metal-clad gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) has been developed by ABB to meet the need of both distribution network operators and industrial users for cost-effective flexible primary medium voltage substation...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Tank valves stay out of the mix.
May 31, 2006... Tank outlet mix-proof valves have been developed by Alfa Laval to isolate tanks and other storage vessels from pipelines in food, beverage and other sanitary processes. The modular design of the 'Unique TO' valves provides maximum flexibility:...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Pumps can cope with hazardous liquids.
May 31, 2006... Ideal for use with hazardous fluids such as toxic liquids that tend to crystallise, new seamless magnetic-drive gear pumps from Tuthill Pump Group's ATEX-approved GlobalGear range are offered in sizes from GGMD015 to 130, covering flow rates...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Makeover brings boost to pump performance.
May 31, 2006... Progressive cavity pumps, an industry staple for several years, have been given a design and performance makeover by Netzsch. The NEMO M.Champ range claims a unique construction with only nine major components - a 70 percent reduction over...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Switched on.
May 31, 2006... New ATEX-approved pressure switches from Bailey & Mackey monitor or control pressure within a fluid system by either closing or opening an electrical circuit,. The Series 5000 devices are diaphragm operated at 40 bar. Wetted parts are said...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Pumps keep production running.
May 31, 2006... Energy savings of at least 50 percent, along with less downtime and cheaper maintenance, were key benefits achieved by a process water plant modernisation and pump replacement project by Process Installations for personal care products...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Meter increases the pressure.
May 31, 2006... Emerson Process Management has added high-pressure capability to the Micro Motion F-Series compact Coriolis meter line. Rated to 5000psi (345 bar), this new meter offers flow and density measurement in demanding, high pressure environments at...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Drive pump gets in close.
May 31, 2006... A close-coupled magnetic drive pump which offers users the benefits of leak-free liquids transfer, total produuct containment, easy maintenance plus simple and accurate installation, has been launched by Johnson Pump. The CombiMagBloc...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: On the FrontLine.
May 31, 2006... The FrontLine 15 sanitary plate heat exchanger from Alfa Laval has been developed specifically for heat transfer duties in the liquid foods and beverage markets. This new unit has been sized to provide 70 percent more capacity than existing...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: A better mix.
May 31, 2006... Milton Roy mixers cover tank capacities from 0.5 to 400m3, with low or high-speed options from 8 to 1500rpm. The speed options allow greater application flexibility, as does a choice of impellers, including marine, turbine and SABRE. ...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: A clean seat.
May 31, 2006... George Fischer's 567 double eccentric butterfly valve eliminates formation of deposits around the 'seating area', common with most butterfly valves, by designing out contact between the valve disc and seal when in the open position. ...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: When the going gets critical.
May 31, 2006... From Bio-Chem Valve comes a new line of solenoid valves. Available from Omnifit, the miniature Pure-ChemP2 valves employ fluid handling technology developed for high-purity medical applications. They feature an inert, all-plastic fluid path...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Bursting disc comes clean.
May 31, 2006... Elfab says it has developed the first environmentally-friendly bursting disc. A unique impregnation process allows replacement of the Phenolic and Furane-based resins traditionally used within the bursting disc industry - an industry long...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Cost-effective cooling.
May 31, 2006... TL10 plate heat exchanger from Alfa Laval is tailor-made for cooling applications in areas such as comfort cooling and heating, in the semiconductor industry, marine and diesel, power and oil and gas as well as the process industries. It is...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: In control.
May 31, 2006... Brodersen's Series 4500 RTU32 controller offers real time process communication and leading edge telemetry functionality. Its 32-bit platform allows embedded data processing, data logging, control and monitoring. It is a powerful networking...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Keeping process water clean.
May 31, 2006... Ultraviolet (UV) specialist Berson UV-techniek has developed a UV system specifically to remove ozone and endotoxins from process water. Ozone is used for disinfection in many industries. However, it is poisonous and can also damage...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Valve ensures no mix-ups.
May 31, 2006... Hovap Varioflow valves from Tyco have been specified at InBev's plant at Magor, south Wales, following expansion of existing facilities. These stainless steel, EHEDG-approved valves are widely specified in pharmaceutical, dairy, food,...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Contract helps improve the brew.
May 31, 2006... Alfa Laval is overseeing a major project at the Monmouthshire Magor Brewery of InBev UK to improve yeast propogation. The #560,000 contract includes installation of a yeast generation and pitching facility and is being carried out by yeast...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: A direct shot.
May 31, 2006... The 702V miniature dispense valve from EFD provides uniform, drip-free application of UV-cure adhesives, coatings and other fluids used in medical device assembly. Some 60 percent smaller and 70 percent lighter than typical dispense valves,...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Clutches on the limit.
May 31, 2006... Range of stainless steel torque limiting clutches from Mayr Transmissions is for use in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Dimensionally interchangeable with existing EAS-Compact clutches, the new EAS-Compact-R stainless...

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL: Arms take out fumes and dust.
May 31, 2006... From Nederman comes a new range of BenchTop arms, suitable wherever there is a need for an easy-to-use solution that eliminates smoke, gases, dust and particles when working with glues, solders, solvents, detergents and chemicals. Typical...

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL: Passing the clear air test.
May 31, 2006... Seeley International says it has become the only evaporative air- cooling manufacturer in the world to pass the stringent VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure) Standard and achieve VDI Standard 6022 compliance. Endorsement has been attained for...

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL: Pure water strikes gold.
May 31, 2006... Compact construction, competitive pricing, ease of use and excellent performance are benefits claimed for the new Centra-R 200 packaged water purification system supplied to IDM Electronics in Reading by ELGA Process Water. Installed to...

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL: Humidifier turns up the pressure.
May 31, 2006... The Armstrong Live Steam humidifier from JS Humidifiers offers a high running pressure of up to 4 bar, high output capacity of up to 1823kg/hr, low installation costs and quiet, super-dry steam delivery. By running at a higher pressure than...

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL: The sweeter smell of steam.
May 31, 2006... Alfa Laval claims that it can improve the productivity of deodorising plant for products such as vegetable and fish oils by up to 80 percent - while also cutting energy costs by 75 percent - by upgrading the plant with components from its...