What's New In Industry articles from May 2007

What's New In Industry archives from May 2007

WHAT'S NEW: Packaging to beat the counterfeiters.
May 22, 2007... MacDermid Autotype has developed special packaging designed to combat counterfeiting of its branded products. Based on a combination of ultraviolet visible inks and holographic labelling, the new packaging is said to be extremely difficult...

WHAT'S NEW: Another dimension adds possibilities.
May 22, 2007... We alltake our ability to see in 3D for granted, but it is only when you lose this ability that you realise just how useful it was - and the industrial world can also experience such levels of enlightenment, says David Hannaby of SICK (UK)....

WHAT'S NEW: Truck picks up awards double.
May 22, 2007... Crown's advanced TSP 6000 turret order picker has scooped two leading industrial design awards this year. It carried off the FLTA's Innovation Award, beating six other short-listed contenders, and then received the iF product design award,...

WHAT'S NEW: Chain data.
May 22, 2007... Selection of the wrong type of drive chain can lead to a shortened working life and increased maintenance, warns Renold. The company's updated online chain selector programme can be downloaded from www.renold.com where, from a database...

WHAT'S NEW: Motoring on.
May 22, 2007... The Grundfos MGE motors range (0.37 to 22kW, two and four-pole) has gained approval under the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme that enables users to claim extra tax breaks for purchasing energy efficient equipment. Grundfos says this now means...

WHAT'S NEW: Efficient heaters keep it quiet.
May 22, 2007... Dimplex has extended its selection of commercial heating solutions with the compact PFH fan heaters that emit just 24 decibels of sound - no louder than a whisper. The PFH units are suitable for use in garages, workshops, offices, storerooms...

WHAT'S NEW: Cable check on temperatures.
May 22, 2007... Successfully used to allow a single cable to connect multiple injection moulding cavity pressure sensors to the Como Injection process monitoring system, Kistler multi-channel cabling has been extended to cavity temperature signals. The...

WHAT'S NEW: Racks served well cooled.
May 22, 2007... Today's increasing electronics packing densities and higher processor speeds can cause complex thermal issues. Rittal's Liquid Cooling Package (LCP) is said to solve the problem of high power dissipation of up to 30kW as standard per rack....

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Dynamic edge for networks.
May 22, 2007... New serial-to-IP/Ethernet converters from GarrettCom allow a large installed base of serial devices to be integrated into modern industrial Ethernet networks. The DX range of serial devices routers provide intelligent serial-to-IP/Ethernet...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Reducing waste and downtime.
May 22, 2007... To help reduce product wastage and potential downtime during manufacture of paints and varnishes at its Munster plant in Germany, BASF Coatings is using a Krohne Optimass Coriolis mass flowmeter in the milling process, where colour pigments are...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Three-second blast to maintain steam quality.
May 22, 2007... A three-second blast, three times a day, from ARI-Armaturen's new blowdown valve increases boiler house efficiency and maintains optimum steam quality. Boiler water can contain dissolved and suspended solids and spent chemicals which, unless...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Contract for control.
May 22, 2007... ABB has received an order to provide the China Oil & Natural Gas Co. with an AC800F control system to operate an 80,000 tons/year styrene production facility. To be provided by ABB China, the system will consist of two pairs of AC800F...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Pump meets hygiene regs.
May 22, 2007... Meeting the latest hygiene standards in sterile and aseptic processes, Grundfos' NOVAlobe positive displacement rotary pump suits high- specification pumping tasks in liquid food, beverage, pharmaceutical, environmental, surface treatment and...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: The modular approach to pumping.
May 22, 2007... A specification which meets the latest API 610 requirements, a fully integrated design of motor, baseplate and accessories, plus outstanding hydraulic performance are among key features claimed for the CombiPro range of process pumps from JP...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Let there be backlighting.
May 22, 2007... Integral display backlighting is now available as standard on all VEGA transmitters using the common 'plics' system and instrument display, PLICSOM. This universal display and programmer unit already features high-resolution graphics capable...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: High-flow valves work fast at closing time.
May 22, 2007... Specifically designed for the dust collector market, a new 11/2-inch version of Asco Joucomatic Numatics' type 353/800 Power Pulse valves uses a patented piston design for much faster opening and closing times, quieter operation and lower...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Next step in digital control.
May 22, 2007... By combining an advanced servo controller with high-performance axis control software, the M300 from Moog Controls has been designed to address the advanced needs of high-performance digital control for hydraulic and electrical products. ...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Bridging the fittings gap.
May 22, 2007... To augment its stainless steel flow control regulators and non-return valves, Legris has introduced one-way and bi-directional flow controllers and a quick exhaust valve in 316L grade for use in salt environments, for external use when...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: An analytical route to plant efficiency.
May 22, 2007... Rosemount Analytical flue gas analysis products from Emerson Process Management are helping to maintain efficient operations at the RWE npower Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant in Barry, South Wales. The plant supplies electricity, steam...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: In control of melamine growth.
May 22, 2007... ABB is supplying through ABB China an AC800F control system to operate a 30,000ton/yr melamine expansion project in China for Sichuan Chemical Works. The system includes one engineer workplace, three operator workplaces with DigiVis...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Valve control on a plate.
May 22, 2007... New device from valve control specialist Netherlocks allows manual operation of pneumatic valves, whether they are high-torque, difficult to reach or require many handwheel rotations to activate. The portable, pneumatic KMS handwheel actuator...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Line dedicated to food packaging.
May 22, 2007... The ability of Ishida to devise complete packaging lines will be showcased at TOTAL by its bespoke Integrated Snackfood Packing System, the Atlas iTPS. Other individual models on show include the QX-1100 traysealer, the new IX-GA x-ray system,...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Reducing waste.
May 22, 2007... With packagers and end users aware of the need to adopt environmentally- friendly packaging solutions, FDL Packaging Group aims to help companies of all sizes reduce costs associated with waste packaging disposal. FDL's Sales director...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Fast bagging machine ready for the Sprint.
May 22, 2007... New FAS SPrint bagging solution, to be launched at TOTAL by Automated Packaging Systems, sees the company entering the European food sector. FAS SPrint has been developed to handle packing of fresh, chilled and frozen produce including...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: By the book.
May 22, 2007... When book wholesaler Bertram Books streamlined its picking and packing line, Easypack's Cassette system proved ideal for filling top voids in new standard-size cartons. Easypack's design team adapted over-conveyor frames for the five...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Take a POP at stretchwrapping costs.
May 22, 2007... With stretchwrap cost showing sharp increases due to high oil prices, LOCK n' POP pallet stabilisation has become an even cheaper alternative, says Limpet Tapes, with users benefiting from no price increase at all last year. And with...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: System integration.
May 22, 2007... From Barco, the Plantmaster Manufacturing Execution System for packaging feature's Barco's wireless technology for data collection, together with support for the latest machine communication protocols such as Euromap 63 and OPC. It...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Reliability a key to coder's success.
May 22, 2007... Maintenance-free and reliable operation are key factors that have made the Wolke m600 thermal transfer inkjet printer the coder of choice at Smith & Nephew's Advanced Wound Management plant at Hull. Fifteen units, supplied by Sunala, are...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Print only the labels you need.
May 22, 2007... KTEC Group's LX400 label printer will print 4800dpi colour labels onto low-cost matt or gloss roll label stock. "With this new four-inch printer, or its companion, the wider LX810 eight-inch model, you print just the amount of labels...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Accreditation right on the mark.
May 22, 2007... Weber Marking Systems has become one of just eight UK coding companies (and the first in Scotland) to achieve GS1 UK Accredited Solution Provider status. The scheme allows end users to locate solution providers with the acknowledged...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Strapping lines pass News test.
May 22, 2007... Major investment at three News International print plants has brought strapping specialist Mosca its biggest ever individual order - 114 news- paper strapping machines. End-of-line strapping is a key consideration for the print industry,...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Brick strapper.
May 22, 2007... End-of-line packaging solutions specialist M.J.Maillis has supplied a purpose-designed polyester strapping solution for the Surrey manufacturing site of Hanson Building Products. Replacing an older Signode machine, the Maillis Vario Master...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Software aids label design.
May 22, 2007... Norprint has added extra features to its WLP2 label design and print software: these include improved installation program and interface, a new look for date selection, quick access to the most used features, plus faster and easier access to...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: The ultimate bond.
May 22, 2007... From inotec comes a full-colour in-mould RFID label for long-term use that can be moulded directly into the component, producing, says intotec, the ultimate bond as the label becomes part of the finished item. Items such as warning signs,...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Versatile printer adds durability.
May 22, 2007... With a print engine available in thermal transfer printing for long- life labels, or direct thermal printing for short duration labelling, the Imaje 2000 Pallet printer combines the versatility of the Imaje 2000 print and apply labellers with...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Lab test sealer.
May 22, 2007... Packaging Automation's PA2301 packaging machine is targeted at labs involved with packaging samples for clinical trials. This compact, easy to use unit can carry out various heat sealing processes specifically for lab testing, formulation...

BUILDINGS & MAINTENANCE: Create your own grand designs.
May 22, 2007... If there's a secret behind the versatility of Lindab's pre-engineered buildings, then it lies in the design and fabrication of the steel framing that enables the Lindab system to produce just about any industrial or commercial structure, from...

BUILDINGS & MAINTENANCE: Software gives an instant view.
May 22, 2007... Builders of Lindab multi-storey buildings can give customers an instantaneous 3D visualisation of their projects, inside and out, by using CYPRION MSB, a new software module can calculated the price of buildings up to three floors high and up...

BUILDINGS & MAINTENANCE: Air curtains turn up the power.
May 22, 2007... Dimplex has extended its commercial air curtain range with high power industrial units. IAB industrial air curtains provide powerful performance yet maintain visibility through the door, an important safety consideration. Maximum mounting...

BUILDINGS & MAINTENANCE: Partitions create office complex.
May 22, 2007... Excalibur double-skin steel partitioning from Troax has been used to create an extensive office complex at Delphi Electronics & Safety's manufacturing plant near Liverpool. As part of a reconfiguration and refurbishment of facilities on the...

BUILDINGS & MAINTENANCE: Preventing slips, trips and falls.
May 22, 2007... Stirling Lloyd has launched a new range of preformed slip-resistant products speci-fically designed for application to substrates where a fully bonded resin system is inappropriate. The 'Safetrack Preform' range provides low-cost, simple to...

BUILDINGS & MAINTENANCE: Extended service.
May 22, 2007... Improved and extended range of plastic service valves from John Guest Speedfit have a chromium-plated ball for easier and more durable operation. Push-fit connections mean fitting time is much reduced, and the valves are easy to install in...

DESIGN COMPONENTS: Tough new material heralds the high rollers.
May 22, 2007... NSK has worked with the global manufacturers of construction and extraction machinery to develop high-performance bearings matching their specific application requirements, providing longer service life in equipment such as off-highway trucks,...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Composite know-how holds fast.
May 22, 2007... A technical partnership with Caparo Vehicle Products has provided BigHead with the composites know-how for a new high-performance fastener for composite materials. The 316 stainless steel TwinDisk, with its simple, strong design and...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Take the tube.
May 22, 2007... New equipment has been installed in the Wednesbury, West Midlands, plant of Hallen Engineering to meet increasing demands for its tubular components, produced by forming, pressing, swaging, threading and machining operations. New machines...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: On the spot.
May 22, 2007... STM nano spot sensor claims laser-like accuracy with a standard photoelectric LED: at 20mm sensing distance the beam spot is just 1.5mm dia. Supplier OEM Automatic says small sensor technology suits uses such as small component/product...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Monitors on hold.
May 22, 2007... Expanded range of TFT holders offered by Rittal now includes the fully height adjustable CP Pedestal. Designed for use with lightweight operating units such as TFT monitors up to 20.1ins, this new pedestal is seen as ideal for either...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: It's Little URN.
May 22, 2007... New general-purpose clinch fastener, the URN nut, is the latest in the range of rivet nuts from Profil. Offering a fast, reliable method of mounting M6 steel threads in sheet metal components up to 1.9 mm thick, the fastener offers a...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Two-part fastener for a quick fix.
May 22, 2007... Polystic quick fasteners from Titgemeyer ensure that covers, cladding and flaps are securely fixed. This two-part plastic fastening system is fitted quickly without tools and is said to function perfectly even after 30,000 fastening...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Get it clamped.
May 22, 2007... Hilma M-TECS 210 magnetic clamping system from Roemheld is said to be the only system of its kind that can be used in rubber moulding where temperatures up to 210degC are required. Clamping is achieved by pressing two buttons on the remote...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: A black look for design options.
May 22, 2007... Black-coloured DuraForm EX plastic from 3D Systems is an easy-to- process, durable material offering the toughness of injection-moulded polypropylene and ABS. Ideal for rapid manufacturing, this laser sintering material, previously only offered...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Ballscrews can cut linear motion costs.
May 22, 2007... Available with nominal diameters from 50 to 125mm, SKF's latest high load capacity ballscrews offer cost-effective solutions in a range of linear motion applications. In many cases they can provide an alternative to hydraulic actuators,...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Stainless guides resist corrosion.
May 22, 2007... Stainless steel version of the igus DryLin W linear guide is offered for use in corrosive environments, particularly in the food processing and packaging industries, or in chemically exposed or underwater applications. Rails are in V4A...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Precise fixing by a single screw.
May 22, 2007... A key part of Schur Packaging Systems inserters is an assembly of four star-shaped wheels which insert enclosures into folded newspapers. The assembly is held together with ETP-Express locking bushes which are fastened with a single...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: AC drive aimed at servo arena.
May 22, 2007... Machinery builders may now only need to specify one drive for a variety of motor types - along with an appropriate feedback device if applicable - with the introduction of the DTC (Direct Torque Control) drive from ABB. It allows control of...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Precise Kevlar cutting by laser.
May 22, 2007... Used in areas from bullet-proof vests and cut-resistant gloves to tyre reinforcement and high tensile strength ropes, the poly-amide fabric Kevlar is being cut for custom applications by laser specialist Laser Lines. In one recent...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Linear stages precisely into position.
May 22, 2007... With a ruggedised, fully sealed design, Aerotech's ALS5000 series linear stages combine direct-drive motor technology and linear motion guide bearings for high precision positioning of large payloads in harsh production environments. The...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Moving higher loads.
May 22, 2007... Schaeffler UK has extended its range of tandem actuator units with triple toothed belt drives, allowing machine builders and designers to move higher loads and masses with higher positional accuracy at up to 3m/s, while supporting high moment...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Clearly fixed.
May 22, 2007... New from Intertronics, Dymax OP-29 adhesives offer resilience, optical clarity, low stress and resistance to yellowing, thermal shock, vibration and impact. They also eliminate birefringence where the ultimate in precise bonding is needed. ...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Guided with precision.
May 22, 2007... With higher precision than its predecessor yet with no price premium, HepcoMotion's UtiliTrak linear guideway system is also easier to install, suiting it to many applications. Higher precision has been achieved by replacing the original...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: On the Buses.
May 22, 2007... Available for up to 1600A with a choice of flat or profile bar, Rittal's new busbar system combines time-saving assembly with individual modularity. Control gear can be assembled and wired on the RiLine60 support frame and then mounted...

DESIGN COMPONENTS & MATERIALS: Stay SLIM for a longer life.
May 22, 2007... A new, more accurate way of projecting bearing life is said to confirm that the ratings of many KAYDON REALI-SLIM bearings exceed previously published figures, by five times in some cases. KAYDON bearings are supplied in the UK by R. A....

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Challenging convention on compressed air cost.
May 22, 2007... Whether government sanctioned energy price rises are driven by European politics, genuine environmental concern or just plain profiteering may be open to question, but the impact on the financial viability of UK industry is clear: costs are...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Air knife comes clean - and quietly.
May 22, 2007... Ideal for drying, cleaning, cooling and containing in many processing applications including food, beverage, brewing and other manufacturing applications, Beckair's Neublade claims an energy consumption only one- third that of standard...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Rotary screw units take the integrated route.
May 22, 2007... Three new models added to the Atlas Copco 30 - 45kW range of GA oil- injected rotary screw compressors offer full integration of air and condensate management, low-noise operation and occupy the minimum footprint at the point of use. All...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Redesign for flexibility.
May 22, 2007... Redesigned AZ piston rod cylinder from Hoerbiger-Origa offers both improved performance and a much high level of configurability. Improvements over the previous AZ include a new barrel profile for a smoother surface, and a redesigned...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Compressor development a boost for air delivery.
May 22, 2007... Increased air delivery with no additional power use has been achieved through on-going development to Boge Compressors' C and CL range of 2.2 to 7.5kW screw compressors. Since their launch some five years ago, improvements and upgrades have...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Keeping the noise down.
May 22, 2007... Silvent is offering a series of safety silencers developed to handle large air flows. They can also be used in constant flow applications or as a central silencer for many valves simultaneously. Unlike conventional silencers, these new...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: On-site testing.
May 22, 2007... As an extension to its existing product range, BEKO Technologies is offering an on-site air testing service, using state of the art equipment to test for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water and oil content. The service is seen as being...

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS: Slide profile to ease installation.
May 22, 2007... New generation of mini slides from Festo are aiming to redefine the market for guided pneumatic actuators. With these DGSL slides, the guide unit forms the actual body of the unit and incorporates a pneumatic actuator, a fully integrated...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Taking stock.
May 22, 2007... British Airways Maintenance at Cardiff (BAMC) has seen a significant cost reduction in its maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) stock - and no stock outs - since installing a Cribmaster inventory management system from BuckHickman InOne....

HANDLING & STORAGE: Supplier success.
May 22, 2007... Quality of service and products have resulted in B&B Attachments receiving 'Preferred Supplier' status from Marshalls plc, a leading landscape products manufacturer. The endorsement of B&B Attachments' products and customer service...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Storage reaches up, up and away.
May 22, 2007... A combination of very narrow aisle racking, high density picking bins and specially adapted man-rising order picking trucks from Atlet has enabled Country Balloons to maximise storage capacity while retaining complete flexibility at its new...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Reaching new heights.
May 22, 2007... Packline was recently contracted by a leading confectionery manufacturer to design and manufacture a lifter, capable of lifting 100kg sacks up to a 4m mezzanine floor. Space constraints demanded the lifter be highly manoeuvrable with a small...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Versatile Bendi doubles up.
May 22, 2007... GSG Cargo of Worthing has designed the racking in its 3500ft2 warehouse around the capabilities of a Translift Bendi forklift truck. The purchase of the economical remanufactured Bendi has resulted in a 50 per cent increase in the number...

HANDLING & STORAGE: RTS rises to Warburtons' challenge.
May 22, 2007... RTS Flexible Systems has won a prestigious Suppliers Award from Warburtons in recognition of RTS' commitment and contribution during a 12-year working partnership. RTS has 27 robotic bread tin handling and storage systems in service at six...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Cars take cover.
May 22, 2007... When the Transdevelopment Group required an automotive processing warehouse for a client, once again they turned to Rubb Buildings. The building, which necessitated a tight schedule, was required to house cars and create a workspace. ...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Five-year plan.
May 22, 2007... Impact Toyota has just sealed a five-year full contract hire deal, worth more than #3.7m, with Polypipe. Polypipe and Impact Toyota have worked together for over fifteen years. The move secures Impact Toyota as Polypipe's sole supplier of...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Grabbing builders' merchants.
May 22, 2007... B&B Attachments has launched a new version of its BlockMaster range, specifically aimed at builders' merchants, featuring a fork-mounted, overhead rotating grab. Constructed for durability in the tough environment of builders' merchants'...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Weatherproof racking.
May 22, 2007... External cantilever racking with weather protection, installed by Pro- Dek Storage Systems, has provided additional cost-effective storage capacity for specialist materials stockholder Righton. Existing warehouses on Righton's Birmingham...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Power to push.
May 22, 2007... B W Industries has recently taken delivery of two Nu-Star Power Pushers at its main manufacturing facility in East Yorkshire. The Power Pushers are used to manoeuvre a range of rolled steel sections from point of production to despatch....

HANDLING & STORAGE: Palletable Service.
May 22, 2007... Specialist cold store operator, Chiltern Cold Storage & Distribution, has expanded its fleet of Atlet warehouse trucks with another Tergo UHS double-deep truck and five Presto PLP powered pallet transporters to work in a new cold store built...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Four-way forklift in Corus.
May 22, 2007... Corus has taken delivery of a 12 tonne capacity Combilift four-way forklift as the solution for handling steel and aluminium at Rotherham. The diesel powered Combilift, the heaviest of the Combilift range, has replaced a combination of a...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Where Blue Sky materials science meet manufacturing.
May 22, 2007... Innovation to do things better and faster than the competition, and at lower cost, is the name of the game in plastics. An industry survey at the end of 2006 showed that the British plastics industry is cautiously optimistic about its future...