What's New In Industry articles from November 2002

What's New In Industry archives from November 2002

PC put to the test. (Cover Story).
November 1, 2002... The durability and performance of Dolch's NotePAC notebook PC have just been put to the test, including harsh conditions simulating the deserts of Afghanisatn or being jarred in the boot of a police car. The tests were carried out in accordance...

Packing in for a longer lifetime. (Upfront: what's news).(Ford Motor Company in the UK and Kayserberg Plastics create recycling method )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Innovative method of recycling used packaging developed by the Ford Motor Company in the UK and Kayserberg Plastics could spearhead a trend towards more environmentally-friendly packaging strategies and offer significant cost savings. The...

Cleaning up in the USA. (Upfront: what's news).(Layton Technologies wins a contract to supply EDO Corporation with cleaning equipment)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Staffordshire-based Layton Technologies has beaten off competition from US firms to win a contract to supply American communications, defence and space technology organisation EDO Corporation with cleaning equipment. "We went with Layton...

Concern over `illicit' components. (Upfront: what's news).(low-cost, low-quality electrical component imports)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Users, specifiers and approvers of electrical components such as contactors, overload relays and circuit breakers are being warned about the dangers of some low-cost, low-quality imports finding their way onto the UK market. Gambica--the...

Laser agreement. (Upfront: what's news).(between Trumpf and EOS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Industrial laser specialist Trumpf has signed a patent cross-licence agreement with EOS, a leader in laser sintering and leading European manufacturer of rapid prototyping and manufacturing systems. The companies have granted each other...

Switching on to a Smart distributor. (Upfront: what's news).
November 1, 2002... An enhanced pushbutton switch with an LED for backlighting and an LCD that can be programmed to display graphics, alphanumeric characters and animated sequences is amongst a vast range of switch products available from Quiller Electronics...

Locator picks up the tab. (Upfront: what's news).
November 1, 2002... A simple solution for the creation of location tabs for future tasks such as assembly or welding on sheet metal components produced on a punch press has been developed by Wilson Tool International.. The Scrape-up Locator tool avoids the need...

Cargo deck on the ball. (Upfront: what's news).(Alwayse Engineering supplies ball transfer units for Continental Airlines/Port Authority of New York)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... As part of a massive $1.6bn global gateway programme for Continental Airlines/Port Authority of New York, Alwayse Engineering has supplied 110,000 of its 805 Series ball transfer units. A new $35m terminal at Newark International Airport is...

Bearings locked for re-use. (Feature: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... New AM series of locknuts from INA extends the range from M15x1 thread to M130x2. These locknuts are designed primarily to preload bearings for screw drives and are therefore matched to INA's axial angular contact ball bearings (series ZKLN,...

Put the brakes on linear guides. (Feature: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... Unusual type of braking device from INA has been developed for use directly on their RUE (roller), KUSE and KUVE (four and six-row ball-type) monorail guidance systems. The BKE brake unit suits either new installations or retrofits to existing...

New factors in the meaning of life: NSK is using a new `life factor' to give a more accurate prediction of bearing life. (Feature: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... In the competitive nature of modern manufacturing the scope for over-sizing products to ensure acceptable levels of life under all types of operating conditions is severely circumscribed. Instead, the move is towards greater determinism in...

Seals cope with the pressure. (What's new: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... With their greatly increased resistance to hang-up and distortion, John Crane's new 8600 Series of advanced high-performance seals have been designed to meet a wide range of main oil line and related water applications. They are said to cope...

Enter the peapod. (What's new: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... New bearing type from NSK is designed to perform in normal atmospheric and vacuum environments at temperatures up to 400[degrees]C. The SJ bearings are the latest addition to NSK's SPACEA series. Central to the design is a special cage...

Pre-assembly speeds system build. (What's new: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... Linear motor-driven gantry to speed and simplify the building of ultra-high throughput precision positioning systems has been introduced by Baldor. Providing a ready-built x-y-z assembly offering move speeds up to 3m/sec. and resolutions...

Maintenance plain and simple. (What's new: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... Maintenance-free spherical bearings from SKF have been designed primarily for applications where loads of constant direction occur, a low or steady friction level is required, or relubrication is either not possible or not desired. This makes...

Ballscrew bearings in support. (What's new: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... Developed to meet the sometimes harsh requirements found with servo-controlled machinery, new double-row ballscrew support bearings have been added to the Superprecision Fafnir range from Torrington. In combination with the precision...

Cable points sealed. (What's new: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... Protecting enclosures and control panels from environmental hazards can be a problem, so Roxtec has introduced the C RS T seal for single cable point of entry. It is rapid to fit and, using Roxtec's MultiDiameter system, is said to be more...

Motion translation. (What's new: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... Available in lengths up to 3050mm, the range of ballscrews offered by Unimatic Engineering encompasses units in 16mm dia. with 2.5, 4, 5, 10 or 20mm pitch and in 25mm dia. with 5, 10 or 20mm pitch. In both instances the ballscrews are...

Precision sliding. (What's new: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... Every product in Accuride's Quick Ship Programme of precision ball bearing slides is now being stocked by industrial components supplier Jet Press. The programme is designed to meet the demands of a range of manufacturing applications,...

Guide keeps a low profile. (What's new: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... For applications requiring low-profile guidance, THK's new SRN LM guide offers characteristics associated with the established SRG LM linear motion system--ultra high rigidity and load capacity--while being suitable for installation in machine...

Linear motion range extended. (What's new: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... From slow transporting and clamping applications to situations requiring precise dynamic positioning, R A Rodriguez is offering a new range of ballscrews and Acmescrews, both in a range of metric and Imperial sizes. The ballscrews offer...

Custom-built for semi-precision. (What's new: bearings & seals).
November 1, 2002... Easier and quieter operation of sliding or revolving components is the aim of Blue Diamond's customised semi-precision bearings. Claiming significant reductions in both friction and noise, they suit applications as diverse as the light...

Hydraulics for a generous tip. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... As part of its comprehensive portfolio of hydraulic cylinders, Wrayram Engineers is displaying its new, three-way, multi-stage tipping cylinders in conjunction with 3.5 tonne commercial tipping units. The range includes single and double-acting...

Transmitters for high temperatures. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... Because many mobile applications dictate that relatively small quantities of hydraulic oil are used, severe demands can be placed on the hydraulic oil cooling system, with operating temperatures sometimes hitting 125[degrees]C. The new Danfoss...

Profiting by Profibus. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).(PROFInet)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Today, two key factors are influencing automation concepts: the emergence of distributed and component-orientated control structure and the convergence of industrial automation and the IT of high-level management. The new PROFInet concept...

Digital inspection on the move. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... Recon digital inspection tool from Everest VIT is a zero set-up, intelligent system for use in power generation, chemical, food and beverage industries, gas transmission, petrochemicals, pump and paper, refining etc. Using Everest's iView...

Dispensing consistency. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... Ultrasaver multi-purpose dispensing system from EFD offers manufacturers an economical and reliable way to apply consistent amounts of adhesives, lubricants and other fluids used in bench-top assembly processes. The unit operates on...

Managing torque overload. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... The latest advances in ring technology, particularly particularly in terms of torque overload management and increased versatility, are highlighted by Rencol Tolerance Rings. Recent additions to the range include power rings with modified...

Ultrasonics come clean. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... From Kerry Ultrasonics come the low-solvent consumption Microsolve cleaning systems and Microclean aqueous range. Using environmentally safe solvents such as HFE, HFC and nPBs, Microsolve machines offer two-stage, multiple frequency...

Go linear without lubrication. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... Hepco's new concept in driven linear motion--the Profile Driven Unit (PDU)--is smaller than tire established DLS system and is a compact, hard-wearing, low-maintenance unit. It uses Hepco's new Herculane wheel technology and a novel aluminium...

Software is put to the test. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... Emperor tension and compression testing software from force gauge manufacturer Mecmesin controls the company's range of Imperial-class test stands--models 1000 and 2500, with 1000 and 2500N capacities respectively. It has been designed for use...

Sharper edge for inserts. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... From NCMT comes a series of BIG Daishowa Seiki indexable insert end mills from 16 to 50mm diameter with the strength and geometry of solid carbide and the economy of indexable inserts. Edge sharpness is made possible by double positive rake...

Driven VDI tooling. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... Following the recent introduction of mill-turning machines with driven VDI tooling facilities by lathe manufacturers Cincinnati and Colchester, Centreline is launching at Tooling a range of toolholding products aimed at this market sector. ...

Workholding for productivity. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... Latest additions to a wide range of rotary tables and multiple component workholding solutions is being shown by UHK. Units for simple milling and profiling applications are complemented by the recently introduced series of Jauch & Schmider...

Fluid recycling cuts costs. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... Replacing or constantly replenishing fluids such as coolants and cutting fluids can be wasteful and unnecessary, says Alfa Laval, claiming that its Alfie range of centrifugal separators can generally provide a payback time of between 12 and 18...

Talking about money matters. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).(production technologies and manufacturing at this year's TEAM show)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... It's not all production technologies and manufacturing matters at this year's TEAM show--visitors can also access expert financial help, advice and guidance from Abbey National. Business relationship managers are offering information on...

Tooling up for precision. (Preview: team: NEC, Nov 12-14).
November 1, 2002... Two additions to ACT's range of tooling for precision small component production allows ACT to meet many face-grooving and parting-off operations with inserts up to 2.2mm wide. The Microcut system is for parting-off and grooving on...

CAE on track for quieter trains: computer-aided engineering tools are being used to tackle noise pollution, a major problem facing the creation of an integrated European train system. (Feature: industrial computing/CIM).(Bombardier Transportation tackles noise pollution)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Of the many problem areas under discussion as the European Commission strives to finalise its technical specification for an integrated European train system, noise pollution is causing train manufacturers a real headache--rail operators are...

Coming soon to a kiosk near you ... (Feature: industrial computing/CIM).
November 1, 2002... Imaging the revenue from your core product being eroded by the largest phenomenon ever to hit the telecomms market, a situation facing public payphone networks with almost every man, woman and teenager glued to their mobile phones. The...

Faster storage on the Shuttle. (Feature: industrial computing/CIM).
November 1, 2002... The latest development in automated storage and retrieval technology is being unveiled by Kardex Systems at this month's CIM exhibition (Stand 4460). The Shuttle XP system has been completely redesigned by Kardex and is now said to deliver an...

Portal provides specific data. (Feature: industrial computing/CIM).
November 1, 2002... From specialist software author Excel Computer Systems (Stand 4220) comes a new personalised web-based portal giving employees easy access to the specific information they need to carry out their jobs most effectively. The latest addition...

The complete CIM solution. (What's new: industrial computing/CIM).
November 1, 2002... From BarcoVision comes a complete CIM solution for production/manufacturing industry including injection moulding, extrusion, textiles, metal stamping, engineering, assembly, packaging and pharmaceuticals. This real-time production monitoring...

A PC platform in your pocket. (What's new: industrial computing/CIM).
November 1, 2002... At CIM, Codegate is showcasing the Intermec 700 mobile computer with full-colour TFT display and Pocket PC platform. The 700 incorporates the latest Intel Xscale processor and utilises leading wireless comms technologies including GSM/GPRS,...

A case of identity. (What's new: industrial computing/CIM).
November 1, 2002... Automatic i/d systems specialist Codeway is showing systems that identify, track and control goods from receipt of material to delivery. All aim to reduce cost and improve performance by simplifying shop-floor processes and integration. ...

Manufacturing via the Internet. (What's new: industrial computing/CIM).
November 1, 2002... Engineers using the Internet as a research and communications tool can now take the process a step further with Control Technology's new 5100 Series Blue Fusion controllers with integrated Ethernet webserver capability. These web-enabled...

Enhancements for wireless LAN. (What's new: industrial computing/CIM).(Amplicon)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Amplicon has configured and tested a roaming seriel communications solution for the automation, production and test markets. The company has added Wireless LAN products to its offering and can now provide end users with a standard wireless...

Just a touch to click. (What's new: industrial computing/CIM).
November 1, 2002... Depending upon the application, the ClickTouch contact layer for PC keyboards offers system designers a cost-effective and reliable system that can be used to complement or replace other key entry devices, including silicone rubber keypads. ...

Keyboards in custom colours. (What's new: industrial computing/CIM).
November 1, 2002... A high-tech coating developed to coat plastic parts in the automotive industry is being used by Read Cosine to colour the cases of computer keyboards. This new spray-on process is said to provide a virtually permanent colour coat by bonding to...

Flexibility in electrode design. (What's new: industrial computing/CIM).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... From Delcam comes the latest version of its PS-Electrode automated electrode design system, now made more flexible to allow users to create exactly the electrode design needed. This version allows more complex designs to be produced in...

All-in-one performance. (What's new: industrial computing/CIM).
November 1, 2002... Advantech has introduced its first Pentium 4 full-sizes single-board computer, the PCA-6184. It offers a range of features including DDR memory support, a 478-pin Pentium 4 socket, an embedded ATI RAGE Pro 128 graphics controller, USB and dual...

Combine for high productivity. (What's new: industrial computing/CIM).
November 1, 2002... Through a franchise agreement with Adlink, Crellon Microsystems has introduced the cPXIS-2100 PXI instrument chassis system. Combining Ethernet and USB connectivity with seven PXI peripheral slots and optional TFT LCD, the cPXIS-2100 lets...

Data on screen at a touch. (What's new: industrial computing/CIM).
November 1, 2002... Latest design of Zytouch screen from Zytronic Displays claims the highest levels of light transmission, excellent readability and protection against a wide range of physical threats. Using the latest in projected capacitive technology,...

Coupling up for a longer life. (New Product Showcase).
November 1, 2002... Extended range of Falk couplings offered by Wyko now includes a new Steelflex type which combines the high load capacities of standard gear couplings with the flexibility of elastomer-based versions. The Steelflex tapered grid design provides a...

Pick and place at high speed. (New Product Showcase).
November 1, 2002... Using Quin's latest motion control and a simple but novel mechanism, the space-saving R-Theta allows high-speed pick and place to be achieved at a low cost. Major production line changes are minimised due to its small footprint. Set-up for...

Make sense of vision tasks. (New Product Showcase).
November 1, 2002... Bridging the gap between standard sensors and complex vision systems, Erwin Sick's innovative new intelligent camera sensor offers an economical alternative to PC-based image processing solutions. The ICS 100 is ideal for automated factory...

Machining times cut back. (New Product Showcase).
November 1, 2002... A research project undertaken by a team at Cranfield University's School of Industrial and Manufacturing Science is using Holroyd's superabrasive Edgetek machines to achieve significant breakthroughs when machining nickel-based super...

Terminals for miniaturization. (New Product Showcase).
November 1, 2002... Said to be the smallest available valve terminal for its flowrate, the compact CPV-SC Smart Cubic valve terminal from Festo has a cross-section of just 40 x 40mm and a grid of 10mm--yet flow-rates are up to 150 litres/min. Aimed directly...

Turning the tables by degrees. (New Product Showcase).
November 1, 2002... Loadpoint Bearings is claiming previously unattainable levels of resolution (better than 0.00002deg.) for its new range of air bearing rotary tables, which use an integrated direct drive motor. Their accuracy suits them to tasks such as dicing...

Location, location, location ... (Factory Equipment).
November 1, 2002... Hepco T-Nut Strip Locators speed up assembly of their MCS System by reducing the need to site individual T-nuts into aluminium profiles. Also made of aluminium and shaped to slide quickly into the channel, the Locators come in various lengths,...

In case of emergency.. (Factory Equipment).
November 1, 2002... Chloride Motive Power has introduced a health and safety station for use in lead acid battery charging rooms. The case itself measures 400 x 500 x 300mm and is made from a tough plastic, impervious to oils, chemicals or most acids. The kit...

Hose by any other name. (Factory Equipment).
November 1, 2002... BIG has added a range of popular sized hoses to the Vantage range of welding and cutting products. All hoses are textile braid reinforced and comply with the relevant EN559 standard. The Vantage Hose range is fully factory fitted and...

Pressing home the robot advantage. (Factory Equipment).
November 1, 2002... Fanuc has announced the introduction of a new automated press brake system, designed to increase productivity and safety, and improve quality in sheet metal bending processes. A six-axis manipulating robot is utilised throughout the cycle...

Press on with precision. (Factory Equipment).
November 1, 2002... Mader series of high-performance manual presses is the latest addition to the range of workshop equipment from Weber Automatic Assembly Systems. The presses are economically priced but offer consistent precision performance for relatively low...

Washdown not wash out. (Factory Equipment).
November 1, 2002... Erwin Sick introduces a range of IP67 wash down housings for its range of Micro light curtains and grids. The use of high technology materials, combined with Sick's "innovative design and construction" has resulted in a range of products to...

Clean conveying. (Factory Equipment).
November 1, 2002... The 600B Series of Powered Roller Conveyors for heavy-duty applications is the latest addition to the range from Excel Conveyors, with a loading capacity of 1500kg per metre run.. A totally enclosed drive system, visual inspection and...

A wash--not awash. (Factory Equipment).
November 1, 2002... A food and beverage line metal detector, impervious to high pressure wash-down, has been launched by Thermo Electron. The new unit is proof against ingress from jets at 2000psi and at temperatures of up to 95[degrees]C. Additional features...

A hard test--but portable. (Factory Equipment).
November 1, 2002... The L.S.Starrett Company has announced the addition of two new portable Hardness Testing devices, Models 3810 and 3811, to their extensive line of measuring equipment. Both models are compact, and have advanced functions, high accuracy and...

For when the heat is on. (Factory Equipment).
November 1, 2002... Italian-based company ERO Electronic has designed a new heater controller, specifically for use within multi-zone plastic injection mould-tool hot runner systems. The specially developed hot runner controller, Model LFS-303, offers a...

Something to smile about. (Factory Equipment).
November 1, 2002... Three upgraded Zoller `smile' pre-setters and measuring machines from Gewefa UK offer a range features including easy-to-use touch screen monitors. New standard features have been developed to further simplify the use of the pre-setters while...

Calibrator stands alone. (Factory Equipment).
November 1, 2002... SI Pressure Instruments is manufacturing a new, compact standalone bench top pressure calibrator that can also be configured to fit a standard 19-inch rack mounting. It is said to be ideal for use in manufacturing and laboratory locations....

An end to backlash. (Mechanical Components).
November 1, 2002... The new Aft Nut from Abssac has been designed to utilise the latest injection moulding technology, producing the precision form complete with an integral three holed attachment flange for ease of connection to the application. An external...

For simpler assembly. (Mechanical Components).
November 1, 2002... Arnold Umformtechnik GmbH has launched Arnold Taptite[R] 200[TM] thread forming screws, said to be an advancement in screw thread forming technology. The new screws form a female thread when screwed into a preformed hole. By using the...

Real all-rounders. (Mechanical Components).
November 1, 2002... Lenze now offer an extended range of the GR flexible shaft couplings to suit shafts from 5 to 90mm and delivering torques up to 1465Nm. Two grades of polyurethane flexible elements are available to allow fine-tuning of torsional stiffness...

Micro dispensing made easy. (Mechanical Components).
November 1, 2002... Range of high-speed, micro-dispense valves, for applications which require small yet reliable and repeatable dispense volumes such as high-speed ink jet printing and micro-biological dispensing, is added to the Lee Products component range. ...

Put an end to end play. (Mechanical Components).
November 1, 2002... Compact air gripper, launched by SMC Pneumatics, has been designed to improve dynamic behaviour by eliminating end play. This is particularly important in pick and place applications, especially in the electronics field where small, delicate...

Smooth, flexible solution. (Mechanical Components).
November 1, 2002... The Electroflex series, from conduit manufacturer Kopex International, offers a highly flexible non-metallic conduit solution for use throughout the commercial and industrial markets. The range includes the 160 Series, constructed from spiral...

Getting a grip. (Mechanical Components).
November 1, 2002... Bulte Plastics' locking and sealing washers keep a tight grip on all standard screws nuts and bolts, dampening vibrations and noise, increasing the contact surface with other parts and protecting fragile surfaces, such as glass and enamel. The...

Bushing takes the strain. (Mechanical Components).
November 1, 2002... Strain relief bushing that can be pre-assembled onto the cable and fits a standard double "D" punched hole is the latest addition to Heyco's RDD Lockit range. The bushing is designed to absorb all forces of push, pull and twist to protect the...

The quicker top-up. (Plant Maintenance).
November 1, 2002... Aquajet Plus, from Chloride Motive Power, is said to be the most reliable and efficient method of topping-up lead acid traction batteries, filling a battery in 15 seconds rather than the usual 10 minutes using conventional manual methods. Based...

Around the rugged regulators. (Plant Maintenance).
November 1, 2002... The PO39 series of first-cut high pressure regulators has been designed by Marsh Bellofram Europe. Typical applications include oil and gas, chemical, processing and pipeline transmission systems, but they can also be used for compressed air...

Bringing tolerance to bear. (Plant Maintenance).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Resonance in beatings can be a key contributor to reduced performance life. Reneol Tolerance Rings, believe that the problem can be addressed by using a tolerance ring mount, rather than traditional rubber or `solid' contacts. Depending on...

Stay out of the tanks. (Plant Maintenance).
November 1, 2002... The TCH (Tank Cleaning Head) from Calder provides a safe, economical and easy method of deposit removal within enclosed vessels without putting staff at risk or implementing demanding vessel entry safety procedures. TCH is a self rotating,...

Scrubber makes a clean sweep. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
November 1, 2002... The Salla steel chassised combined sweeper and scrubber from Duplex is designed to endure demanding treatment in most industrial environments with a minimum of maintenance. In scrubber dryer mode the twin cylindrical contra rotating brushes...

Strictly no smoking. (Safety, Security & Cleaning).
November 1, 2002... Certified to three European Standards--the 235 ITEM multi-criteria photoelectric smoke and thermal detector and alarm is the most sophisticated product in the Series 300 family of conventional detectors from System Sensor Europe. Responsive to...