What's New In Industry articles from November 2005

What's New In Industry archives from November 2005

WHAT'S NEW: Custom testing.
November 30, 2005... Peak Group is offering custom design and build services for test equipment in electronics manufacturing, aerospace and defence applications. Peak has access to mass interconnect interfaces from Virginia Panel Corp. and PXI test modules...

WHAT'S NEW: Fair exchange.
November 30, 2005... Heat exchanger skid from Burkert Fluid Control Systems is a packaged system incorporating the 2712 control valve that allows the temperature sensor to be linked in directly without the need for a secondary process controller housed in a...

WHAT'S NEW: Czech 'em out.
November 30, 2005... MCT range of tooling from the Czech Republic - already established in the US and Europe - is now available in the UK from new company CNC Tooling Systems. The range includes collet chucks, end mill holders, milling arbors, pull studs,...

WHAT'S NEW: Fast PLC gets a memory boost.
November 30, 2005... Mitsubishi doubts that its PLCs can be made any more reliable that they already are - so it has set about making them more profitable for the user by increasing their power, speed, flexibility, functionality and connectivity. The result is...

WHAT'S NEW: Upgrades adds capabilities to design platform.
November 30, 2005... With a major upgrade to its established LabVIEW graphical development platform, National Instruments aims to improve the productivity of engineers involved in design, control and test. The new LabVIEW 8 introduces distributed...

WHAT'S NEW: A touch of new technology.
November 30, 2005... For applications that would benefit from more functionality than mechanical pushbuttons or a simple function key terminal can provide, but where the cost of a fully-fledged graphics HMI can't be justified, Omron offer its NT3S HMI series. They...

WHAT'S NEW: Infrared vision.
November 30, 2005... Designed to bring greater flexibility and additional high-end features - such as real-time video recording - to a range of process monitoring applications, the five-model series of Marathon MM non-contact infrared sensors from Raytek covers...

WHAT'S NEW: Recorders give data security.
November 30, 2005... Replacing Eurotherm's established 5000V Series paperless graphic recorders, the new 6000 Series have been packed with the latest data management, recording and display technology. Supported by a range of hardware and software options, the...

WHAT'S NEW: Hydrogen leak test keeps it tight.
November 30, 2005... Hydrogen gets just about everywhere, which can make it an ideal medium for use in industrial leak detection and tightness control. With its advanced digital electronics that minimise the need for trimming or calibration, the H2000 from...

WHAT'S NEW: A check up on mould pressure.
November 30, 2005... Sub-miniature pressure sensors and measuring tongues from Kistler are aimed at cavity pressure measurements in small moulds where conventional sensors cannot be used. By mounting the sensor or tongue behind the ejector pin, the pressure in the...

WHAT'S NEW: Stainless motors ready for the hose down.
November 30, 2005... Stainless steel construction of the metric dimensioned range of ac three-phase IEC motors from Marlin Stainless (a division of AEG) offers the user/OEM complete interchangeability with existing motor installations for a simple upgrade to a...

WHAT'S NEW: Platypus shows its versatility.
November 30, 2005... A versatile switch-mode ac power supply unit that provides a stepless adjustment of output voltage and frequency - with a choice of either analogue or digital control - has been introduced by REO. The unit can be used in voltage, current...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Product protection on a cushion of air.
November 30, 2005... An ultra-lightweight packing solution that also brings reduced shipping and disposal/recycling costs is doing record business for its developer, Automated Packaging Systems. The recently introduced Airpouch Express 3 Voidfill System is fast...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Pleasing to the pallet.
November 30, 2005... For high-speed palletising with a straightforward control system, the Okura 111 series of palletising robots from Webster Griffin, use a touchscreen control system with interactive graphic display panel said to be easily mastered by any...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Right on form.
November 30, 2005... New from Ulma Packaging, the TF Supra is a mid-range thermo-forming machine for medium-volume production. It can handle flexible or rigid base film up to 700 micron, and its modular design offers various configurations, including a long loading...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Filler offers medium-volume solution.
November 30, 2005... Pronova bag filling machines offer a complete solution for medium- volume producers seeking a low-cost alternative to form-fill-seal equipment for packing products quickly and efficiently. Available from Supreme Plastics, the system works...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Convenient filling/sealing.
November 30, 2005... The compact Fastfill 40 container filling and sealing machine from Packaging Automation operates at up to 40 packs a minute, subject to product type. It is targeted at producers within the convenience foods sectors - drinks, yoghurts, creams,...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Scribing laser hits the big time.
November 30, 2005... Offering a wider mark field, which allows printing of larger codes, Domino's S200WB builds upon the established performance of the earlier S200 scribing laser system to meet the demands of high production line speeds. Particularly suited...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Labeller wraps on three sides.
November 30, 2005... C3 panel labeller from AEW Delford provides wraparound labelling, enabling a self-adhesive label to be positioned around three sides of a tray or container. To ensure 100 percent adhesion, the pack is driven through the machine by powered side...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Detector checks for pack leaks.
November 30, 2005... Sepha says that its Oracle machine is the first in-line leak tester to detect simultaneously pinholes, gross holes, weak seals and capillaries in pharmaceutical blister packs. This 'three-in-one' quality assurance unit inspects up to 300...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Smart coding.
November 30, 2005... Latest generation of SmartDate coders from Markem incorporates ribbon- saving techniques said to allow users to make savings of up to 80 percent in their consumables budget. The SmartDate 5 produces high- quality date and lot codes, in either...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Better all round.
November 30, 2005... HERMA's 040M wraparound labelling system was designed to meet the high performance standards demanded in the pharmaceutical industry, offering speed, accuracy and reliable operation. The machine incorporates an intermittently rotating...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Label flexibility.
November 30, 2005... Latest PA10E semi-automatic labelling system from PALS Labelling is helping Kent-based Unipet Inernational automate the packaging and labelling of a range of bird feeds. Integrated into an existing production line, PALS' system enables Unipet...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Software the master of all that it picks.
November 30, 2005... Specialist vision systems software developed by Cognex is being built into a new tool from ABB that enables robots to be integrated into conveying product transportation belts and vision cameras. Through its PC-based Pickmaster, ABB is...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Coding system makes its mark.
November 30, 2005... A specialist rolling mill manufacturing aerospace products has installed a Claricom Package Coding Management System to ensure accurate coding of parts at its North Wales plant. At Dolgarrog Aluminium, accurate part marking is essential so that...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Smooth out a labelling problem.
November 30, 2005... Flexibility was a key factor in Weber Marking Systems devising an effective labelling solution for shrink-wrapped packs of Pete & Johnny's famous PJ Smoothies delivered to a leading retailer. The label is vital in the distribution process:...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Clear thinking down under.
November 30, 2005... In a first for strapping specialist Mosca Direct, one of its machines is being used upside down in the Lockerbie timber mill of James Jones & Sons to prevent blockage by dust and debris. Designed specially to handle timber bundles,...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Coding to the right recipe.
November 30, 2005... Baker and confectioner Park Cake Bakeries has installed four Wolke m600 thermal inkjet printers at its Oldham factory. Supplied by Wolke's UK distribuor Sunala, the machines print use-by date and price onto a range of products for UK...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Sealing small runs.
November 30, 2005... Heat sealing solutions provider Proseal has launched a portable tray sealer aimed at small production runs. The MicroPack is a compact, robust bench-mounted unit offering speeds up to six packs/minute. With tool changes possible within...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Smaller drums.
November 30, 2005... Single source packaging solutions provider Fibre Drums Ltd has introduced a new range of 100 percent recyclable 235mm diameter fibre drums designed for the safe packaging of granular powders and product samples. The drums allow operators...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Flying high.
November 30, 2005... A four-tonne packaging machine, flown into Scottish Courage's Manchester brewery from the USA, has been offloaded and installed within four days by Moody Fastpack. Said Moody Fastpack MD Tony Barkway: "Ensuring the equipment was offloaded,...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Subsea tagging.
November 30, 2005... Environmental consultancy Arthur D Little has called on i/d specialist ritchey-id in an important offshore ecological study for a major public sector organisation. Chosen for being able to withstand extreme temperatures and exposure to...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Label economy.
November 30, 2005... The SATO AL800 series of economy label applicators has been engineered to set new price/performance standards for on-line label applicators. These compact, low-cost units are easy to use and maintain, but are robust and reliable in...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Pack goes for Gold.
November 30, 2005... A joint development by SCA Packaging Industrial Division, SCA ProVision and Softbox Systems has seen the launch of the temperature controlled pallet shipper. It has already scooped a Gold award in this year's Star- packs competition. The...

WELDING & METAL FABRICATION: Compact welder stays in step.
November 30, 2005... The new Murex Transmig 300C and 350C step-controlled compact welding machines can be used for medium or heavy-duty MIG or MAG applications. With their galvanised housings, the machines are designed for use in harsh industrial conditions....

WELDING & METAL FABRICATION: Auto filter for underwater welds.
November 30, 2005... A fully waterproof 'auto-darkening' welding lens/filter for underwater wet welding has been introduced by Speciality Welds. The filter fits into a standard Kirby Morgan welding assembly and provides a convenient welding or cutting accessory...

WELDING & METAL FABRICATION: Metallurgical marriage comes in from cold.
November 30, 2005... Aluminium and steel are joined 'intrinsically' by cold metal transfer Joining aluminium and steel has to date been a mechanical process. However, a new welding technology - Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) - developed in Norway by Fronius, aims...

WELDING & METAL FABRICATION: Sensors immune to RFI.
November 30, 2005... The zone immediately adjacent to a welding process is one of the most extreme environmens for electrical components: the intense levels of RFI created can cause the majority of inductive sensors to malfunction and even result in a change of...

WELDING & METAL FABRICATION: Plasma takes the edge.
November 30, 2005... By developing its M-Plasma cutting technology, ESAB Cutting Systems claims to have combined high-speed and precision - the wedge shape of the kerf, which is typical of plasma cutting is now almost eliminated, leaving an almost right-angled...

WELDING & METAL FABRICATION: Laser No.7.
November 30, 2005... Carr's Welding Technology has taken on its seventh laser system, a six- axis robot-mounted continuous wave Yag laser, allowing Carr's to weld ten times faster than before with 0.1mm accuracy and repeatability. The robot can be programmed...

WELDING & METAL FABRICATION: Auto sawing.
November 30, 2005... The KASTOvariospeed C14 is a CNC circular sawing system for high- production cutting to length of solids, profiles and tubes in automatic cycle. It is seen as ideal for applications in plants and stockholding operations requiring a large...

WELDING & METAL FABRICATION: Portable welders for TIG and MMA.
November 30, 2005... From Murex Welding Products come two new single-phase 230V dc TIG welding machines able to withstand tough industrial or repair and maintenance environments. The compact and easily transportable Tradestig DC 150-1 and DC 200-2 give quality TIG...

WELDING & METAL FABRICATION: Flatbed cuts production times.
November 30, 2005... Achieving high productivity rates without compromising quality is crucial to the viability of subcontract sheetmetal fabricators. A laser user since the mid-80s, Redditch Laser Cutting has added a Trumpf flat bed to its inventory as it targets...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: Treatment for industrial fluids.
November 30, 2005... With Health & Safety Executive data showing that dermatitis, asthma and similar illnesses cost UK manufacturing millions in lost work days every year, Alfa Laval has launched the latest version of Alfie, its centrifugal cleaner for treating...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: Call for roof safety review.
November 30, 2005... Uniline Safety Systems has criticised the Euopean Standard for anchor points (EN795) for not going far enough to ensure the safety of users of roof fall protection systems. The current standard makes no requirement to test a roof anchor...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: Safety down to the wire.
November 30, 2005... When IEC 61508 redefined the way safety systems are assessed, switching from a prescriptive rules-based approach to a goal-based approach, it paved the way for manufacturers to take advantage of a new breed of safety controls and networks...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: System stands guard on conveyors.
November 30, 2005... Smartscan 8000 Series safety system for end-of-line packaging machines provides an integrated solution for guarding the conveyor entry/exit zones of potentially dangerous machinery where the system needs to differentiate between product...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: Catering for burns.
November 30, 2005... Burns are an occupational hazard in busy commercial kitchens, so hydrogel wound care specialist First Water has developed an easy-to- apply dressing that immediately cools and soothes the affected area. The cushioning gel pad is placed directly...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: The great escape.
November 30, 2005... Improved safety provision for machine operators is provided by a new escape release facility for the Allen-Bradley Guardmaster TLS-GD2 safety interlock switch from Rockwell Automation. It complements operation of the unit's manual override,...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: The system approach to safety.
November 30, 2005... A need for safe system design is placing more emphasis on Safety Integrity Level (SIL) standards, particularly in situations where there is a need constantly to monitor and detect explosive or toxic gases or vapours, as well as oxygen...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: Light curtains test for safety.
November 30, 2005... Integral test mechanisms have been built into the latest safety light curtains from Siemens Automation & Drives. The Type 2 light curtains from the Simatic Sensors product range perform monitoring functions at resolutions of 20, 30, 40 and...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: ATEX requirements on show.
November 30, 2005... With just nine months or so to go before the deadline for implementing the ATEX Workplace Directive 99/92/EC, Wolf Safety has updated its ATEX Explained poster guide which reviews the main obligations of the Directive on all Europeans...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: The seal of security.
November 30, 2005... From security seals specialist Unisto comes a new safety sealing system for emergency exits and fire doors. Providing a quick, visual security check, the seal offers instant removal in the event of an incident and is fully compliant with...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: Safety on hand.
November 30, 2005... Protective gloves manufacturer Mapa Professional is providing more detailed advice on hand protection to users. The service includes consultation and advice on glove selection, site surveys, glove trials, feedback analysis and training. ...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: Exterminate.
November 30, 2005... Insectron from Berson is a range of insect exterminators that utilise ultra-violet and green light to attract flying insects, particularly flies, which are sensitive to these light sources. The units especially suit pharmaceutical and...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: On guard against vehicles.
November 30, 2005... New family of loop detectors available from Carlo Gavazzi is aimed to give vehicle detection for secure access systems. The LDP loop detectors offer inexpensive, flexible and simple set-up of vehicle detection sensors to safeguard automatic...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: Vacuum system keeps it clean.
November 30, 2005... Dust Extraction Int. has installed a centralised vacuum cleaning system for a major metallurgical processor in the UK. Selected after a feasibility study into centralised vacuum systems for certain areas of the plant, Dust Extraction designed,...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: Safer lifting.
November 30, 2005... The TAWI range of powered Protema lift carts has been extended to include a water and dust-resistant lifting aid which meets IP65 regulations on protection provided by an enclosure. The CleanRoom 80 lifts goods up to 80kg and installs rolls...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: Ready for Atex.
November 30, 2005... As companies become ever more aware of the potential risks of the production methods and products used in relation to explosive atmospheres, it has become increasingly important to ensure the right equipment is used for Atex-designated areas,...

SAFETY SECURITY & CLEANING: Go to work on a cushion.
November 30, 2005... Heronair open grid matting from Plastic Extruders offers a cushioned construction designed as a flexible, slip-resistant and anti-fatigue floorcovering. It is especially suitable for use in working areas where the safety and welfare of...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: It's time to couple up to lower costs.
November 30, 2005... Hi-Tec rubber-in-compression couplings from Renold require zero maintenance and claim considerably lower operating costs than alternative gear couplings. The most common cause of gear coupling failure is lack of lubrication, says Renold....

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Actuator makes itself at home.
November 30, 2005... From THK, developer and manufacturer of linear motion solutions, comes the CRES high-performance low-cost actuator that has been created to meet a growing demand for automation within homes and offices. Available as either high-speed...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Keyless bushing unlocks better torque transfer.
November 30, 2005... Fenner's Taper-Grip keyless bushing claims to offer a three-fold increase in torque transfer over shaft-mounted pulleys and gearboxes - and it's fast and easy to fit, says distribuor Wyko Using a traditional keyed fitting to mount pulleys...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Servos: choose your format.
November 30, 2005... With its new 9400 servo system, Lenze is aiming to offer manufacturers real cost savings in planning and installation of machine drives. Covering rated outputs from 1.5 to 23.5A (extending to 104A soon), the 9400 series allows services,...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Actuator downsizing.
November 30, 2005... Range of miniature hollow shaft servo actuators from Harmonic Drive include what could be the world's smallest servo actuator, able to deliver 1.8Nm of torque from an integrated ac motor, gearbox and encoder measuring just 50mm3 and weighing...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Dustbusters go for bombproof reliability.
November 30, 2005... The abrasiveness of cardboard dust has lead a builder of packaging tray erector machines to adopt Hoerbiger-Origa actuators for all linear motion axes because of their ability to withstand demanding duties in warehouse environments. The...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Servo boost to motion control.
November 30, 2005... Compared to mechanical or clutch-driven systems, servo drives can offer beter control and flexibility, reduced maintenance and lower servicing costs, says Rockwell Automation, introducing its 1756 ControlLogix Processor and SERCOS...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Stages for automation.
November 30, 2005... New ultra low-profile precision rotary stages from Aerotech are aimed at automated materials handling applications. The ACS LP series offer high-torque, direct drive brushless servo motors and integrated air- operated collet chucks for tube...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Motor options.
November 30, 2005... When options of motor type (ac or dc), power rating, torque, voltage, speed, type of fixing, shaft style and dynamic brakes are taken into account, small geared motor specialist Parvalux claims over 100 million possible combinations. ...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Drives - when size matters.
November 30, 2005... Space is always at a premium in new building designs and the reduced size of new Danfoss drives by up to 50 percent, plus their 'zero side clearance' allowing side by side mounting, has been well received by HVAC consultants and designers....

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Combi package.
November 30, 2005... Small motors from ebm-papst Automotive & Drives are now offered configured with Zeitlauf 'Performax' planetary gearboxes. This combination brings high performance compact solutions with quiet operation, reliability and long life. The most...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Hot rod alternative to air cylinders.
November 30, 2005... PowerRod actuator PRA from Micromech is for use in industrial automation systems where different positions must be approached speedily and accurately. Said to be faster than a ballscrew and with the clean reliability of a linear motor, it is a...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Speed reducer can take the shocks.
November 30, 2005... Sumitomo's new 6000 Series Cyclo speed reducers employ a principle that distributes the load over many contact points, allowing them to withstand intermittent shock loads of 500 percent rated capacity. Units also have increased torque...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Steppers offer higher power.
November 30, 2005... From EAO comes Sanyo Denki's SH Series of stepper motors. These NEMA 34 (86mm) units offer a 15 percent increase in holding torque and low operating vibration and noise. The two-phase SH units have a 1.8 deg. step angle, are available in...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Timing belts flying high.
November 30, 2005... To ensure fast and efficient catering supply on the new twin-deck, four- aisle Airbus 380, a trolley lift system has been developed which includes self-tracking Brecoflex ATK 10 K6 timing belts and pulleys by Mulco, available in the UK by...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Assembly under control.
November 30, 2005... Modular Automation has selected a Beckhoff CX1001 PC control system, supplied by Hayes Control Systems, to drive its Modular Assembly Cell. "We needed a system that was easy to use and powerful," said Modular's Control Manager Gary...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Who wants to live forever?
November 30, 2005... Phil Burge of SKF UK explains how, by understanding the bearing lifecycle, it is possible to extend radically component lifetimes. Every bearing has a pre-calculated service lifetime. However, too many end users believe that this lifespan...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Taking a rational approach.
November 30, 2005... In collaboration with a large UK pump maker, Austrian bearing manufacturer NKE has developed a new modular system for the bearing arrangements to rationalise a whole pump generation. The original objective was the rationalisation of a...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Superconductor on test.
November 30, 2005... Cable industry specialist Nexans has supplied the world's first contactless bearing based on high-temperature superconductors to go on test for use in an industrial application. Siemens AG Corporate Technology division is evaluating the unit...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Precision right on the ball.
November 30, 2005... Barden has introduced a new service for the sale of precision balls as used in its own super-precision bearings. Critical to the accuracy and reliability of super precision bearings, precision balls are also used in instruments, medical...

BEARINGS & SEALS: On the quiet.
November 30, 2005... Blue Diamond is out to minismise noise emitted from its customised semi- precision bearings, by reducing internal friction and by attention to materials used in the tyres on which they run. Applications for the units include sliding garage...

BEARINGS & SEALS: A guide to downsizing.
November 30, 2005... NSK's new PU series of miniature precision linear guides enable OEMs serving high-tech industries, such as electronics, medical, testing and optical, to downsize products and benefit from improved levels of performance and competitiveness....

BEARINGS & SEALS: X-factor bearing get in the groove.
November 30, 2005... From INA FAG comes a range of X-life machined needle roller bearings offering dynamic load ratings that have been increased by 13 percent and service life raised by up to 50 percent. Such improvements have been achieved for the RNA, NA,...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Compact slides in position.
November 30, 2005... Range of compact linear slides for use in a wide range of handling, positioning and linear motion applications has been introduced by SKF Engineering Products. They come as basic single carriage guides and in powered versions with twin...