What's New In Industry articles from November 2006

What's New In Industry archives from November 2006

WHAT'S NEW: Into the fifth generation.
November 30, 2006... Benchmaster 8 is a full redesign of Kemo's VBF 8 dual-channel benchtop filter/amplifier. Now in its fifth generation, this new Benchmaster 8 makes extensive use of SMT to speed manufacture, as well as offering performance enhancements such...

WHAT'S NEW: Staying cool.
November 30, 2006... Cold compressed air is an efficient and economical cooling medium for many production facilities, labs or workshops. Using this cooling medium, says Beko, product quality and capacities are optimised and production costs reduced. ...

WHAT'S NEW: Safety without the software.
November 30, 2006... Whereas five years ago relays provided the only really practical safety controls for machines, recent advances have seen the development of numerous software-based controllers that also solve safety control issues. Such developments saw many...

WHAT'S NEW: Fast tube fittings at a push.
November 30, 2006... 'Radical' new design of tube fitting from Parker Instrumentation can deliver substantial cost savings to builders of industrial equipment involving fluids. Assembled by a simple push-fit, these new fittings provide permanent connections...

WHAT'S NEW: Linking up field and office.
November 30, 2006... Latest field portable spectrum analyser from Thurlby Thandar Instruments allows e-mail screen images to be sent back to the office. Built-in Bluetooth communication links to a mobile phone with screen images sent as attachments using the...

WHAT'S NEW: Adhesive offers a faster fix.
November 30, 2006... Claiming faster fixture times than any other 'super glue' on the market, RiteLok XF100, a new cyanoacrylate industrial adhesive from UK manufacturer Chemence, will bond difficult materials such as leather, paper and wood. This ultra...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Re-engineering fills the gearbox gap.
November 30, 2006... Distributors of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) products are well placed to understand exactly what their customers want. But one of them - BSL Brammer - found itself in an even better position when it identified customers' needs before...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Motors offer integrated control option.
November 30, 2006... Latest range of Parvalux dc brushless motors offers the option of integrated drive electronics. 'ParvaDrive' units can be supplied as an integrated motor and drive package, or as a motor only with the option of a separate controller. The...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Old servos make a comeback.
November 30, 2006... Older, discontinued servo drive components from a range of manufacturers that date back, in some cases, over 20 years are being manufactured again by German company Mattke and offered in the UK as compatibles by Motor Technology. Mattke...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Drive by the book.
November 30, 2006... New 270-page Fenner Drive Design and Maintenance Manual from Wyko combines a product selection catalogue with full specification, installation and maintenance guide. Packed with data on friction belt drives, timing belt drives and pulleys,...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Drives in the frame.
November 30, 2006... The 'bookcase' style design of Leroy Somer's new Digidrive SK drives allows better side-by side mounting in control cabinets, while their smaller frame size means that applications with 'real estate' issues can make more effective use of...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Servos for precise positioning.
November 30, 2006... New Vogel SK spiral bevel gearboxes from Lenze are designed for use with servo motors in mechanical handling, packaging and robotic applications and come in four sizes for rated output torques of 70 to 550Nm and emergency stop torques of 200 to...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Shaft collars at the double.
November 30, 2006... Ruland Manufacturing has expanded its line of shaft collars to include double wide versions which can also be used as a compact rigid coupling. They are offered in one-piece or two-piece clamp styles from high-strength aluminium, lead-free...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Flexi couplings for marine use.
November 30, 2006... From Renold Hi-Tec Couplings comes a range of flexible couplings and engine mountings for marine industry applications involving high-speed, flex-mounted diesel engines. The VF units are designed to provide the low radial and axial stiffness...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Steel mill gets back into gear.
November 30, 2006... Renold's ability to repair old gear-boxes and improve on the original specification has been a key factor in helping the company win a prestigious contract from steelmaker Corus to refurbish the massive dog- bar gear-boxes at its Teesside beam...

DRIVES & CONTROLS: Compact servo power for automation.
November 30, 2006... Small, precise and easy to integrate, the MR-J3 series of servo amplifiers and motors from Mitsubishi are for industrial automation applications. Advanced vibration suppression and real-time autotuning give ultra-fast, precise positioning,...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Faster tagging for timber.
November 30, 2006... Weber Marking Systems has devised a bespoke labelling solution for faster and easier production and application of labels to timber bales and pallets for Irish timber processor Glennon Bros. Timber. The system comprises the company's new...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Labellers pushing the envelope.
November 30, 2006... Print and apply labellers have been supplied by Sessions to a large financial organisation to assist with its sizeable mailing operation. Based on the Sessions Magnum range, the machines apply labels accurately to flat products such as...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Think about ink.
November 30, 2006... Linx Printing Technologies says that using untested consumables in ink jet printers can have serious financial implications for users of the equipment. While inks and solvents that have not been developed by the printer manufacturer may...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: All strapped up and ready to go.
November 30, 2006... Five Mosca strapping machines are in use at the Southend plant of box converter Cumberland Packaging, which supplies cardboard boxes to industries from food and drink to pharmaceuticals and engineering. The first Mosca machine - a ROTRC -...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Lifting machine stays compact.
November 30, 2006... New, improved Compac lifting machine from Packline has been given a purpose-designed compact framework, while the positioning of the handlebars and addition of an optional remote control give improved manouevrability and ease of use. ...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Cooler coding.
November 30, 2006... Aiming to bring an end to poor printing performance and overheating problems in laser coding, the Imaje 7000 series of scribing CO2 laser coders consits of the 10W 7011 and the 30W 7031 units, both said to meet demanding primary packaging...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Tracing by TIJ.
November 30, 2006... Coding equipment supplier Sunala says that thermal inklet technology is ideally placed to meet the forthcoming Animal Health Medicines Identification Standard devised and agreed by the International Federation for Animal Health. The...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Torque tester takes five.
November 30, 2006... Introduction of a new fixture allows the CapStar digital torque testers from Crane Electronics to accpet containers of up to five litres capacity. Established as an efficient and versatile means of achieving accurate digital measurement...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Spot-on labelling.
November 30, 2006... Simple design, ease of operation and efficient production are key reasons why Wasdell Packaging invested in a Sessions of York labelling system to apply labels to its range of vials. Contract packer to pharmaceutical and healthcare...

PACKAGING & LABELLING: Do not tamper.
November 30, 2006... With tamper-evident labels no longer the prerogative of high-value goods, Kosme is offering both self-adhesive and wet-glue labelling options for tamper-evident technologies, including over-the-cap foils, typically used for premium beers. ...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Seals develop to meet machinery demands.
November 30, 2006... Phil Burge, Marketing Manager at SKF, looks at how the increasing demands of heavy industry are bringing about development of new seals that can increase the performance and operating life of machinery throughout industryFrom mining and...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Compounds gain the seal of approval.
November 30, 2006... Approval and release of three new compounds under the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme has been announced by seals and sealing solutions specialist Ceetak. The compounds - 60, 70 and 90 shore hardness EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Shock win for a smoother ride.
November 30, 2006... A lightweight, durable bicycle shock absorber that cuts manufacturing costs and uses fewer component parts than conventional shock absorbers has won a gold award and a #2500 prize for designers Karbon Kinetics in this year's Manus design...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Rolling element on the ball.
November 30, 2006... A new rolling element bearing that not only saves valuable design space, but also lowers friction and enables bearing width and mass to be reduced, has been unveiled by Schaeffler. The prototype 'ball roller' bearing incorporates bearing...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Split design can cut downtime.
November 30, 2006... Plant and maintenance engineers are under pressure like never before to deliver uninterrupted production and achieve the highest levels of equipment efficiency. In pursuit of this ideal, machines are monitored, lubrication is optimised, and...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Springs provide the backlash.
November 30, 2006... Precision engineered Cb-ball bearing disc springs from Bauer Springs have been designed to pre-load rotary ball bearings. The pronounced regressive characteristics of these springs provide backlash compensation that leads to quieter running,...

BEARINGS & SEALS: Clinch is a cinch.
November 30, 2006... Designed to save machining, material and assembly time, new self- clinching and self-aligning Spyraflo bearings, now available from Micromech, are said to solve design problems for machine and equipment makers where enhanced bearing performance...

WELDING/METAL FABRICATION: Liquid staring keeps plasma cutting on move.
November 30, 2006... Unlimited mobility and reduced emissions of potentially harmful substances are two benefits claimed for a new plasma cutting process from Fronius that uses liquid rather than compressed air as a starting medium. Fronius regards Transcut...

WELDING/METAL FABRICATION: Regular brush-up keeps weld robots on spot.
November 30, 2006... Regular 'tooth brushing' is helping robots at Warwick University's Warwick Manufacturing Group munch through 50,000 aluminium spot welds on one set of electrodes Resistance spot welding research carried out by Paul Briskham at the...

WELDING/METAL FABRICATION: Auto welder eases beam fabrication.
November 30, 2006... Patented design of steel open floor beam is being fabricated by building supplier IJM TimberFrame using an ESAB automated beam welder. Previously IJM bought in standard I-beams and used two MIG welders to manually weld an additional plate to...

WELDING/METAL FABRICATION: Rotary tables add the X factor.
November 30, 2006... Developed to accommodate the high loads generated by latest cutting tools and machinery, TMX, TRX, TBX and TUX rotary tables from Kitagawa require just a standard workshop air supply to produce clamping torques normally only attained by...

WELDING/METAL FABRICATION: Integration aids the flow.
November 30, 2006... Precision sheet metal components manufacturer Greenfield Engineering has installed some #40K-worth of Radan software at its Plymouth and Holsworthy sites to improve stock control and capacity planning. The package, which includes e2i, Radan...

WELDING/METAL FABRICATION: Cut faster with accuracy.
November 30, 2006... Latest abrasive waterjet machining centre from OMAX, The Fabricator, offers large format abrasive waterjet cutting for stone, tile and fabrication shops. Like all machines using OMAX direct drive pump technology, it claims to cut parts...

WELDING/METAL FABRICATION: Flick on the wrist.
November 30, 2006... Boilermaking demands the assembly of complex components. But before this can be carried out, all parts must be prepared as accurately as possible, with 3D parts such as pipes and dished ends being particularly difficult. For high-quality...

WELDING/METAL FABRICATION: Package for welding uses.
November 30, 2006... The Murex Transweld Challenger 400 welding package is designed for welding uses within general steel fabrication, the vehicle industry as well as household products and furniture manufacturers. The package includes the Murex Transweld...

WELDING/METAL FABRICATION: Laser presses on.
November 30, 2006... Bystronic has won an order from Dorset-based sheet metal subcontractor Ackerman Engineering for a Byspeed 4.4kW laser and PR6 60/25 press brake: it is the first Bystronic laser for Ackerman, an existing user of PR press brakes. The firm...

WELDING/METAL FABRICATION: Rods simplify aluminium welds.
November 30, 2006... Welding aluminium, usually a difficult task requiring expensive equipment and high levels of skill, is fast and straightforward with Easyweld aluminium welding rods from Durafix. In addition to aluminium, the rods can also be used to weld...

WELDING/METAL FABRICATION: Clinching a better deal.
November 30, 2006... New mobile clincher from Eckold offers improved performance over its predecessor. The Coneco 45/35E clincher is described as an ergonomic redesign, providing a more manoeuvrable product weighing just 6.5kg - a 35 percent weight saving over...

WELDING/METAL FABRICATION: Fifty safe years.
November 30, 2006... This summer has marked the 50th anniversary of the Murex Saffire brand of welding and cutting gear, which has become synonymous with absolute safety in all aspects of oxy-fuel welding and cutting. From the original nozzle mix system, the...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Tuning in to ATEX.
November 30, 2006... Ask a great many individuals in UK manufacturing for a layman's explanation of the ATEX directives and you'll probably find only a handful able to give a creditable answer. And, says safety cleaning equipment specialist CFM, follow up by...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Getting the measure of industrial vibration.
November 30, 2006... From Bruel & Kjaer comes a portable system for the acquisition, measurement and evaluation of human vibration. The Type 4447 human vibration analyser is designed to monitor exposure of human operators to the harmful influences of vibration of...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Torches fit the pocket.
November 30, 2006... Mini and Micro series of pocket-sized personal issue safety torches from Wolf Safety Lamp Company use high-tech light sources to give high performance from a compact size. ATEX and IECEx certified for Zone 0, three of the four models have...

HEALTH & SAFETY: It's a lockout.
November 30, 2006... To allow maintenance shutdowns to be implemented to the highest possible standards of personnel safety, the latest in Castell's range of ball-valve lockouts has been designed for use with ball valves of up to one-inch diameter. Valves can be...

HEALTH & SAFETY: HAL takes a heavier load.
November 30, 2006... Redesigned and engineered to be more compact, yet function with a higher maximum load of 225kg, Allen-Vanguard's Snatch Block Pulley remains compatible and interchangeable with its predecessor. A core component of A-V's Hook and Line (HAL)...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Detecting potential hazards.
November 30, 2006... Ensuring the reliable detection of combustible gases and vapours, the new Draeger PIR 3000 is a smart, explosion proof, infra-red gas transmitter. Utilising the latest DraegerSensor IR technology, it is said to offer an excellent...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Aspiration system uses laser for integration.
November 30, 2006... Aspiration smoke detection systems are normally separate to a main fire system, a situation that can increases maintenance and cost. They are also unable to pinpoint the exact position of the fire, says System Sensor Europe. However,...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Torches complete a safety hat-trick.
November 30, 2006... Wolf's ATEX range of safety torches now has UL Approval to add to its ATEX European Certification and IEC Approval, obtained last year through TestSafe in Australia. The torches now have certification levels that are accepted in virtually...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Fewer slip-ups.
November 30, 2006... According to the HSE, slips and trips are the most common cause of major injuries at work, says Rocol, whose Acme Panels offer a durable, anti-slip solution for pedestrian traffic. With a design-life of 15 years, the made-to-measure platforms...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Free check on dust and fumes.
November 30, 2006... BuckHickman InOne has linked up with Nederman to offer a free on-site consultation service for dust and fume extraction. "Prolonged exposure to dust and fumes can cause allergic reactions and serious illnesses, ranging from asthma to...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Chock stops drive-aways.
November 30, 2006... New to Castell's Salvo range of drive-away prevention systems, Salvo Chock removes the risk of accidental driveaways from the loading bay by forcing operatives to chock vehicles before loading begins. Using Castells's trapped-key technology,...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Guarding creates safer zones.
November 30, 2006... Industrial safety specialist Troax has designed and installed an extensive machine guarding system to protect staff at the Glasgow distribution centre of publisher Harper-Collins. The safety fencing encloses a complex layout of automated...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Anti-slip marking has workplace safety taped.
November 30, 2006... A range of anti-slip, lane marking and barrier tapes, designed to contribute to improved safety in the workplace, has been launched by tesa. The Anti-Slip Professional 60950 - 60953 adhesive tapes are constructed from PVC coated with aluminium...

HEALTH & SAFETY: System provides safer maintenance.
November 30, 2006... Installation of an advanced turnkey working-at-height safety solution has been completed at the Siemens Power Generation facility in Newcastle by Height Safety Solutions, a specialist division of lifting services provider Morris Maintenance...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Warned in a flash.
November 30, 2006... Clifford & Snell has developed a new series of intrinsically safe LED beacons to EEx ia IIC T4 for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Designed to be used in Zones 0, 1 and 2, the V4IS is available in a variety of combinations to...

HEALTH & SAFETY: Dosemeter uprated for hazard areas.
November 30, 2006... Latest version of the personal noise dosemeter from Cirruss Research has been uprated to comply with new regulations, guidelines and working practice standards. The new features and functions ensure the unit's use in a wider range of...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Thinking small.
November 30, 2006... Using the unique patented pumping technology of the RD5 rotary diaphragm pump, Charles Austen Pumps extends the range to include the RD1 a new smaller low cost version. Inside the pump, the active part is a novel composite reinforced...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Longer life in a hot climate.
November 30, 2006... New high-temperature sensors, designed specifically for increased sensor life and greater performance in elevated temperature applications, has been introduced by Emerson Process Management. Rosemount Analytical Model 3300HT and 3400HT high...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Versatile pump with broad appeal.
November 30, 2006... Air-operated diaphragm pumps are acknowledged as being one of the most versatile types of pump available, suited for handling a wide variety of liquids. Their simple design and ease of maintenance make them a reliable choice for numerous...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Five steps to feedback.
November 30, 2006... IndiTop is an electrical feedback unit developed specifically for use with Alfa Laval sanitary valves in the food and biopharm industries. Once mounted onto the valve stem and actuator IndiTop can be set up with just five key strokes, or...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Peace-of-mind pumping?
November 30, 2006... A range of magnetic drive pumps, in three types of hydraulic configuration; centrifugal, regenerative turbine and sliding vane, is the latest addition to the Pump Engineering portfolio. 3M Mag-drive pumps offer users important benefits,...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Robust flowmeter.
November 30, 2006... HWM Hydreka introduces HydrINS, a robust versatile electro-magnetic insertion pipe flowmeter, designed for simple deployment and accurate flow calculation. It has a long battery life and no moving components. HydrINS flowmeter features a...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Sealed AS-i.
November 30, 2006... AS-interface is well established in because it provides savings in installation while being simple to use. As-i founder member ifm electronic offers a complete range of AS-interface products with high IP ratings and materials specifically for...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Aerobics work out.
November 30, 2006... The successful partnership between Mono Pumps and organic waste disposal company Tanks & Vessels has built on the success of a pilot aerobic digestion plant in Doncaster to secure their first commercial order, now up and running in East...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: Deep water duty.
November 30, 2006... Badger Meter control valves, from Pump Engineering, are making a huge contribution to oil extraction in ultra deep wells. The valves can overcome, not just low temperatures, but the wide flow ranges and extreme pressures experienced at depth....

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: In the drink.
November 30, 2006... A major order to supply InBev's two plants at Magor in South Wales and Samlesbury near Preston has recently been completed by Tyco Valves and Controls' Hygienic Products Division. The Hygienic Products Division comprises both the Hovap...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: A case for pumps.
November 30, 2006... IP40 cased pumps from Autoclude have been developed for scientific and heavy-duty industrial applications. The pumps utilise Autoclude Easy Tube Load pump heads for quick tube change change and an enhanced version of the popular 3000 pump...

PROCESS PLANT & CONTROL: What's in a name for latest BHE?
November 30, 2006... Alfa Laval's new AC350 brazed heat exchanger (BHE) is one of the largest and most powerful the company has developed specifically for AC and refrigeration duties. It is also the first BHE to incorporate a patented distribution system so new...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Parts storage.
November 30, 2006... A high-volume, small parts storage system, developed to enhance the efficiency of component distribution around the Perkins Engines plant in Peterborough, has been designed and installed by Link 51. The two-tier facility uses Link's XL...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Latest case for E'gv.
November 30, 2006... Dubios of Corby, manufacturer of video, DVD and CD cases, is using technology from Keymas-Egemin partnership to handle storage and vehicle movement. Four battery powered E'gv(R)s, on pre-defined paths, handle 7000 pallets of goods,...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Mobile ramp loading solution.
November 30, 2006... The problem of loading and unloading container trucks when there are no loading docks has been solved by kitchen appliance manufacturer, Baumatic, with mobile yardramps from Thorworld Industries. The 10 tonne (10,000kg) capacity ramps have...

HANDLING & STORAGE: All enveloping.
November 30, 2006... A hire contract with Jiffy Packaging will see Jofson Mitsubishi supplying seven 'and a half' forklift trucks to the Cheshire distribution centre. Explains Warehouse Manager, Dave Alexander: "We need arrangements to cope with peaks in...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Three-way jib.
November 30, 2006... A special purpose jib crane has been designed and built for BE Aerospace by Brixworth Engineering Co. The hydraulically powered unit can lift, swing and rotate loads up to 750kg in a multi-cell working environment. The work project...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Herb UK finds a phoenix in the ashes.
November 30, 2006... In May 2006, Herb UK's premises were swept by fire. Twenty fire appliances and 100 fireman took two hours to control the blaze, where temperatures at the seat of the fire are thought to have exceeded 600 degrees . When Herb's MD, Raoul...

HANDLING & STORAGE: No fear to tread with Angels.
November 30, 2006... Rack Angel heavy-duty waste collection bags from Raxel Storage Systems are designed to provide strong, durable waste collection points. The recyclable Rack Angel bags will out-live most conventional waste bags and provide a cost effective...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Units on a roll.
November 30, 2006... Airedale International Air Conditioning is using a Nu-Star Super Pusher unit at its Leeds facility. The Super Pusher is used for manoeuvring the air conditioning and chiller units through the production and testing lines and into the...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Control is key.
November 30, 2006... Control and automation specialist, Keymas announces the launch of K-store, a software package that adds a new dimension to the logistics chain by offering an affordable system to manage a warehouse. The modular design allows for immediate...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Pallet-able.
November 30, 2006... RHM Culinary Products have been using plastic pallets for around 20 years to carry FBICs, but has found them prone to peripheral and structural damage and needed yearly replacements. Craemer MD, Chris Neill, offered a sample of the high...

HANDLING & STORAGE: Bendi the 'only solution'.
November 30, 2006... Three articulating B313 Bendi forklifts from Translift Bendi were "the only solution to Thames News Service's rapid growth problems," says Operations Manager, Robbie Oliver. The Bendis are capable of lifting 1.35 tonnes to 7.2 metres...