What's New In Industry articles from October 2000

What's New In Industry archives from October 2000

Solutions from design through to manufacture.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Full range of design and engineering solutions from Cadtek encompass a complete range of disciplines, from design through prototype and manufacture for organisations involved in mechanical and electromechanical engineering. On show at next...

Laser goes linear for speed.(FPL-6 Laser Work Centre from Finn-Power International Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Mild steel sheet of 1mm thickness may be cut at 20 m/min on Finn-Power's new FPL-6 Laser Work Centre, which is capable of processing material up to 20mm thick. Possibly the only laser profiling machine to use low-friction linear motors...

Making a show of manufacturing.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Around 300 exhibitors will make this year's Manufacturing Week exhibition (NEC, Birmingham, November 7 - 9) one of the UK's prime showcases of industrial design and manufacture. A free seminar programme, organised by specialist training company...

Steel for space age bearings.(Cronidur 30 from FAG Bearings Corp.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Cronidur 30, a new steel that has been used successfully in the engines of the space shuttle, is claimed to exceed the fatigue life and speeds available from other bearing steels, with the added benefits of superior corrosion and wear...

Flexible autocutting of plastic components.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Flexible automation specialist ABB has introduced a range of four standard solutions for automated cutting and finishing of plastic components. Marketed as the `Basic', `Concept', `Compact' and `Fast' machines, each one is packaged as a...

Perfectly logical.(from Rockwell Automation)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Allen-Bradley FlexLogix distributed control system from Rockwell Automation combines the Logix control engine with A-B's FLEX I/O, to create a controller and I/O system with integrated field termination -- ideal for distributed control...

Precision prototypes.(from Tecan Components)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Premium service for design engineers -- offering rapid prototyping of high-precision micro-engineered metal parts for a wide range of applications -- has been introduced by Tecan Components. Typically, the parts are manufactured using...

What's watt ...(WT200 high-performance digital wattmeter)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... New WT200 from Yokogawa is a high-performance digital wattmeter with very sensitive current ranges, suiting it to the measurement of standby power levels in consumer electronics products. The WT200 enables designers to make accurate evaluation...

In the balance.(AX analytical balances, MX microbalances and UMX ultra-microbalances from Mettler )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... AX analytical balances, MX microbalances and UMX ultra-microbalances from Mettler offer hands-free use, multi- user configuration and internet capabilities. They take high maximum loads to 510g with readability to 0.1 [micro]g. A MinWeigh...

In condition.(SKF's Marlin condition detector)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Vibration and temperature are measured to assess a machine's state with SKF's Marlin condition detector. It is ideal for users unfamiliar with machine diagnostic measuring techniques but, when used with a range of sister units and accessories,...

Probe head can improve inspection performance.(Renishaw Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... To enhance probe system performance on co-ordinate measuring machines, Renishaw's new PH10T motorised probe head for automated machines, offers fast, automated inspection. Probe sensors can be oriented in 720 positions with a repeatability of...

Checking up on thread stresses.(Norbar Torque Tools)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Precise measurement of the clamp load produced by a bolt or other threaded fastener is possible in the field with the introduction of Norbar Torque Tools' portable USM-11. Weighing just 1.7kg, the battery-powered USM-11 is housed in an...

Scale the heights.(Mitutoyo Corp. linear height gage)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Mitutoyo's Series 518 linear height gauge claims the highest measurement accuracy levels of an instrument in its class, at [+ or -] 10[micro]m at 20 [degrees] C and a resolution given as 0.005mm/0.001mm. Two models are available with measuring...

A close look at the surface.(Scantron Corp. profilometer)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Proscan 3D surface profilometer from Scantron offers ultrafast non-contact measurement together with extremely high accuracy: it brings measurement speeds of up to 2000 points per second and more, coupled with the possibility to precisely...

On the beam ...(Melles Griot Inc.laser test device)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Melles Griot has launched a new laser test instrument that offers users multi-functional capability in a portable system that doesn't need to be connected to a PC. The stand-alone BeamAlyzer measures the width, ellipticity, profile, position,...

Larger castings put to the test.(Krautkramer Inc. hardness tester)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Repetitive hardness testing of large non-transportable castings, forgings or rolled components can be carried out with Krautkramer's DynaPOCKET instrument. Rebound testing can be carried out in any plane, or where access is limited, all...

Speed checked on contact.(Graham-White Manufacturing Co. tachomter)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... From Graham White Instruments comes the CT-230 portable contact tachometer for the accurate measurement of rotational and linear speed in a single instrument. The CT-230 utilises a circuit design involving the use of a single exclusive LSI...

Sensor in control.(Turck Banner inductive sensor)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Tiny inductive sensor in a micro-switch style housing said to be ideal for valve positioning control and other proximity switching applications has been introduced by Turck Banner. Protected to IP68 against dust ingress by an over-moulded case,...

Check the level.(Allison Engineering)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Using an IS class 1 `eye safe' laser within a rugged IP65 housing, the K-Tek level transmitter from Allison Engineering is not troubled with beam divergence and will measure a steep angle of repose. Ideal for solids, opaque liquids and...

Add-on modules boost drive options.(Eurotherm Drives Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Eurotherm Drives has extended its range of add-on expansion modules for its 690+ ac drive range to offer a wide range of fieldbus options and systems capabilities. The expansion modules `technology boxes' simply plug into the drive,...

Package integrates machine control.(Inmoco)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Simplified and total machine control, integrating servo/stopper control, analogue and digital I/O and communications, is now available from one consolidated package with the MultiPro family of automation controllers from Inmoco. The efficiency...

Motion control in position.(Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1500 micro PLC)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Motion capabilities of Allen-Bradley's MicroLogix 1500 micro PLC, when combined with the Allen-Bradley Ultra 100 range of servo drives, provides a low-cost motion control solution for simple point-to-point positioning applications of up to 156...

In control of configuration.(SYS-Config 2.0 software support package)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... SYS-Config version 2.0 is a free advanced software support package from Omron for setting up temperature controllers, process controllers and intelligent signal processors. As functionality increases, the number of parameters that must be...

Bus integration.(DME 3000 distance measurement device)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... DME 3000 distance measurement device from Sick has integrated Profibus: gateways to Interbus-S and DeviceNet are also available, so the unit can connect to common bus systems. It is used to measure large traversing distances in...

On the level ...(Flowline LU20 Echotouch ultrasonic level transmitter)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Flowline LU20 series Echotouch two-wire ultrasonic level transmitter from Chem Resist mounts via the top wall of a tank for non-contact measurement up to 5.4m. In bulk storage tanks, process vessels and wet walls, its narrow 8-degree beam...

Get the measure of steam flows.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Panametric's new GS868 ultrasonic flowmeter aims to solve the problems of pressure drop and rangeability found in some other types of flowmeters. The meter is said to reduce operation, installation and maintenance costs and measures mass flow...

Taking the bus option.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... ProfiBus process field bus interface cards are offered as standard options by Meiden Europe for its range of VT23OS multi-mode vector drives. This slave-station, plug-in option is available for all models in the VT230 range (0.4kW to 45kW...

Power in a small space.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Joining the range of small dc motors from Trident, the 17S is only 17mm in dia. and 18mm long and is designed to meet applications requiring high levels of performance and reliability in a small space. It has an ironless core rotor and rare...

Heading onto the UPS by-pass.(PowerSwitch)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Safety and user-convenience are benefits claimed for the latest maintenance bypasses from Advance-Galatrek. They are particularly suitable for users in critical computing and telecoms applications. The PowerSwitch allows the UPS to be...

Connection in a snap.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... From AB Connectors, the ABXS miniature connector features a push-pull mechanism, making it easy to use. Steel ball-bearings enable snap-on connection simply by pushing on the back accessory. Disconnection by pulling on the coupling nut is...

Tough torquing.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Inmoco has added the compact PMAI series to its range of servomotors. The motor features a 55[mm.sup.2] frame in three stack lengths, and offers continuous rated torque from 0.21 to 0.6NM. Its spec. includes optional sealing to IP67 against...

Safety ensured by a trip.(Spelsberg's KOPP-RCB circuit breaker)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Spelsberg's KOPP-RCB is a residual current device and miniature circuit breaker combined into one compact, easy-to-fit unit. The module offers personal protection from indirect contact and conditional protection in the event of direct...

Drive options.(Alstom Alspa MV3000)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Following the launch of its Alspa MV3000 inverter last year, Alstom has introduced several options for the model. Previously available with a six-pulse rectifier as standard, MV3000 is now offered with an optional 12-pulse module. ...

Getting into gear.(Lenze's line of geared motors)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Joining Lenze's geared motor range are small helical and helical bevel types. They are available in various power outputs up to 750W and can be integrated simply and quickly into a range of machine installations. Tel: 01234 321242 ...

If the cap fits ...(Challenge Industrial Fastenings' Korrex protective caps)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Available from Challenge Industrial Fastenings, Korrex protective caps come in two forms -- protective caps for socket head screws and nut caps for hexagon nuts, which convert them to dome nuts. They can also be used for hexagon headed bolts...

Travel guides keep it all on the level.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Bayside Motion Group's Micro Slide linear stages are compact, high-speed units offering good load carrying capabilities with minimal maintenance requirements. They are ideal for packaging and automotive uses as well as for the precision...

Motor control by water power.(Danfoss' Nessie MVM 160 water hydraulic vane motor)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Low-speed, high-torque motor control is provided for the food processing and packaging industries by the Nessie MVM 160 water hydraulic vane motor from Danfoss. Benefits of the MVM 160 include user safety, an ultra hygienic design and...

At the double.(double acting cylinders)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Incorporating clean lines and reduced dimensions, the Camozzi series 2 double acting cylinders are ideal for a range of applications, particularly where hygiene is a major factor. The cylinders are available in diameters ranging from 20 to 63mm...

A lot of torque in a little space.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Gearheads from ZF Industrial provide machine designers with the option of turning servomotor drive systems through 90deg. This reduces the overall size envelope of a machine while increasing torque and reliability of the motion system. WT...

Just plug in to connect.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Hydraulic hose can be made much easier to connect and disconnect using the latest hydraulic coupling from Tom Parker. The couplings simply plug in to connect and are self-locking, so no further tightening is required. Disconnection is by...

Smart stacking.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Despite its compact size, the Smart palletiser from Industrial Automation can create up to nine feet high pallets. Because it builds up layers on to pallets from the bottom up, it requires less floor space and less headroom than conventional...

Labelling with options.(label printers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Series of label printers which produces high-quality, pressure-sensitive labels and tags at economical prices has been introduced by Weber Marking Systems. Ideal for workstation or other multi unit environments, the compact 18/19 series units...

Mini meters give an accurate dose.(flowmeters)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... For the accurate filling of plastic (PET) bottles, Krohne has developed what it says is the world's smallest electromagnetic flowmeter systems. Only 50mm wide, Batchflux II and Batchcontrol are specially designed for precise, high volume and...

Turning up the volume.(large volume plastic containers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Available from Arca Systems, the 1200mm high Magnum is a high-quality foldable container claimed to provide the greatest volume capacity on a 1200 x 1000mm base. Based on the company's 1200 x 1000mm Magnum, which has a standard height of...

High resolution, high speed.(printers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... High print quality and reliability is offered by the Videojet Excel 2000 from Marconi Data Systems. The system can print one to three lines of code at speeds of up to 278m/min, barcodes and up to 1832 alphanumeric characters/sec, depending on...

Mini thermals save on power.(miniature thermal printers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Joining the range of ultra-miniature thermal printer mechanisms from Able Systems is the MP205. Featuring a patented, combined lever and spring for compactness and easy print-head maintenance, it claims up to a 20 percent power saving over...

Smallest easy loader.(thermal printer)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... At only 35g, the ELM 205 thermal printer mechanism from Able Systems is said to be the smallest easy load printer. With power consumption 20 percent less than standard 5V mechanisms, the ELM 205's features make paper easy to load and print. In...

Laser coder gives clear indications.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... High reliability, versatility and ease of use are combined with `on the fly' capability in Domino's DGM-1T scribing laser. It marks electronic products with logos, serial numbers, batch codes and real time data codes in variable and repetitive...

On the lookout for contaminants.(x-ray machine)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Low-cost X-ray machine from Cintex, the Insight Compact can detect glass, stone and bone contaminants, as well as metal. It has also been designed to inspect closed packs for missing or broken items, while stainless steel contaminants inside...

Extended use.(fork lift attachments)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Simple solution to long load handling with a fork truck is offered by truck attachment specialist Contact Attachments. Their slide-on extensions, which use a simple integral retaining device, allow the forks to be lengthened to balance out long...

Pallet truck has a head for safety.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Offered in 1600, 1800 and 2000kg capacities, Still's redesigned EGU range of pallet trucks are designed for loading/unloading, container stuffing, order picking and -- with the optional rider platform -- transportation of loads over long...

Pedestrian power.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Capable of pulling or pushing up to 40 tonnes -- that's about 27 Land Rovers or four single decker buses -- MasterMover's pedestrian-operated MM5/400 has been added to the existing MM5 range of units. Added features on this new unit,...

Boxing clever.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... An even bigger box has been added to Arca's Big Box pallet container range. Based on the same design as the company's 1200 x 1000 and 1200 x 800 pallet containers, the latest addition has a larger footprint of 1200 x 1200, making it ideal for...

Stacker bridges the gap.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Following the launch of its original Swift stacker truck, Jungheinrich has now introduced the Swift EME 12 pallet truck, equipped with a 300W three-phase ac motor. The low-cost Swift concept has been designed to bridge the gap between...

A clean set of wheels.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Reliability and ultra hygienic operation are on offer from Stewart Gill's Twintrack heavy-duty overhead conveyor system for use in areas of food handling, storage and general bulk handling. Made from aluminium or stainless steel and with a...

Up up and away.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... High throughput rates are maintained irrespective of conveying angle thanks to Spiroflow's Aero mechanical conveyors. They elevate materials fed into a ground level hopper vertically to heights of up to 25m at 120 tonnes/hr. The conveyor...

Weigh it up by the truckload.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Pallet truck incorporating a scale indicator, the Euro2000, has been launched by EuroScales. This new truck scale is suitable for any application that relies on precise weight measurements during crucial production, manufacture and...

Rolling it off the pallet.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Pallets can be loaded quickly and safely at a working height convenient to the individual operator by the RolI-C Level Loader from Southworth. The loader is lowered to floor level so that pallets may be rolled on and off with a hand pallet...

Picking to new heights.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Safe and easy to use, Crown's LP 3010 and LP 3020 medium level stockpickers have been designed to allow operatives to undertake fast and efficient order picking at heights up to 3.6m. For maximum driver comfort and efficiency, all controls are...

Keep tension under control.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... From Crane Care comes the PIAB switch head dynamo-meter, an electro-mechanical instrument for measuring tractive force and operating control circuits. It is particularly suited to monitoring and controlling the tension in belt conveyors used in...

Quicker by tube.
October 1, 2000... Joining the Spiratube range from HRS Heat Exchangers is a model that combines a high surface area with a minimum installation space requirement. The HRS Double Tube Coil Heat Exchanger is designed to handle solids, particulate and viscous...

Under pressure.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Fulton has replaced its venerable Series E steam boiler with the new Series J. Nine models are available with outputs from 96 to 960kg/h and operating pressures up to 10.34. The Series J range delivers high quality dry steam at combustion...

Cutting down to size.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Utilising easy-to-operate controls, the Cutting System Original IV from ABB I-R Waterjet Systems is said to combine the smallest footprint available with a design that increases uptime and optimises waterjet cutting performance. The system...

Air dryer is energy efficient.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Environmentally friendly and energy efficient method of drying compressed air is offered by Ingersoll-Rand's ThermoStar range of refrigeration air dryers. The R407C provides up to ten percent energy savings over R134a systems, while the...

Dryer integrates with compressor.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Designed for applications requiring high air quality, the A5 to A15 rotary screw compressors from Ecoair are now available in versions from 4 to 11kW. The K-Dryer models feature an integrated refrigerant dryer which removes moisture from...

High quality weld options.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Available from Murex, the Transtig ac/dc 201i is designed for ac or dc TIG or manual metal arc welding. It uses high frequency inverter technology with software-driven microprocessor control to provide precision adjustment of welding...

Water blasting.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Developed to meet a range of component cleaning, degreasing, surface preparation and finishing applications, the Vaqua 92 is the latest stainless steel wet blast machine from USF Abrasive Developments. It has an 890 x 900 x 730mm high...

Winches show their versatility.(Brevini BW series of winches)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Square frame winches from Brevini can be mounted in any position. The BW units are hydraulic motor-driven, the motors being either orbital or axial piston types. Each winch has its own balancing valve unit to control a load while it is...

Floor cleaning in two steps.(Traub Heckert's Durr Ecoclean Jeto 84W)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Suitable for cleaning medium sized components, the Durr Ecoclean Jeto 84W is a two-step spray washing machine from Traub Heckert. The front loading system is ideal for machine shop installation, having a footprint of 1.7 x 1.5m and is less...

e-business initiatives.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Made2Manage Europe and European distributor, 4Front Software are targeting their key market place, SME manufacturers, with a programme of on-stand education at CIM. Briefings and one-2-one workshops will explain how smaller businesses can make...

Milling software takes five.
October 1, 2000... Series of software modules developed by Open Mind for five-axis CNC milling using its hyperMILL and hyperFORM products provide rapid program generation, exhibit high levels of process reliability and offer improved as-machined surface quality....

Dragon has an eye for data.
October 1, 2000... Datalogic is offering three cordless radio versions of its Dragon hand-held laser gun. It is aimed at medium/heavy industrial warehouse management applications. The Radio Dragon features integration of a four-line bi-directional display. A...

Plugging into the big easy.
October 1, 2000... Easylectric is the first of a new class of computer-based engineering (CNE) tools for electrical engineers from Aucotec. More than simple diagramming, easylectric links the de-facto industry standard Visio 2000 drawing tools to an...

Simulation software.
October 1, 2000... ESI Group, provider of virtual prototyping solutions, has released PAM-FORM 2000, 3D software for forming simulation of composite and plastic parts. PAM-FORM enables virtual and realistic analysis and optimisation of a variety of manufacturing...

Connection as if by Magic.
October 1, 2000... Amplicon's new isolated 485Fi, and Magic 485F25 converts are for extending RS232 networks up to 1.2km, or for connecting RS232 devices to RS422/485 networks. The 4859i model brings additional connector arrangements to the proven technology of...

Industrial PC wall mounts.
October 1, 2000... Compact Beckhoff Industrial C3620 PC from Hayes Control Systems has been designed for installation to control cabinet walls. The basic unit is a lightweight 10.8kg. The C3620 is fitted with either a 500MHz Intel Celeron or Intel Pentium...

A breath of fresh air.
October 1, 2000... Gefim is a new process from MC Int. said to ensure better use of fresh air by providing constant adaptation of condensing pressure to variations in outside weather conditions, so lowering energy consumption. It gives constant optimisation of...

Breathe easy.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... A lightweight and comfortable positive-pressure respirator with a head weight of 300g is available from Bradwest Safety Company. It provides the user a continuous flow of purified air, while protecting from dust and most other airborne...

Superchiller stays green and quiet.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Efficient, environmentally friendly cooling is offered by the Superchiller 2000 range from Liebert Hiross. At the same time, noise levels are kept to a minimum. Suitable for industrial cooling and HVAC applications, the range is capable of...

A nose for emissions.(Hanovia's ODEX4 ultraviolet odor control system)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... In tests, Hanovia's ODEX4 ultraviolet odour control system is said to be highly effective in eliminating odorous emissions. Both indoor and outdoor trials were carried out. Initial concentrations of odorous molecules were between 10 and...

Four pipe flexibility.(Calpex Quadriga pipe system)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Joining the Calpex range of flexible pre-insulated PEX pipes from Pipe2000 are the Quadriga four-pipe systems which incorporate four cross-linked polyethylene carrier pipes, pre-insulated with high-efficiency polyurethane foam and protected by...

Checking up on dust levels.(Grimm WorkCheck 1.104)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Small, lightweight and self-contained, the Grimm WorkCheck 1.104 from Quantitech is a portable dust monitor that combines traditional gravimetric reference methods of high volume sampling with real-time mass distribution analysis. The...

Fast flooring.(Instarmac Ultracrete FP1)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... Instarmac's Ultracrete FP1 forms rapid setting patch repairs on concrete floors, steps and kerbstones, where a quick return to service is essential. The two-part polymer modified mortar can be used to repair depths of between 10 and 100mm. ...

Waterproofing.(IFS Industries Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2000... New waterproof products from IFS are: WX-1 cement-based coating to waterproof walls; similar but flexible WX-2, Waterplug WX-3 compound to seal leaking pipes, brickwork or concrete; and Silicone Waterproof WX-4, clear solvent-based silicone...