What's New In Industry articles from September 2001

What's New In Industry archives from September 2001

Centralising sensor control.
September 1, 2001... Unlike most other fibre optic products, Baumer electric's new modular Series 31 sensor system can be mounted with up to 16 local fibre amplifiers, Using a single cable, up to five of these can be mounted in individually isolated groups...

Turning up the heat.
September 1, 2001... Tyco Thermal Controls is offering the Raychem VPL power-limiting heating cable, developed to operate at higher exposure temperatures and greater power output. It has been designed to offer the optimum solution for the trace-heating of pipes,...

Controlling valves at a distance.
September 1, 2001... New from Smith Flow Control, Flexi-Drive is a versatile device for the remote operation of valves in hard to reach or hazardous locations. Developed in association with the US Navy for operating valves in inaccessible areas of ships' hulls, the...

Monitoring process pressure.
September 1, 2001... Aimed at industries which need to monitor corrosive and non-corrosive gases, vapours and fluids, Jumo's new dTRANS pressure transmitter allows the user to monitor the pressure and/or level of liquids and to communicate the results to a central...

Flow show.
September 1, 2001... Need a simple visual confirmation of flow? Rotorflow RFI Type indicators provide a durable, low-cost solution: a spinning orange rotor provides a quick visual flow confirmation when installed in fluid piping. The unit is part of the upgraded...

Process data on display.
September 1, 2001... Rugged operator keyboard with VFD display that suits manufacturing, processing, storage and distribution applications has been introduced by CKS Holdings. Designed to provide local operator control of processes associated with bar code...

Fieldbus goes on the record.
September 1, 2001... Yokogawa DAQSTATION DX100/DX200 family of paperless recorders are said to be the first instruments of their type to support the Foundation Fieldbus bidirectional digital communication standard. Each unit can accept up to eight Foundation...

Lubricant selection.
September 1, 2001... Innovative bearing lubricant selection CD-Rom from INA, known as medias-T, contains a database of over 2500 lubricants from 46 manufacturers. Its intuitive interface helps the user select the correct lubricant for any simple rolling element...

Seal material gets tough.
September 1, 2001... Ecotuf is a polyester fabric sealing material bonded in a polyester resin matrix, giving great physical strength and mechanical durability, high compressive strength and chemical resistance. Its `complex' structure also allows it to absorb...

Grease technology smooths the way.
September 1, 2001... Trevor Morris of FAG/Barden reviews developments in high-speed greases and outlines considerations for their selection. Traditionally, high-speed bearing applications were classed as those being above 1,000,000ndm -- ndm being the `speed...

Stock bearings for harsh conditions.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Made by SNR for demanding applications, Topline bearings from Nadella come in four product groupings -- FT150 units suit temperatures up to 150 [degrees] C and speeds to 500,000ndm; HT200 types cope with temperatures to 200 [degrees] C and...

Four-row guideway.
September 1, 2001... Linear guideway from R A Rodriguez has a four-row bearing structure claiming a significant benefit over systems based on four-point contact bearings. High accuracy, high stiffness and low torque are offered by this new range. The four-row...

Making sense out of bearing data.
September 1, 2001... Clear information on the status of travelling machine parts can be decisive in many fields of engineering, to enable reliable open loop and closed loop control of movements. This is highlighted still further with the increasing necessity of...

Keeping the noise down.
September 1, 2001... Easier and quieter operation of sliding or revolving components is the aim of Blue Diamond's customised semi-precision bearings. They claim significant reductions of both friction and noise in applications as diverse as from the light duties of...

Ballscrews in miniature.
September 1, 2001... New range of low-cost miniature ballscrews from Unimatic use rolled threads to achieve positional accuracy. They complement Unimatic's existing range of ultra high-accuracy precision-ground ballscrews. Unimatic has made the new ballscrews...

Rotary seal stands up to the hot mill.
September 1, 2001... Walkersele Ultraglide from James Walker is setting out to be the new high-efficiency rotary lip seal that will benchmark the low-maintenance demands of hardworking industrial plant, following extensive trials on hot steel rolling mill bearings...

Seals easy to retrofit.
September 1, 2001... Range of Meco custom shaft seals available from FTL Seals Technology is based on the use of a self-compensating driving elastomer. Available in unsplit and fully split versions, the seals will retrofit most process equipment with only minimal...

Robotics for the cat.
September 1, 2001... Two robotic welding cells have been supplied by Motoman to the Birmingham factory of Lander Automotive to automate manufacture of complex assemblies for the new Jaguar saloon car, code named X400 and due for release later this year. The...

Data in orbit.
September 1, 2001... Swagelok has enhanced the power supply of its Orbital Welding System, starting with a 486 microprocessor that increases productivity by enhancing programming capability. The M100 power supply features easy-to-use pick lists for creation of...

Robots offer resistance options.
September 1, 2001... Series of Robot Welding Cells designed for small to medium-sized fabrication businesses using resistance welding have been introduced by British Federal. The FedSpot cells -- based on modular designs -- are built around BF's established...

Route to higher efficiency.
September 1, 2001... Suitable for site construction or repair work, the new Murex Transmatic Lynx AVC (arc voltage controlled) MIG wire feed unit incorporates a welding contactor and gas solenoid valve as standard. It requires no auxiliary power and will operate...

SIG for stud welding.
September 1, 2001... Stud Inert Gas (SIG) welding process from [C.sub.2]G Soudage Innovation can weld studs of any type or shape with diameters from 1 to 12mm. It can be used on all metals and alloys usually welded by TIG, MIG (MAG) or Plasma types, plus titanium,...

Take a tip for welding.
September 1, 2001... Accurate grinding of Tungsten electrodes, essential for better TIG welding and tip life, can be carried out quickly and easily, with the new ESAB G-Tech TIG electrode grinder. Giving accurate and repeatable tip angles to all tungsten TIG...

Protect against spatter.
September 1, 2001... Enviro-weld is a non-toxic anti-spatter liquid developed by Assured Solutions and suitable for use in all welding applications. A clear, water-based product which does not contain harmful petroleum or chlorinated solvents, it is non-flammable,...

On your marks.
September 1, 2001... From Weber Marking Systems comes the 5200 Series printer applicator offering a range of user-friendly features aimed at minimising downtime and maximising throughput. Innovations include a quick-release tamp pad, which allows changeovers for...

Palletiser shows its auto options.
September 1, 2001... Designed to minimise operator intervention over a wide variety of packaging applications, Dawson's Series 40 fully automatic palletisers can be supplied with metering infeed conveyors, slave board and layer pad dispensers and full load...

Time for a good feed.
September 1, 2001... Making its UK debut at the PPMA Show will be Electro-mec's new EMFD enhanced version of its blister pack tablet and capsule feeders. Another development on show will be the EMFC model, designed to operate with the latest generation of...

Weighing by multihead.
September 1, 2001... Part of a new range of Ishida multihead weighers, the CCW-M-214W-S/30-WP differs from previous NZ machines through the use of a 32-bit ship in the remote control unit. Ishida has also added extra data storage capacity, allowing the RCU to...

Sealed in performance.
September 1, 2001... Through its sealed (to IP66) unit design, Domino's A300 SE printer is aimed at manufacturing environments with high levels of dust, vapour or sugar. Automatic sensors on the unit will only operate when systems are functioning to protect it from...

Form, fill & seal.
September 1, 2001... Aetna is offering the ESSE Gi range of industrial vertical form, fill and seal systems which are able to handle bags of 5 to 50kg. The Italian machines are seen as complementary to Aetna's existing Weitek range of weighing and bagging...

Printer operation by icon.
September 1, 2001... Latest continuous inkjet development from Linx, the 6800 range retains and refines the best features of existing Linx machines but adds a Windows-style graphical user interface that provides an icon-based operating environment and makes set-up...

Clunk click ...
September 1, 2001... Seat belt pallet lock system from Buckhorn secures loaded pallets for transit or storage by built-in retractable seat belts in the pallet that lock into a special `top cap'. As part of a closed-loop supply chain system, they can offer cost...

Air feeders.
September 1, 2001... Pneuvac PF vacuum feeders in stainless or carbon steel convey powders for up to 91.4m at rates to 5500kg/hr with no conveyor/powder contact. Various diameters and filter options are offered. 501 Spiroflow 01200 422525

Four-way stacker built for comfort.
September 1, 2001... Offering capacities of 2000 and 2500kg, with stacking up to 10m -- and capable of travelling sideways as well as forwards/backwards -- Atlet's swivelling-wheel four-way UFS reach truck can handle long loads in tight spaces. The UFS has...

Get on the right track.
September 1, 2001... Modular DSC overhead tracking installation offered by Donati is a channel profile system that can be configured either as a monorail, a single beam bridge crane, or as a double beam bridge crane. The unit's profiled section is manufactured in...

Trucks safely in the bay.
September 1, 2001... Combilok from Stokvis is a restraint system for vehicles parked at loading bays. It is integrated in a wheel guide system through which the approaching truck becomes centred at the dock. Activation of the control system makes an hydraulic...

Truck options for picking or pallets.
September 1, 2001... Wide choice of chassis widths and mast heights offered by BT's new Vector ac combi trucks brings considerable operational flexibility -- true combined order, picking and full pallet handling in a machine with a footprint similar to an...

Low velocity conveying.
September 1, 2001... NEU's Vari-Flow LV system has been developed to offer a low-cost alternative to the comparatively expensive business of low-velocity conveying of fragile or abrasive materials. Suitable for all but cohesive powders, it has been trialled with...

I'm alright ...
September 1, 2001... With its extended front feet and adjustable 120mm long serrated lifting toe, South-worth's five-tonne G5 GKS jack has been specially designed for lifting fork trucks. It is easily wheeled around the workshop, while its pump handle is...

On tow.
September 1, 2001... Electricars' ET three-wheeler tow tractors offer one, two and three tonnes capacity for moving waste or parts in the factory. An optional attachment is designed to collect trolleys. 509 Electricars 01827 716888 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Truck control at your fingertips.
September 1, 2001... Developed from Mitsubishi's own aerospace technology, the fingertip control system fitted to their latest 4.0 to 5.0 tonne capacity i/c (diesel and LPG) engined lift trucks is said to give precise, effortless and simultaneous operation of...

AC power keeps pallets on the move.
September 1, 2001... New Boss Swift EME powered pallet transporter not only provides small businesses with a more productive means of moving goods in and around warehouses, it can also travel, either on board or on the back of road vehicles. Simple electrical...

Laser measures up.
September 1, 2001... Siko's new measurement laser is specifically designed for use in the material handling industry, offering a robust and economic solution to long distance length measurement. Easy to install, it uses a small reflective foil to return the beam;...

Safe storage on the rack.
September 1, 2001... Cantilever racking from Key Industrial Equipment provides safe, convenient storage of lengthy stock or materials. This robust system is available in various heights and widths, and with the option of add-on bays, can be scaled to specific...

Parrot beats the drums.
September 1, 2001... Up to four rimmed steel, plastic or fibre drums can be moved at once -- without a pallet -- with a new type of handler from HSS which uses a `Parrot Beak' grip. The handler needs no hydraulic or electrical connections and simply slides...

Get sorted, and quickly.
September 1, 2001... SwitchSorter high-speed sortation system from European Conveyor Systems can sort up to 600 items an hour in various shapes and sizes from 200 x 200mm to 1000 x 800mm. Cartons and trays weighing up to 60kg are directed left or right at up...

Heavy plant riding on air.
September 1, 2001... One person can move large, heavy loads that ride on a Hovair air skate, transporter platform or turntable -- all powered by compressed air. Made in steel or aluminium, air skates can move a wide range of plant and equipment, or can be...

Control in harsh zones.
September 1, 2001... The AT and MP Series of portable receiver/decoders from Cattron-Theimeg have been designed to cope with harsh factory environments, controlling overhead cranes, furnace doors, conveyors, loading and unloading operations etc. AT units are...

Just the job.
September 1, 2001... Mobile compressor from ABAC is for use in factories, workshops, site use and other areas where a temporary highly portable or additional compressed air supply is required. The Workshop Jobber is trolley mounted, incorporates direct drive...

Oil-free air package for easy installation.
September 1, 2001... From Ingersoll-Rand comes a new range of three-stage oil-free centrifugal air compressors from 200-350kw (250-450hp). They are available in a simple package where all the components, including inter-stage and aftercoolers are integral for easy...

Cleaning up the air.
September 1, 2001... Two new state-of-the-art adsorption dryers oilfree 2000 and ultrabreathe 2000, have been introduced by ultrafilter. The oilfreepac 2000 is designed for the removal of oil, water and dirt particles from compressed air, while ultrabreathe 2000...

Boilers given an upgrade.
September 1, 2001... Ideal has enhanced the capabilities of its powerful, compact Viscount pressure jet commercial and industrial boilers, with the launch of the latest GTE variants. Changes introduced in the Viscount GTE range are designed to reduce on-site...

On the level.
September 1, 2001... Elesa-Clayton levelling feet in 25, 32,40, 50 and 60mm are available in plastic, steel and stainless steel. These high-strength, high-rigidity components are suited to small packaging equipment, desk/benchtop, optical/ electrical/measurement...

Making the connection.
September 1, 2001... Custom-made clear acrylic circuit manifolds from West Group are suitable for use within compressed air and vacuum control systems. Each circuit is contained within a lightweight, space-saving acrylic manifold where all the interconnections...

Probe gives CMM vision.
September 1, 2001... Quick Vision Probe (QVP) from Mitutoyo is available as a retrofit system for the Euro C range of CNC CMMs, providing non-contact vision measurement at an affordable cost. When using the QVP with a conventional CMM, many of the restrictions...

Checkweighing in harsh conditions.
September 1, 2001... Avery Berkel has introduced a series of checkweighers, purpose-designed for harsh industrial environments. From the initial entry of materials and ingredients, through the entire production process, the compact HL265 and HL275 provide accurate...

Detection against a reflective background.
September 1, 2001... Detecting even the most difficult targets against a reflective background -- such as small objects on a white conveyor belt -- is easy with the new XUK-8 background-suppression photosensor from lelemecanique, a brand of Schneider Electric....

Test meters clamp on.(Fluke Corp.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... From Fluke comes a new series of compact clamp meters, most featuring a large backlit display and true RMS measurement. The 330 Clamp Meter Series includes five different models, all of which have the small form factor enabling ease-of-use even...

Transmitters can take the pressure.
September 1, 2001... Combining modular design with the latest advances in ASIC technology and surface mounted electronics, Druck's new generation of industrial pressure transmitters provide a compact and cost-effective solution for a wide range of industrial...

Testing: back to basics.(Zwick Testing Machines Ltd.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... Range of low-cost Basicline machines for testing anything from electrical plugs, plastic buckets and cardboard boxes to fruit and cheese has been launched by Zwick Roell. Intended chiefly for testing and evaluating components, assemblies and...

Sensing the pressure.(IFM Electronic)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... Based on ceramic-cell sensing technology, IFM's new PN Series of solid-state pressure sensors for pneumatic systems are highly resistant to over-pressure damage and, because they have no moving parts, they need no maintenance or adjustment. ...

Actuators on a high-speed roll.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... Innovative planetary roller screw technology of the Exlar FT Series of force tube actuators from Inmoco offers OEMs and machine builders the benefits of higher speeds, higher load capacities and longer life, especially, says supplier Inmoco,...

Linear motors at the ready.(Aerotech)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... New range of packaged U-channel brushless linear motors from Aerotech have been introduced in `ready-to-use' configurations as direct replacements for mechanical linear motion systems. Each packaged system consists of a linear motor,...

The sound of silence.(Norgren)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... Fluid power specialist Norgren has introduced its first safety valve with an integrated silencer, Extending the XSz range of press safety valves, the XSz10v provides dual fail-safe 5/2 spools for the control of double acting power press...

Belt perforations for precise repeats.(Belt Technologies Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... To enhance performance of its steel belts, Belt Technologies can design in perforations which modify the structure. These can provide operational benefits and suit the belts to precision indexing and precise timing applications that demand...

Chain resists fatigue and keeps on rolling.(FPT)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... Range of Fenner roller chain with greatly improved fatigue resistance incorporates innovations in both design and production to extend fatigue resistance and increase wear life. As most roller chain failures are due to fatigue, says FTP,...

A better bite.(bandsaw from Bahco AB)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... Bahco's new 3906 Sandflex bi-metal bandsaw blade offers a faster speed of cut, achieved by fine grinding the teeth instead of milling them. There are 14, 18, 24 and 32 tpi options available in ten or 12ins lengths. 550 Bahco 0121 514 5220...

More torque.(MHH Engineering )(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... Ergo Quickset range from MHH is a development of their Torqueleader Quickset range of adjustable torque limiting screwdrivers. Covering torque values of 0.2 to 9.0Nm over 14 model variants, Ergo Quickset tools feature a new ergonomic rubber...

Torque about testing.
September 1, 2001... Torque screwdriver tester from Norbar Torque Tools offers simple testing and calibration of powered and manual torque screwdrivers and other torque tools. There are three models, each incorporating a different integral transducer. The TST...

Adhesives applied without a squeeze.
September 1, 2001... Designed to apply controlled beads of low-to medium-viscosity adhesives faster and easier than squeeze bottles and other manual applicators, EFD's 752SYS dispenser uses controlled air pressure instead of guesswork to regulate adhesive...

Caliper offers high accuracy.
September 1, 2001... Roebuck digital caliper with an accuracy of 0.01mm and a measuring range from o to 150mm has been introduced by Buck & Hickman. Outside, inside, depth and step measurements are easily red from the liquid crystal display. Other features...

Connections on the move.
September 1, 2001... Recent addition to the Cembre range of cordless power tools is the B50 hydraulic crimping tool for use with Cembre connectors and terminals. This lightweight, balanced tool allows for single hand operation, with head rotation through 180deg for...

Honed to precision.
September 1, 2001... Pre-coat filtration plant designed to eradicate the loss of precision associated with the build-up of honing and grind-up sludge in cutting oil has been introduced by Apperley Honing. The F012D filter plant is aimed particularly at...

Instant attraction of faster workholding.
September 1, 2001... Mighty Mag is an innovative device for holding instruments and light items of equipment in place on machine beds and prepared metal surfaces where they have to be moved frequently or require fast repositioning by hand. Available from WDS,...

Machining rigidity from compact VMC.
September 1, 2001... Providing a high-rigidity machining package for hard metal and dry machining of small prismatic non-ferrous and steel components, Hermle's C500 VMC is offered by Traub Heckert in `V" table type and `U' for NC indexing head. It can also provide...

Reducing assembly times.
September 1, 2001... Using Romheld's range of assembly systems and elements designed to maximise productivity, components can be processed using multiple functions including positioning, lifting, turning, swivelling, pressing, screwing, measuring, testing,...

EDM for ultra-hard metals.
September 1, 2001... Rotary electric discharge machining of ultra-hard tool materials such as polycrystalline diamond and cubis boron nitride is the province of the Microspark 500-5 rotary EDM machine from Toolmasters Technologies. An extensive upgrade has included...

Ripping yarns.
September 1, 2001... Rip-to-Fit perforated adsorbent mats from Darcy Products come in three formats: perforated across at 43cm intervals, perforated across and through the middle, and across and through the middle in three strips. They can be fitted around...

Flanges sealed.
September 1, 2001... Special seal from Ceetak for SAE flange fittings works at up to 600 bar and under pulsating conditions (pressure shocks). It resists extrusion even if the flange `breathes'. Sizes are 1/2 to 2ins. 571 Ceetak 01234 327901 [ILLUSTRATION...

Sweeper gets heavy.
September 1, 2001... With its cleaning capacity of over 20,000[m.sup.2]/hr, the Duemila heavy-duty ride-on industrial sweeper from Euromec is aimed at large outdoor areas such as car parks, marshalling yards and distribution centres. The machine has a 1200mm...

Viewing probe checks out the hot spots.
September 1, 2001... Ever Wondered what it looks like inside a furnace, a kiln or a boiler where temperatures might hit 1700 [degrees] -- where rocks melt and iron glows white hot? The Ventus portable high-temperature viewing probe from Imaging & Sensing Technology...

Riding towards a clean sweep.
September 1, 2001... Combining the high degree of manoeuvrability and ease of use of a conventional `walk-behind' machine with the efficiency of a ride-on style sweeper, the Eureka Tigra machine, available from CFM, is adept at cleaning both indoor hard areas and...

Sealant keeps its flexibility.
September 1, 2001... A low-odour, single-part, anaerobic sealant which develops strength and maintains its flexibility even after continued exposure to high temperatures, Loctite's 5209 gasketing material has been formulated for use with aluminium products, It...

Beat the clock.
September 1, 2001... Garo plugs and sockets can safeguard against accidental connection of incompatible voltage or phased supplies. By rotating the position of the larger earthing pin, it becomes impossible for an incompatible plug and socket to be connected. ...