Product Design & Development articles from August 2007

Product Design & Development archives from August 2007

New material, machine for prototyping.(First Look)
August 1, 2007... AdvaTech Manufacturing now offers direct manufacturing capabilities with their new 3-D Systems Sinterstation[R] Pro 230 SLS[R] System, a laser sintering machine that can be used with DuraForm[R] EX Plastic. The company feels that combining the...

Universal flow measurement.(First Look)
August 1, 2007... New from Omega is their FMG200 Series of low-flow magnetic flow meters that are capable of: * Measuring the pulsating flows from both air and solenoid-driven metering pumps. * Being used with electrically conducive chemicals and fluids...

Wireless function expands applications.(First Look)
August 1, 2007... New from Banner Engineering are their FlexPower[TM] Nodes for the SureCross[TM] Wireless Network. Features of these units, as well as the network, include: * FlexPower provides a wireless solution by allowing a SureCross Node to operate...

Solar cabling solution.(First Look)
August 1, 2007... New SolKlip grounding connectors and solar AWG cable are now part of Tyco Electronics line of SOLARLOK photovoltaic (PV) interconnect products for OEM producers of PV modules, cells and other support equipment and hardware. * The SolKlip...

New drive family saves energy.(First Look)
August 1, 2007... Baldor Electric offers their new line of adjustable speed drives for universal applications. The V*S line includes: * 2 high-performance models (VS1SP sensorless and VS1GV closed loop vector) with adjustable speed AC drives and more...

RoHS-compliant resistor boosts power.(First Look)
August 1, 2007... New from IRC is their TO-126 Resistor with lower thermal resistance in what the company describes as a space-saving, RoHS-compliant, high-power, non-inductive package rated at up to 20 watts. Additional features include: * A resistance...

No need to go west--it's coming to you.(At Issue)
August 1, 2007... Although I don't know the source, one of my favorite quotes cites, "Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and lesson afterwards." In many cases this could provide some insight as to what companies can expect in dealing with the...

Data security detail (as seen on the cover ...).(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Phoenix Contact's new industrial digital UHF Wireless Radio modem products provide protected FCC-licensed wireless communication and data protection. The UHF industrial radios feature collision avoidance, packet-error checking and security with...

Making short work of sensors.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... MTS Systems Corp. has expanded its line of R-Series linear position sensors by incorporating the latest features of the product line with a flexible housing, which is specially designed for short installation envelopes with long-stroke sensors....

Simple storage of controller applications.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... GE Fanuc Automation presents the portable program device--a new tool to simplify the storage of controller applications without a PC. This device enables users to easily upload and download controller configuration and logic to or from any USB...

A Space-saving manifold.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... SMC Corp. of America recently released its Series W061 CUBE manifold, which is a combination of a valve, a printed circuit board, a base and fittings to make up one compact structure for saving space. Available in 4- and 8-station...

Getting in the Loop.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... OTEK has released the model LSB as part of a series of loop powered meters. The LSB ("Switchboard") and the LBD ("Edgewise") provide automatic tricolor backlight for the LCD display and serial RS232 with loop power. Other features include: ...

Chipping in for more motor control.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Microchip Technology recently unveiled the dsPIC33FJ12MC family of motor control digital signal controllers (DSCs). According to the company, these new DSCs provide advanced motor control algorithms, such as field-oriented control, as well as...

Space-saving connectors.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... According to Molex Inc., the Pico-Clasp[TM] single-and dual-row wire-board connector is the smallest pitch connector available for positive-lock wire-to-board crimp systems. For space-saving solutions, this wire-to-board connector system...

A prodigal performance motion device (as seen on the cover ...).(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Prodigy[TM] Motion Cards from Performance Motion Devices provide real-time, high-speed servo trace capture with 40 KB of onboard dual-port memory for servo-tuning diagnostics. These motion cards also boast of: * Board-level, multi-axis...

Quarter-turn actuators.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Valvcon brand V-Series actuators from Metso Automation combine a 10-bit microprocessor with a high-resolution feedback potentiometer. These quarter-turn actuator line now provide 300 positions from 0[degrees] to 90[degrees]and consists of (NEMA...

Intrinsic Safety Isolators.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Pepperl+Fuchs introduces the HiC family of Intrinsic Safety Isolators (HiC), the latest addition to its H-System family of motherboard-mounted HiCs. HiC modules provide single-loop integrity at 12.5 mm (W) and can reduce cabinet space...

Light my fire.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Lumitex introduces a family of patented new technologies that enable designers to backlight or illuminate problematic areas, new Lumitex brands include: BendiGlo[TM], HoloGlo[TM], CircleGlo[TM] and Selective Lighting [TM]. * BendiGlo is...

A transducer that performs well under pressure.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Setra Systems offers its Compact 3100 Series pressure transducer. According to the company, features include: * A custom-designed application-specific integrated circuit with accuracy to 0.25 percent full scale. * A long-term stability...

Custom capable.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology now offers the LSM250 and LSM300 Precision Load Cells to meet custom requirements. These products feature: * 0.02 percent accuracy with the LSM250 and 0.05 percent for the LSM300. * 1-piece...

Rotational blind mating.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Anderson Power Products offers its Multi-Axial Rotational Connector (MARC), which is designed to mate while traveling through an arc with a 3" minimum radius. The MARC also provides: * A combination of power, signal and ground circuitry....

Increasing switch safety.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Cole Hersee Co. now offers the 58336 locking rocker switch. The switch automatically locks in the off position, and a slider must be actuated before the switch can be turned on. The switch comes in orange, which allows users to see if the...

Custom-blown bellows.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Blow Molded Specialties offers custom-engineered, blow-molded bellows that can be designed to meet specific OEM chemical- and physical-performance requirements. Bellow features include: * Chemical resistance and a composition of...

Drive modules line expanded.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... ABB's expanded ACS800-U4 drive modules line allows you to buy the exact parts needed to build motor-control units. The drive module line now includes R2 to R6 frame sizes, which include a range of 1- to 200-HP. R7 and R8 frame sizest, to expand...

flexlife[R]-10 turns 20.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... TURCK's flexlife[R]-10, a cable that guarantees 10 million cycles of continuous flexing, bending and twisting, has become the flexlife-20 after surpassing 20 million cycles in testing. The flexlife-20 features: * A 20 million cycle...

Power behind the light.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... The W10M Series DC-AC inverter from Endicott Research Group provides an 8V-24V input voltage for powering the backlights of LCDs. The inverter features: * A low profile of 10 mm (H). * A 2- to 12-watt range of output power. * An...

Machine shutdown protection.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... The Series 684 indicator alarm module from the IMI Sensors division of PCB Piezotronics assists with machine shutdown protection when increased vibration levels signify potential failure. The modules are available in various sizes and include...

Stepping up.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Applied Motion Products" STAC6-Si High Performance Stepper Drives are now available for 220 VAC operation. The drives are programmable for stand-alone operation with Si Programmer[TM] Windows-based software with integrated tuning. A graphical...

Getting to the source: recent RoHS and WEEE developments continue to impact design processes abroad, and in the U.S.(Cover story)
August 1, 2007... There are few topics outside of the political realm that can elicit immediate responses and generate genuinely strong, opinion-based feelings on a given subject. However, that's definitely the case when the subject of RoHS (Restriction of...

Good vibrations.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... The new TRHN-308 vibration-activated sensor from Transducers USA responds to movements, impulses or any mechanical changes, and produces a pulse-signal output, which is transmitted from the integrated piezo crystal. According to the company, a...

Facelift for feedback systems.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... SICK STEGMANN has unveiled the SinCos[R] SEK52 servomotor feedback system with HIPERFACE[R] interface. The SEK52 features integral scanning to automatically compensate for eccentricity errors, and high-resolution performance with 512 steps per...

Magnetic brakes.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Ogura recently unveiled the new PHT-D Series of hysteresis brakes. The brakes operate via permanent magnets and are designed to deliver constant torque. According to Ogura, limited wear makes these units suitable for constant tension...

Small package converter.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... OMEGA's miniature IC11 RS-232 to RS-422/485 converters can be selected for half/full duplex. These converters allow transmission distances of up to 1,220 m (4000') by attaching one end to an RS-232 device and connecting the other end (screw...

Size matters.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... GF Piping Systems has introduced the Type 369 Wafer Check Valve. Offered in sizes up to 12", the valve is inserted between 2 standard ANSI or ISO/DIN flanges, and includes centering eyelets for installation. For applications requiring...

Digital load/force sensors.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Loadstar Sensors has announced the immediate availability of the iLoad Series of digital load/force sensors based on its patented capacitive sensing technology. These sensors combine the core load or force sensing function with integrated...

Linear scale for miniaturization.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... HEIDENHAIN Corp. recently unveiled the LIDA 500 Series linear scales in order to meet a need for constant miniaturization and reduction of mass. The 20-mm incremental linear scales offer measuring steps of 1 to 0.1 mm. The LIDA 500 Scale...

ESD vacuum suction cups.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... A full line of electro-static dissipative (ESD) vacuum suction cups that are designed for end-of-arm-tooling systems to safely handle PC boards is available from Anver Corp. Anver Nomastat[TM] ESD Vacuum Suction Cups feature: * A static...

Vandal-proof metal push-buttons.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... ITW Switches introduces the new Series 48M of compact pushbutton switches from its line of Flex-Tech products. The switches provide tough, vandal-resistant performance in a stainless steel or brass nickel-plated housing. Panel-sealed to IP-67...

An ironclad core.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... AMETEK Technical & industrial Products has designed its Series 8690[TM] PITTMAN[R] 26-mm brush-commutated DC motors to deliver more power in a smaller package. According to the company, these smooth-running, quiet iron-core DC motors...

Colored caps.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... PennEngineering now offers PEM[R] metal/plastic access hardware with custom ABS cap colors for color-coding or matching in an assembly. The color caps can serve as visual identifiers to "flag" components, designate restricted or limited access...

A mountable design.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Dynapar has announced a new motormount encoder designed to reduce large motor downtime with a shaft seal, unbreakable code disc and optional redundant outputs. The HSD35 encoder is a hollow shaft encoder that uses optical technology combined...

A pico at the first 8-Pole Pico connector series.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... According to Lumberg, its M8 8-Pole Pico Series of connectors are the first on the market and are ideally suited for applications in which space is at a premium. These highpole count connectors also offer: * Availability in a pico...

Swing Clamp Cylinder.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... The Actuator Division of Parker Hannifin Corp. has launched the redesigned P1M Swing Clamp Cylinder featuring a stress-proof steel bearing designed to tolerate demanding torques while providing a rivet-tough rotating clamp for added...

A new type of tube insulation.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... UFP Technologies Inc. launches T-Tubes[R], a stainless steel tube insulation for clean-processing environments. According to UFP, T-Tubes are thinner, molded to fit industry standard tubes and fittings, easier to install and chemically...

Testing ports on round parts.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... FasTest has unveiled the MITC Series Twistmate, designed specifically to seal and test threaded ports on round parts. FasTest engineers have combined a special chamfered seal design with a sleek outer body shape to allow quick sealing on round...

Superalloy fasteners.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... SPS Technologies offers fasteners made of AEREX 350[TM], a proprietary superalloy developed for bolting applications in gas-turbine engines. The fasteners provide: * Corrosion resistance. * Suitability for use in applications up to...

Rapid curing and high adhesion.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... According to Henkel Corp., the LOCTITE[R] 3982[TM] epoxy adhesive is suitable for a wide range of applications that require fast cure, quality environmental resistance and high adhesion. Other features include: * Rapid curing when exposed...

2 progressive contact closures in a single switch.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Snaptron Inc. recently developed the new DT-Series metal tactile dome contact that's specifically intended to make 2 separate, progressive contact closures in a single dome switch. According to the company, its IntelliTac[TM] technology allows...

In the Navy.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... OTEK Corp. has received permission from the U.S. Navy to offer its new Aircraft Panel Meter (APM) to the commercial sector. Features include: * The display of 3 full digits (99.9). * Acceptance of standard aircraft power and...

An 8-pole brushless DC motor.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... A new, compact 8-pole brushless DC motor from Magmotor is now available for automation applications requiring high torque to weight ratio and efficiency. The company says the product features: * The capability to produce 20 percent more...

User-prompted calibration.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Sypris Test & Measurement recently released 2 new Extremely Low Field (ELF) gauss meters--the 4180 and 4190. According to the company, both products exhibit the accurate measurement of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields generated by...

Big features in a small package.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... According to Freescale Semiconductor, the company has expanded its MEMS-based sensor portfolio with a 3-axis digital output accelerometer that's 77 percent smaller than previous offerings. The MMA7450L also features: * Availability in a...

Switching to a smaller profile.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Omron Electronic Components presents its D3SH Series of ultra-small, low-profile surface-mount detection switches, measuring just 3.4 (D) by 3.0 (W) by 0.9 mm (H) and weighing just 0.02 G. Used in presence/absence applications, the switch can...

Streamlining CAD.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... CNC Software has added 2 new tools--File Tracking and Change Recognition--to its Mastercam X2 platform. According to the company, these tools provide users with an easy way to identify where the design team is in the modification process and to...

Keeping your design data safe.(Software Suite)
August 1, 2007... Anark Corp. recently launched the Anark Core [TM] Platform--software intended for the rapid transformation and distribution of use-appropriate CAD data. According to Anark, the platform provides a comprehensive method for designers to freely...

Productivity zone: new functionality enhances massive assembly designs.(Software Suite)
August 1, 2007... UGS PLM Software, a division of Siemens, offers new functionality in the latest release of UGS Solid Edge[TM] V20 software, which can help boost the performance of massive unit assembly designs. According to the company, UGS Solid Edge is a...

Covering all the bases.(Software Suite)
August 1, 2007... Famic Technologies presents Version 5.5 of Automation Studio[TM] a software solution for system design, simulation, engineering, prototyping, diagnostics and training. According to the company, this software allows for advanced engineering,...

A lower-cost language: Heathrow Airport learns to speak 3D PDF via Alibre Design.(Software Suite)
August 1, 2007... With the ability of solid modelers to speak in 3D PDF, a new low-cost 3D-enabled version of the document-sharing format from Adobe can be key for collaborative projects. UK-based AMEC recently implemented this application as a result of its...

Replacement parts.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Macro Sensors offers exact replacement LVDTs (linear variable differential transducers) and LVRTs (linear variable reluctance transformers) for position measurement of governor valves, throttle valves, reheat/stop valves, interceptor valves and...

Flex cable that's on fire.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... W. L. Gore & Associates introduces GORE[TM] FireWire[R] high-flex round and flat cable assemblies with flex life performance for motion control and vision systems. According to Gore, the new cable assemblies maintain stable attenuation over...

A switch that's off its rocker.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... APEM Components recently released the 2600 Series of rocker switches, which are designed for power applications with capacitive and inductive circuits, as well as common resistive circuits. The company says these switches can also deliver: ...

Clutching to quick and easy engagement, disengagement.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Ogura says its new electromagnetic clutches provide quick and easy engagement and disengagement of hydraulic pumps, winch drives, and other attachments driven by a gas or diesel engine. These electromagnetic clutches also feature: * 100 to...

Driven for more control.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... OES Inc. recently developed its 3-axis stepper motor driver to control 4 high-torque stepper motors with an onboard controller for specific cutting machine applications. According to OES, the single board design eliminates the need for any...

Follow the white light.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... MicroLens[TM] edge-lighting modules from Global Lighting Technologies (GLT) provide white LED backlighting for LCDs. According to GLT, the modules can generate bright, clean, uniform white LED backlighting from an ultra-thin, low-power package....

Linear rail covers.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... A & A Manufacturing Co. produces Gortite[R] standard- and custom-manufactured linear rail covers, which are available for use on all makes of linear rails. Available for light-, medium- and heavy-duty applications, these bellows-type protective...

Supervision software.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Schneider Electric has enhanced its HMI (human-machine interface)/SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) software with the addition of Vijeo[TM] Citect[R], new supervision software developed in collaboration with Citect. Schneider...

Display, audio and power management products.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... National Semiconductor offers new display, audio and power management products that enable energy-efficient video in handheld devices. These products convert digital data into sights and sounds in subsystems that enable video playback. Featured...

A real remote control.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Hawk Measurement Systems offers its new Microwave Pulse Switch, a comprehensive sender-receiver remote or integral system intended to address several concerns for flyash precipitators. With the need to measure bin levels inside flyash hoppers...

A slim solution.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... The DV-SLIM from Apollo Display Technologies is a new digital visual interface (DVI) translator board that provides an ultra-slim solution for connecting thin-film transistor (TFT) LCDs to standard video interfaces. The DV-SLIM includes: *...

Off-the-shelf staging.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Available with 6-mm lead anti-backlash-Available lead screws or 4-mm lead heavy-duty ball screws, Micro Stage linear positioning stages from LM76 exhibit travel lengths from 10 to 200 mm. The positioning stages have stainless steel way covers...

Eying up smaller footprints.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... According to Marantz Business Electronics, its new M22XDL-350 desktop automatic optical inspection machine boasts of the smallest footprint in the company's range of desktop systems. The M22XDL-350 supports inspection of PCBs, including...

New solenoid family members.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Parker Fluid Control Division has released the Series 204 and 304 solenoid valve lines with tab coil. These direct-acting solenoid valves are intended for air and liquid applications, including light oil. The Series 204 (2-way) and the Series...

A little bit of foresight for fiberoptic.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... OZ Optics introduces the Foresight[TM] Series of fiberoptic distributed strain and temperature sensors. These sensors use standard optical telecommunications fiber, leveraging the economies of scale from fiberoptic communication networks. The...

The circle takes the square.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... The new 1-by-3 Circular MT Connector and adapter from Molex Inc. consist of a metal housing and stainless steel push/twist locking ring as part of the MT ferrule-based interface. Both the Circular MT Adapter and 1-by-3 Circular MT Adapter...

Counting on accurate particle detection.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions introduces the NanoCount 50, a liquid particle counter with a sensitivity of 50 nm. This counter incorporates an ultra-small footprint of 9" by 6" by 9" including the sensor, counting electronics and flow meter,...

The power of the Ethernet.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Phoenix Contact introduces Power-over-Ethernet (POE) modules, which make it possible to use the Ethernet to transfer both data and electricity. Each module is UL-approved and conforms with IEEE802.3af. More specifically: * The FL IF 2PSE-F...

Shaft support with mounting options.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Misumi USA's new styles of shaft supports offer the following new products and expanded lines: * Flange-mounted supports (with an inlay or dowel hole), which can be useful when accurate duplication of position is required. Standard...

Unidirectional 90[degrees] indexing.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... The auxiliary switch from Electroswitch is designed for use in electrical utilities and offers unidirectional 90[degrees] indexing. The Series 102 also features: * Availability with up to 24 poles. * A snap-action rotary design...

Not the box for moving day ...(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Crystek Corp. has released the Red Box Series of VCOs (voltage-controlled oscillators), which are now available in an aluminum enclosure (1.25" by 1.25" by 0.58") with surface-mount assembly connectors. Crystek VCOs can come with narrow to wide...

Motion sensors.(Spec Check)
August 1, 2007... SpecCheck/MOTION SENSORS CONTROL WILCOXON RESEARCH The PC420V velocity loop vibration sensor is certified intrinsically safe, resists corrosion and can provide continuous trending of overall machine vibration. Sensing...

Blind threaded inserts.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... PennEngineering now produces Atlas[R] SpinTite[R] blind threaded inserts for "blind" attachment applications in which only one side of a panel is accessible for assembly. The inserts install from the accessible front side with a single mating...

Clear, shrinkable tubing.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... Alpha Wire Co. recently launched a line of transparent, heat-shrinkable tubing called FIT[R]-CLEAR, which is manufactured using a modified polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) material that offers UL VW-1 flame retardancy with a low shrink...

Smart SICK Cameras.(New Products)
August 1, 2007... SICK has released new versions of the IVC-2D and IVC-3D Smart Cameras to handle more industry-specific applications. Here's a look at the new family members: * The IVC-2D Reader has the ability to read barcodes, 2D data matrix codes, and...

Breaking it down: a look at the necessary steps two companies took in reaching RoHS compliance.(Design Analysis)
August 1, 2007... It would seem that the involved with getting products and components RoHS-compliant are nothing the design engineer hasn't seen before. Especially when one of the main issues centers on time. While you're regularly faced with time-to-market...