Product Design & Development articles from February 2006

Product Design & Development archives from February 2006

Low-profile fan filters.(PD&D Exclusive)
February 1, 2006... A new line of low-profile, low-air resistance filters meets thermal management and air filtration requirements for blowers and fans (axial flow, cross flow, intelligent fan packs, and pancake styles.) Universal Windowpane and Flexframe filters...

Ultrasonic sensors.(First Look)
February 1, 2006... Priced at $159, the new lines of UHZ miniature ultrasonic and FARS, MQ, and HEE/HER Series sensors include four models of rectangular through-beam units specifically designed for applications with limited mounting space. Measuring 30 x 20 mm,...

Brush-commutated servomotors.(First Look)
February 1, 2006... MAE Series 500 brush-commutated DC servomotors offer precision and speed for power applications in a wide range of industries, including data storage, medical/biotech, semiconductor processing, and automation. Their design features and...

Large pilot lights.(First Look)
February 1, 2006... umbo Dome Pilot Lights are designed for the HW Series of switches. Prominent visibility from a distance as well as from the side creates a safety feature for the switches. The lights are offered in LED or incandescent lamps at 24 VAC/VDC and...

Anti-backlash nut.(PD&D Exclusive)
February 1, 2006... Designed to optimize system stiffness without sacrificing life or increasing drag torque, "W" series anti-backlash nuts can be used in conjunction with linear actuators or as a stand-alone product along with Acme lead screws. The nuts are...

Grounding device.(First Look)
February 1, 2006... The AEGIS SGR Conductive MicroFiber Shaft Grounding Brush is designed to improve the reliability of HVAC/R systems by dramatically extending motor life. By protecting bearings from electrical damage for the life of the motor, the AEGIS SGR...

What lies ahead for hydraulics?(Future Focus)
February 1, 2006... Hydraulic technology has been used in industrial and mobile applications for many years, and has been reliable for all that time. But, hydraulics are facing challenges from multiple directions. They face competition from electrical systems and...

The right connection for fluid transfer.
February 1, 2006... Designers of products that incorporate fluid transfer face many challenges when it comes to connecting hoses and tubing efficiently and cost effectively. While all fluid transfer lines found on motorcycles, ink jet printers, medical devices, or...

Thermocouples provide accuracy and economy with good practice; many factors including calibration type, environment, temperature, sensor design, and thermal cycling will determine life expectancy.(From The Field)
February 1, 2006... Thermocouples can be depended upon to provide trouble-free service and long life. Occasionally, difficulties may be encountered resulting from improper application or operation. There are a few rules for thermocouple users to follow in order to...

Communication superstars: once largely intended for single sequential functions, PLCs have become technological marvels at the center of control applications.(Technology Review)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2006... According to a study by the ARC Advisory Group, more people are turning to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for discrete manufacturing operations. The same report says that emerging markets have created robust growth in the use of PLCs....

Meeting of the design and manufacturing minds.(Focus On Manufacturing)
February 1, 2006... Ask a customer the following question: What does it take to make a successful product design? The answer may include any combination of the following: high user satisfaction, hefty profit margins, low production costs, minimal labor, and simple...

Lighting the Marina: Dana Point Harbor brightens its walkways by switching from fluorescent bulbs to LED lighting products.(Engineering At Work)
February 1, 2006... Located half-way between Los Angeles and San Diego sits Dana Point Harbor. This is a place that sailing enthusiasts dock their yachts and enjoy the beautiful setting on the pier and around the adjacent town. For many, it's a place in which they...

Rolling diaphragm pump.
February 1, 2006... The new Model 1101 miniature compressor from Thomas utilizes an innovative "rolling diaphragm" design that combines the best features of rotary and diaphragm pumps. Rather than moving up and down, the Model 1101 pump's diaphragm rolls in the...

Twin-head miniature diaphragm pump.
February 1, 2006... Using an innovative twin-head design, the new Thomas Model 1420 miniature diaphragm pump achieves higher flows than conventional standard diaphragm pumps of the same physical size. The durable, oil-less Model 1420 pump is designed for...

Judges set to pick Extreme Redesign contest winners.
February 1, 2006... The Dimenision 3D Group's Extreme Redesign contest thas entered its final stage. Now that the Dec. 31 deadline for entries has past, contest organizers have sent the final entries to the judges. Winners of the contest will be presented with...

Long lead ball screws.(New Products)
February 1, 2006... A line of long lead ball screws features a ball circulation system designed to promote high linear speeds and Iow noise levels. These ball screws are suitable for providing precise positioning in a wide range of linear-actuation applications,...

Fiber-optic illuminators.(New Products)
February 1, 2006... The Endura Light Series of LED-based fiberoptic illuminators incorporates solid-state LED technology to couple light down solid core or stranded fiber-optic cable, providing designers with a reliable, mechanically flexible alternative to neon,...

Vibrant LED indicators.(New Products)
February 1, 2006... Q-Series LED indicators offer a vibrant selection of colors, long life expectancy, and a durable design. The Q-Series is intended for industrial panels, panel indicators, automation equipment, and instrumentation applications in a variety of...

Stainless steel screens.(New Products)
February 1, 2006... MicroEtch screens are manufactured using photoetching technology. Photoetching enables designers to specify a straight hole or a tapered hole, which facilitates liquid filtration and backflow cleaning. Hole sizes range from 0.003 in. and up....

Humidity transmitters.(New Products)
February 1, 2006... A new series of RH transmitters is designed to provide a stable, repeatable, and accurate means of measuring humidity only or humidity and temperature in the harshest of environments. The polymer capacitance sensor is not affected by...

Fiber-optic panels.(New Products)
February 1, 2006... A line of patented woven fiber-optic panels enables design-in of a backlight that provides a bright and uniform illumination for monochrome LCD displays by only using one 5 mm LED. This technology allows easy readability of data in psi,...

Low-cost 3D printers.(New Products)
February 1, 2006... The Dimension BST 3D printer has been lowered in price to $18,900. Meanwhile, Dimension SST 3D printer is now priced at $24,900. The Dimension BST is said to be the first 3D printer to be priced less than $20,000. Dimension BST and SST 3D...

Doing more with less: developing more efficient packaging.(FOOD & PACKAGING)
February 1, 2006... Packaging machines have become smarter, safer, more reliable, and more flexible. However, end-users continue to demand more productivity for less money, even as OEM engineering staff and design resources are stretched to the limit. Successful...

Staying ahead in the age of big box stores.(FOOD & PACKAGING)
February 1, 2006... Supplying big box stores like Wal-Mart is somewhat like survival of the fittest--adapt to their distribution model or lose the business. While most food manufacturers have adapted to meet the varying carton pack quantities and product mixes...

Industry sector reports.
February 1, 2006... This month's special section on food & packaging is the first in a series of six industry sector reports in 2006. Industry sector reports examine new technologies and issues in specific industries. In April, the focus will be on construction...

CDs.(Free Stuff)
February 1, 2006... A 2006 CD version of Meller Optics' overrun parts list feature a wide variety, of first quality optics in many materials and sizes. The Meller Optics High Precision Optics 2006 Stock Parts List includes more than 1,000 sapphire optics in many...

Catalogs & brochures.(Free Stuff)
February 1, 2006... The Durham Manufacturing Co.'s recently introduced wire, hose, and tubing dispenser is covered in a new catalog sheet. The single-page, two-sided sheet has illustrations of the unit in both the open and closed position. The unit is described as...

Online.(Free Stuff)
February 1, 2006... A new Web tool is designed to allow users of test and measurement tools to exchange information, ideas, and opinions, as well as access resources on products and safety issues and get expert support on a wide range of tools and applications....

CAD/CAM employment resource.(Free Stuff)
February 1, 2006... CADtalent.com is an online job board focused on the community of CAD/CAM professionals and the companies that employ them. Free to both employers and jobseekers, the easy-to-navigate site serves as an employment resource for companies and...

Heat torch air heaters.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Gain performance & reliability with these cost effective air heaters. Rugged, high quality Heat Torches come in a wide range of standard configurations and can be easily customized to meet unique requirements. Designed for forced air or...

Self-lubricating gear solutions calculated for life.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... The Intech Power-Core[TM] gears are precision machined and offer solutions to applications in which lubrication, wear, noise, vibration, inertia, shock load, moisture and chemicals present a problem for nylon, Delrin or metal gears. Metal Core...

2005-06 Casting Source Directory.(Special Advertising Edition)(Directory)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... The new 2005-06 issue of the Casting Source Directory is available free to metal component buyers and designers. In addition to capabilities listings of all North American metalcasters (foundries and diecasters), this 15th edition features a...

Plastic fasteners.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... This new full line catalog #38 is over 250 pages and details more than 20,000 plastic fasteners to accommodate a wide range of applications. This Free catalog features 6 new product lines with 229 new items. Free Engineering Samples are...

Electrical/optic seals.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Standard and custom hermetic designs. Low or high pressures or vacuums. Any cable type or pin connector may be specified. Circular or rectangular seals including micro D-sub. Design flexibility, low cost, compact sizes, high corrosion...

Clutches, brakes & torque limiters.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Mach III offers both standard and custom designed air and spring actuated clutches and brakes, clutch-brake combinations and mechanical torque limiters and SensiFlex[R] clutches and brakes for tension control. All products are bored to customer...

Free washer catalog!(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Boker's FREE, 56-page 2006 Catalog has over 20,000 nonstandard sizes available with no tool charges. Outside diameters of 0.080" to 5.140", a wide range of IDs, thicknesses, and 2,000 material variations provide millions of possibilities....

Die casting design CD--newest version.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... This CD includes the latest: * Alloy Mechanical & Physical Property Data Sheets * Aluminum Alloy Property Prediction Software Trial * Rapid Tooling Selection Guide * Select Product Standards North American Die Casting...

Graphic overlays, nameplates & labels.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Amazing design options are possible with NFI's unique full color applied graphic products. Discover special features to enhance the function and appearance of your products with sample packet of LED/LCD Windows, Serial Numbers, UL/CSA Markings,...

Precision orifices.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Bird Precision offers micron orifices from .00029" 7.5 micron) through .081". Bird Precision offers laser-drilled, wire-lapped ruby and sapphire orifices with flows from Bird Precision (800) 454-7369 Fax: (800) 370-6308 E-mail:...

Brazing & soldering design guide.(Special Advertising Edition)
February 1, 2006... 12-page color brochure aids design engineer in understanding brazing and soldering as a productive metal joining process. Proper joint designs, base and filler metal selection principles reviewed with an emphasis on automation. Fusion Inc....

Off-the-shelf-optics catalog.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... "Optics for Industry" contains 140 pages of product data, photos, performance graphs & ordering information with new items added in the past year. Included are: simple & compound lenses, prisms, optical flats/flat glass, flat & concave mirrors,...

Precision aluminum extrusions.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... An informative brochure from Minalex, leader in close tolerance shapes from 31/2", illustrates typical applications and describes capabilities including short runs. Minalex, the quality leader delivers on time, every time. Minalex...

Aerotech announces new brochure.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... The new "Automation Solutions for Electronic Manufacturing, Test and Inspection, and Data Storage" brochure is now available. The brochure presents Aerotech's motion control and positioning system solutions for electronic assembly, pick and...

New Andantex 2006 catalog.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Serving machine tool builders, plus the automation, converting & printing industries, as well as manufacturers of high quality industrial machinery, our product range includes: Rack & Pinion Axis Drives; Servo-Reducers; 2-Speed Spindle Drive...

Solid solution to liquid epoxy problems.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... UNI-FORM[TM] EPOXY PREFORMS provide a simple ing components. Uni-forms are one-part epoxy resins that are solid at room temperature. When heated, they melt and cure, forming a consistent seal. They are available in a wide range of shapes,...

Glass epoxy insulators.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... An updated six-page pamphlet, entitled "Design Data: Fiberglass Epoxy Insulation Components" presents technical data on glass epoxy laminates and shows the engineer how to meet his design requirements from open-stock tools. Components...

Bellows covers for linear motion applications.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Custom engineered protective boots for cylinder rods, ball-screws and linear guide rails are available for machine tool and other related industries. They stop scoring, prevent nicking, and extend component life by protecting the rods, screws...

Where in the world will you find Crest Foam?(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Everywhere! Crest Foam reticulated and specialty foam materials are used on, in, or around thousands of products serving consumers, business, industry, healthcare, research, and armed forces throughout the world. Crest FilterCrest[TM],...

Rivet nut inserts.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... This new 28-page catalog details Sherex extensive line of blind rivet nut inserts, installation tooling, installation instructions and engineering guide. The catalog details Sherex new products including the evolutionary CFT and CFW...

Sensing, switching, signaling, safety.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... * Sensing Edges and Bumpers. * Pressure-Sensitive Safety Mats * Ribbon Switches * Fail-safe Controllers * Light Curtains Innovative products for machine guarding, personnel protection, and security. Standard products and...

UniMeasure linear position transducers.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Manufacturer of linear position transducers with measurement ranges from 0 to 2" to 0 to 2000". Products include environmentally sealed position transducers as well as low cost, compact OEM models. Electrical outputs include ratiometric...

Trim Seals.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... StanPro Push-On Trim Seals offer a fast, easy way to weatherstrip and trim just about anything that needs a tight seal. Install by simply pushing over rough edges and flanges for a solid, rattle free professional trim. A wide selection of sizes...

Hydraulic dampers.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Ace Controls offers a durable line of gas springs for lifting and counterbalancing loads. In addition, Ace hydraulic dampers are the economic choice for solving your automation damping problems. Contact ACE Controls for your free catalog. ...

Custom designed motor test systems for your motor testing needs.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Magtrol, Inc. provides complete, customized MAGTROL turn-key benches for electric, hydraulic and pneumatic motors, gas engines and pumps. The test systems are comprised of motor test equipment with LabVIEW[TM] based Motor Testing Software and...

Free Design Guide to Photochemical Machining.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Discover Fotofab's unique literature packet which includes sample metal parts, stainless steel business card and useful "Design Guide to Photochemical Machining". The accompanying brochure outlines typical applications, common metals used and...

Electric cylinders.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... RACO Electric Linear Cylinders with ballscrews or acme screws are an environmentally safe and low maintenance replacement for hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. Thrusts to 200,000 lbs., speeds to 30"/second, and strokes to 20 feet. Modular...

Polygon systems: the ultimate shaft-to-hub connection.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Can transmit twice the torque of involute splines in the same shaft diameter, due to the elimination of stress risers. Three-lobe polygons are self-centering and provide perfect concentricity, as they are precision ground on centers. They can...

Hotwatt electric heating elements for 50 years.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Hotwatt has expanded our product line to 50 various items including cartridge, air process, immersion, strip and finned strip, tubular, band, foil, flexible glasrope and ceramic heaters. We are dedicated to the design and manufacturing of...

Automatic ink code-marking machines.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Manufactures Sprinter[TM] automatic ink code-marking machines. Machines apply date codes, product codes, dots, etc. on metal, plastic, rubber, and paper surfaces. Marking possible in any orientation. Message size up to 2 square inches, Cycle...

Cable solutions!(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Call Sava Ind., Inc. to request our comprehensive FREE 36-page, DESIGN GUIDE featuring miniature and small mechanical steel cables from .006 to 3/8" diameter push pull varieties, high fatigue drive and low stretch cables, plastic and steel...

Track Roller & Cam Follower solutions.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Intech Power-Core[TM]Track Rollers and Cam Followers feature quiet, easy motion, high resistance to flat development, no rail wear, high load and shock capacity. Suitable for washdown and harsh environments. Proprietary thermal bearing...

Interpower[TM] export designer's reference & catalog 10.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Free--304 page Catalog 10 aids in designing primary power circuits of international products. The Designer's Reference section shows world plug/socket patterns, voltages and frequencies, international safety agencies and standards published by...

Hydraulic Flanges and Components.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Catalog includes the popular styles of Main Manufacturing's extensive offering of Hydraulic Flanges and Components-ready for immediate shipment. Dimensional drawings, part numbers, metric and weld specifications included. The "Quick Reference...

Advanced ceramic solutions.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... Astro Met's unique advanced ceramics provide cost effective solutions to material performance problems in a wide range of demanding applications. "Amalox 68" a 99.8% alumina ceramic and "Amzirox 88" an yttria stabilized zirconia provided...

Die cast design & spec guide--1 of 40 downloadable resources.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... This 16-page OEM design & specification resource is a valuable aid to more cost-effective parts for Al, Mg and Zn die casting. It's one of 40 downloadable guides available from Chicago White Metal Casting's new OEM Resource Center. Go direct to...