Product Design & Development articles from March 2008

Product Design & Development archives from March 2008

Simplified valve specification.(First Look)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Asahi/America recently unveiled their Fast Pack concept with more than 125 of their most popular valve and actuator combinations in easier to order configurations that are represented by a single part number. More...

Rugged RF technology helps eliminate cords.(First Look)
March 1, 2008... New from Linemaster is their Hercules industrial RF wireless foot switch control unit. The use of RF technology helps optimize signal transmission and reception with an indoor transmission range of 60', while multiple systems may be used in the...

Fasten without risk.(First Look)
March 1, 2008... Dirak presents their SNAP-LINE captive-joiner, which the company describes as having all the benefits of traditional captive screws along with a design that reduces the risk of damage to sensitive components inside the enclosure. Additional...

Greater temperature & pressure tolerances for sheet gasketing.(First Look)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New from W.L. Gore is their line of GORE[TM] GR sheet gasketing, which the company feels is the latest technical breakthrough pertaining to dimensional stability for PTFE gasketing. According to the company, these...

Reducing assembly size without force or deflection loss.(First Look)
March 1, 2008... Smalley Steel Ring recently unveiled a new series of metric Crest-to-Crest[R] wave springs that, according to the company, enable assembly size reductions of up to 50 percent, while maintaining the same amount of force and deflection as a...

Early ultrasonic detection of flaws.(First Look)
March 1, 2008... LaserLinc states that their UltraGauge+[TM] in-process, non destructive ultrasonic capabilities allow for measuring tubing walls during extrusion, enabling early. detection of flaws and elimination of product waste. The system consists of a DSP...

Just DFQRD it.(At Issue)
March 1, 2008... Efficiency is something that dominates the design landscape. Whether we're talking about cutting costs, improving time-to-market, enhancing energy consumption or refining our processes, it all comes back to a focus on producing as much as...

Maximum corrosion resistance.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Boston Gear, an Altra Industrial Motion company, has announced the availability of the new stainless steel 700 Series worm gear speed reducer. The new 700 Series provides maximum corrosion resistance in caustic environments. Additional features...

DC/DC converters for harsh environments.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... The RWY 50-72/48 is the most recent addition to Absopulse Electronics' RWY Series of DC/DC converters. The company says, designed for operation in harsh environments, this 50-W single-output converter delivers: * An output voltage of 48...

Absolute analog position with options.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... UniMeasure now offers the RTX Series rotary position transducer with analog output. The RTX Series is characterized by: * Suitability for use in light- to heavy-duty industrial position measurement requirements in wet or dry environments....

The truth about compressed air! If you think compressed air is too expensive and noisy--read this. The facts will surprise you!
March 1, 2008... Compare these Blowoffs There are a variety of ways to blow the water from the bottles shown in the photo below, but which method is best? To decide, we ran a comparison test on the same application using four different blowoff methods:...

Flexibility for automated test, measurement & monitoring.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... National Instruments has developed the company's first USB-controlled true RMS RF power meter, which provides a highly flexible solution for automated test, measurement and monitoring applications. According to the company, the portable 6-GHz...

Highly accurate, detailed parts with smooth surfaces.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... 3D Systems Corp. recently entered into a private-label arrangement with MCP Tooling Technologies. Under the terms of this agreement, 3D Systems plans for the immediate availability of the Sinterstation[R] Pro DM100 and DM250 SLM systems--direct...

Speedier actuation.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... According to Assured Automation, their line of NO or NC VAX valves are for applications that require fast actuation, as well as durability and reliability. These compact valves combine a process valve and actuator in a single integrated trait...

Built-in inverter power module protection.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... New from Allegro MicroSystems is the SLA6800MP and SMA6800MP Series inverter power modules (IPMs). The IC itself consists of the necessary power elements: 6 MOSFETS or 6 insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), and 2 pre-drive ICs needed to...

Highest capacity coin cell.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... According to Panasonic, the configurations for the highest capacity coin cell have been expanded in their poly-carbon-monofluoride high-temperature lithium battery product line. The BR2477A offers: * Unique polymer materials and...

Simplified module customization.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... EarthLCD introduces the ezLCD Series of programmable color TFT LCD modules with touchscreens. The ezLCD modules combine an LCD, a controller, LCD driver circuitry, a processor and a graphic controller. According to the company, the module...

Supporting the fastest broadband speeds available.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Westermo says their DR-250 router is based on ADSL2/2 and is designed for secure communication between remote sites, while supporting the fastest broadband speeds available. According to the company, the router also...

Solving product flow problems.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Fluid Transfer, a division of LEE Industries, now offers sanitary custom jacketed diverter valves to help solve product flow problems. According to the company, these valves are designed to grant: * Maximum cooling or heating with a rugged...

Power-saving analog sampling architecture.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... ZMD recently announced their high-precision, low-power, low-voltage multi-channel ZMD21013 sensor signal interface circuit. The device is the first member of ZMD's new multi-sensor interface circuit (MUSic) semiconductor line focusing on...

More accurate magnetically activated cylinder sensors.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Airpot Corp. has added a position-sensing option to their Airpel non-stiction air cylinder actuators. The company offers non-contact electronic switching sensors from Sick Inc. using giant magnetoresistive (GMR)...

Reduced footprint & noise levels.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... With a small footprint and low noise levels, the lightweight (9.5 lbs.) 2450 Series WOB-L[R] compressor from Thomas is designed to handle any pressure application requiring a small, quiet pump. The 2450 furthermore features: * A patented...

Re-design on the cutting edge: how a focus on improved performance, new materials and a more modern look helped Makita re-define their circular saw offerings.(INSIDE THE DESIGN: Engineering Answers)(Cover story)
March 1, 2008... As hard as designers work to feed the product innovation pipeline with new concepts based on their own inspiration, sometimes it's simply the voice of the customer that plays the most significant role in refining and defining a next generation...

10 grades to maximize efficient mating.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... DeWAL Industries presents a new family of PTFE-based films--the Dynaglide[R] 600 Series. Dynaglide 600 bearing and seal compounds are specifically designed to reduce friction and wear in dynamic use, whether dry or wet. [ILLUSTRATION...

Twice the conductivity of carbon steel studs.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... PEM[R]-type HFHB BUSBAR[R] self-clinching studs from PennEngineering provide solutions for applications demanding high-performance electrical/mechanical attachment points in copper. According to the company, these phosphor-bronze, externally...

Reducing logic execution times by more than 70 percent.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms introduces their PACSystems RX3i CPU320, which contains an Intel 1-GHz processor for speed and performance. The CPU320 also boasts of: * 64 Mbytes of user memory. * 2 built-in...

Additional heat removal for higher capacities.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Unifin has developed the flexible ForZair[TM] line of transformer oil coolers for new transformers and for replacing existing installations that are out of life or overheating, requiring additional heat removal for higher capacities. According...

Reducing the risk of human error.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Objet Geometries recently unveiled an advanced printing optimization package for the Eden350V[TM] and Eden 500V[TM] 3-D printing systems. According to the company, the Optimax[TM] package automates resin management, improves resin utilization,...

An aesthetic pushbutton switch.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] E-Switch recently announced the availability of their sleek, round RP8100 illuminated pushbutton switch with either a threaded or snap-in panel mount. Switch specifications include: * An electrical life of...

SpecCheck/encoders.
March 1, 2008... SpecCheck/ENCODERS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SICK STEGMANN INC. BEI DUNCAN ELECTRONICS The DFS60 high-resolution This compact optical MOD70 ...

Working with you: new product management system guides and connects users through the entire workflow process.(New Product)
March 1, 2008... "For every CAD user," Richard Allen, SolidWorks Corp. Global Product Manager of PDM Solutions, estimates, "there are one to three supporting personnel involved in purchasing, sales, marketing or the like" He explains that industry maturation is...

Enhanced support simplifies fluid flow analysis.(New Product)
March 1, 2008... Symscape recently released the latest SymLab v1.2 to support Linux as well as Windows. SymLab is a unified simulation environment that can be extended using add-ons into a complete CAE system for fluid flow analysis. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Smooth-sailing, successful surface modeling.(Case Study)
March 1, 2008... At the outset, the race seems lopsided. A single kayaker is outmanned against an Olympic-style K4 craft with four oarsmen. As expected, the foursome achieves an early lead. What happens next, however, is miraculous--what onlookers could only...

Improved off-angle color uniformity.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... OSRAM Opto Semiconductors presents advanced fine binning for white LEDs and delivers significant improvements in off-angle color uniformity, as well as a typical color rendering index (CRI) of 80. This advanced binning process for white LEDs...

A space-saving spherical bearing.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Part of igus[R] line of igubal[R] spherical bearings, this highly resilient, self-aligning bearing offers a wall thickness of just 3 mm. The company says these bearings also grant: * Minimal installation space. * A light, compact...

Stable, low-level switching.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CIT RELAY & SWITCH introduces the J860 Series monostable, high-dielectric relay with 2.5-kV surge strength that conforms to FCC Part 68. The company says the J860 double-pole, double-throw relay also incorporates:...

30 percent lower connector height.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... New from Phoenix Contact are the FKCN 2.5 spring-cage plug connectors and compatible CCDN 2.5 base headers. According to the company, features include: * A 30 percent lower component height than standard connectors up to 12 AWG. *...

As intelligent as the human hearing system.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Audience recently' released the industry's first voice processor based on the intelligence of the human hearing system. According to the company, based on the grouping and processing of complex mixtures of sound, the Audience A1010 voice...

Eliminating the confusion associated with motion systems integration.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Maxon believes their Freedom Series[TM] is a user-friendly motion control development tool designed to eliminate the confusion often associated with motion systems integration. An all-inclusive plug-and-play package, the Freedom Series comes...

Increased belt & chain life.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... According to Quality Transmission Components, their Zetasassi line of belt and chain tensioners improve performance in automation applications by keeping constant tension in belt and chain drive systems. The company says these tensioners can...

Flat, stable surfaces for precision applications.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Kinetic Systems describes their versatile breadboards as a flat, stable surface that can be used for a variety of applications. Available in 4 standard configurations, these breadboards feature high natural frequency, nominal broadband damping,...

More time between calibrations.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... OMEGA now produces the PX5500 Series transducer for high-performance applications in which accuracy and reliability are critical. According to the company, this transducer is especially highlighted by: * A 10-year MTBF rate and stability...

Q965-based motherboard.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... American Portwell Technology, a wholly owned subsidiary of Portwell, presents an industrial and embedded Intel Q965-based motherboard in a uATX form factor that supports all Intel mainstream desktop processors, including Core'S2 Duo (C2D), Core...

High gloss with scratch resistance.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Elastocon[R] TPE Technologies now offers their Elastocon SMR Series of thermoplastic olefins (TPOs). According to the company, the SMR Series features: * High gloss with scratch and mar resistance to maintain product appearance and...

Running quieter & longer.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Jaeger[R] brand IMD3 Series electromechanical linear actuators from SKF[R] have been engineered to run quietly and deliver longer service life. Their enhanced corrosion resistance and rugged construction contribute to reliable performance even...

Lighterweight power supplies.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lambda introduces their new KPSA family of PC-mountable AC-DC power supplies designed to meet the demand for small, lightweight power supplies. According to the company, features include: * Single-output supplies...

Vandal-resistant keyboards.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EAO has launched a new version of the W.series vandal-resistant keyboard with function keys. According to the company, the new edition includes: * 6 rows of function keys. * Keys that perform the same...

Ultra-small data device.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Semtech Corp. recently released the SX8723, an ultra-small data acquisition device that uses the company's ZoomingADC[TM] signal amplification circuitry to lower the cost of implementing portable sensing systems by allowing manufacturers to use...

Ideal for day tanks.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Madison Co. has developed the new U4359 ultrasonic sensor specifically for continuous level measurement in small tanks. With a range of 4" to 70" (0.1 to 1.78 M), it is ideal for day tanks and drums in process lines, small tanks for industrial...

More programmable micro-steps.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... New from LSI/CSI is their LS7290 stepper motor controller IC. According to the company, one advantage of the LS7290 is that it can replace the more expensive L297 in most applications, while providing more programmable micro-steps. Other...

Saving panel space.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... BlockMaster's new OTB-351 modular through-panel power terminal block saves panel space with its tighter 8.5-mm terminal spacing. Additional product features include: * Standard SEMS screws. * Nickel-plated brass terminals. * A...

Function keys only.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... iKey now offers the KYB-12, a simple solution for those times when a full keyboard is not necessary and function keys are all that is required. This small, rugged keyboard features only function keys. Additional features include: * A...

An omni-directional microphone for space-constrained applications.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Just released by Transducers USA is their new ultra-small 3.0 by 1.5 mm omni-directional Electret condenser microphone. The KEFG1542 is furnished with: * A frequency range from 100 to 20 KHz at a stable sensitivity of -42 [+ or -] 3 dB....

Smart image-processing functions.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Allied Vision Technologies has expanded their top class of cameras with a high-resolution 5-MP version. Combining sharp image quality, fast FireWire B data transfer and smart image-processing functions, according to the company, the new Pike...

Casters with enhanced turning & tracking.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... The Revvo Caster Company now produces their K Series casters with nylon wheels. The company says the new K Series casters are characterized by: * A load capacity of 1,760 lbs. for the 6" diameter wheel or 2,200 lbs. for the 8" diameter...

More powerful PC-based controllers.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Beckhoff Automation recently unveiled the DIN rail-mounted CX1030 embedded PC equipped with a 1.8-GHz Intel[R] Pentium[R] M processor. Beckhoff says the CX1030 CPU exhibits: * A passive cooling module and an easily exchangeable fan...

Solution for in-line amplifiers.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... The CSG110 Signal Conditioner/Amplifier is FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology's solution for an in-line amplifier of any full bridge strain gauge type sensor with mV/V range output to provide VDC and/or 4-20mA signal with a built-in regulated...

Early pump warnings before failure.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... According to ITF Goulds, onboard pump intelligence is now a standard feature of the i-FRAME ANSI Model 3196 process pump. The company says the new i-FRAME provides: * Early warnings of trouble, so changes to the machine can be made before...

Designed to measure AC currents.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Power Solutions introduces 3 new ranges of surface-mount current sense transformers. The 5300, and 5500 Series can be used to measure or monitor AC currents in high frequency applications. Designed to measure AC...

Guiding light: advancements in photonic technology offer new data transfer capabilities and application potential.(PHOTONICS: Tech Feature)
March 1, 2008... What if you could safely embed a laser that runs so hot it could cut any metal in record times? Or how about the ability' to transfer large quantities of data via a light source that wasn't as susceptible to numerous signal quality disruptions?...

Instantaneous on-the-fly changes.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed with Performance Motion Devices advanced Magellan[TM] motion control IC, Prodigy[R] motion can provide board-level, multi-axis motion control for DC brush, brushless DC, step and microstepping According to...

An easy open-and-close design.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Micro Plastics has increased tooling capacity of their adjustable cable clamps. These adhesive-backed clamps are molded in black nylon 6/6 with a 94-V2 UL rating. The releasable clip allows for the addition or removal of cables and wires....

Active noise control to hush loud designs.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Silentium's S-Cube[TM] development kit is a tool intended to allow design engineers to easily embed the company's active noise control (ANC) solution into their product designs easily and efficiently. The microphone, located close to the noise...

High-offset stability & virtually no position sensitivity.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Sensortechnics' new HCLA pressure sensors combine precision digital signal conditioning with miniature package styles. According to the company, the product features: * Suitability for ultra-low gage or differential pressure measurements...

Rapid identification of toxic & combustible hazards.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Honeywell Analytics' X5 is a compact multi-gas portable gas detector that provides rapid identification of many toxic and combustible hazards. According to the company, other features include: * The simultaneous measurement of up to 5 toxic...

Efficient power supply analysis & distribution.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WAGO Corp.'s new 750-493 3-phase power measurement module integrates comprehensive monitoring of a power supply network with the connectivity of an I/O system. According to the company, the high-density 6-channel...

Plastic tubing that resists chemicals.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Freelin-Wade recently launched a new line of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) plastic tubing. According to the company, this tubing material compares to DuPont's Teflon[R] brand polymer. Freelin-Wade believes FEP can provide: *...

AVCO with quality linearity.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... According to Crystek, their CVCO55CL-0902-0928 voltage-controlled oscillator features: * Operation from 902 to 928 MHz with an approximate control voltage range of 0.5 to 4.5 V. * A typical phase noise of-115 dBc/Hz at a 10-KHz offset....

Quick-fit female terminal.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... A new, quick-fit female PCB terminal which accepts male terminals for direct vertical or horizontal entry is the latest component from Keystone Electronics. According to the company, the rugged device features: * An "anti-rock" design to...

SpecCheck/drives.
March 1, 2008... SpecCheck/DRIVES [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ADVANCED MICRO SYSTEMS APPLIED MOTION PRODUCTS The mSTEP-407 high- ST10-Si stepper drives ...

Protective access in dusty applications.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Martin Sprocket & Gear dust-tight inspection door allows for protective access in dusty applications. According to the company, this inspection door also supplies: * The maintenance of security with a latch...

Extending solenoid life & saving energy.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Canfield Connector presents the Series D5400 micro solenoid driver (MSD), intended to improve performance while reducing heat buildup in solenoid valve operators. The company says the MSD induces faster solenoid pull-in with a high input...

A composite that can resist impact.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... IDI Composites recently unveiled their high-strength, lightweight X Series thermoset composite for sheet-molding compound applications. According to the company, this resilient composite offers: * An impact strength range of 40 to 60...

True color detection.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Omron Electronics has introduced the E3X-DAG, a one-of-a-kind white LED fiber-optic sensor for detecting true colors in marks and workpieces. Measurements are independent of the light intensity and any sensing distance variations caused by...

For applications requiring small, lightweight pumps.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Thomas recently unveiled their brushless DC WOB-L[R] air compressors and vacuum pumps, intended for applications requiring small, lightweight pumps with variable output. According to the company, the 250 Series pump boasts of: * Dimensions...

Clamping without deforming.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... DE-STA-CO's new series of pneumatic swing clamps is ideal for installations where hydraulic power is not suitable. Equipped with sensing capability that allows for precise control and monitoring of the clamping position, the 9500 Series exerts...

Reducing noise by 40 decibels.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Flowserve Corp. recently released their Flowserve Valtek[R] StealthT, a patented gaseous noise trim that reduces sound pressure levels. The company says this device is capable of reducing noise up to 40 dB in severe service in which noise and...

Ceramic balls resistant to environmental stressors.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... The GBC Materials business of Morgan Advanced Ceramics offers their dry-pressed alumina ceramic balls for use in harsh environments. According to the company, these rolling, spherical components boast of: * Suitability for that provide...

High-peak power.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... Aculight Corp. presents the Telesto[TM] family of rugged, high-peak power, polarized, pulsed fiber lasers with output at 1[micro]. Telesto lasers are ideal for applications ranging from mapping, surveillance and LADAR to nonlinear optics...

Cascade and feed forward capabilities.(New Products)
March 1, 2008... The new C Series multi-loop controller from Athena Controls offers 4 loops of PID control with cascade and feed forward capabilities for less cost that 4 separate loop controllers with similar capabilities. The controller is user-configurable...

Quieter, smoother DC motors.(From the Cover)
March 1, 2008... According to AMETEK Technical & Industrial Products, their PITTMAN[R] Series 9000 brush-commutated DC motors can deliver quiet and smooth operation. Other features include: * Modular construction promoting customization to satisfy specific...

Allowance for larger, more complex safety systems.(Distributor Data)
March 1, 2008... As an authorized distributor of the company's AS-Interface (AS-i) products, TURCK recently announced their distribution of AS-i safety monitors manufactured by Bihl+Wiedemann. These safety monitors are required for controlling power...

Various options for platinum cured tubing.(Distributor Data)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Qosina has added Class VI platinum cured tubing (T2100 through T2109) to their inventory. This coiled tubing has a 50-A durometer, and various ID and OD options. According to the company, platinum cured tubing...

Access to aids for complying with emission standards.(Distributor Data)
March 1, 2008... All American Semiconductor[R], an electronic components distributor, has renewed their relationship with Tyco Electronics to continue as an authorized distributor for the company's CORCOM electromagnetic and radio frequency interference...