Product Design & Development articles from May 2005

Product Design & Development archives from May 2005

New photochemically-etched product brochure.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... New brochure/folder describes PEI's expertise in photochemical machining and their broad range of photo chemically-etched metal parts for industries including medical, electrical/electronics, nuclear, semiconductor, aerospace/military,...

Inductosyn[R] position transducers.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Engineering Guide describes how to select and use Inductosyn[R] and Electrosyn[R] position transducers for demanding applications. Rotary Inductosyn[R] and Electrosyn[R] transducers provide absolute information accurate to [+ or -]0.5 arc...

Free washer catalog!(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Boker's FREE, 52-page Catalog 2005 has over 19,000 non-standard 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....

Flexible tubing solution.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Infinite selection of tubing sizes, colors, and compounds. Catalog offers useful guides and thousands of standard items. Simply create your next innovation with a custom engineered tube, hose or coils. Freelin-Wade, A Coilhose Company,...

Interpower[TM] export designer's reference & catalog 10.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... NEW! 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...

Electrical/optic seals.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... 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...

Belden Universal joints.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... From Packaging Machines & Conveying Equipment, Industrial Off-Highway Vehicles, Steering Linkage, Linkage, Paper Shift Converting, Steel Processing, Wood Working Machines and Medical Equipment, Belden's complete product line has the right...

Locating pin clamp with expanding fingers.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Welker's new patented Pin Clamp features dual gapless clamp ring ors ideal for all welding applications. These new units locate and clamp holes and slots without the need for additional fixed locating pins and separate clamp units. Also ideal...

Heat torch air heaters.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... 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...

Hardened steel bushings.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Split steel bushings manufactured of 1075 high carbon spring steel thru-hardened Rc 45-50. Bushings are excellent for low speed/high load, articulating, or pivot applications, and cost effective replacements for solid tubular types. The...

UniMeasure linear position transducers.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... 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...

New DC rightangle gearmotor series.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... * Compact design * Multiple mounting possibilities * Easily removable motor * 1/25 - 1/7Hp in 12, 24, 90 & 180VDC * Ratios from 10 - 600:1 * Hollow and solid shaft configuration * CAD files available online * OEM...

New cable carrier catalog.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... All new 624-page Energy Guide[R] catalog provides comprehensive technical data and design information on hundreds of cable carrier products for any application. The new catalog has been revamped for ease of use and simplicity so customers can...

Saint-Gobain's Meldin[R] materials catalog.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... This catalog describes a complete range of polyimide and engineered thermoplastic materials, for custom molding, as machined components or stock shapes for machining. These materials retain their critical properties over a wide variety of...

Adhesives/sealants/coatings.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Familiarize yourself with Master Bond Inc. We manufacture over 3,000 grades of adhesives, sealants and coatings. Our products consist of expoxies, anaerobics, cyanoacrylates, silicones and acrylics. Both 1 and 2 part systems are available. All...

Catalog & wire cloth calculator on CD.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Cleveland Wire Cloth specializes in high temperature, corrosion resistant, and specialty metals and alloys for the industrial and commercial processing markets as well as OEM components for a wide range of uses, including fuel cells,...

SPEC SELECT[TM] II available.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Research and specify springs and washers easier with Windows[R]-based SPEC SELECT[TM] II. Available on CD and at www.asraymond.com/spec/, it allows you to estimate cycle life for washers, compression and extension springs; search for products...

Uncover the hidden costs of offshore die castings.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... It's tempting to source die castings from offshore producers... but is it a good idea? This guidebook from the North American Die Casting Association relates real-life experiences from OEMs and includes a 14-point checklist that can protect...

CD Catalog of Metals & Materials.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... The new Goodfellow 2004-2005 CD Catalog of Metals & Materials contains over 48,000 items, including a comprehensive selection of pure metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, and composites in a wide range of forms and sizes. The new CD also...

Precision orifices.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... 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:...

Miniature acoustic components.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... The catalog from Star features miniature audio transducers, electronic buzzers, speakers, receivers and microphones. Details include dimensional drawings, specification chart, frequency response chart and photos. Star audio products are sold...

Permanent magnets.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Magnetic Component Engineering is a manufacturer of high quality state of the art magnets and magnet assemblies. Materials include S3069 Samarium Cobalt, N5062 NdFeB, and radially oriented NdFeB rings. Magnets can be made to custom shapes and...

Precision aluminum extrusions.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... An informative brochure from Minalex, leader in close tolerance shapes from 3 1/2", illustrates typical applications and describes capabilities including short runs. Minalex, the quality leader delivers on time, every time. Minalex...

Wave Spring Catalog.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... New 2002 Wave Spring Catalog! Smalley has over 1800 springs in stock with sizes from 3/8" to 16". Special designs range from 9/32" to 84"; carbon and stainless steel are available. Smalley offers a No-Tooling-Cost[TM] manufacturing process. All...

Off-the-shelf-optics catalog.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... "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,...

Plastic fasteners.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... This new catalog #35 is over 250 pages and details more than 20,000 plastic fasteners to accommodate a wide range of applications. This Free catalog features 10 new product lines with 160 new items. Free Engineering Samples are available upon...

OEM Quick Guide to die cast surface finishing.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... This valuable new CWM "Quick Guide" to Die Cast Part Surface Finishing provides guidance to better cast surface finish decisions. Contains overview of surface coatings in common use, illustrated product design tips for optimum finishing...

Free Design Guide to Photochemical Machining.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... 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...

Miniature turntable bearings save weight and space.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Unique, miniature Reali-Slim[R] TT Series turntable bearings from Kaydon save weight, reduce product envelope size and increase design flexibility for turntable applications--including robotics, radar antennae, and factory positioning and...

New product protection catalog.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... PMI's new 2005 catalog showcases our complete line of protective caps, plugs and closures in plastic or dip molded vinyl. New features include silicone, tubing inserts, tapes, dots, netting, grab tabs and an expected section on high heat...

Advanced ceramic solutions.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... 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 86" an yttria stabilized zirconia provided...

Esband[R] truly endless, woven flat belts.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... B210 Esband[R] Catalog from BRECOflex contains extensive technical information about truly endless, woven flat belts, including belt specifications and characteristics, coating and carcass materials, coefficients of friction, calculation...

Sensing, switching, signaling, safety.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... * 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...

Cable solutions!(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Call Sava Ind., Inc. to request our comprehensive FREE 36-page, DESIGN GUIDE featuring miniature and small mechanical steelcables from .006 to 3/8" diameter push pull varieties, high fatigue drive and low stretch cables, plastic and steel idler...

Celebrating our 85th anniversary custom aluminum & zinc die castings.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... PDCCO offers full service Custom Die Casting. Starting design with Solidworks and Cadkey, we can quote depending on part low 500 pieces to hundreds of thousands. Value added services: Finishing, Machining, Vibratory Deburring, Assembly,...

Custom designed motor test systems for your motor testing needs.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Magtrol, Inc. provides complete, customized 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 custom...

Plain and spherical bearings and linear guide systems.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Updated 400-page iglide[R] bearings catalog showcases high-performance plastic bearings made from engineered polymers in 16 different material blends. Plastic bearings are lubrication-free, maintenance-free and will not corrode. Customers can...

Hydraulic flanges and components.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Catalog includes popular styles of MAIN Manufacturing's extensive offering of hydraulic flanges & components-ready for immediate shipment. Dimensional drawings, flange numbers, metric and weld specifications included. The "Quick Reference...

Power transmission stretch belts.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... This brochure provides information as to the possible uses of the PYRATHANE power transmission stretch belt as well as physical properties and characteristics. Explained are advantages over other types of drive belts, such as excellent abrasion...

Ball Rail(R) systems make light of any load.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Bosch Rexroth's new catalog features Bail Rail[R] Systems with high performance ball chains. Available in broad range of accuracy classes, including the new high-precision line, the runner blocks feature high-load capacities, high rigidity, and...

Trim seals.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... StanPro Push-On Trim Seals offer a fast, easy way to weatherstrip and trim just about anything Push-On Trim Seals that needs a tight seal. Install by simply pushing over rough edges and flanges for a solid, rattle and configurations to solve...

Multi-axis, motor motion control ICS.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... PMD, the leader in IC-based motion, introduces the Magellan[TM] Family of Motion Processors. Available in 1 - 4-axis versions these flexible, programmable chips control DC brush, brushless DC, microstepping and pulse & direction motors....

Economical linear motion system.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Double rails are parallel and pre-aligned for easy installation. Carriages available in recirculating ball bearing cartridge design or v-grooved roller type for heavy and overhanging loads. The bearings are preloaded and adjustable when...

Thermocouples, make your own.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... The HOTSPOT welding unit allows thermocouple wire to be formed into freestanding bead or butt welded junctions, or to be directly welded to metal surfaces. The HOTSPOT provides a quick, simple, accurate, low cost means of fabricating...

Custom slides engineered for your application.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... We can modify our products for special applications by reducing overall height or producing shorter cartridges or bases. We can integrate the base and carriage of an xy stage in order to reduce overall height. We offer side drive micrometer...

New stainless steel and nickel alloy brochure.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... The updated 20-page brochure features a full line of stainless steel, nickel and titanium alloys in strip, wire, and steel. The range of gauges, tempers, widths, finishes, edge conditions and tolerances available in strip are covered in tables,...

Self-lubricating gear solutions calculated for life.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... 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...

Hotwatt electric heating elements for 50 years.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Hotwatt has expanded our product line to 50 various items including air process, immersion, strip and finned strip, tubular, band, foil, flexible glasrope and ceramic heaters. We are dedicated to the design and manufacturing of resistance...

Track Roller & Cam Follower solutions.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... 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...

Bellows & way covers catalog.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... New catalog contains over 60 pages of design information on Gortite[R] protective covers for machine tools, robots, automated handling systems, mobile equipment, and medical equipment. Features custom engineered bellows covers, rod boots,...

Graphic overlays & membrane keypads.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Amazing design options are now possible with NFI's unique full color applied graphic products. With our Design Guide, you'll discover special features to enhance the function and appearance of your products! * Filtered LED/LCD Windows ...

Free directory of metalcasters/reference guide.(Special Advertising Edition)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... The new 2004-05 edition of the Casting Source Directory & Reference Issue is available free to component designers and purchasers. In addition to a capabilities directory of all North American metalcasting facilities, the 14th edition of the...

Self-hold motor protector.(PD&D Exclusive)
May 1, 2005... The Model EP42P is designed to provide overload and overheat protection in a variety of applications. It is especially suitable for use in fractional motors, appliances, lighting equipment, transformers, solenoids, battery chargers, power...

Custom rubber parts.(First Look: Smart Products and Technical Tools for Engineers)
May 1, 2005... A line of custom-molded rubber parts bonds to metal components for prototype and production applications. Typical metal and plastic components bonded to rubber include handles and grips, valve assemblies, diaphragms, gear and sprocket...

Lock-out relays.(First Look: Smart Products and Technical Tools for Engineers)
May 1, 2005... A line of lock-out relays protects critical electrical equipment in utilities. A variety of models featuring manual-, electric-, or self-reset capability can accommodate virtually any lock-out switching application in the electric power...

Quad-level light pipes.(PD&D Exclusive)
May 1, 2005... A new line of quad-level light pipes incorporates the use of surface-mount LEDs oil both sides of PC boards. The design specifically addresses use in Advanced TCA and CompactPCI mezzanine cares breaking previously experienced size and height...

Brushless motors.(First Look: Smart Products and Technical Tools for Engineers)
May 1, 2005... New EC-powermax 30-mm brushless motors are designed to deliver the performance and lifetime of a brushless motor, but in a very compact package. The motors are electronically commutated, enabling extremely long motor life since there are no...

3D printing system.(First Look: Smart Products and Technical Tools for Engineers)
May 1, 2005... The Spectrum Z510 3D printing system is a high-definition color 3D printer that includes HD3DP (high-definition 3D printing) for rapid prototyping of products such as the sprinkler shown on the right. In addition to providing high-fidelity,...

Software takes on documentation tasks.(First Look: Smart Products and Technical Tools for Engineers)
May 1, 2005... Engineers are required to navigate a never-ending stream of information exchanges. There are change orders, change notices, specifications, documentation, schedules; and drawings. Unless automated review, mark-up, and archiving processes can be...

Panel-mount switches.(Product Review)
May 1, 2005... Panel-mount switches are the primary human input to almost all electrical equipment, and they are made in an enormous variety of types and styles. This month we look at several kinds: two single, sealed pushbuttons, one multi-button type, and...

Illuminated switches.(Product Review)
May 1, 2005... The MLW Series of rugged illuminated snap-in switches features stainless steel housings and retaining clips, an interlocking actuator that prevents switch failure due to jamming or window locking, built-in protective covers to shield against...

Stainless steel switches.(Product Review)
May 1, 2005... The MSM Series of vandal-proof stainless steel pushbutton power switches covers a voltage range of 5 Vdc to 250 Vac at currents from 0.1 to 10 A. They are rated IP67 for water resistance and IK 07 for shock and impact. They can handle...

Rough-duty switches.(Product Review)
May 1, 2005... The Series 76-97 sealed pushbutton switch is sealed to IP67 standards and is available in single- or two-pole configurations as well as in momentary or alternate action. It can switch up to 10.1 amp loads and has a lifetime of up to 100,000...

Operator switches.(Product Review)
May 1, 2005... These new two- and three-button switches can save space by taking the place of two or three cutouts, replacing them with only one. Any mounting position is allowed, and a mounting adapter comes standard with each operator. Polyamide and...

The truth about compressed air! If you think compressed air is too expensive and noisy--read this. The facts will surprise you!(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... 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:...

Custom-made rollers shape up treadmill designs: new units keep pace with high-tech fitness.(Engineering At Work)
May 1, 2005... There are certain things you'll always across at the gym. One of those is the image of men and women, both young and old, walking or running feverishly on treadmills. They do their routines by minutes or miles. They change speeds and inclines....

Switched interconnects can solve complex data flows.(Tech Watch)
May 1, 2005... After years of designing systems for ever-increasing data-throughput speeds, design engineers of networking systems are now facing a different challenge--accommodating data agility. Today's networking systems must support low-latency response...

"Playing by rules" can help OEMs streamline manufacturing processes.(From The Field)
May 1, 2005... In January, industry analyst firm CIMdata identified an emerging market for enterprise software technology that automates the complex decisions surrounding design, quotation, and manufacturing processes. This new market is being driven by...

Triumphant designs: after reviewing the 40 finalists and submitting their votes, the readers of Product Design & Development have chosen the winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze prizes in the 10th Annual Engineering Awards.(Technology Review)(Cover Story)
May 1, 2005... Product Design & Development's 10th Annual Engineering Awards were given to three design teams for the conception and manufacture of products that are seen as revolutionary within the industries they serve. This year's award winners cover a...

Q&A: advances in motor technology.(Questions & Answers)(Interview)
May 1, 2005... This month's Q&A examines the changes taking place in the design of today's brush-commutated dc motors. These changes include advancements influencing the assemblies, size, and materials. Mike Lefebvre, a motor expert and application engineer,...

New component check-up: thousands of attendees expected to scrutinize new medical device parts.(Show Stoppers)
May 1, 2005... MD&M East 2005, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City, June 13-15 Designing a medical device is important work. The performance and reliability of the end result of a medical device engineer's hard work can be a matter of a...

Second city sensing: savvy sensor suitors set to storm the windy city.(Show Stoppers)
May 1, 2005... Sensors Expo 2005, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, June 6-9 John Belushi, Dan Ackroyd, and Bill Murray all got their start at Chicago's famed Second City Comedy Club. Now, a number of new sensing technologies will get their start at another...

Emergency stop switch.(PD&D Exclusive)
May 1, 2005... An EN418-rated emergency stop switch has been added to the Series 84 range of products. This new switch has been designed for optimal functionality and usability throughout assembly, mounting, and operation. It has a small behind-panel depth,...

Pressure piping systems.(New Products)
May 1, 2005... Schedule 80 PVC and CPVC pressure piping systems have been expanded to include large diameter 10- and 12-in. pipe sizes. The new Schedule 80 pipe is available in 20-ft lengths with the all necessary fittings required for most applications....

EMI-shielding adapters.(New Products)
May 1, 2005... New Swivel EMI adapters are designed to help mechanical designers and electrical engineers achieve effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, while adding flexibility, functionality, and convenience to existing cable management....

Power distribution blocks.(New Products)
May 1, 2005... New power distribution blocks have been added to a line of IP 20 feed-through application terminals. These DIN rail-mountable blocks are engineered to distribute power, manage large wire sizes, and maintain finger-safe connections. Further,...

DIN-rail mount terminal blocks.(From the Cover)
May 1, 2005... A new series of DIN-rail mount terminal blocks is available. The high-quality line is designed in three levels--single double and triple. Features include feed-through, fuse blocks, LEDs, high current grounding type, screwless, and...

Motion control card.(New Products)
May 1, 2005... The Magellan-PCI motion controller has dual biquad filters. Available in one-, two-, three- and four-axis versions, it is a high performance motion control card that supports dc brush, brushless dc, microstepping, and pulse and direction...

High-torque gearhead.(New Products)
May 1, 2005... The Quantum Series is a high torque capacity harmonic drive gearhead. It delivers 50 percent more torque than the CSF series while maintaining zero-backlash, 1 arc-min positional accuracy, and [+ or -] 5 arc-sec repeatability. Availability...

Hallow shaft encoder.(New Products)
May 1, 2005... The HS45 is a large-bore hollow shaft encoder suitable for large motor feedback applications. The HS45 accepts motor shafts up to 1-5/8 in. in diameter (1-7/8 in. optional) and provides data for position and velocity control. This model...

Data matrix readers.(New Products)
May 1, 2005... The MAC34x family of data matrix readers includes the MAC340 and MAC344. The units are fixed mounted data matrix readers for product identification or online data recording. The MAC340 offers a scan distance of 32 mm and depth of field of [+ or...

Wall plug adapter.(New Products)
May 1, 2005... A 15-W wall plug adapter with interchangeable ac clips is designed to help minimize inventory and development costs for DEMs. Designated the PSA15R, the adapter is highly efficient, lightweight, and small in size, weighing about 5.12 oz. The...

Motor supply cable.(New Products)
May 1, 2005... Olflex VFD Symmetrical is a lead-free, RoHS-compliant symmetrical cable designed for use in large horsepower VFD drives. The new cable is engineered with three symmetrical grounds and a longitudinally applied copper tape shield, as well as a...

Power transformers.(New Products)
May 1, 2005... The M4L Series of international power isolation transformers includes the 450 VA-rated M4L-1-4, M4L2-4, and M4L3-4. These transformers are designed for use in providing reinforced isolation between power mains and sensitive electronic ...