Product Design & Development articles from October 2003

Product Design & Development archives from October 2003

Step motor drives.(Learning by Design)
October 1, 2003... Pacific Scientific P7000 Series step motor drives offer stall detection, down to and including rest, without the use of a separate feedback device. They use multi step positioning to convert full step indexing commands into smooth microstepping...

Surface-mount sensor.(Learning by Design)
October 1, 2003... The 26PC Series surface-mount pressure sensor is a high value sensing solution for use on printed circuit assemblies. It supports gauge, vacuum gauge, differential, and wet/wet sensing applications and withstands reflow temperatures. ...

LCP-based circuit material.(Learning by Design)
October 1, 2003... New R/flex 3850 is a lkluid crystalline polymer material for multi-layer thin-film PC board construction. The double-clad laminate offers a low dielectric constant for controller impedance and high dimensional stability for dense fine-line...

Brushless pancake motor.(Learning by Design)
October 1, 2003... Providing 90 watts of output power, the EC 90 Series brushless pancake motor boasts extremely long life because there are no mechanical brushes to wear out. Ball bearings add to the longevity. Diameter is 90 mm, and height is 29.1 mm not...

Fluid dynamics computed.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... CFX-5.6 is a simulation software package engineered to offer increased accessibility to advanced computational fluid dynamics. The software is suitable for aerospace, chemical processing, power generation, automotive, oil and gas, and...

Light at many angels.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... The SSB-COB6929SGW7900 backlight uses 50 LEDs to provide light over an emission angle of 180 degrees. Priced at $10.79 each in quantities of 1,000, it's designed to provide long operational life and immunity to shock and vibration. It is 6.5 mm...

A wireless way.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... A new wireless modem is designed to maximize network flexibility and performance in industrial control applications. The modem, called RadioLinx, features dual antenna support for increased reliability in adverse locations and rotating and...

Highly polished offering.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... An addition to the M1 latch family is a flush-turn compression latch. It's designed for outdoor marine applications as well as any application requiring a sealed compression latch with a flush-panel surface. The stainless steel construction...

Medical and dental solution.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... Priced at $73.10 each in quantities of 100. the OTLH-0360-UV LED array is part of the Shark product line. Using 50 die in a TO-66 package, this UV LED array achieves 300 mW of optical power from a single package. Suitable for medical...

Works with battery-powered devices.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... The TDH Model ac hub wheel drive is designed to provide higher efficiency and smaller size than traditional dc drives. It's suitable for the maneuvering of 24 and 80 V battery-powered devices such as automatic guided vehicles, lift trucks,...

Suitable for small machines.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... The FP-e panel-mount PLC with LED display comes in a DIN 1/16 size package. Suitable for small machines where space is at a premium and priced at $185, it includes programming memory of 2.7 K steps and comes standard with two serial RS232...

Thick-film choices.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... A line of thick-film resistor systems is available on a choice of substrates. There are more than 25 system materials as well as a range of advanced processes. The resistors support application-specific and custom configurations. Materials are...

Perfluoroelastomer materials.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... Simriz, a family of perfluoroelastomer compounds for fluorocarbon O-rings and colored O-rings, provides chemical resistance and strong physical properties, including compression set resistance, as well as high/low temperature capabilities. The...

Air-cooled lasers with built-in RF supplies.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... New 150- and 300-watt air-cooled C[O.sub.2] lasers have built-in RF supplies, feature integrated cooling, and boast good beam quality in both the near and liar fields. Their high-power I design allows various integration options, and...

Acrylic rod-shaped light guides.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... New optical-grade acrylic rod-shaped light guides come in machined, extruded, or molded versions to meet a variety of custom applications in low, medium, or high volumes. They are available in a range of lengths (1 to 36 in.) and diameters...

Digital servo-amplifier.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... The DES digital servo-amplifier is engineered for velocity or torque control of brushless motors. Sinusoidal commutation at 50 kHz is used to ensure smooth velocity and torque control even at low speeds. It is a four-quadrant servo-amplifier...

Compact ultrasonic sensor.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... New S18U Series ultrasonic sensors feature a microprocessor design, pushbutton programming, and bright diagnostic status LEDs located directly on the housing. They are designed to provide users with quick setup and consistent sensor-to-sensor...

Polymers for molded and extruded goods.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... Kraton A polymers can be compounded to produce materials designed to improve the strength, elasticity, temperature resistance, softness, appearance, grip, and convenience of a diverse range of applications. These polymers boast better flow,...

Two LED lamps for multi-color output.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... In addition to providing red, green, or blue color output, the QTLP650D-RGB and QTLP614C-RGB LED lamps are capable of mixing RGB light sources for multi-color output. They can be used in conjunction with LED driver ICs to give a full range...

Extreme environment position sensor.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... The 9850 Series fully sealed rotary sensor for harsh environments can be used in both position feedback and operator input applications. The low-profile device is rated to meet the requirements of IEC 529 for enclosure protection IP66 and IP67....

Programmable displays.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... New programmable digital displays for analog and temperature input are designed to handle harsh industrial environments. Two sizes are available--48 x 24 mm with supply voltages of 10-30 Vdc and 96 x 48 mm with supply voltages of 10-30 Vdc and...

Capacitor arrays.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... LICA low-inductance capacitor arrays offer inductance values as low as 15 pH and can perform high-speed decoupling for multiple signal paths in high-frequency switching applications. They use C4 flip-chip technology to provide low-inductance...

Pneumatically actuated switches.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... A new group of air-actuated electrical switches enables the use of pneumatics to remotely pilot electrical switches. The pressure actuator has a spring-biased piston with a U-cup seal that requires pressures as low as 5 psig to actuate either a...

Light-dependent resistors for sensor applications.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... The new CdS Photocell Series consists of single and dual cadmium sulfide (CdS) light-dependent resistors that boast high sensitivity and stability. Featuring a spectral response similar to the human eye, the new devices are suitable for sensor...

Touch-sensitive keyboard.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... This touch-sensitive keyboard can handle abrasive use in both industrial and public spaces. It mounts underneath a non-conductive substrate such as glass, plastic, ceramic, or wood up to 100 mm thick. Suitable applications include printing...

Thermoplastic elastomer alloy.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... Versaflex ST1025 is a new injection moldable TPE alloy that boasts a silky soft feel. It can be processed in a number of "brilliant" colors to enhance the look of any product. It's offered in a low Shore A hardness of 33 and can be used with...

Surface-activated acrylic adhesive.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... F246 is a two-part, no-mix, surface-activated acrylic adhesive for use with Initiator #1 or #5. It can withstand high stress environments with vibration and fluctuating operating temperatures. F246 is engineered to cure rapidly at room...

Wide-angle surface-mount LED series.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... Designed as wide-angle, top-view surface-mount units, 1104B Series LEDs now come in additional colors and luminous intensities to support a wide range of display and indicator applications. The new blue UB1104B and blue-green UG 1104B have...

Teflon-coated fasteners.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... A Teflon-based coating option is now available with self-clinching fasteners designed for applications where hardware is installed prior to painting. During assembly, the threads of the mating hardware remove the masking material and paint. ...

Compact stepper-servo motor brakes.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... SSB Series front-end brakes are designed for braking applications on stepper and servo motors. A power-off brake design promises easy installation and a high degree of safety, especially during a power failure. The SSB brake line is...

Kapton insulated heaters.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... New commercial-grade Kapton insulated heaters are less than 0.01 in. thick and can be formed to a 0.03 in. radius. Features include low thermal mass, fast warm-up, and uniform heating. Standard sizes range from 0.5 x 2 in. to 5 x 5 in. They...

Compact solution needs no wires.(New & notable: motion control)
October 1, 2003... Galil Motion Control has expanded the options for its DMC-21x3 Ethernet controllers with a new AMP-20540 servo amplifier board designed for driving four brushless or brush-type motors up to 500 watts. Typically half the size and price of...

New readers can use.(New & notable: motion control)
October 1, 2003... Free "Executive Stress Relievers" featuring self-lubricating Simplicity linear bearings are available from Pacific Bearing at www.pacific-bearing.com/productsample.cfm. The bearing samples have a one-piece design that boasts no metal-to-metal...

Update on linear motion.(New & notable: motion control)
October 1, 2003... Accessible from www.thk.com. THK's new online store offers a wide selection of linear motion products. Engineers can order such products as Caged Ball LM guides, conventional LM guides, ball screws. KR and GL actuators, and slide packs. The...

Planetary gearheads for general motion control.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... LP planetary gearheads for general motion control applications include 7-to-1 single-stage and 70-to-1 two-stage gear ratios. These new ratios are designed to make it easier to match inertias and to achieve optimized servomotor performance in...

Linear actuator for high performance uses.(What's Hot)
October 1, 2003... This size 14 captive linear actuator, an addition to a hybrid motor line, has been built for long life (several million cycles) and high performance. It features engineering thermoplastics in the rotor drive nut and a stainless steel Acme lead...

Compounds counter volatilization.(In focus: tubing)
October 1, 2003... Chemistry that combines PVC with POE has yielded new vinyl compounds that avoid problems caused by plasticizer votatilization or migration. Designated the FreeFlex 4002 Series, the compounds are suitable for applications involving transport or...

Twosome tackles tough requirements.(In focus: tubing)
October 1, 2003... Two new tubing products have been developed for applications that require materials with special properties to meet challenging design needs. Prolite polypropylene tubing fulfills the needs of the food and beverage processing industry because...

Striking back against arc flash hazards.(Tech update: electrical)
October 1, 2003... The marvels and dangers associated with electricity are rarely given much thought in today's world. In fact, electricity only becomes an issue when something goes wrong. However, the National Fire Protection Association, OSHA, the...

Conveyor links assembly.(Design ideas: factory automation)
October 1, 2003... VarioFlow is a chain conveyor that lets manufacturers link assembly operations with such functions as parts feeding and packaging on either side of the assembly process. The conveyor consists of two profile widths, 65 and 90 mm, with chains of...

Tool controls vacuums.(Design ideas: factory automation)
October 1, 2003... The SmartPump management tool offers built-in intelligence to keep control of vacuum. It addresses the need to maintain reliable vacuum between the cup and object under production during an automated manufacturing process. It permits high...

Managing processes around the world.(Design ideas: factory automation)
October 1, 2003... OEMs are increasingly transferring most, if not all, of their manufacturing to distributed plants and contractors in order to meet local customer demands, reduce manufacturing costs, and concentrate on core competencies. But in order for this...

Port connectors for PC boards.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... New cable assemblies and corresponding PC board mount receptacles are in full compliance with and meet IDB/IEEE 1394 standards and specifications. They can be used for many uses but are especially suitable for applications involving automotive...

Velocity controller for brushless motor systems.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The TG2601 vControl is designed to improve ironless core brushless motor system efficiency at all speeds and torque levels. It minimizes high current ripple and additional losses by operating at a PWM frequency of 120 kHz, which is higher than...

Structural bonding.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... Metal Welder II is a two-part, 10:1 ratio methacrylate adhesive formulated for structural bonding of metal to other metals or to dissimilar substrates such as thermoplastics or composites. With a working time of 14 to 16 minutes, it is suitable...

DC brush motors.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... New Y Series permanent magnet dc brush motors are available in frame sizes from 19 to 100 mm with torque ranging flour 0.1 to 144 oz-in. The motors can be tailored to specific application needs with modifications made to windings, shafts,...

Electrical enclosure for overheating protection.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... A new electrical equipment enclosure is designed to eliminate the threat of overheating. It has a built-in air conditioner that provides the cooling needed to maintain safe temperatures with this relatively small enclosure. The enclosure can...

Fluid control.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The Model STRH, designed for precision fluid control in analytical process instrumentation, integrates the CeramPump valveless piston pumping principal with precision stepper control. Piston stroke displacement can be adjusted using an...

Float level sensors.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... FL Series magnetic float level sensors are liquid level sensors that are custom manufactured to user specifications and available in a wide choice of materials and mounting configurations. The FLR base model is engineered for rugged, hostile...

Off-the-shelf enclosure.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The AG-85 is an off-the-shelf enclosure design that has curved and sloped surfaces for visual and functional enhancements. It features a removable end panel that is suitable for mounting multiple connectors, LEDs, or jacks. The unit is...

Infrared touch products.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The Carrol Touch infrared touch technology line of products has been expanded with a new USB controller board called the 4000U, three low-profile screens (10.4, 15, and 17 in.), a ruggedized tempered glass filter for vandal-resistant...

Explosion-proof enclosure.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The SB stainless steel enclosure offers protection for field-mounted hockey-puck units. Meeting NEMA 4X and IP66 ratings, the stainless steel 316 design is suitable for highly corrosive environments, such as offshore platforms, and sanitary...

Brushless dc kit.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The 000-0326 high-performance brushless dc kit is designed for low-voltage applications where an efficient, high-torque motor is required. Engineered with an operating voltage of 12 V, the motor is capable of delivering in excess of 1 hp of...

Surface-mount audio alert.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The NFT-03A is a small surface-mount audio alert designed to provide engineers with more freedom in the development of their designs. Despite its small size, it delivers high SPL so that it can be heard in noisy environments, making it suitable...

Explosion-proof instrument housings.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The XIHMK Series of explosion-proof instrument housings is designed to accommodate large diameter assemblies, multi-level circuit boards, or wide-angle readouts and displays. The 3-9/16 in. ID provides maximum clearance to facilitate instrument...

Monitor for liquid flow measurement.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The Model 203 Dual Sentry electronic flow monitor is designed to provide users with the ability to monitor flow of liquids both visually and electronically. Its construction is suitable for harsh environments and heavy-duty use. The flow of...

Low-profile PC board connectors.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The 6238 Series and 6292 Series consist of 0.5-mm pitch flexible printed circuit (FPC) and flat-flexible cable (FFC) connectors designed to provide engineers with an environmentally friendly method of making PC board connections in PCs and...

Linear ball screw stages.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The compact ATS1000 stage is a small cross section, medium payload capacity, and environmentally protected solution for precision applications. A rigid base and high-performance brushless servomotor make it suitable for such industrial...

Power distribution unit.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The 852Q2L18 is a new power distribution unit in the Interpower product family. With a 1U slim design, this 19-in. rack-mount unit is designed to provide domestic and international single-phase power to equipment racks. Priced at $239.22,...

Corrosion-resistant ball bearings.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... Stainless steel Marathon single-row deep-groove (SRDG) ball bearings feature different closure and lubrication options to promote extended service life and inhibit potentially damaging contamination of bearings in harsh conditions. The...

Learning by design: engineers tap into the latest technologies to create high-tech toys that are child's play.(Real-World Engineering)
October 1, 2003... Thanks to technological improvements that are making advanced features possible at reasonable prices, toy manufacturers are concentrating more on educational toys today with products that dazzle children's fun side while teaching them valuable...

Two-phase hybrid stepping motors.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The P-type Models in the PK Series of two-phase hybrid stepping motors are designed to achieve the highest torque available for a 1.65 in. square hybrid stepping motor. The smaller motors (1.54 in. long) produce 69.4 oz-in. of holding...

Compact front-end power supply.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... The HP750 Series front-end power supply, which costs $442 in OEM quantities, measures 1.6 in. high, 5 in. wide, and 10 in. deep. It has a standard rear-mount ac connection and is designed to operate either as a stand-alone unit or as an...

Show stoppers.
October 1, 2003... ISA Expo 2003, scheduled for October 21-23 at the Reliant Center in Houston, is considered one of the leading automation and control events of the year. It features a product/service exhibition, two technical conferences, and a continuing...

Ethernet I/O modules.
October 1, 2003... The BusWorks 900EN Series consists of I/O modules that interface analog and discrete I/O signals directly to an Ethernet network. These 12-channel I/O modules do not require a separate bus coupler. Priced at $350 for discrete I/O or $550...

Position sensors for cylinders.
October 1, 2003... INT and INR sensors can be used on various types of cylinders by using special mounting brackets, which means fewer part numbers to keep track of and overall cost reductions. The sensors and mounting brackets are "dropped" down into the...

Composite fiberglass drain vent.
October 1, 2003... This new composite fiberglass drain vent is designed to protect equipment from moisture and water accumulation from inside the enclosure cavity. The non-metallic design is built to safe guard electrical equipment housed inside an enclosure by...

Enclosure for wireless applications.
October 1, 2003... MNX plastic enclosures for wireless sensor applications are designed to permit the antenna to remain inside the enclosure, simplifying packaging and installation. The expanded MNX family features three body and four cover depths and offers more...

Tough hydraulic cranes get 'smart'.(Case in point: off-highway)
October 1, 2003... In their quest to build reliability into their RT Series mobile hydraulic cranes, the engineers at Grove Worldwide collaborated with HED Inc. on a controlled area network or CAN. The solution was designed to manage operations and information...

Metal stamping brochure.(Free Stuff!)
October 1, 2003... This new brochure on metal stamping includes in formation on in-house tooling, wire EDM tooling, statistical process control, Dock-To-Stock and Just-In-Time programs, and ISO 9001:2000. Stamping capabilities are detailed including draws up to 3...

Wire termination catalog.(Free Stuff!)
October 1, 2003... This 190-page catalog features a wide range of wire termination products to enhance production, systems, and machine integration capabilities. It includes an R&D section, an overview of custom capabilities, and a reference guide. Product...

PROFInet technology guide.(Free Stuff!)
October 1, 2003... This 32-page guide on PROFInet technology contains information on this new communication standard, which is described as the first fieldbus technology to integrate and interconnect all segments within the automation hierarchy and seamlessly...

Phenolic knob samples.(Free Stuff!)
October 1, 2003... Samples are available from the new Indicator Series knob line, which has been engineered to be versatile, durable, and easy to use. Indicator knobs are available in glossy and satin finishes, have either a line or slot for indicating setting,...

Power transmission catalog.(Free Stuff!)
October 1, 2003... This 26-page catalog features information on bearing, component, coupling, and gearing products. Bearing products include ball, roller, spherical, aircraft, and needle models. Component products include V-drives, clutches, chains, and...

O-ring material guide.(Free Stuff!)
October 1, 2003... A new guide provides information on O-ring compounds, engineering tools, and gland designs and offers sizing charts. Dozens of O-ring compounds are described including EPDM, NBR, and HNBR materials and FFKM elastomers. Separate tables list...

Power product book with CD.(Free Stuff!)
October 1, 2003... A new data book has been designed to be a quick reference for power products ranging from transformers and inductors to dc/dc converters, ac/dc and dc/dc power supplies, and front end rectifiers. It has product descriptions and a summary of key...

Nitrogen gas spring brochure.(Free Stuff!)
October 1, 2003... This new brochure details T3 Series nitrogen gas springs, which are designed to combine the highest force and shiniest height possible to reduce cost per ton by as much as 60 percent. The brochure provides information on dimensions, mounting...

Optoelectronics cure medical ills.(End notes: the last word)
October 1, 2003... Some of the latest electronic medical equipment relies upon sensors to convert optical and mechanical stimuli into electrical form. Many of these designs need sensors that are highly reliable, small in size, packaged with surface-mount...

Dilbert.(End notes: the last word)
October 1, 2003... WE'RE THE LEAST EXPENSIVE VENDOR UNLESS YOUR REQUIREMENTS CHANGE MID-PROJECT. SO... I'LL GET FIRED IF I DON'T SELECT THE LOWEST BID, OR I'LL BE FIRED LATER WHEN THE BILLS FOR CHANGE ORDERS POUR IN. I PREFER TO BE FIRED MID-PROJECT....