Product Design & Development articles from September 2003

Product Design & Development archives from September 2003

Precision components for OEMs.
September 1, 2003... Complex metal-formed components can be produced for applications requiring fast startup, accuracy, and controlled costs. This inlet cowl for a large jet engine is a typical example. It is manufactured using hydroforming, a triple-acting...

Global power connectors.
September 1, 2003... A new range of EPIC pin and sleeve connectors includes Multimax (shown) and Ulysse devices. Multimax connectors can he assembled in less than 20 seconds to reduce installation costs, and pre-wired Ulysse interlocked switched socket outlets can...

Proportional valves.
September 1, 2003... EVP Series valves boast long life, low power, rugged design, and fast response. They provide control of air or gas flow and vary the output flow based on the current input to the solenoid. Consistent gain provides a high degree of control....

3D mechanical design software.
September 1, 2003... SolidWorks 2004 accelerates large assembly processing and automates hundreds of tedious tasks. For instance, it allows users to generate a BOM for an entire project in a single operation. Its "Deform" command provides a way to stretch and pull...

Installation simplifier.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... The EZ-SCP Easy Mount bracket assembly is designed to simplify installation of SCP Series speed switches, saving time and expense in designing, machining, and installing additional mounting brackets. The assembly is coupled directly to the...

To detect and protect.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... The Type 8181 Buoyancy Level Switch is built to detect levels and switch pumps, valves, PLC relays, and alarms. Applications include level control, minimum and maximum level monitoring, leak detection, pump protection, and overfill protection....

Sensing in small spaces.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... This ultra-low profile 8-mm Flat-Pack inductive sensor is designed for easy mounting in small spaces. Flat and narrow, the unit mounts using a single front-accessible, through-bore screw and requires 4 mm of mounting depth. Designed using...

Spray any way.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... The SV1217 spray valve is designed to provide a finely controlled spray for low- to medium-viscosity fluids and coatings. The spray pattern can be configured by a combination of stroke-restrictor adjustment at the top of the valve, changing the...

Long-range measurement.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... QT50U Series programmable ultrasonic sensors feature an extended sensing range of up to 8 m. The units are available in both analog and discrete models and incorporate an advanced microprocessor design for reliable sensing at long distances...

Weight control.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... The Model 1310 indicator/controller is designed as a flexible weighing and process control solution that can be integrated seamlessly into all major industrial networks. Users are able to control and monitor any weight based process, display...

Color and coating in one.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... Including such colors as candy apple red, painted desert, and silver chrome, Imagio resin-plus-coating technology provides a range of colors and special soft-feel effects for plastic product design. The technology involves using a two-step...

Well-rounded choices.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... The CR Series of panel-mount rocker switches features a round actuator and body suitable for small and large appliances, office equipment, computers, and peripherals. The switches have a wide choice of actuator styles; they are available with...

Aligned with precision.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... A new low-cost series of right angle 3mm PC board LED indicators is suitable for applications requiring the precise alignment of status indicators. With rugged housings and sturdy pins, these LEDs withstand the stress of automated position...

Fiber-optic feedthroughs.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... Seal-Connect hermetically sealed fiber-optic bulkhead feedthroughs are available in ST and FC configurations in both permanent and non-permanent versions. Once installed, permanent models require one side to remain connected in order to...

Powder coating for fasteners.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... This new line of fused-on powder coatings for fastener heads meets GM 4383 M specifications. The powder coatings are said to form a consistent and durable coating that prevents metal-to-metal contact and provides wear resistance. They also...

Hybrid stepping motor.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... Designed as an alternative to traditional 1.8-degree stepping motors, this 0.9-degree stepping motor is engineered to deliver optimum performance in contemporary medical equipment and other applications that demand sensitive position control....

Reworkable capillary underfill.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... A new capillary underfill product enables chip scale package assemblers to rework defective components after curing has occurred. The XE 1217 reworkable capillary underfill is designed for chip scale packaging or ball grid array high-volume...

Air conditioner for enclosures.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... The 1000 Blu/hr Cabinet Cooler is a way to eliminate electronic control downtime that can result from high temperatures, dirt, and moisture. This compact air conditioner has the cooling capacity to stabilize temperature in medium-sized...

Miniature diaphragm valves.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... Model DV22 micro-volume diaphragm valves are designed for trouble-free use in applications requiring minimal maintenance and maximum lifetime. They are suitable for the process industry, automated lab analyzers, and continuous monitoring...

System with no guide troughs.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... The new Auto-Glide system allows Energy Chain cable carriers to glide on themselves throughout long travels without guide troughs. This system is for the E4 modular line of Energy Chains, allowing travels up to 328 ft without a guide trough....

Knob captive screws.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... Prism Series colored knob captive screws feature a stylized overmolded knob that can be customized to virtually any color to match an application's styling scheme. The captive screws use a UL94V-O rated composite material to add color and...

Treated polyethylene.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... Standard polyethylene products can be upgraded in a post-molded crosslinking process that is consistent with the performance expectations of more expensive thermal-set products. The electron beam-processed crosslinked materials maintain...

Integrated FEM/FEA package.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... Release 8.0 of LapFEA for Windows 95/98/NT features added control of the free-edge drawing option to aid in locating model cracks. It also offers simplified viewing of complex wire mesh representations. In addition, there is a new quad splitter...

Slit and gate valve doors.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... UHP (uhra-high purity) slit valve and gate valve doors feature fluorocarbon or perfluorinated elastomer seals chemically bonded to aluminum or steel. Installed in semiconductor or processing equipment, these doors are engineered to reduce...

High-strength fasteners.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... MP98T fasteners are manufactured from the MP98T superalloy, recently developed to provide a combination of strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. MP98T fasteners offer users a minimum tensile strength of 180 ksi. Typical fracture...

Barrel hardware clamps.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... Four new barrel hardware designs are available in zinc-plated or all-stainless versions. They boast a low latch profile and sleek design, making them suitable for applications where space constraints prohibit the use of standard T-bolt clamps....

Self-clinching panel fasteners.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... Two new types of self-clinching panel fasteners are designed to enable easy access to components subsequent to assembly. Both types are suitable for attaching thin metal panels and feature a captive-screw design to keep hardware to a minimum,...

Bi-metal thermostats.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... TL Series thermostats feature a wide temperature control range and are factory calibrated to user specifications with either fixed or adjustable settings. Their broad temperature range makes them suitable for heating control in a variety...

Linear actuators for medical applications.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... A new series of Smart M-Digit brushless motor linear actuators consists of an integral programmable controller that includes a full 32-bit PID motion control system. This programming environment allows the user to configure Smart M-Digit...

Fasteners for plastic applications.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2003... The Avdel Rivscrew PL is a proprietary speed fastening product developed specifically for hard and soft plastic assembly requirements. Using the Avdel 753 installation tool, these coarse-threaded blind fasteners can be applied at the rate of 60...

Putting together all the pieces.(Materials)
September 1, 2003... When ThermoFab of Shirley, MA, was tapped to thermoform a housing for the second-generation CO2 Heart Laser, the company sought a material with an unusual combination of physical properties. Why? First, the machine had to be about 60 percent...

New bearings for pump applications.(Power Transmission)
September 1, 2003... Explorer angular contact ball bearings have been designed to enable pump designers and manufacturers to add value to their products by increasing service life and reducing warranty claims. They are engineered to withstand the toughest operating...

Composite gear silences trouble.(Power Transmission)
September 1, 2003... When a major OEM customer of a small electric motor complained about excessive noise, the motor manufacturer replaced a metal gear on the first stage of the gear head with a machined Nylon 6 gear. The plastic gear reduced noise, but it also...

Rare earth magnet brushless motors.(Power Transmission)
September 1, 2003... New 2.25-in. bonded rare earth magnet brushless motors, which are designed to offer low EMI and quiet operation, can be used in variable-speed applications. The integral electronics feature digital closed-loop speed control with current...

Bearings for upgrading centrifugal pumps.(Power Transmission)
September 1, 2003... New pump bearings are designed to provide quick and easy solutions for upgrading centrifugal pumps to meet ANSI+ standards without the time-consuming and costly modifications typically associated with upgrades. Their design and performance are...

Expanded presence in the military.(Interconnects)
September 1, 2003... The high density PHD 38999 is an expansion of a harsh environment fiber-optic connector portfolio for military, aerospace, and harsh environment applications. The new unit is based on the LC ceramic ferrule used in commercial interconnects. The...

Wired for the outdoors.(Interconnects)
September 1, 2003... The WVL Series of wire-to-wire connectors is designed to meet all UL requirements for use outdoors for solar panel, applications. These weatherproof connectors are engineered for extreme moisture and ultraviolet exposure. The receptacle half...

Flexible printed circuits help handhelds.(Interconnects)
September 1, 2003... Engineered to provide a secure method of making PC board connections, new 6298 Series low-pin-count, low-profile flexible printed circuits (FPC) are designed for use in handheld electronics applications. The circuits feature a front-hinged...

Using the minimum for the maximum.(Encoders)
September 1, 2003... The 2.5-in. CoreTech C125 Series incremental encoder is designed to offer users simplicity and reliability in motion control applications. The unit is available with incremental counts ranging from 1 to 8,192 ppr. With the C125, alignment of...

Device suitable where noise is high.(Encoders)
September 1, 2003... The latest addition to the Accu-Coder line of absolute encoders is the Model 9601 Thru-Bore. Along with its mate, the Model 926. it is designed for user-friendliness. Boasting a thin profile, a variety of bore sizes, and a flexible mounting...

Unit handles large axial movement.(Encoders)
September 1, 2003... RHS15 Series incremental optical encoders feature modular technology and have an integral bearing system that handles large axial and radial shaft movement. They are compatible with resolutions up to 1.250 cycles per revolution. Renco...

Hybrid external linear actuator.(Encoders)
September 1, 2003... This Size 14 hybrid external linear actuator has a rotating acme stainless steel lead screw incorporated into the motor's rotor. Shaft to lead screw couplers are not needed with this design. In addition, the unit can replace four different...

Control switch relay.(Encoders)
September 1, 2003... The Series 24 control switch relay provides both manual and supervisory control of power circuit breakers. Configurable for various power industry applications, it combines the functions of a control switch and a remote controlled solenoid. No...

Connectorized communication cords.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... A line of fully connectorized communication cords can be used in harsh environments. Originally designed for military use, the cords are manufactured with a polyurethane jacket and come pre-assembled with all appropriate contacts and connectors...

Magnetically shielded power inductors.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... High-current surface-mount power inductors provide a variety of sizes and values for increased current flexibility and versatility. The PM7232S, PM10385, PM12639S, PM12645S, PM12651S, PM13560S, PM13656S, and PM13666S, available in 7, 10, 12,...

Pancake shaped springs.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... A line of pancake shaped "machined" springs can be used as small, single-piece componentry. The compression spring pictured holds a reflective mirror in a high wattage industrial laser machining application and also functions as a...

High-speed CMOS digital imaging system.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... The PCI-based MotionPro high-speed digital imaging system is designed for capturing high-speed events on a production line and delivering digital images directly into a PC for slow motion analysis and documentation. Offering recording...

Programmable interface for DC fans.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... SmartFan Cirrus is a compact, microprocessor-based interface designed for the electronics, industrial, and HVAC control markets. It offers an off-the-shelf, user-programmable interface for dc fans. It can control the speed of, and monitor...

Robotics rebirth: thanks to improved hardware and software, industrial robotics are making a comeback on the factory floor.(Real-World Engineering)
September 1, 2003... When the first industrial robots were introduced in the 1970s, manufacturers eagerly embraced the automated workhorses only to find that they were loaded with design flaws, difficult to use, and prohibitively expensive. Realizing something had...

Molded cordsets for industrial applications.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... NEMA 5-20P cordsets are for equipment rated up to 20 A with service at 125 Vac with UL listing and CSA certification. These Interpower cordsets are available with 2.5 m of 3 x 12 AWG, SJT cable. Applications include power servers, disc drive...

Adhesive for e-cores.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... Multi-Cure 621-VT is a one-component adhesive designed to provide strong bridge bonds that cure in 1-10 seconds upon exposure to the BlueWave 200 spot light curing system. It is one of several new light- and activator-curing adhesives...

Modular safety system.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... PNOZmulti is a new modular safety system made up of the PNOZmlp basic device and a range of enhancement modules. It is suitable for safety applications of medium complexity and provides optimum coverage between 4 and 14 safety functions. ...

Industrial relays.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... OEG PCN Series relays have a 5-ram-wide design that permits high-density spacing on PC boards. The relays have a 1-form-A contact arrangement and are suitable for applications in industrial automation including control panels, I/O panels, and...

Switchmode transformer.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... A printed circuit mount transformer for ac to dc converter applications, the SPP-3006 is designed to be used in conjunction with the TNY255 TinySwitch integrated offline switching power supply chip. Such applications involve inputs of 85 to 265...

Embedded computer.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... This new PC/104 Plus module has been designed for higher-end applications requiring extended temperature operation. Part of the Jaguar line of embedded processors, it's rated for operation from -40[degrees]C to +85[degrees]C. It measures 3.9 x...

EMC expansion components.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... Timonta EMC components, high-current filters, and chokes are being added to a line of power entry products that includes various types of ac connectors and multi-function power entry modules with or without in-line filters. These Timonta...

Analog switches for high-speed applications.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... A new series of n-channel enhancement mode DMOS analog switches has been designed for high-speed switching applications requiring very low "on" resistance and low capacitance. These ultra-fast switches promise accuracy, speed, and...

Foam packaging.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... A new temperature-activated foam packaging solution is designed from thermochromatic Volara. Packaging can be fabricated from cross-linked, closed-cell polyolefin foam that changes color when exposed to certain temperatures. The foam can...

Epoxy resin system.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... EP51FL is a new two-component, highly flexible epoxy resin system designed for high performance bonding. It has a 1:1 mix ratio, weight, or volume. It cures at room temperature and has a setup time of 30-40 minutes. Cure speeds can be...

Seamless porous metal tubes.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... A series of porous metal tubes is produced by isostatically pressing powdered metal in specially designed molds. The result is a seamless tube structure that is then sintered to form rigid porous filter tubes. The tubes are available in up...

Customizable thermistors and probes.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... CS Series thermistors and probes are negative temperature coefficient units that can be modified or custom designed. They have virtually unlimited options in materials, configurations, connections, lead types, and lengths. The units are...

Line reactor with inductive filter.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... The SLR line reactor is a cULus listed and CE marked DIN rail-mounted line reactor. The unit is designed to improve speed of integration into existing and new systems. The SLR's inductive filter prevents damage to any three-phase...

Antimicrobial rubber compounds.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... A new line of antimicrobial heat-cured rubber compounds is designed to help solve cleaning challenges in food processing, packaging, medical, industrial, and other applications prone to microbial growth. Called Elastoguard, these patented...

Sensors Expo & Conference * Sept. 22-25 * Anaheim Convention Center * Anaheim, CA.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2003... The fall edition of the Sensors Expo & Conference is set to take place Sept. 22-25 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The show features the latest wireless sensor networks, smart solutions and intelligent systems, MEMS and microsystem...

Extending range of vision.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2003... The CDC-200, a digital CMOS-based CDC camera, extends the range of vision applications with faster frame rates and global shuttering capabilities The CDC-200 can accommodate mixed-resolution applications using a configurable ROI (region of...

Making smarter cameras.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2003... The CVS-1454 compact vision system is engineered to make cameras smarter by extending the power of LabView into low-cost, rugged machine vision applications. The system features three IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ports for connectivity to a variety of...

Low noise and high speed.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2003... This low-noise, high-speed CMOS operational amplifier (op amp) is a voltage-feedback device designed for 16-bit resolution systems. It is said to be the first product to be manufactured using the new HPA07 precision analog process. High...

Fully sealed and shaft driven.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2003... This fully sealed harsh environment panel potentiometer is a shaft-driven sensor that can be used in both position feedback and operator input (panel) applications. The assembly offers a very slim design with low electrical noise performance...

Assembly Technology Expo * Sept. 22-25 * Donald E. Stephens Convention Center * Rosemont, IL.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2003... The 24th annual Assembly Technology Expo takes place Sept. 22-25 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The show is billed as a showcase of the newest technology, ideas, and solutions needed to optimize assembly...

Synchronized motion.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2003... The Automation 3200, a next-generation motion, vision, and I/O system, is billed as having the world's first high-performance software-only controller that offers 32 axes of synchronized motion control. Capable of 32 axes of synchronized motion...

Rated for extremes.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2003... Series 28 universal photoelectric sensors are available in diffused mode with background suppression and in polarized retro-reflective mode with foreground suppression. Features include adjustable sensitivity, high-intensity LEDs visible from...

Common form factor.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2003... The S50 photoelectric sensor line has been developed to ease installation and streamline inventory with one form factor that accommodates both tubular and block-style mounting. The line offers 15 different sensor models--all in a standard 18 mm...

Tools for robotic applications.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2003... This application-specific function package offers the robot end-effectors and accessories necessary for many key lab automation applications. The suite of products includes servo and pneumatic grippers, microplate handling fingers, tool...

Honeycomb vent panels.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... MaxAir is a new" vent panel product line that promises increased airflow, dent resistance, and EMI protection. Unlike traditional metal honeycomb, MaxAir vent panels are constructed of nickel/copper-plated polymeric honeycomb, which is...

Multi-function grip handle.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... A multi-function grip handle designed for the demands of the off-road industry, the MFGS3 can incorporate five momentary switches and two optional rockers. The complete assembly consists of housing, cable, and momentary and rocker switches with...

Scanner/meter for common thermocouple types.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... The DP1000 Series is a thermocouple scanner/ meter that handles common temperature display applications. It is a general purpose unit designed for simplicity, reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. The scanner/meter is factory calibrated...

Connection and control solution.(New Products)
September 1, 2003... Smart Coupling Technology is a fluid connection and control method that provides critical data used to achieve control of fluid connections in biopharmaceutical, medical, chemical handling, and printing applications. It draws on established...

Metal domes evolve to meet new demands.(Consumer Electronics)
September 1, 2003... Today's metal dome arrays deliver significant benefits for engineers designing next-generation equipment. In fact, a variety of technical improvements over the hand-assembled arrays of the past has led to the use of millions of domes in...

Shock and vibration sensor catalog.(Free Stuff!)
September 1, 2003... This new catalog features products for the measurement of vibration, acceleration, shock, and acoustics, which are backed by a satisfaction guarantee. Shock and vibration sensor applications range from the monitoring of slight seismic motions...

Caster specification guide.(Free Stuff!)
September 1, 2003... The World in Motion is a catalog that features product specifications and selection criteria for casters. The caster families featured include products for furniture, chairs, hospital beds, shopping carts, store equipment, food and beverage...

Medical component manual.(Free Stuff!)
September 1, 2003... This 332-page catalog on medical components features more than 2,400 parts shown in full-size color photographs. More than 200 new items, including gas and IV filters, nonliuer fittings, oxygen diluters, parallel tube connectors, stainless...

Nitrogen gas spring CD-ROM.(Free Stuff!)
September 1, 2003... A CAD template CD-ROM for nitrogen gas springs includes product literature on not only nitrogen gas springs but also metric air cylinders and hydraulic core pin cylinders. It is available in pdf format. The product literature is accompanied by...

Samples of new caps and plugs.(Free Stuff!)
September 1, 2003... Samples are available of static dissipative MSS Series caps and plugs designed to provide ESD protection for electrical and electronic connectors. Made from a static dissipative polyethylene material, the caps and plugs provide a consistent...

Sensor reference guide.(Free Stuff!)
September 1, 2003... This new catalog on sensors and accessories contains information on hundreds of new products designed for automation challenges. The catalog is organized by product category so that engineers can quickly turn to data and specifications for...