Product Design & Development articles from September 2007

Product Design & Development archives from September 2007

Expanding your control.(First Look)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Crystek now offers their CVCO55CW-0100-0200, a wider-ranging VCO that can operate from 100--200 MHz with a control voltage range of 0~5 volts. Additional features include a typical phase noise of -108 dBc/Hz @ 10KHz...

Added sensitivity over the long haul.(First Look)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pepperl+Fuchs introduces their MLV41 series of photoelectric sensors, which they feel can provide a compact, more rugged unit for long-range sensing in low temperature settings. Features include: * Availability...

Greater thermal response from snap-in design.(First Look)
September 1, 2007... Spectrum Sensors and Controls introduces their snap-in temperature sensor with a special clip design that allows it to more accurately monitor air temperature within an enclosure. According to the company, the alternative of surface-mounting a...

Enhancements aid prototyping/manufacturing speed, accuracy.(First Look)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stratasys has announced a series of upgrades for their FDM 400mc[TM]: * Hardware and software updates that have improved accuracy in the form of smoother head movements, precise head positioning and consistent...

Going full circle in tough environments.(First Look)
September 1, 2007... Duncan Electronics recently unveiled their 9360 Non-Contacting Rotary Dual Output Hall Effect Sensor. Features include: * Duncan's second generation Hall-effect chip with 360-degree rotational capabilities. * A compression-molded,...

A better sense of temperature.(First Look)
September 1, 2007... The F2020 Series OMEGAFILM[R] Platinum Thin Film is a new RTD Element offering for OEM Applications, which Omega feels will offer the best quality for the price. According to the company, these new units are equal in accuracy to many wire-wound...

Thinner and with less wasted energy.(First Look)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New from Nextreme is their nanostructured thin film TEG[TM] (thermoelectric generator) that actually harvests and converts waste heat into electricity. Features of the the solid state TEG include: * According to...

A tough lesson from an unusual source.(At Issue)
September 1, 2007... When referencing Asian countries for lessons learned in the manufacturing realm, it's usually with the intent of discussing positive operational methods like Kaizan, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, etc. Or, in other instances, those in financial...

The truth about compressed air! If you think compressed air is too expensive and noisy--read this. The facts will surprise you!
September 1, 2007... 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:...

Good vibrations explode onto scene.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wilcoxon Research now manufactures a range of sensors rated for operation in hazardous areas. The sensors have obtained the Intrinsic Safety (IS) certification and can be used where flammable or explosive materials...

Spin me right round baby, right round.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The GP 22 S and GP 32 S gear heads from maxon motors are adjusted for spindles and designed to withstand high loads. Standard spindles are available in 3 types: metric, trapeze and spherical rotating. The spindles are available in steel or...

A high-power contact.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Anderson Power Products now offers the high power (45 A) printed circuit board (PCB) connector and contact series, which is suitable for applications that require high power connections to a PCB. The high-power connector and contact: * Can...

New 401 investment opportunity.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Humphrey now offers its 401 Series direct-acting micro solenoid valves that offer a poppet design. The valves are 10 mm wide, have a 5-port, 4-way configuration, and are available as a single solenoid. The valves also feature: * A low AC...

Express board is port plentiful.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sealevel Systems Inc. has pioneered the COMM+16.PCle, a serial I/O adapter designed for the new PCI Express bus design. The COMM+16.PCIe includes: * A PCI Express serial I/O adapter with 16 high-speed RS-232...

T10: robot or timing belt.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... BRECOflex CO. LLC introduces a new timing belt connection technology to be utilized withT10 and AT10 pitch timing belts (DC version). According to the company, the mechanical connection system is designed for easy and rapid timing belt assembly...

Straight from the can.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... FAC Series modular adapter connectors from Canfield Connector are made to conform to industry standard configurations and provide rapid installation, according to the company. The solenoid connectors interface female ISO, MINI and Sub-Micro...

Game on.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... ON Semiconductor has introduced the NUS3116, an integrated charging and power switching circuit for small form factor portable electronics. The circuit combines main battery switch, wall charging switch and USB charging switch elements into a...

Stand together or stand alone.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GE Fanuc Automation has announced the availability of the new VersaMotion AC Servo Motors and Amplifiers, a family of motion controllers that can be combined with the VersaMax Micro for low-end position control...

A range of stainless steel.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Binder-USA has developed stainless steel M12 threaded sockets. The new sockets, in addition to Binder's 763 Series, provide users with a range of stainless steel connectors with an electromagnetic interference protected connection. The...

Hybrid sensor structures.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Keyence has announced that the CZ-V20 Series sensors integrate illumination optics and receiver circuitry in the sensor head. The new hybrid structure provides enhanced detection with improved stability, according to the company. The CZ-V, as...

Brushless motor technology.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Baldor's BMC Series of controls now gives designers brushless technology for adjustable speed applications, boasting of quieter operation, less maintenance, tight speed regulation and a more efficient design, according to the company. Baldor's...

More chips in panel PC basket.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The newest member of the Advantech panel PC product line, PPC-155T, is equipped with a 15" thin-film transistor LCD panel, Intel[R] Pentium[R] M/Celeron[R] M CPU and 855 GME chipset. The PPC-155T supports dual LAN,...

After further review: FEA and multiphysics software platforms offer new functionality aimed at familiar advantages--cutting development times and costs.(Cover story)
September 1, 2007... If there's one thing that all design engineers can agree on, it's the ever-present need to slash their time-to-market and control costs, both in the development and manufacturing stages. These are the main benefits offered by a host of FEA...

Life extension.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tri-Mack introduces Maxton[R] H-3, a thermoplastic friction/wear material for producing journal and plane bearings, vanes, seals, thrust washers, piston rings and related parts. Providing up to 10 times the life of...

Good thing, small package.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] OSRAM Opto Semiconductors has developed a small, surface-mountable high-power laser for continuous wave (cw) mode. The laser includes: * A 6.0 X 4.5 [mm.sup.2] footprint. * A 2.5 K/W thermal resistance. ...

Enhanced pressure monitoring.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Series 1500 transducers and transmitters from PCB Piezotronics offer pressure-monitoring capabilities. Features include: * An all-welded, stainless steel construction. * The elimination of mechanical fasteners, washers, O-rings and...

Bearing in mind ...(New Products)
September 1, 2007... To protect the "rolling ring" bearings in Uhing linear drives from undue wear resulting from radial forces, Amacoil now offers a linear bearing slide option on drive assemblies. According to the company, the linear slide load carrier is...

Lens finder.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Edmund Optics introduces as online tool for finding the video lens that best matches imaging application needs. The tool: * Allows customers to specify lens characteristics and finds suitable matches among Edmund Optics' lens system...

Triple output.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Calex Manufacturing. Co. presents its LT Series triple output DC/DC converterswith: * 3 fully independent and regulated output voltages in a single package--the 3 outputs are rated for a maximum of 10A. * Output voltages that range...

Fits into tight anatomy.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DePuy Mitek Inc. recently launched the VAPR[R] S50 Radiofrequency Electrode, which uses radio frequency energy to smooth tissue and eliminate jagged edges resulting from the surgical removal of soft tissue in the...

New transistor technology.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Apollo Display Technologies now offers a new range of kitted thin-film transistor (TFT) LCD solutions that include Apollo LCDs and industrial single-board computers (SBCs) from IBASE Technology. Apollo develops TFT LCD systems, consisting of a...

For good measure of pressure.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... According to Sensor Products Inc., its Pressurex[R] is a tactile pressure-indicating sensor film that can quickly and accurately reveal the distribution and magnitude of pressure between any 2 contacting, mating or impacting surfaces. Users can...

Single jogger.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new B5V-1422 disk jog switch from Omron Electronic Components LLC gives users a single user interface to scroll through lists and make choices. Combined with a rotational jog feature are 5 tactile selector...

Short-stroke linear motion.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SKF miniature slides from SKF USA deliver high carrying capacity, smooth motion and precision guidance for linear motion applications requiring short strokes, according to the company. The miniature slides feature:...

Shockingly resistant.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Endicott Research Group's SE/SE2 and E20011 Series inverters for cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL)-backlit LCDs are vacuum-encapsulated to provide reliability and resistance to shock, vibration and humidity. The inverters operate at...

These pipes are clean.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... RathGibson now produces Super Duplex 2507[R] tubing and pipe that offers both stress corrosion cracking resistance and formability. The Super Duplex 2507 includes: * A composition of 25 percent chromium and 7 percent nickel. * A...

Curing a case of the jitters.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Bliley Technologies has announced the NV45Q ovenized crystal oscillator or OCXO Series, featuring Stratum III stability performance, low jitter and low-profile packaging for telecom network applications. According to the company, the NV45Q OCXO...

Pb-free & roHs-compliant.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... American Bright Optoelectronics has announced that the expansion of its photo interrupter and reflective sensor offering includes off-the-shelf components and a custom-tailored, application-specific capability. With 100 percent Pb-free RollS...

I-Force family flourishes.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Parker's Electromechanical Automation Division introduces the Trilogy I-Force positioners, the T1D and the T1S. Key features include: * An I-Force ironless linear motor design. * A 110 Series motor. * An aluminum base with...

Smaller DC blowers.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... AMETEK's Minijammer[R] brushless DC blowers feature: * A diameter of 5.0" (127 mm). * An overall total length of 3.0" * An output pressure up to 13.5" in water. * Flow rates up to 35.3 CFM. * 12/24-VDC blowers as standard...

Eliminates component manipulation.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Ruland now offers stepped bore couplings with standard keyways in each bore. The couplings' 2-piece style allows assembly and disassembly without moving other components. The couplings include: * Opposing hardware for balance--allowing...

Non-contact detection.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Novotechnik introduces the RSC 2800 Series of noncontacting rotary sensors; Measurement angles are determined by detecting the variation in the orientation of a magnetic field due to a magnet attached to the shaft. The custom circuitry performs...

Flush-head studs.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... According to PennEngineering, its PEM[R]Type FH4[TM] self-clinching flush-head studs can be installed permanently in stainless steel sheets as thin as .040" (1 mm) and help contribute to thinner, lighter stainless designs. The flush-head studs...

More accurate air flow.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The ST50 Flow Meter Series from Fluid Components International offers a +/- 1 percent accuracy configuration for line sizes from 2" to 24" (51 to 610 am). Features include: * An air flow range from 1 to 125 SFPS...

3 different analog outputs.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... ASM Sensors Inc. introduces its new PTAS2 Inclinometer Series with ranges from _+15[degrees] to [+ or 0] 180[degrees] in an IP68-rated stainless steel housing. The latest addition to the POSITILT[R] family, the inclinometer also features: ...

Crooked compensation.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Spherical roller bearings from SKF USA offer a self-aligning capability to compensate for misalignment between shaft and housing, or shaft deflection without increasing friction or reducing bearing life. The roller bearings include: * 2...

Look for the bear necessities.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... MRC Bearing Services has developed a coating for Marathon[R] cast-iron mounted bearing units that promotes long-term resistance to corrosion. The coating covers all housing surfaces and insert bearings to offer protection in rotating equipment...

User-programmable encoders.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SICK STEGMANN introduces the DiCoder[R] CKS 36 programmable motor feedback system. According to the company, features of the user-programmable encoders include: * A resolution up to 2,048 pulses per revolution...

Solderless termination.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... RIA CONNECT Inc. recently released the ASMO1Y spring contact for printed circuit board connections. The contact is a single-pole, vibration-resistant, surface-mount device, which allows for solderless termination. According to the company, its...

Limited space switches.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Honeywell introduces the 91MCE Series of miniature limit switches with a miniature package size and smaller footprint. Designed to fit into applications in which space is limited, the 91MCE's 20-mm mounting pattern meets most globally accepted...

Maximum override.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Peter Paul Electronics Co. now offers manual override for its line of Series 80 large orifice solenoid valves. Valves can be fully opened and closed while de-energized, whether under pressure or not. The manual override is used to actuate...

In the loop.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... OTEK Corp. has introduced the new NQL Series of loop-powered instruments, which meet NRC requirements for nuclear power plants under Article 10CFR50-B. The NQL Series is comprised of 8 models that accept 4 to 20 or 10 to 50 mA input, and...

Building optimum manufacturabilitv into designs.(Software Suite)
September 1, 2007... The initial decision about which material and manufacturing processes to use for a particular part is a very important one. Whether the choice is metals, ceramics, plastics or some other material,.decisions on part manufacturing should start...

Free autodesk AliasStudio 2008 software tutorials.(Software Suite)
September 1, 2007... Autodesk recently unveiled the latest version of its AliasStudio Personal Learning Edition software, a special version of the company's AliasStudio 2008 software with free access to the products for non-commercial use. The AliasStudio 2008 PLE...

Production scheduling programs that facilitate direct digital manufacturing.(Software Suite)
September 1, 2007... Stratasys recently introduced Insight[TM] v. 6.0--an enhanced version of its pre-processing software. This version of Insight now contains two key production scheduling programs for direct digital manufacturing: FDM TEAM, which is a paid...

Setting pace with CoCreate OneSpace.(Software Suite)
September 1, 2007... Agilent Technologies' liquid chromatography/ mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry systems are an example of leading technologies that being called upon more and more to solve every day problems. So with a focus on speed...

FreeDimension1.2 enhanced 3D design software with new modules.(Software Suite)
September 1, 2007... Creator of the freeform 3D surface modeler FreeDimension, FreeDesign, Inc. recently unveiled FreeDimension1.2, along with two optional modules, which altogether offer users a full array of professional design tools. According to the company,...

Board space savings.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... BlockMaster Electronics has announced a new line of terminal connectors designed for space.saving printed circuit board edge mounting. The CUF Series of female connectors directly connects to a comb edged male connector built on an appropriate...

A safe current channel.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... According to Electro Static Technology, its new AEGIS iPRO[TM] shaft grounding ring can safely channel harmful shaft currents away from bearings to ground. Specially designed for high-current applications, the rings are ideal for protecting...

A step above.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... According to Nippon Pulse, the company has launched a NEMA size 8 hybrid stepper motor that produces high speed and torque in a sub-miniature, RoHS-compliant package. Features of the lightweight motor include: * Execution of 1.8[degrees]...

New locating pin styles.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Misumi USA Inc. announces the introduction of new locating pin styles for jigs and fixtures. The locating pins feature: * A broad size and style range, such as round or diamond shapes, with or without a shoulder, for set screw or nut...

Energy absorption measurement.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Instron now offers the Dynatup 9250, designed to measure energy absorption and related impact properties of polymers, metals, composites and resulting final components. The Dynatup 9250 drop tower features: *...

Limiting vibration.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Pepperl+Fuchs introduces Vibracon LVL-B Series vibration limit switches. According to the company, Vibracon LVL-B Series sensors are insensitive to material build-up, external vibration and flow noise, and have no mechanical moving parts for...

What's in a number? The right approach to assessing test results can help in determining the right adhesive for a particular design.(Design Analysis)
September 1, 2007... A submission from Adchem Corporation In the world of pressure sensitive adhesives, or PSA's, you will find no shortage of physical property data. Peel strength, shear strength, loop tack and temperature information are all readily...

Thermal resistance.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The new MHP20S Series TO-126 resistor from the TT electronics IRC Advanced Film Division features: * A non-inductive thermal-resistant design rated up to 20W. * Specifications for pin driver use in integrated circuit and board testers....

Flying SOLO.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... AutomationDirect has released its new SOLO[TM] process/temperature controller line. Available in 4 standard DIN sizes (1/4, 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32), each unit is equipped with a dual 4-digit, seven-segment display. SOLO models offer: *...

A 19-pin connector.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The VEAM VSC Series from ITT is a threaded coupling, 19-pin, cylindrical connector. The connectors are sealed to IP67 when mated; have a black, hard anodized, non-conductive finish; and feature a ribbed coupling nut for mating and un-mating....

Ride the wave.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Ansoft Corp. has released Slwave[TM] v3.5, a full-wave electromagnetic field simulator optimized for signal integrity, power-integrity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) analysis of high-speed printed circuit boards (PCBs) and complex...

3 Times less drift.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The WATCOUPLE, a new nonstandard thermocouple from Watlow, is designed to provide more accurate measurements and exhibit 3 times less drift than Type K thermocouples, according to the company. Compared to traditional...

Sponsored by the letter 'Q'.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] STAC6-Q stepper drives, drives utilizing Q programming language from Applied Motion Products, are now available With current output from 0.5 to 3.2 A with 220 VAC input. These drives also provide software selectable...

Call me Kurt.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Kurt Hydraulics now provides a line of more than 1,500 hose coupling types that comply with them RoHS standard. Finished with a RoHS-compliant trivalent chromium-6 free process, Kurt Hydraulics' couplings and adapters have a highly durable...

Hot! Inductive proximity sensors.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Automation Systems Interconnect Inc. has announced a new line of high temperature inductive proximity sensors. The sensors include: * A stainless steel housing. * A design for temperature applications of 140[degrees]C (284[degrees]F)...

The sensor connection.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The M8/M12 connector system from Tyco Electronics provides connection to sensors and related products. The Tyco Electronics range of M8/M12 products comprises the most popular variants of this connector family, enabling versatile systems to be...

Coil integration.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... ETP stainless steel shaft-locking bushings from Zero-Max are designed to lock gears, pulleys, sprockets and other components to a keyless shaft. These RoHS-compliant models provide: * A complete seal. * Handle temperature ranges from...

Flow rate boost.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... With widths of 17 or 21 mm, the universally applicable TC08 and TC15 valves from Bosch Rexroth provide a flow rate of 0.8 [C.sub.v] in theTC08 and up to 1.5 [C.sub.v] in the TC15. Additional product features include: * A polymer valve...

Coil integration.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Parker Fluid Control Division has introduced an integrated coil for its Series 204 and 304 solenoid valves. The patent-pending NEMA 4X coil with rotating conduit hub permits easy installation, according to the company. The valve lines also...

Self-clinching fasteners.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The new PEM[R] SpotFast[TM] stainless steel self-clinching fasteners from PennEnginearing can join 2 metal sheets to create a flush-attachment connection without protrusions on either side, and can serve as alternatives for rivets or welding....

Increased tooth strength.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BRECOflex CO. LLC has introduced a new timing belt design called the ATS 15. The ATS 15's tensile strength is approximately 20 percent higher compared to an AT20 belt and provides increased tooth shear strength in...

A motorized potentiometer.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Spectrum Sensors and Controls introduces its new motorized rotary potentiometer with a 0.906" dia. that includes a special clutch and spring return. The potentiometer is mounted on a 1.313" servomount flange and powered by a Micro M6 motor. The...

A new industrial computer.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Sealevel Systems Inc. introduces its newest addition to the Relio industrial computer line, the Relio R1300 industrial computer powered by an AMD Geode[TM] 500 MHz LX800 processor. The Relio R1300 includes: * Fanless operation over a range...

For vibratory applications.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Metso BEST Inc. now manufactures heavy-duty air-powered-pistons, and rotary-electric vibrators and drives for bins, hoppers, chutes, screeners, vibratory feeders, conveyors, tables and other vibratory applications. All vibrators and drives...

Quick-connect air brakes.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Eaton Corp. recently launched its composite quick-connect (Q-CAB) air brakes[TM] as part of the newly developed Q-CAB 217 Series. According to the company, the 217 Series features: * A composite body for impact resistance. * Air brakes...

A little laser optic sensor.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Keyence has released the LV-S Series of supersmall digital laser optic sensors. According to the company, its unique, proven miniaturization technique has resulted in the design of the world's smallest, high-performance laser sensors. The...

Off-the-shelf touch panels.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Fujitsu Components America Inc. has added 3 new extended temperature range products to its standard off-the-shelf, resistive touch panel offering. The new touch panels feature: * An operating temperature range of -30[degrees]C to...