Fastening, Joining and Assembly

Plastic chain

MWS series plastic chains are designed to be low-wear, friction-resistant, and resistant to bacteria. The line includes top chains, plastic belt chains, and block chains. Sprockets, idler wheels, return rollers, and running rails are also available. Possible applications include conveyors in bottling plants, conveyors where foodstuffs are carried directly on the chain, and frozen food and packing conveyors. Plastic chains are intended to keep mold and bacteria from forming in small damp areas.

Tsubakimoto UK Ltd. , Osier Dr., Sherwood Park, Annesley, Nottingham UK NG15 0DX; FAX: +44 01623 688789.

Sealing elements

NYPLAS™and NYSEAL™sealing elements are intended to replace O-rings, gasket seals, and sealant compounds when preventing leaks. The NYPLAS process applies a Plastisol material under the heads of fasteners, pop-style rivets, and double-ended flanged screws to seal out water, dust, and air. It is also said to dampen noise and reduce rattle. NYSEAL is a pre-applied, permanently-fused sealing element for threaded and unthreaded fasteners. According to the company, it creates a gasket-type seal to prevent leakage of fluids up to 500 psi.

Nylok Fastener Corp. , 15260 Hallmark Dr., Macomb, MI 48042; FAX (516) 678-5783; www.nylok.com .

Electrical enclosures

TK plastic enclosures are designed to offer protection from dust, water jets, and temporary flooding. They have an ingress protection up to IP 67 and metric knockouts for simpler cable fitting allowing between 4 and 42 entries. There are eleven models in the range available in polystyrene and glassfiber reinforced polycarbonate material.

Spelsbergels UK Ltd. , Unit 17, Stafford Park 12, Telford, Shropshire UK TF3 3 3BJ; FAX +44 0 19 52 20 07 25; www.spelsberg.de .

Gasket tape

BG gasket tape is a form-in-place sealant product made with multidirectional 100% pure expanded PTFE, which is said to expand in multiple directions to reduce creep relaxation after compression. Available in three thicknesses, the tape is also said to maintain its original width and profile when compressed, which ensures high gasket stress retention and a tight, long-lasting seal.

W.L. Gore and Associates , 201 Airport Rd., Elkton, MD 21922-4817; FAX (410) 392-4817; www.gore.com .

Air cannon

This company's Ion Air Cannon is said to eliminate static electricity and cleans at distances of up to 15 feet. With no moving parts, the design incorporates the patented Super Air Amplifier, which is said to minimize air use by inducing surrounding airflow at a ratio of 22:1. This design is said to carry ions to the target which reportedly enables the airstream to eliminate static electricity in less than half a second.

Exair , 1250 Century Circle N., Cincinnati, OH 45243-3309; FAX (513) 671-3363; www.exair.com .

Adhesive

TRA-BOND 789-3 is a moisture resistant epoxy adhesive system which is designed to provide excellent moisture resistance for microelectronic applications. It is said to exhibit strong adhesion to metals which are usually difficult to bond such as gold, silver, and copper. The product also reportedly acts as an electrical insulator, and can also be packaged in premixed and frozen syringes.

Tra-Con Inc. , 45 Wiggins Ave., Bedford, MA 01730; FAX (781) 275-9249; www.tra-con.com .

Work support

StayLock®work supports are pneumatically or spring actuated, and rely on a positive metal-to-metal latching mechanism to stay in place. The manufacturer says that the product has a very high load capacity, will not move once activated, and will remain locked even if disconnected from its power source.

Jergens , 15700 S Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, OH 44110; FAX (216) 481-6193; www.jergensinc.com .

Dispenser

The two-component Plus™9 ml Micro Dispenser for adhesives and sealants is de-signed for electronics, home, and industrial use, and is said to precisely place tiny amounts of material. A 1:1 ratio cartridge and choice of mixers is said to eliminate measuring and mess associated with hand mixing of materials from separate containers.

TAH Industries Inc. , 107 N. Gold Dr., Robbinsville, NJ 08691; FAX (609) 259-0957; www.tah.com .

Snap hooks

These multipurpose snap hooks are recommended by the company for light duty marine use, securing cargo to racks, and automotive and home uses. They are made from UV resistant nylon and should not scratch painted or decorated surfaces. Designed to reduce the risk of accidental release, they are available to fit rope diameters of 6.4, 9.5, and 12.7 mm. The hooks range in length from 40.5 to 80.2 mm in widths from 21.4 to 42.1 mm.

Micro Plastics International Ltd. , Unit 2, Henley Industrial Park, Henley Rd., Coventry UK CV2 1SR; FAX +44 02476 614 831; www.microplastics.com .

Hinge

This chrome-plated hinge is designed to enable easy lift-off door removal and replacement or permanent door installation. The lift-off feature is intended to allow unrestricted access to the inside of enclosures. The company recommends it for use on cabinets, enclosures, furniture, doors, panels, lids, and covers in industries such as telecommunications, industrial machinery, medical devices, and HVAC/R.

Southco Europe Ltd., Midway House, Staverton Technology Park, Cheltanham, Glos. UK GL51 6TQ; FAX +44 1452 715490; www.southco.com

Networking cabinet

IMnet 310 is a wall-mounted enclosure recommended by the company as a breakout or distribution cabinet in larger systems, or as a server housing in smaller installations. It is available in heights of 7, 12, and 17U, in depths of 400 and 500 mm. It has a static load rating of 40 kg. The top and bottom covers are ventilated and have a cable entry gland. The front door is reversible, and the units inside can be bayed together side by side or one above the other.

APW Electronics Ltd. , Electron Way, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Hants UK SO534ZR; FAX +44 2380 265126; www.apw1.com .