Universal Air Filter Adds Flex-Frames to Free Prototyping Service

FLUID POWER:  In response to the overwhelming success and positive feedback of Universal Air Filter’s prototyping service for its Windowpane product line, the custom designer of air filters has added production capabilities to its Flex-Frame filter assembly model. Now, mechanical, product design engineers and industrial designers can utilize the new, Flex-Frame prototyping service for free in conjunction with the 3-D CAD downloads available at www.uaf.com.Flex-Frame models allow the design engineers to select the number of openings and intermediates needed in their filter design, which can be downloaded into any 3-D modeling software package such as SolidWorks or ProEngineer. Once the designers download the model into their product assembly to check the fit and possible interference points, they can submit a free prototype request online, by e-mail or by phone. Universal Air Filter will then create a custom prototype and ship it to the designer within a few days at no charge.

Universal Air Filter recently added a new laser cutting operation to its manufacturing capabilities, allowing its engineers to produce Flex-Frame prototypes within a few days, and as a result, reducing the entire Flex-Frame prototyping sequence. A design engineer looking to test UAF’s complimentary, round-the-clock prototype service for Flex-Frames or any other product can visit www.uaf.com. The prototype service provides design engineers with assistance in meeting critical design, testing and evaluation deadlines for air filter media. It also allows them to physically fit-check a real part against the 3D assembly to ensure design, fit, function and tolerance stack-ups.

UAF’s Flex-Frames air filters are ideal for use in air filter applications that require the filter to “snake” around jutting components or conform to a radius-type bezel. The Flex-Frame is designed for electronics equipment that cannot accept a rigid air filter frame because of internal chassis obstructions or the necessity to follow a curved track. Flex-Frame filters are available with Quadrafoam filter media in various pore sizes (20 through 45 PPI green and 10 through 80 PPI gray or black), and various thicknesses (.125 to 1.00 inches). Frame thicknesses range from .03 to .12 inches. A solvent-resistant, two-part epoxy bonding material is used to securely unite frame and filter media making them inseparable. These frames use flexible, flame retardant, polypropylene plastic frames that meet the stringent filtration and UL 94 flammability requirements of Telcordia NEBS, CE and UL.

Universal Air Filter products are RoHS Compliant and meet the following standards and classifications:  UL 94 HF-1, ATCA, UL 900 Class 2, CE, Telcordia, NEBS GR-78-CORE and GR-63-CORE, micro TCA and ETSI.

- Edited by Liz Taurasi