Product News 12119Product News 12119
February 7, 2000

Flange-mounted clutch brake
The FMCBE flange mounted clutch brake is designed for controlled starts and stops in hostile, dirty environments. Its enclosed design keeps contaminants out while keeping worn friction material in. It is designed to fit NEMA flanged-motor frames up to number 215TC as well as IEC B5 and B14 sizes up to 160 mm. The FMCBE 70-14 flange-mounted, single-piston, clutch-brake combination has static torque ability up to 10 Nm (brake) and 10 Nm (clutch), overhung load capacity up to 32 kg, and an operating speed up to 3,600 rpm.
Nexen Group Inc., 560 Oak Grove Pkwy., Vadnais Heights, MN 55127.
Miniature check valves
695 Series plastic check valves are made from nylon or polypropylene, and are suitable for most liquids and aggressive chemicals. They feature a stainless steel ball and spring, less than one pound cracking pressure, and horizontal or vertical installation. They are available with Buna N, ethylene-propylene, or silicone seals.
Specialty Manufacturing Co., Specialty Industrial Park, 5858 Centerville Rd., St. Paul, MN 55127; FAX (651) 653-0989.
Vibration resistant connectors
These multipole circular connectors are designed for measurement, control, and monitoring systems, and they include a 907 version to achieve required cable direction. The connectors offer high vibration resistance, with strain relief integrated into the plug housings. They will handle voltages up to 400V and line current up to 16A.
Hirschmann Inc., 30 Hook Mountain Rd., Pine Brook, NJ 07058; FAX (973) 830-1470; www.hirschmann-usa.com.
Narrow pitch connector
The AXK1 Direct Type Connector features stacking heights of 0.8 to 3.4 mm, and terminal pitch of 1 mm. It is available in both a 14-pin SIL terminal type and a 20-pin DIL type. It is designed for applications in pagers, cell phones, PCs, HDD, and anywhere an LED display is used.
Aromat Corp., 629 Central Ave., New Providence, NJ 07974; FAX (908) 464-5750; www.aromat.com/ecd.htm.
Digital meter
Model 7905 Static Meter features one-hand operation to find the source of static electricity problems, such as dust clinging to products, materials jamming or tearing, a product clinging to itself, and hazardous sparks and shocks to personnel. It will indicate surface voltage and polarity on charged objects up to 520 kV at a spacing of one inch from the surface.
Exair, 1250 Century Circle N., Cincinnati, OH 45243-3309; FAX (513) 671-3363; www.exair.com.
Ultrasonic sensors
Superprox(R) Model SM600 series ultrasonic sensors combine a very short, one-inch deadband with mounting convenience in a small, 18-mm barrel package. Unlike inductive prox sensors, these units can function at a sensing range of 25.4 to 305 mm. They can detect objects of all colors, including transparent, and as small as a 1.6 mm rod at a distance of 63.5 mm.
Hyde Park Electronics, 1875 Founders Dr., Dayton, OH 45420-4017; FAX (937) 258-5830; www.hpsensors.com.
Telecentric video lens
Telecentric video lens is designed to provide a constant viewing angle of an object to a high angular accuracy, thus ensuring uniform magnification over the working distance of the lens, ensuring features closer to the lens do not appear larger than those farther away.
Edmund Scientific, 101 East Gloucester Pike, Barrington, NJ 08007-1380; FAX (856) 573-6295.
Pneumatic cylinders
P1M Series Cylinders feature bolted construction, innovative transfer tubes, customized stroking, and integral sensors. The extra-low-profile cylinders are designed for efficiency and flexibility when space is at a premium. The cylinder is compact, easing machine automation and lowering costs. Internal transfer tubes allow for complete porting flexibility, thus simplifying installation and reducing plumbing costs.
Parker Hannifin, 6035 Parkland Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44124-4141.
Polymer plain bearings
The iglide(R) F is a polymer plain bearing that is electrically conductive, making it appropriate for applications in fuel pumps, valves, and other electrically sensitive equipment. Operating temperature range is -22 to 248F, with impact resistance, high short-term compression strength up to 21,750 psi, and strong wear resistance, the manufacturer says.
igus inc., Box 14349, East Providence, RI 02914; FAX (401) 438-7270; www.igus.com.
Motion control system
The PLG240 Programmable Bipolar Stepping Motor Driver/Controller is integrated with a NEMA size 17 high-torque stepper motor, to create a programmable driver/controller/motion control system. It is designed for applications with pick-and-place, linear and rotary stages, circuit board testing, medical equipment, semiconductor manufacturing, and assembly operations. These two-phase stepper motors are available in 11 VA and winding combinations.
Nyden, 2610-B North First St., San Jose, CA 95134; www.nyden.com.
Computer Productivity Tools
Laurie Ann Toupin, Associate Editor
Digital input card
The CompuScope 3200 is a 32-bit digital input card for the PCI bus with 100 MHz clock rate and up to 16 Mbytes of on-board acquisition memory. It features simultaneous sampling, software-configurable input width, differential or single-ended CMOS, TTL, or ECL inputs, and extensive software support. Typical applications include ADC testing, image acquisition, digital network communication testing, data capture from transducers with digital output, and data-bus testing.
Gage Applied Sciences, 1233 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, VT 05403; FAX (800) 780-8411; www.gage-applied.com.
IBM thinks thin
The new "ultraportable" Think-Pad 570 is a deceptively simple looking machine with a sleek black UltraCarbon casing, a derivative of the same carbon-fiber composites used in sporting goods equipment. And under its hood: an arsenal of computer luxuries.
When I first took it out of the box, it was the same size as my Compaq docking station laptop. But after a little "contact" engineering, I suddenly had two machines. The two-in-one notebook separates into a core unit of 3+ lbs with a 12-inch screen, full-sized keyboard with TrackPoint, integrated modem, and a bevy of features. The IBM UltraBase comes complete with a DVD drive, floppy drive, and speakers.
The ThinkPad 570 is designed to be a full-featured lightweight notebook. Measuring 9 x 11 x 1 inch, it comes with a generous amount of memory and hard-drive space, and enough ports (USB, IR, modem, two Type II slots, standard assortment) to connect to everything but the kitchen sink. The modular UltraBase can house a variety of drives as well as an extra battery. The built-in speakers may not do justice to a DVD movie, but they have more than enough volume for standard computer sounds. The base is hot-attachable to the ThinkPad, and brings the total weight up to a reasonable 7+ lbs.
A notebook system with two distinctly different configurations and multiple variations on both is often hard to set up, but IBM's setup program allows full access to power management, drive, and display options from a single easy-to-use interface.
Additional Details...Alan Philips, IBM, Dept. 3W2A, Bldg. 201, 3039 Cornwallis Rd., Rm. S135, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Plastics, Metals & Other Materials
Joseph Ogando, Regional Materials Editor
For comments on plastics, metals & other materials, contact Joseph at [email protected]
Pick of the Issue
Energy-absorbing elastomers
VersaDamp 2000 thermoplastic elastomers serve as anti-shock and anti-vibration mounts for devices with limited isolator sway space--including pagers, mobile phones, laptop computers, and handheld computing devices. Available in a variety of custom formulations and suitable for injection molding, VersaDamp materials have peak loss factors from 0.75 to 0.15.
E-A-R Specialty Composites, 7911 Zionsville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268; FAX (317) 692-3111.
High-impact signage material
HP multipolymer H-99 sheet combines the clarity of acrylic, non-glare properties, chemical resistance, and impact strength improvements. Developed for point-of-purchase and interior signage use, the material can be cut, sanded, sawed, drilled, routed, formed, polished, silk-screened, and hot stamped.
Cyro Industries, Box 5055, 100 Enterprise Drive, Rockaway, NJ 07866-5055; FAX (973) 442-6117.
Custom colors
ZIPColor, a custom color program for powder coatings, offers 14,000 products through a streamlined color matching process. The program includes 1,750 different colors.
Morton Powder Coatings, 3 Commerce Dr., Reading, PA 19612; FAX (800) 367-7937.
Power Transmission & Motion Control
John Lewis, Regional Technical Editor
For comments on power transmission & motion control, contact John at [email protected]
Pick of the Issue
Vision-guided motion
Industry-standard Ethernet and TCP/IP technology, available in DVT Series 600 SmartImage Sensors and ORMEC's ORION(TM) family of motion controllers, simplifies vision-guided motion interfaces. Vision-system variables are mapped to a selection of Modbus TCP registers in DVT's FrameWork development software, while motion variables are mapped to the corresponding registers in ORMEC's MotionBASIC program development software. With the controller programmed to open a Modbus TCP connection as a client during operation and the DVT 600 powered up as a Modbus TCP data server, the controller can poll these registers at any time for the most recent inspection data. Using Ethernet TCP/IP is reportedly faster (10 mega-bits/sec) than serial communications, eliminates extra code for parsing and converting ASCII strings, and makes it easier to interface the motion controller to multiple sensors.
ORMEC SYSTEMS CORP., 19 Linden Pk., Rochester, NY 14625; FAX (716) 385-5999; www.ormec.com.
Profibus I/O modules
SIMATIC ET 200S distributed I/O system is a Profibus-compatible, modular unit combining two- and four-channel digital and two-channel analog capabilities in standard or diagnostic versions. The four-channel configuration reportedly reduces control cabinet space requirements, improves maintainability, and is cost-effective. Maintaining their standard 15-mm-width, three 4-channel 24V dc electronic modules are available in 24V dc input, 0.5A output, and 0.2A output standard versions. Standard modules cost less and offer similar performance to diagnostic versions, however, they have fixed parameters, restricted diagnostics, and no group signal error LED.
Siemens Energy & Automation, 3333 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta, GA 30005; FAX (800) 964-4114; www.sea.siemens.com.
Pancake motor
Maxon's electronically commutated (EC series) brushless pancake motors use ball bearings and have no mechanical brushes to wear out. The design reportedly offers long motor life, good heat dissipation, and high-overload capability because the coils are outside the rotor. Weighing 88g (3.1 oz), the motor's diameter is 43 mm (1.69 inch) while the length of the motor body (excluding shaft) is 16.3 mm (0.64 inch). Continuous output power is 12W, while maximum speed is 10,000 rpm. Ambient temperature range is -40 to 85C (-40 to 185F). Using electronic commutation minimizes electrical noise. Hall effect sensors are optional.
Maxon Precision Motors, 838 Mitten Rd., Burlingame, CA 94010; FAX (650) 697-2887; www.maxon.com.
Brushless slotless gearmotors
The 23-mm dc brushless, slotless, dc gearmotors provide torque up to 85 oz-inch and a 2-channel optical encoder with index with up to 512 lines. The slotless design eliminates cogging, while a unique winding design provides 86% efficiency and high power density that reportedly provides a cool-running powerful package. Planetary gearboxes are standard with a wide variety of ratios.
Koford Engineering, 1948 University Lane, Lisle, IL 60532; FAX (630) 271-9193.
Power Transmission & Motion Control
Karen Auguston Field,Executive Editor
For comments on power transmission & motion control, contact Karen at [email protected]
Pick of the Issue
Actuator with telescoping leadscrew
NEMA size 34 linear actuator features a telescoping leadscrew that retracts on itself, eliminating the need for space behind the actuator. The internal motor design consists of two threaded concentric nuts configured to accept leadscrews up to 3/8 inch in diameter. Shaft extension capability is increased to six inches beyond the motor housing. Based on 1.8-degree permanent magnet stepper motor technology, the motor achieves up to 285 lbs of linear force. The devices are targeted for applications in which space restrictions prohibit the use of a standard linear actuator.
EAD MotorsEastern Air Devices, One Progress Dr., Dover, NH 03820-5450; www.eadmotors.com.
Metric linear motion system
Lo-Pro linear motion systems are now available in metric configurations. The system consists of Dual-Vee wheels and track that can include belt, chain, lead screw, ball screw, and pneumatic drive options. Maximum speed is 12 m/s. It handles a maximum radial load of 26,000N and maximum thrust load of 40,000N and is available on mounted steel support beams for easy integration into equipment. Applications include fiberboard lines, and plasma and laser cutting tables.
Bishop-Wisecarver, 2104 Martin Way, Pittsburg, CA 94565-5027; FAX (925) 439-5931; www.bwc.com.
Linear servo motors
Linear servo motors deliver up to 38 lbs continuous force in a compact package that features a stackable, end-to-end modular design. A patent-pending electronic cooling system permits the motors to operate with the same efficiency as motors that are air or water cooled, says the company. A two-wire brushless option reduces wire count and eliminates strain on the linear stage. Sine wave drives are also available.
Bayside Motion Group, 27 Seaview Blvd., Port Washington, NY 11050; FAX (516) 484-5496; www.BMGnet.com.
Compact linear actuator
The compact Monocarrier MCM03 measures 34 x 20 mm and weighs only 700g for a 100-mm stroke length. Available in various ball screw lead sizes (1-12 mm and larger), the unit is also available with a double slider, pre-assembled motor, and a special surface treatment. Applications include medical and semiconductor manufacturing, assembly machines, and factory automation.
NSK Precision Products Div., 250 Covington Dr., Bloomingdale, IL 60108; FAX (630) 924-8197; www.nsk-corp.com.
Fastening, Joining & Assembly
Benjamin B. Ames, Associate Editor
For comments on fastening, joining & assembly, contact Ben at [email protected]
Pick of the Issue
Variable flexures
These one-piece flexures have equal OD and identical material, but they can exhibit different performance with the change of a single attribute, such as coil thickness, ID, or number of coils. This change can produce different torque, angularity (bending), parallel misalignment, torsional stiffness, and compression spring rate. The material can also be varied, providing many design options.
Helical Products, Box 1069, 901 W. McCoy Lane, Santa Maria, CA 93456; FAX (805) 928-2369; www.Heli-Cal.com.
Mesh seals and gaskets
Compressed wire netted mesh seals and gaskets are designed for applications where traditional materials decompose or deteriorate, such as extreme temperature, corrosion, and vibration. The knitting process creates a strong yet stretchable matrix of uniform, interlocking loops that can be combined with materials, including metal, composite, alloy, and plastic.
Amistco Separation Products Inc., 23221 Hwy. 6, Alvin, TX 77511; FAX (281) 585-1780; www.amistco.com.
Hinged cure ring
The hinged cure ring provides 3607 curing exposure with a dual-leg, fused silica light guide. The spring-loaded hinged ring can be opened and closed for fast insertion of parts, and its 10 randomized fiber nodes provide an even distribution of energy. It is designed for applications in bonding catheters, balloons to catheters, tubing or cable to connectors, and cannulas to hubs, as well as curing photo-reactive inks and coatings on tubing, cable, and wires.
EFOS Inc., 2260 Argentia Rd., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5N 6H7; FAX (905) 821-2055; www.efos.com.
Beam clamp
The CADDY hammer-on beam clamp eliminates the need to drill holes in beams. These one-piece clamps have no nuts or bolts, and are appropriate for supporting pipe or duct work from beam flanges.
ERICO Inc., 34600 Solon Rd., Solon, OH 44139; FAX (440) 248-0723.
Self-clinching studs
HFED(TM) self-clinching dog-point studs enable high strength attachment of steel or aluminum sheets as thin as 1 mm. They feature an enlarged head diameter of 9.6 to 15.3 mm, designed to project above the sheet material and distribute axial tightening force over a large area.
Penn Engineering & Manufacturing Corp., 5190 Old Easton Rd., Danboro, PA 18916-1000; FAX (215) 766-0143; www.pemnet.com.
Conveyor system
The AL-20Z is a modular, belt-driven, friction roller conveyor system for heavy process applications such as welding, assembly, machining, and test and measurement systems. It consists of toothed belts arranged roller-to-roller, and a toothed belt from drive to motor. These belts have near-zero stretch, so the drive requires no tensioning control, lubrication, or sound insulation. Individual roller capacity is up to 440 lbs.
Bleichert Inc., 7447 19 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48314; FAX (810) 726-8908.
Fluid Power
Bruce Wiebusch, Regional Technical Editor
For comments on fluid power contact Bruce at [email protected]
Pick of the Issue
Oil and water separator
The Isolator is a new series of separators that remove oil from water to less than 20 ppm. Five sizes have flow rates ranging from 10 to 1,000 scfm. The products have no moving parts, comply with federal and state clean water laws, and are said to reduce waste removal costs by 98%.
Parker Hannifin Corp., Finite Filter Div., 500 Glaspie St., Oxford, MI 48371; FAX (248) 628-6400; www.parker.com/filtration.
Peristaltic pump
The Mityflex line of peristaltic pumps is suitable for a wide variety of food and beverage fluids, including sanitizers, rinse agents, heavy slurries, and syrups. The positive displacement pumps also feature variable speed controls with pre-set flow rates ranging from 300 ml/min to 3,800 ml/min for applications requiring non-continuous flows.
Anko Products, 3007 29th Ave. E., Bradenton, FL 34208; FAX (941) 748-2307 www.ankoproducts.com.
Clear PVC pipe
CLEAR-40 is transparent PVC pipe that is non-conductive, non-toxic, and conforms to FDA standards for ingredients used with food contact surfaces. It is compatible with standard schedule 40 pipe, fittings, and valves. Its applications include use as a sight glass in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing.
NewAge Industries, 2300 Maryland Rd., Willow Grove, PA 19090; FAX (215) 657-6594; e-mail [email protected].
Air cylinder with cushions
PC air cylinder has a stainless-steel body with acetal resin end caps and is available with optional energy-absorbing cushions that adjust. Bore sizes range from 3/4 inch to 2 inches and are available with a choice of nose, universal, or double-end rod mounting styles. Cylinder options include rod wipers, fluoroelastomer seals, and bumpers.
Bimba Manufacturing, Box 68, Rte. 50 N, Monee, IL 60449; FAX (708) 534-5767; www.bimba.com.
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