Industrial Factory Automation

Saginaw Control & Engineering's Type 12 Operator Systems are designed to house a wide variety of equipment; panel mount, rack mount, desktop PC's, monitors, keyboards and panel views. These enclosures are primarily used in an indoor environment to protect against dust, falling dirt, dropping of non-corrosive liquid, and light splashing of water. Product Attributes One-piece construction allows flexibility and maximizes the usable interior space. Memory retaining oil resistant urethane gasket. Exclusive SCE concealed hinges on Work Station Enclosures. Work Stations are available in textured beige or 304 stainless steel. Operator system enclosures can be custom ordered in type 304 or 316 stainless steel. Many accessories available. Product Overview Dual Access Two Door Desk Console w/ Center Mullion Dual Access Overlapping Two Door Desk Console Single Access Overlapping Two Door Desk Console Dual Access Single Door Desk Console Single Access Single ...

Rautomead has delivered, installed and commissioned a model RS 3000/5 upward vertical copper rod casting machine at La Farga Lacambra, Barcelona. La Farga Lacambra is a copper processing company with origins in bell-founding and cannon manufacture. The company has also developed its own process for making fire-refined copper rod directly from scrap. The Rautomead casting machine is being used for production of copper and copper alloy rods. Successful casting trials carried out at Rautomead's Scotland-based technology centre were a key factor in securing this order.

The Raven-Flu, available from Multipix Imaging , is a quick and effective way of measuring body temperature and alerting border control of a potential virus, such as AN1H1 (swine flu). Easily installed and operated at airports and stations, the Xenics Raven-Flu utilises an uncooled microbolometer infrared camera, measuring from a safe distance and in real-time crucial differences in body temperature at an accuracy of up to 0.2C - pinpointing any suspicious fevers in passing travellers. This solution detects the heat emitted from the human skin and produces a temperature map. The result is a colour image with various colour contours that represent temperature gradients. To enable reliable measurements, the Raven-Flu requires minimal setup and examination time. It can be operated on a tripod or installed for permanent use. Xenics recommends the body temperature to be checked at the corner of an individual's eye, where the temperature approaches the core body temperature. The examinat...

Parker 's Electromechanical Automation Division has announced an expansion to its line of PV gearheads. The PV115 offers a wide assortment of output face options along with high radial load and output torque performance. The output face options have the same output face dimensions as Parker Bayside's PX series, Alpha's LP series, Neugart's PLE series, Stober's PE series, as well as standard NEMA output face dimensions. The PV115 also supports larger belt actuators, including Parker's HPLA120 and HLE150. The PV gearhead's design achieves high radial loads by using precision taper roller bearings. With high input speeds and efficiency up to 97 per cent, PV gearheads are suitable for industrial requirements, including belt and pulley, conveyor and production machinery; automotive production and inspection equipment; medical and life science applications, including lab instrumentation, device manufacturing and pharmaceutical requirements; packaging; and many oth...

Japan's National Police Agency (NPA) has purchased 51 Thermo Scientific LXQ linear ion trap mass spectrometers and 27 Thermo Scientific Nicolet 6700 FT-IR spectrometers with Continuum microscopes. The NPA will use the LXQ LC/MS/MS system for toxicology screening in each of its 47 prefecture offices and will use the Nicolet 6700 FT-IR system for forensics in nearly half of those offices. Prior to purchasing the LXQ system, the NPA used single quadruple LCMS for analysing drugs and toxic substances. The LXQ's ion trap technology provides high sensitivity and specificity, which enables it to analyse hundreds of analytes in blood and urine samples. The NPA said that one of the reasons it chose the LXQ was the time and labour it saved with the total solution offered by Thermo Fisher Scientific, including the company's ToxID software. The software performs automatic data analysis and reporting, eliminating the need for manual data interpretation and increasing confidence in comp...

Trevor Morris, product engineering manager at Barden , describes how super-precision bearings help guarantee the accuracy and flexibility of articulated arms used in surgical and industrial robotics. A large selection of measurement and inspection systems, industrial robots and medical equipment now uses flexible arms to provide the degree of movement needed to carry out specific tasks such as handling, assembly, welding, measurement and surgical manoeuvres. Flexible arms are used by industrial robot laser-welding systems, portable measurement-arms, laser-inspection systems and the latest CO2 laser surgical arms that perform intricate surgery on patients. Many flexible-arm systems have articulated joints that enable the end of the arm to be moved through 360deg, with three-to-six axes of movement. Each of these articulated joints requires one or more bearings of some sort, in many cases super-precision bearings. Barden is a Plymouth-based manufacturer of super-precision angular contact...

The Bank of Algeria Mint has invested in equipment and methods from Sescoi to help it respond to the demands of modern banking and to encourage the growth of the country's economy. The tooling department needed a computer-aided-design (CAD)/computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) system to help it improve its range of capabilities and shorten lead times. The Bank of Algeria purchased WorkNC from Sescoi in 2006. The assistant director at the Bank of Algeria Mint said: 'We have a wide range of CNC milling and turning machines and we needed to modernise in order to achieve just-in-time manufacture, respond to urgent requirements and machine increasingly complex and intricate shapes.' Before the introduction of WorkNC, programming was carried out on the machine tool control, which required high levels of skill from the operator, reduced the available capacity and the productivity of each machine and limited the complexity of the parts being produced. WorkNC-CAD is used to design ex...

Swagelok has introduced a range of bimetal thermometers and thermowells for general industry applications. The products expand Swagelok's existing line of temperature measurement devices, which includes thermometers and thermowells for sanitary applications. The dampened-movement bimetal thermometers operate in measurement ranges from -100F to +1,000F (-70C to +540C) and are available in adjustable-angle, centre-back and lower-back mount process connections. Every Swagelok thermometer is factory calibrated. In addition, the products feature external reset for field calibration. The dampened-movement bimetal thermometers are accurate to +/-1 per cent of full scale in accordance with ASME B40.200 and are actuated by a sensitive bimetal helix coil. Silicone-free gel in the thermometer stem dampens vibration effects. To prevent fogging and moisture damage to working components, the dials are hermetically sealed. Swagelok thermowells for general industry are designed to protect the the...

Solido , a specialist in the desktop 3D printing of physical models, is to display its SD300 Pro at the PTC User Forum on 7-10 June in Orlando, Florida. The cost-effective, time-efficient and intuitive SD300, which will be found on Booth 423, has already been installed in hundreds of sites, according to the company. The SD300 Pro, which will be introduced at less than USD10,000 (GBP6,300), uses layers of firm but flexible engineered plastics. The finished models resemble injected plastic parts and can be drilled, sanded or painted as desired. Output from the SD300 Pro can be designed to fold, allowing for model manipulation. The product is also capable of producing transparent models. The SD300 Pro will allow industrial design companies and engineering companies to prepare proof-of-concept modelling, ergonomic evaluations and marketing tools. It will also serve as an advanced educational tool for universities and technical colleges, according to Solido.

Courses in assisted injection moulding (AIM) are being launched to show moulders how to reduce costs, increase productivity and regain a competitive advantage in the face of a global recession. Cinpres Gas Injection , in collaboration with Polymer Training (PTL), an international resource centre for the polymer industry, will offer a range of modules at its facility in Cheshire, using live moulding machines and providing attendees with the chance to gain practical experience in the use of gas- and water-assisted injection moulding techniques. Jon Butler, managing director of Cinpres, said: 'The new modules to be introduced this year will ultimately target those companies that could benefit from AIM to achieve greater market share and higher margins, both of which are critical in the current climate. 'Those who currently use AIM, or have in the past, will get to grips with the latest developments and techniques and those who haven't, and are presently settling for low-qualit...

Gefran has introduced GF_Vedo high-performance touch-screen operator panels, which provide economical and complete HMI and machine control for medium- to high-complexity automation applications. Available in 6.5in, 10.4in, 12.1in and 15in displays, all feature the Gefran Automation Builder (GAB), a single programming environment that seamlessly combines PLC and Scada graphic page display programming, and a full complement of Fieldbus expansion and peripheral ports. Depending on the colour display size, the graphics resolutions available are 640 x 480 (VGA), 800 x 600 (SVGA) or 1,024 x 768 (XVGA). Smaller models are available as touch-screen display only or with an integral tactile keypad for additional functionality. The rugged and durable range is based on 32-bit processors with a choice of RAM and solid-state DiskOn-Module (DOM) general-purpose memory, according to the company. With no conventional hard drives and no requirement for cooling fans, the GF_Vedo range has no moving pa...

Newport Spectra Physics has introduced the Inspire optical parametric oscillator (OPO), a tunable, ultra-fast laser source for advanced imaging and spectroscopy applications. Optimised for use with the company's Mai Tai HP ultra-fast laser, the Inspire OPO delivers a wide, gap-free ultra-fast tuning range, from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (245-2,500nm), and high power in the UV and visible. Newport's OPO is fully automated for computer-controlled tuning across the range without adjustment or change of optics. The Inspire OPO has multiple output ports for simultaneous UV, visible and infrared output, making it ideal for applications that require multiple wavelengths, such as coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) imaging. The OPO delivers >1W of average power from 345-520nm and >400mW from 490-750nm. Additionally, the Inspire OPO provides adjustable pulse widths (from 80-350fs). Optimised for high stability, the robust OPO is insensitive to ambient temperature chan...

Pilz Automation Technology has launched the PSS4000 automation system and PAS4000 software suite that it says will provide a new way to design, program and implement automation. The company said a key feature of the concept is the integration of safety, standard and motion control, as well as visualisation and diagnostics, with all data conveyed via a Safetynet p Ethernet-based industrial fieldbus network. In addition, the software suite enables all aspects of an automation project to be accessed via a single interface. Pilz said the PSS4000 takes decentralisation to a new level by way of the close integration of all aspects and the way in which configuration and programming is carried out via a single Pilz automation suite - the PAS4000 - which provides centralised access to the decentralised system. Material can therefore be copied and reused easily, both within a project and from one project to another. Today, machine designers typically specify the hardware then write the control ...

Schaeffler 's Generation C deep groove ball bearings offer 35 per cent less friction and 50 per cent less noise than their predecessor. The bearings also benefit from more effective sealing and a riveted steel cage. The design improvements mean that Schaeffler's Generation C FAG deep groove ball bearings can achieve higher running speeds and efficiencies, while simultaneously increasing the life of the bearing and reducing energy consumption. In order to minimise friction, Schaeffler optimised the osculation (raceway curvature) between the balls and rings on the Generation C bearings. This means there is less chance of misalignment between the inner and outer ring. As well as offering 35 per cent less friction, the bearings generate less heat, making them suitable for higher running speeds. The bearings are therefore suitable for applications in which low noise and smooth running are critical, for example, electric motors, power tools, ventilators and washing machines, where re...

Staubli RBE has introduced 25mm flow-diameter versions of its fluid and gas quick-release connectors. These are suitable for use in nuclear-decommissioning cells for remote handling by manipulators and robots. Staubli RBE connectors are designed for applications in industry where quick and secure connection of any fluid or gas is required. Connection is fast and easy, with automatic locking; disconnection requires depression of the release-button mechanism. The 25mm flow-diameter coupling, the RBE 25 TL, has been designed for applications where connections are being performed remotely by manipulators, either in confinement cells or process areas. The robust RBE 25 TL connector is manufactured in grade 316L stainless steel, with springs in grade 302 stainless, and has been specifically designed for remote handling. The release button is raised for easy disconnection and a front flange allows the manipulator's pincer to grasp from behind and provide an effective axial thrust. The lo...

Inertial Aerosystems has introduced a small diameter, shock-resistant accelerometer with enhanced temperature capability. It has been designed primarily for down-hole measurement while drilling (MWD) applications in the gas and oil industries and also wireline environments that require a small form factor such as the new generation of directional and horizontal drilling tools.  Designated the Mini-Q accelerometer, it is manufactured by US-based Honeywell and uses the low-noise, Q-Flex-etched quartz-proof flexure seismic system, modified for harsh environments. Operating temperature is now -40 to 185C, with intermittent capability of 200C. The shock operating/non-operating performance is -40 to 85C at 1,000g, 0.5ms and 85 to 185C at 400g, 0.5ms. Input voltage is +/-12V DC to +/-18V DC with input current (quiescent) 8mA max, 6mA typical. The device can be scaled to any full-scale range to 30g, has an analogue output with an internal temperature sensor, and fits into a 25.4mm tool di...

The Siemens range of vibrating level switches has been extended with the addition of a switch designed for use in dry bulk solid applications. The Sitrans LVS100 is suitable for applications with high, low or demand levels of dry bulk solids in bins, silos or hoppers. The device can detect the presence of materials with bulk densities in excess of 60 litres, and is ideal for use in industries such as mining, food, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and hazardous applications. The Sitrans LVS100 has a compact design that can be top, side, or angle-mounted. The rotating enclosures ensure easy installation and wiring, and it can be easily connected to an alarm system or control room. The level switch offers high durability with no moving parts, and is unaffected by external vibrations. The vibrating fork design ensures the sensing tines are kept clean, reducing the need for maintenance. The stainless steel process connections and rugged aluminium housing provide extra protection agains...

Tubular solenoids from NSF Controls are single-hole-fixing, long life linear solenoids that are available in either push or pull versions. The company said the solenoids' enclosed construction provides an economic solution for longer-stroke, limited-space applications.

ABB Robotics is to hold a rail manufacturing technology seminar in Milton Keynes on 4 June 2009. The seminar will present the latest robotic products, systems and services to transform rail material handling, welding and inspection applications. It will demonstrate the rapid payback available on robotic investments while addressing the common misconceptions that may be preventing many manufacturers from realising the benefits of robots. Workshops and demonstrations will cover a range of rail industry applications and provide an opportunity to learn the basics of robot control with 'hands-on' training. Attendees will also gain an insight into ABB's 3D-robotics simulation suite for offline programming and control and the recently launched Remote Service Technology. ABB's Remote Service Technology uses GPRS communications to enable both the customer and ABB to monitor a robot's health and record key performance data while offline or working in a production environment...

Posic has introduced a small incremental inductive encoder kit - ID1101 - for linear and rotary applications. The kit measures 8.7 x 6.3mm with a thickness of 0.8mm and has an A quad B output stage that runs up to a frequency of 200 kHz. The linear/rotary target is a 0.8mm-thick strip/disc that comes in different lengths and diameters. The linear resolution ranges from 1um at a speed of 0.5m/s to 150um at 50m/s. The rotational resolution depends on the disc diameter and is, for example, 12-bits (1,024 A-B pulses per revolution) with a 30mm diameter disc. Typical applications are in the motion-control domain with magnetic actuators such as brushed and brushless motors, voice coil actuators, linear drives and more. Markets served include industrial, automotive, robotics, medical, instrumentation, laboratory automation, and office equipment.

Fluke is offering a special kit consisting of either the Fluke 1653B or 1652B multifunction installation tester with a free Fluke T5-600 electrical tester for a limited period. The tester is worth GBP99, and the special part number for ordering the limited-edition kit is Fluke 1652B/T5 or 1653B/T5. The 1650B series testers are designed to ensure that fixed wiring is safe and correctly installed to meet the latest BS7671 17th Edition. They have features that offer faster high-current loop testing, a variable RCD current mode for customised settings, a Pass/Fail indication for RCD tests, and voltage measurement selection between L-N, L-PE and N-PE without changing connections. The Fluke 1652B is ideal for professional trouble-shooters working in both domestic and commercial. The Fluke 1653 is the complete tester: with phase-rotation test and in-built memory for documenting results, it is ideal for industrial applications. The Fluke T5-600 electrical tester measures voltage, current ...

AVX has expanded its wire-to-board connector product offering to include board-to-board connectors specifically designed for the LED lighting industry. Designated the 9159 series, the cost-effective connectors provide design flexibility by providing both card edge (one-piece) and plug-and-socket (two-piece) interconnect options. The connectors feature a small footprint, making them ideal for applications where multiple printed circuit boards (PCBs) need to be plugged together, such as LED lighting strips. The double-ended card edge version provides a simple and direct connection to both ends of a standard PCB with tin-plated pads in two, three, four and five positions. These 2.0mm pitch connectors support 3A current and 250V ratings. The connectors are 5.0mm high and come in both black and white options. The two-piece connector version is surface mounted on one side of the PCB, which allows the LEDs to be placed on the other side to maintain consistent spacing. These 3.0mm pitch and 3...

The Triform BD fluid cell hydroform press from Pryer has been featured at the Aging Aircraft 2009 Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. The Triform 16in-5 (5000lb/in2) BD 5000kN (500tonf) press weighs less than 9000lb and can be installed and operational within one hour of delivery. The BD series allows the benefits of true hydroforming compared to using low-pressure rubber pad presses. These include: accurately dimensional parts; equal distributed pressure over complete tool; scratch-free parts; less warpage and curl; reducing use of multiple hit auxiliary piece blocks; use of lighter, less expensive plastic and epoxy tooling; and eliminating hours of hand finishing labour. Designed with simplicity and performance in mind, the economical BD series presses are ideal for most hydroforming applications. This frame design allows forming parts up to 16in wide x 48in length and longer. Longer parts, which in the past were formed on traditional 'tray-style hydroform presses', can now...

Electromagnetic bin vibrators from Elscint Automation offer an economical and convenient means of maintaining the flow of bulk materials from bins, hoppers and chutes. An optional adjustable control is provided, which gives flexibility and assures optimum flow for any type of material being handled. The electromagnetic bin vibrators can be operated either continuously or intermittently, depending on customer requirements. Elscint bin vibrators are factory tested and adjusted for optimum performance. All models come with totally enclosed, dust-tight construction. Water-proof models can be made available on request. The vibrators have no rotating or sliding parts, and so are virtually maintenance-free. The Elscint bin vibrators are available in two models: the Elscint A, which has a 40VA rating, and Elscint B, which has a 320VA rating. They offer quiet and reliable operation.

Pilz Automation Technology has launched the PSS4000 automation system and PAS4000 software suite that it says will provide a new way to design, program and implement automation. The company said a key feature of the concept is the integration of safety, standard and motion control, as well as visualisation and diagnostics, with all data conveyed via a Safetynet p Ethernet-based industrial fieldbus network. In addition, the software suite enables all aspects of an automation project to be accessed via a single interface. Pilz said the PSS4000 takes decentralisation to a new level by way of the close integration of all aspects and the way in which configuration and programming is carried out via a single Pilz automation suite - the PAS4000 - which provides centralised access to the decentralised system. Material can therefore be copied and reused easily, both within a project and from one project to another. Today, machine designers typically specify the hardware then write the control ...

A K Industries (AKI) produces a polypropylene, cryogenic viral subassembly for Molecular Dimensions, whose business offers intelligent solutions for protein crystal growth. The tubular container, 38mm long with a 13mm outside diameter, is used during the analytical process of protein crystallisation X-ray diffraction. Essentially, the vial protects a protein crystal growth while it is being robotically transferred. The vial has been developed to increase throughput where samples can be automatically placed for testing, analysed and lifted back into a rack unit. The pole-orientated (anisotropic), neodymium iron boron permanent ring magnet, which is insert-moulded into this cryogenic vial (cryovial) by AKI, holds in place the cryocap, from which the sample is suspended as the vial is moved by transfer robot. Then a circular, galvanised steel weight, insert-moulded by AKI into its base, orientates the vial and assists with its location in the rack. At present the ballast disc in question...

Helitronic Toolstudio software from Walter simplifies grinding of complex tool geometries, according to the company. The package covers every aspect of the configuration of tool geometries. Using the integrated wizard technology, tools can be modelled in a simple way. The required data input is reduced to a minimum. The system only requests the most important tool parameters and automatically runs through the necessary input screens. At the same time, the Helitronic Toolstudio software accesses Walter's knowledge database - this stores important tool-grinding experience and helps to find a speedy solution for all production tasks. The software complements the entries with relevant geometry and technology parameters such as grinding wheel sets and grinding feed rates, for example. Based on the basic tool model created and high-precision 3D simulation, which is updated for every modification, the tool can be individually tailored. Further functions include: 'Click and Edit' ...

Studer has announced that it has acquired Combitec as a subsidiary and can now offer the CT-450L, CT-960 and the S120 production grinding machines. The CT-450L CNC internal and universal cylindrical grinder for new users is the light version of the Combitec CT-450. With a range of applications, the CT-450L is suited to universal internal grinding applications, grinding collet chucks, and machining brittle and hard materials. It features a linear spindle arrangement, use of either one or two spindles with speeds of 28000-60000rev/min, and cross-slide design. The CT-450 provides a range of expansion options, such as a C-axis for grinding all types of threads. The CT-960 internal, universal and radius grinder is a high-precision machine with a B-axis swivel to 91deg. A turret for up to four spindles allows efficient grinding of small to medium-sized workpieces, the company said. In this particular design, the machine is suited for universal grinding tasks as well as grinding complex work...

The Schaudt Shaftgrind S allows machining with different wheel widths and the interpolating generation of relief grooves and plunge-cuts with an electroplating tool. Circumferential speeds of up to 200m/s are now run during HSP grinding, on a grinding spindle with hybrid bearings equipped with a CBN wheel and a carbon carrier. This increases productivity, regardless of whether the cooling lubricant is an emulsion or oil. A wheel diameter of 480mm guarantees long tool life. In combination with the digital drives, the hydrostatic X-axis guideway (an available option) allows highly accurate positioning of the tool spindle while simultaneously maximising service life. The company said the Shaftgrind S is ideal for efficiently machining a wide variety of shafts. Its WOP-S programming is based on the user interface of the Siemens 840D control system and helps generate even non-round surface contours, such as polygons, ellipses and free profiles, quickly and simply.

The Ewag Compact Line CNC grinding machine is designed for the flexible and precise manufacturing or sharpening of indexable inserts in all materials. Whether the material is carbide, cermet, ceramic or super-hard CBN/PCD, the CNC grinding machine meets all of the requirements for precision and speed - especially with the realisation of complex workpiece geometries. The machine is fitted with the CBN/PCD module for grinding super-hard materials and now also for machining diamond cutting materials. The Compact Line has a compact construction, features ergonomic operation and an integrated robot system. Inside the machine, everything is positioned close to the working B-axis; the travel ranges for axes and robots are therefore kept to a minimum, cycle and downtimes are shortened, and productivity is increased. The machine interior and control elements are accessible from one position. A rapid change system allows the operator to exchange the grinding wheels easily at the push of a butto...

Blohm Jung has announced that at the Schleifring Grinding Symposium 2009, it will present, under the expression GEOID, a new development for compensation of contour faults in dressing tools. The example shows the quick manufacture of a blanking punch on the Vario D. GEOID was developed in conjunction with the Georg Simon Ohm University in Nuremberg. The software for compensation of uneven wear in dressing tools is a further development of the automatic diamond adjustment by Blohm Jung and is used in conjunction with the CNC PA37K profile dressing device and the table version PA130TM. Topography of the cutting edge of the dressing tool can be determined with accuracy using GEOID. The correction values calculated are fed directly into the dressing program and create a perfect contour on the grinding wheel. The result is an increased service life for the dressing tool, reduced costs of tools and improved contour accuracy. For profile grinding, different dressing systems are available...

The Bekomat 33 condensate drain from Beko Technologies was presented for the first time at this year's Hannover trade fair in Germany on 20-24 April. The company's Bekomat 33 builds on the existing range, which includes the Bekomat 31 and the Bekomat 32. All three drains in the range have the same basic concept in common: the Beko service module. This module contains all wearing parts in a corrosion-resistant housing, which is said to be fitted in seconds. The Bekomat 33 features a condensate receiver tank to cater for larger condensate output and a larger valve orifice. When changing the service unit, the condensate tank remains in place attached to the compressed-air system, eliminating the time-consuming de-coupling of solid pipework, according to the company. Every service unit is pressure and function tested at the Beko factory and requires no electrical installation, other than unplugging the electrical housing and plugging it back in again once the drain is serviced.

Vision Engineering is launching the Falcon three-axis non-contact video measuring system. Designed to be simple, powerful, accurate and affordable, Falcon is suitable for both multi-user shop-floor use and advanced manufacturing inspection applications. It employs high-resolution indexed zoom optics (up to 100x magnification) to provide enhanced component edge definition, with an indexed camera iris control to reduce depth of field, increasing accuracy and repeatability of Z-axis results. As a compact unit with a small footprint, Falcon incorporates advanced features designed to simplify operation and increase accuracy, including surface and substage iris aperture control, motorised Z-axis movement, controllable quadrant LED illumination, plus high- and low-magnification lens options as standard. Vision Engineering's precision measuring stages provide a measurement capacity of up to 150mm x 150mm x 115mm (X, Y, Z) and include factory-completed NLEC calibration, as standard. An int...

Flir Systems has announced that the latest models of its mid-range T-Series infrared cameras feature five areas of function development. The latest generation Flir T-Series has the ability to image stream, enabling the user, for example, to watch a process at start-up and acquire radiometric data at a reasonable speed. This enhances the application scope of the camera and new software packages are available to support this functionality. These include Quickplot for simple trending, analysis and reporting work and ResearchIR for comprehensive data analysis. Periodic storage has been rolled out to the Flir T-Series. This allows snapshots to be taken at predetermined intervals, allowing the camera to act as a watchman for a variety of applications. Thermal and/or visual images can be stored and for ease-of-use a counter is provided as standard. The company said this takes the Flir T-Series into the realms of product test and development. The ability to build a composite image is now avai...

ABB has launched its most compact multipurpose robot offering high accuracy even at high speeds. Weighing 400kg, the fourth-generation IRB 4600 features ABB's Quickmove and Truemove path technology as standard. This technology enables the IRB 4600 to achieve improved path performance of up to 50 per cent while typically reducing cycle times by as much as 30 per cent. The use of ABB's Truemove and Quickmove technology allows the robot to offer consistent path accuracy even at high speeds. Truemove checks path accuracy by constantly comparing actual and programmed path positions. Quickmove minimises cycle time by automatically optimising acceleration to match the process conditions. The consistency ensured by the technology also eliminates the need for trimming or fixing to maintain a set path, making the IRB 4600 suitable for applications demanding high accuracy such as gluing or sealing. Truemove and Quickmove also eliminate the need for 'path tuning' to cope with chan...

Miyachi Unitek mid-frequency inverter spot welding controls can be integrated into assembly processes utilising progressive dies, in-line presses or transfer presses. The company said that this enables customers to save time and money as they can bypass a secondary operation for attaching fasteners, studs and so on, by employing in-die welding. Miyachi inverter weld controls offer a fast rise to current, which allows the user to take advantage of the high contact resistance, minimising the time required to produce a consistent, quality weld. Shorter weld times also facilitate better usage of the weld projection resulting in reduced weld splash, a smaller heat affected zone and less part deformation. The ISA range of inverter power supplies provides a high level of control for large-scale resistance spot welding. Packaged in NEMA style enclosures, they are designed to deliver robust performance in the harshest of production environments. The ISA models can deliver 500, 1000, 2000 and 4...

Richard Short, sales director at Penny Hydraulics , outlines the importance of the thorough examination and testing of load handling equipment. Most companies are aware of the health and safety regulations that require all items of lifting equipment to be inspected regularly. The regulations are a legal requirement and cover all types of lifting equipment, broadly defined as any device used to handle loads in a workplace. This can include, but is not limited to, cranes and tail lifts installed on commercial vehicles as well as similar equipment used in other mobile and static applications. Goods lifts and hoists are included. The more stringent regulations have been brought in because accidents related to lifting continue to represent one of the biggest causes of deaths, injuries and time off work in the workplace. Official HSE figures show a small but steady decline in these accidents in recent years but there is still much to do. Imposing a more rigorous regime of testing and inspect...

The Formdrill process uses a special carbide tip to drill through thin materials such as sheet metal using friction, removing the need for nuts and bosses. The Formdrill process involves a carbide conical tip (Formdrill) that heats up the material by friction into a super-plastic state, enabling the Formdrill to push through and form the hole and displace the material into a bushing that generally triples the material thickness. This additional wall surface is then threaded, eliminating the need for welded nuts, bosses or inserts. This bushing is also used as support for brazing or as a bearing wall in rotating shaft applications. It can be used on most drill presses, milling machines or CNC systems. The only parts required are a tool holder, a collet and the Formdrill. Each Formdrill will perform from 8,000 to 10,000 cycles in mild steel, a little less in stainless steel, and more in aluminum and copper. This process is claimed to have the ability to reduce costs from 50 per cent ...