Static control and EMI shielding specialist, TBA Electro Conductive Products (ECP) is developing innovative conductive plastic compounds within the Pan-European PolyCond project.

Static control and EMI shielding specialist, TBA Electro Conductive Products (ECP) is developing innovative conductive plastic compounds within the Pan-European PolyCond project that is aimed at creating eco-friendly, cost-effective and high added value conductive plastic composites. PolyCond is a transnational project, being part financed by the European Commission (EC) under the sixth framework programme as an Integrated Project (IPSME scheme - project number IP 515835-2). The project is designed to address the needs of European plastics converters, a traditionally less research-intensive industry mainly composed of small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) Commenting on the project, David Hurst, TBA ECP's general manager said, 'We are very pleased to be a part of PolyCond, a project that complements the aims of TBA ECP and will enable us to contribute our many years of experience in producing conductive plastics for EMI/RFI shielding and static control.

We will also benefit from access to the results of PolyCond's research output.' PolyCond's approach aims to deliver plastic components with embedded EMI shielding functionality, weight reduction of at least 60%, total cost reduction of shielding components approaching 90% and reduction of production time by 80%, thus improving productivity.

The main challenges for the project are to enhance the conductivity and extend the processing window of existing melt processable ICPs (Inherently Conductive Polymers) and to improve the compatibility and dispersion of conductive nanofillers in complex matrices.

PolyCond will benefit plastics processors in the EU by developing new technologies and providing solutions to key long-term problems.

The multidisciplinary and integrated approach includes technology transfer with training activities, thereby mobilising EU and regional funding.

The growing success in the use of intelligent electronic LED displays in both industry and commerce has led one of the UK's leading manufacturers Messagemaker, to establish an online shop.

The growing success in the use of intelligent electronic LED displays in both industry and commerce has led one of the UK's leading manufacturers Messagemaker, to establish an online shop. LEDsignsonline is the ideal solution for companies or individuals who wish to promote, inform or instruct their customers and/or employees in a fast efficient cost effective manner. Paul Bubb of Messagemaker says, ' we have had a great deal of success over the past few years operating a conventional website aimed at informing potential buyers on the attributes and benefits of using LED displays'.

'However until recently Messagemaker have in the main catered for the high end of the market by supplying bespoke solutions tailored to customer's specific requirements'.

'This is often the only available solution to meet there needs, whereas there are occasions when a simple low cost solution will suffice'.

The new online store carries several pages of the most popular single line scrolling signs and fixed text OPEN displays that experience has shown fit most entry level requirements.

These displays are every bit as sophisticated as the other specific ranges they are only limited in there application functionality.

Paul continues' all our entry level displays have, several appear modes, built in graphics, time and date functions and can store up to 7000 characters in memory'.

'The displays can be programmed using the supplied Infra-Red Keypad or can connect to a PC using the supplied (software not available with EC1001or EC1002)'.

'The displays are available with either standard or Turbo bright LED's the latter of which is suitable for use in a shop window shining out or for indoor use where direct sunlight may be a problem'.

'Non turbo models are also for indoor use but are not usually bright enough for window use'.

'All the displays come with comprehensive instructions and a 12 month return to base warranty'.

They are delivered ex-stock and in most cases can be with the customer within three working days using TNT overnight couriers.

Corner-Fastening Set Clamp-Profile 8 32x18 a stable profile connection for lightweight enclosures of slim profile can be built and allow a door frame to be added.

With the new Corner-Fastening Set Clamp-Profile 8 32x18 a stable profile connection for lightweight enclosures with a slim optic can be built. Stable frames for lightweight enclosures - this it the speciality of the item Clamp Profile 8 32x18. For the mature profile a new fastening technique has be developed: the Corner-Fastening Set Clamp-Profile 8 32x18.

The stable profile connection is made possible for slim profiles.

The corner-fastening sets have a multifunctional purpose.

With special add-on elements a frame as door construction can be used.

The add-on extension element offers the following.

* Roller Set 32x18 can be fitted directly into the corner fastener.

This turns the frame into smooth-running sliding door elements that can be employed, e g, in the new Sliding-Door Guide Profile 8 40x10.

* Hinge Sets 32x18 come with an insert for the corner fastener which forms a door hinge in conjunction with a hinge bearing in the frame of the surrounding construction.

This provides an easy means of constructing a stylish, lightweight swing door with a particularly low door gap and without need for fitting additional hinges.

Safety requirement to enclosures are transferred optically.

Both door options effectively prevent the doors from being removed without dismantling the frame.

The machine frames can be built out different lines of the item MB building kit system.

For installation of a frame construction out of the line 5 or 8 all components are available.

Modular production equipment structures kit building system now includes strut elements for use whenever a construction is to be subjected to considerable loads.

Linear design principles are a key feature of item's RS Building Kit System. The underlying philosophy of this revolutionary construction principle was and is the joining of high-quality stainless steel tubes without obtrusive joints. To add further stability to these constructions, item now offers two new strut elements for use whenever a construction is to be subjected to considerable loads or torsional forces.

Using Strut Hinges D40/D20 and a section of Tube D20, a sturdy cross-member can be fitted to form a support, either from above or below, on constructions made from basic Tubes D40.

The angle and length of the strut can be selected as required.

The Strut Hinge D40/D20 consists of two joint elements which connect the slim struts to the base construction at both ends.

Depending on the specific application, the struts can transmit tensile or compressional forces.

The joints are attached to the Tubes D40 using M6 nuts.

The Tie Rods D6 are designed specifically or tensile loads.

They, too, are used for stabilising a frame structure made from Tubes D40.

They can be manufactured to any length and are attached using special-purpose anchor points which can be fixed at any point of the Tubes.

Tie Rod D6 is cut to the required length and an M6 thread cut (length 20mm) on the end to accommodate a tie rod turnbuckle.

The tie rods are tensioned by tightening the turnbuckles.

The Tie Rod connectors on the Tubes D40 can accommodate several tie rods.

This creates nodes which stabilise any tubular construction.

The attractive design of these functional elements enables constructions of this type to be placed quite deliberately in places where they will be seen.

A step conveyor, with feed unit and control module is designed to improve throughput times, productivity and profits at assembly shops undertaking production line screwdriving tasks.

A new step conveyor, the ZSL 151 feed unit and control module from Weber Automatic Assembly Systems, is designed to improve throughput times, productivity and profits at assembly shops undertaking production line screwdriving tasks. Repeatability and accuracy are the most important criteria when undertaking high throughput assembly operations, where operating efficiency is a number one priority. Output levels of 5000 parts/hour (for an M4x30 screw) are easily achievable using the ZSL 151, capable of matching or exceeding most modern assembly production targets.

Fastening elements (screws, bolts or nuts) are loaded into a stainless steel bowl as bulk material.

Fastener items are then transferred to the exit track by stroke step, before being aligned on the conveyor, selected by an escapement and fed to the screwdriving unit.

This unit, together with the feed system and screwdriving process are fully controllable using an integrated programmable PLC.

The pneumatic ZSL 151 has been designed with a low vibration exit track, ensuring a smooth operation and noise levels that do not exceed 76dBA.

Also, the fasteners are never moved unnecessarily, hence the unit is ideal for screws, bolts or nuts with coatings, paint finishes or delicate surfaces.

This compact unit measures just 420 by 600 by 400mm and runs off 230V power supply and a 6 bar compressed air connection.

It has a 1.5 litre parts capacity (with optional automatic filling bunker) and the stroke and slider adapt automatically to the filling level.

The versatility of a modular system iallows constructions to be easily and quickly adapted to meet changing requirements and the needs of the workers.

From the outset, one of the most popular fields of application of item's MB Building Kit System has been the construction of individually-designed workplaces specifically adapted to meet particular requirements. In this area in particular, the unique versatility of the modular system is particularly noticeable: the constructions can be easily and quickly adapted to meet changing requirements resulting from changes in the workpieces and the needs of the workers. Our current new products focus deliberately on employees in the production processes: a height-adjustable foot-rest, drawer cabinets available in 3 different construction heights and multi-socket power strips with robust aluminium housings have been added to complete the range of item products available for optimising modular workplaces.

The free standing foot-rest can be freely positioned under workbenches in workshops and offices and can be individually adapted to meet the ambient conditions and the worker's needs.

The footplate itself has two alternative heights depending on whether the worker is standing or sitting, for example.

Within each position, a foot-operated central control allows the lock on the pneumatic spring inside the lifting column to be released.

This enables the foot rest to be adjusted steplessly between 100mm and 340mm.

The footplate is made of conductive plastic.

To ensure discharge of any static electricity, the footplate can be connected in a conductive way with the floor or a potential equaliser.

To this end, a conductive strip is fitted to the underside of the footplate.

The new drawer cabinets can be attached directly to the workbench frame or underneath the working surface.

The tallest cabinet version also offers the opportunity to position the cabinet as a free-standing unit on a plinth or to modify it to make a mobile unit by adding castors.

The drawers have a carrying capacity of 50 kg each are attached to maintenance-free, ball-bearing mounted rails.

The drawers are factory-equipped with non-slip mats and one of the drawers has variable compartment dividers.

The inserts in the grip rails can be written on to enable the drawers to be marked quickly and easily.

The drawer cabinet can be effectively locked using the central-locking system.

The multi-socket power strip is an additional modular feature for supplying power to workplaces.

It has five earthed socket outlets which can be isolated from the mains via the two-terminal, illuminated on/off switch.

The plug sockets themselves are angled at 45 deg to enable plugs moulded at an angle to be inserted with ease.

The fastening sets supplied enable the multi-socket power strip to be fitted as required to Line 8 profiles or any other components.

The angle brackets can be inserted and locked in the end caps of the power strips in a number of different positions.

This means that they can be positioned on the workbench flexibly and as required.

One might think that purchasing a workbench or workstation is simple, but to get the right workbench, here is a step-by-step approach by James Anderson and Ron Santoro.

On the surface, you might think that purchasing a workbench or workstation is simple. However, to ensure that you're getting the right workbench, here's is a step-by-step approach to selecting the right workbench for all your needs. What are you doing?

- The answer will factor into all the considerations that follow, affecting everything from the size of the workbench to the surface material, to storage requirements, to ergonomic considerations.

Sizing up your needs - the size of your workbench is determined by a number of factors: how much space is available in the work environment (how big a footprint)?

How much worksurface area does your application demand, both in terms of width (left to right) and depth (front to back).

Go with the flow - it is important to consider whether the workspace, the work to be done, and your company's particular type of workflow, are best served by a group of workstations laid out in a particular configuration.

Exploring storage - there are many options for storage, both above and below the worksurface.

With careful planning, you can get a workstation that exactly addresses your storage needs with little or no wasted space.

'Seeing the light' - determining the lighting needs of your different workbench tasks is important.

Does each station need separate lighting?

Does the room itself have lighting deficiencies or cast an unwanted color?

Feeling the power - having a convenient source of power at each workbench can be essential.

Some options to consider range from power beams and air beams to air supply brackets and cable management accessories.

A stress-free decision - it is essential to factor in ergonomics as both a safety and productivity issue.

To minimize stress and strain, a 30.5in worksurface height will accommodate 99.5% of all male and 99.9% of all female workers when they are sitting down.

When standing, the optimal worksurface height depends on the work being performed.

If different shifts and tasks are being performed on the same bench, consider an adjustable-height workstation.

A complete solution - using a common workbench platform throughout your facility has many benefits from better utilization of inventory to easier reconfiguration to interchangeability of accessories and aesthetic appeal.

Design assistance - choose a workbench provider who offers design planning assistance to guide you through the process.

Free services such as surveys and CAD drawings can make the process virtually painless.

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) project is a partnership of six US DOE National Laboratories to design and construct the most powerful spallation source in the world for neutron-scattering RandD.

In an exciting development in neutron science, the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) project is a partnership of six US DOE National Laboratories to design and construct the most powerful spallation source in the world for neutron-scattering RandD. Instruments being built at the SNS include neutron spectrometers and diffractometers, used to determine the positions, or arrangements, of atoms in crystals, ceramics, superconductors and proteins. Novel neutron diffractometers and detectors at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory will be using neutron scintillators, developed in conjunction with Applied Scintillation Technologies (AST).

AST has received two major orders for this project.

The first is the supply of glass scintillator plates for use on an Anger camera.

The scintillators are 158 mm square and 2 mm thick and are used in a 4 x 4 array.

Each plate is coupled to a photomultiplier tube to give area position-sensitive neutron detection.

The scintillator material has a fast decay time (80-90 ns) and offers excellent discrimination between neutrons and gamma rays.

The plates are robust and extremely stable over time.

The second order is for novel neutron detection screens for use in the crossed-fibre neutron detectors for both the VULCAN and Powgen3 diffractometers.

Powgen3 will be an extremely flexible and versatile general purpose diffractometer for a wide range of structural studies.

VULCAN is an engineering diffractometer which will be used for deformation and residual stress related studies.

Other uses include spatial mapping of chemistry, microstructure and texture.

The crossed-fibre detector combines the AST neutron detection screen with a network of overlaid, wavelength shifting optical fibres, which are coupled to photomultiplier tubes.

The screen itself has a blend of 6Li compounds and phosphors with an increased 6Li loading per unit area, which gives up to 20% increase in neutron capture compared to previous formulations.

Each detector module utilises 32 of these screens, tiled together in a 4 x 8 array.

The screen design enables optimum contact area with the optical fibres.

Neutron interaction with the screen produces scintillation at 450 nm.

The 450 nm photons are absorbed by the wavelength-shifting fibres, and converted to 520 nm photons, which propagate out of the ends of the fibres.

The photomultiplier tubes provide co-incidence counting and position coding to allow 2-D detection of neutron events.

A stainless steel tri-lobe clamping knob has been introduced for builders of machinery and production equipment going into food processing and pharmaceutical industries.

As part of their product range expansion Elesa are pleased to offer a stainless steel tri-lobe clamping knob for food processing, marine, pharmaceutical, offshore and other aggressive environmental applications that make the use of stainless steel mandatory either by virtue of legislation or simple utility. Typically these will be of interest to machine and equipment builders where quick adjustment or dismantling is required - from bench top units to stand-alone production plant. The GN5339.5 features the same comfortable 'rounded triangle' design as its well-known thermoplastic stable mate - the VTR - and is available in 32mm to 60mm dia.

with M5 to M10 blind tapped hubs.

Leading central heating boiler manufacturer has reduced floor space occupied by two assembly lines by 33% by switching to modular workstations and lineside storage.

Leading central heating boiler manufacturer Baxi Heating UK has reduced the floor space occupied by two of its assembly lines by 33% by switching to modular Lean Tek workstations and lineside storage supplied by the Tube and Bracket Company. The new assembly lines have been introduced as part of Baxi Heating UK's lean manufacturing programme which is enabling the company to improve overall production quality and introduce highly flexible manufacturing to respond to changing market and business requirements. 'We can build workstations and lineside storage to exactly the size we need and so far have saved around a third of floor space which can now be used for other tasks,' said David Hall, production engineer at Baxi Heating UK's boiler assembly site.

'We have also made other savings in terms of productivity by going lean and quality has improved so we have greatly reduced defects on finished products.' Baxi Heating UK is part of the international Baxi Group, one of Europe's leading heating groups.

The company has recently started to restructure the production processes at its Assembly Operations Plant in Burnley to introduce lean manufacturing.

It aims to streamline processes, reduce costs and enable greater flexibility and responsiveness to changing market requirements.

The company approached The Tube and Bracket Company, which then devised a prototype workstation using its modular Lean Tek system of tubes, brackets, wheels and other components.

Baxi Heating UK trialled the workstation before deciding that the modular approach would provide an ideal solution for its lean manufacturing assembly lines.

In the first phase of its programme Baxi Heating UK has reconfigured two of its conventional boiler assembly lines for lean manufacturing.

Existing fabricated workbenches have been replaced with new workstations created using Lean Tek.

The assembly lines are identical with each comprising twelve unique workstations designed and configured for a specific task.

The workstations are on wheels so that they can be repositioned easily if a change in assembly line configuration is required.

A static 'parts supermarket' has been built with Lean Tek alongside the assembly lines to hold boiler components until they are needed for production.

Stock is replenished from the main warehouse when it falls to predetermined levels, which helps ensure that components are always available but the space used to store them at the lineside is minimised.

Using Lean Tek ensures that facilities can be built to precise dimensions to occupy the optimum floor space, no more, no less.

This has resulted in a 33% reduction in overall floor space required for the two new assembly lines.

The significance of the new approach is exemplified by a workstation created to test a new boiler valve assembly.

An existing fabricated bench measuring 1800 by 800mm was replaced with a Lean Tek workstation that was just 600 by 600mm and occupying a quarter of the floor space.

The new workstation was designed so that equipment and jigs surrounding the test piece were supported and positioned correctly for optimum performance.

Lean Tek components are also reusable and interchangeable which means that modifications can be made at any time to make incremental improvements to overall assembly performance and accommodate changes in a specific process.

'Using Lean Tek we were able to modify the workstations and storage areas while we built the assembly line,' said Hall.

'With fabrications we would have had to finalise the design before we started and it would have been difficult to make changes.' Although The Tube and Bracket Company designed and built the initial workstations and storage racks Baxi Heating UK soon had the confidence to start using the components on its own.

Now the company keeps enough components in stock to build or modify its own installations.

The Tube and Bracket Company supplies replacement components overnight from its warehouse and provides advice and support whenever required.

A further benefit of using Lean Tek is better housekeeping.

Baxi Heating UK realised that airlines used to power tools could be run inside the tubular components to create a tidier working environment, eliminate the risk of snagging and remove potential dust traps.

When a workstation needs to be repositioned the airline is simply disconnected and reconnected at the nearest available supply point using a short piece of tubing which protrudes from the bottom end of the frame.

Optimising the working area also ensures there is no space to leave unwanted items lying around.

Baxi Heating UK plans to extend its lean manufacturing programme during 2006 and 2007 to include additional sections of the Burnley plant including more assembly lines and fabrication areas.

As part of this process the company intends to introduce uniform modular workstations, trolleys and storage racks that can be used in the majority of applications with little or no modification.

These will be supplemented with bespoke modular workstations to support special projects.

The company is still assessing data on the overall impact of its lean manufacturing programme and cannot quantify improvements achieved so far except for the saving in floor space.

However, it has already noticed that the optimised working areas and new production processes have led to an increase in overall quality and reduction in defective finished products.

'Our aim is for a totally universal workstation to make any product we want,' said Hall.

The Tube and Bracket Company creates adaptable handling, storage and display solutions for customers using the modular LeanTek system.

This comprises coated steel piping, joints and fixtures that can be assembled into a variety of installations which can be modified or reconfigured quickly and easily using basic hand tools as requirements change.

The company offers a complete range of consultancy, project management, design, build and component supply services.

Dry cabinets for misture-sensitive electronic components, PCBs, solder pastes and adhesives can be supplied with quick-dry facilities for when they are frequently opened.

Kaisertech has introduced a range of dry cabinets for the storage of moisture sensitive products such as electronic components, PCBs, solder pastes and adhesives. The ESD safe cabinets are available in capacities from 164 litres to 740 litres and can be supplied with quick-dry facilities for situations where they are frequently opened. All cabinets hav-___e lockable castors and the doors have inspection windows.

A digital controller sets relative humidity and RH levels of less than 5% can be reached.

Management software is provided for tracking data and records of temperature and humidity can be stored with an optional data logger and reader.

Other options include a nitrogen module for supplementary drying, alarm light, heater and stainless steel shelves.

Kaisertech can also supply the relevant consumables such as dry pack bags, vacuum sealing machines and humidity indicator cards.

Staubli multi-couplings provide the secure, automatic, leak free connections operating at the heart of Perkins impressive new engine testing facilities at their Peterborough factory.


Staubli multi-couplings provide the secure, automatic, leak free connections operating at the heart of Perkins impressive new engine testing facilities at their Peterborough factory. For well over 70 years, Perkins has led the field in the design and manufacture of high-performance diesel engines. A programme of continuous development, allows them to offer one of the most advanced and comprehensive ranges.

Acquired by Caterpillar in 1998, together they are the world's largest diesel engine manufacturer, supplying major equipment manufacturers in the construction, power generation, materials handling, agricultural and general industrial markets.

Perkins will celebrate its 75th Anniversary in 2007.

Perkins prides itself on hot testing every engine it produces (it also cold tests each engine too).

This requires a bank of test cells where the engine can be connected to coolant, fuel, oil, electrics and an exhaust line which allows each engine to be run up to the designed speed.

Perkins operated no less than 68 engine test beds, each one manually operated, calling for laborious and slow connections to be made to each engine.

Health and safety of operatives and environmental aspects were also a concern in the cells with the risk of hot oil escaping and the chance of a fire in the confined space of the test bed - a new safer and automated solution was required.

Five years ago, Perkins embarked on a project to replace their existing engine test facilities with new state-of-the-art automated systems that provided a clean working environment, eliminated any chance of environmental harm and would be capable of accommodating the growing production volumes on the 4 litre and 6 litre engine lines, in total the project was a GBP25 million investment.

Essential to the new system was automating the connections required by each engine, removing any chance of poor or incorrect connections and eliminating any leaks.

The new cells also must be able to test and monitor the electrical systems increasingly being used on diesel engines and provide data sets for each engine that could be accessed, analysed and supplied to the customer when required.

Carl Gascoyne, Manufacturing Project Engineer at the Peterborough plant was part of the team that set about this task, 'This project was the largest upgrade implemented at the Peterborough plant, we needed a top quality facility, flexible enough to cope with the numerous variations in equipment and layout being applied to the standard engine design.

Regarding the connections, the team had previous good experience of using Standauml;ubli mono connectors so it was natural to get them involved in this multi coupling application too.' Standauml;ubli analysed the connection requirements and recommended using tailored sets of multi-coupling plates with the socket side located on the engine test cradles and the plug side on the test beds.

Similar solutions had been produced by Standauml;ubli for use in the motorsport sector as well as being extensively used in the automotive market for example by Renault at their Cleon factory in France.

Assembling an array of quick release connectors onto a single multi-coupling plate provides quick and simultaneous connection of all services e.g coolant, oil, fuel, pressure transducers, electrics and data.

It is the most significant single improvement in productivity that can be applied to engine test beds.

Standauml;ubli MCS multi-couplings are configured for each specific application.

Experienced Standauml;ubli engineers review requirements to determine the precise specification for the plate.

This takes into account the type of fluids in use, their pressure and temperature as well as the electrical connections (amperage, voltage, number of pins etc) required and the type of valving and seals needed and the size envelope available and positioning on the unit.

Their wide experience in the connection of fluids and gases and the facility to incorporate and develop electrical connections with their sister company, Multi-Contact, places Standauml;ubli in a unique position, able to supply full function multi-coupling solutions.

From this data Standauml;ubli designs and manufactures a specific multi-coupling plate drawing on products from their wide range.

This will include modular quick release couplings and electrical connectors, guiding and centring components as well as connection and locking systems.

Extra connectors can be added to give spare capacity or to allow for future modifications.

In the Perkins application Standauml;ubli SPH series connectors were selected for the fluid lines and REA series for the electrical connections.

The use of multi-couplings dramatically improves safety as well as productivity.

Dry break connectors ensure no loss of fluid or ingress of contamination on disconnection and help maintain a clean and safer working environment.

Connection can only be made in one position, eliminating any risk of circuit inversion and mis-connection.

Guidance pins on the multi-coupling ensure that the engine is located precisely in the correct position on the test bed.

Inclusion of the electrical connections on the plate removes any tangle of leads around the engine that can often be a problem.

The 68 manual test beds at Perkins were replaced with 12 cells on the 4 litre line using 52 engine pallets.

The productivity of the test beds improved dramatically.

Current production levels of 125,000 engines/year calls for a testing rate of 37 per hour - a rate easily achieved by the new facility.

Floor to floor times for each engine through testing are now of the order of 15 mins compared with hours on the old system and the working environment and safety aspects have been improved out of all recognition.

How have the multi couplings performed?

Carl comments, 'Some engine pallets have now been operating through the test cells for over 3 years, probably testing close on 400,000 engines, Standauml;ubli's connectors have operated faultlessly, we are very impressed.' The new test facility has performed so well that a similar system is currently being commissioned on the 6 litre engine line.

Six test cells and 20 test pallets have each been equipped with Standauml;ubli multi coupling plates, capable of testing the current production of 50,000 engines/year which is anticipated to increase fairly significantly over the next few years.

Frank Perkins who started the company would approve; his motto was 'Where there is no vision the people perish' certainly vision was essential to the objective of producing a world best engine test facility at Peterborough; Standauml;ubli multi couplings have played a vital part in bringing this vision to reality.