Improve traceability and accountability of manufacturing processes in harsh machine tool environments with identification systems that provide reliable product tracking and identification.

Improve traceability and accountability of manufacturing processes in harsh machine tool environments with Balluff's identification systems. These systems have been providing reliable product tracking and identification for over a decade and continue to be a leader in systems that are not only robust, but are accurate and precise. According to Balluff, the BIS-C system has been a success and has proved efficient, cost-effective and relatively easy to integrate.

With its IP67 housing and its capacity to withstand environments ranging from -20 deg C to +70 deg C, it is built to withstand the rigors of machine tool environments.

This durability has not impeded its efficiency, with data carriers reading the self-contained 8-bit parallel read-head consistently 'on-the-fly' while moving past the read head and without the need for precise alignment.

Data exchange between the carrier and the read head is non-contact and wear-free.

The data and necessary power for the data carrier are inductively coupled and require no battery for operation or data retention, eliminating added cost and the risk of losing data.

PSI Engineering, a leader in material handling and in-line document automation solutions, has launched its newest friction feeder, the Direct In-Feeder system.

In an effort to improve efficiency and lower operating costs, distribution centers have had to automate their material handling process. The implementation of systems such as friction feeders, which automatically insert anything flat into boxes or totes, has improved the order fulfillment throughput of many warehouses. However many friction feeders have difficultly feeding fine paper products and envelopes, which results in delays on the material handling line.

A solution to this costly problem finally exists, as PSI Engineering, a leader in material handling and in-line document automation solutions, announces the launch of its newest friction feeder, the Direct In-Feeder system.

Setting the Direct In-Feeder apart from the competition is its compact design and ability to feed difficult paper products.

The friction feeder automatically feeds anything from very fine sheets all the way up to the most difficult envelopes.

Considerable time savings and efficiency gains are achieved by automating this portion of the material handling line.

Along with feeding a variety of envelopes and fine paper stocks, the Direct In-feeder system easily adjusts to feed other flat products including CDs, DVDs, catalogs, and magazines.

With dimensions of 20' x 15.5' (50.8 x 39.4 cm), the Direct In-Feeder is easily integrated into any material handling line, or can function as a stand alone unit.

Its load capacity of 11.5' (29.2 cm) minimizes user intervention, since operators can simply pack the feeder and walk away.

Downtime is minimized because the Direct In-Feeder is designed around PSI's 'Load-On-The- Fly' technology, which allows for feeder reloads while the system is in operation.

'Distribution Centers are constantly seeking ways to minimizes costs and increase their efficiency,' believes Tom Napier, Automation Solutions Account Manager at PSI.

'Both of these goals are accomplished through the implementation of automatic friction feeders.' PSI's friction feeders have been proven to increase the productivity of their customers by 100% and provide a return on investment of less than one year.

The LightScope mini from Moritex is a low cost, small diameter industrial endoscope for remote viewing of inaccessible structures where space is at a premium.

The LightScope mini from Moritex is a low cost, small diameter industrial endoscope for remote viewing of inaccessible structures where space is at a premium. Robust, reliable and measuring only 5mm in diameter the battery powered LightScope mini is the perfect portable viewing aid for restricted space applications including security (locksmiths) and automotive engineering (inspection of engine valves, nozzles etc). Benefiting from Moritex`s expertise in optics, fibre-optics and illumination the LightScope mini provides excellent image quality normally only found in much higher priced systems.

The LightScope mini is available as standard with a flexible plastic fibre image guide of 1 metres length.

Designed to operate over the temperature range 0-60 C the LightScope mini provides a 27-degree view angle with focal length variable from 10mm to infinity.

Fully waterproofed to ensure long-term operational integrity the LightScope mini is provided as standard with image fibre, integral light source and straight on viewing optical system.

To increase the versatility of the low cost system a wide choice of optional accessories including lighting systems and adapters for side viewing and mounting of digital cameras are also available.

EMI shielding specialist, TBA Electro Conductive Products (ECP) has introduced new small size beryllium copper EMI/RFI shielding strips.

EMI shielding specialist, TBA Electro Conductive Products (ECP) has introduced new small size beryllium copper EMI/RFI shielding strips that are designed for use in applications where very narrow gaps are encountered. The new ECP620 gaskets are ideal for bidirectional applications including sub-rack assemblies, plug-in units, front panels, backplanes and other shielding and grounding enclosure applications requiring high shielding effectiveness for narrow gaps. ECP620 small size gaskets feature an uncompressed (free) height of just 2mm and require compression force of 16 to 50kg/m for 25 to 50% compression respectively (1.5 to 1mm).

The gaskets are manufactured from 0.5mm thick beryllium copper and are supplied in 406mm long strips.

Fingers are 1.06mm wide on 1.52mm pitch and strip width is 5.33mm uncompressed.

TBA ECP's new ECP620 small size gaskets feature pressure sensitive (stick-on) mounting and soft no-snag fingers.

They also meet the requirements of the RoHS and WEEE directives.

Like all TBA ECP's beryllium copper gaskets, the new small size designs are available in a wide range of plating options including clean and bright (unsolderable) as standard, solderable unplated, gold, silver, tin lead, bright tin, bright nickel, zinc/clear chromate and electroless nickel among others.

Beryllium copper shielding strips offer excellent spring qualities and long life.

Other important characteristics include low closing forces and high attenuation exceeding 100dB for many styles.

Complementing its range of beryllium copper shielding strips, TBA ECP also supplies stainless steel versions of its low-profile and pressure sensitive mounting gaskets.

These extend the choice of materials available to design engineers and provide hard-wearing and long-lasting EMI/RFI shielding in a wide range of applications.

TBA ECP's comprehensive range of standard beryllium copper fingerstock delivers cost effective EMI/RFI shielding with high attenuation.

Custom shielding is also available for board-level shielding and connector gaskets.

TBA Electro Conductive Products is a specialist manufacturer of high quality electro static protection (ESP) and electro magnetic interference (EMI) shielding products.

The EMI shielding range includes an extensive portfolio of gaskets and gasketing materials, metal foil tapes, shielded windows and mesh products, vent panels and shielded fan vents.

Padlock versions of EMKA's 1107 and 1125 Swinghandles and of their slimline 2100 programme make life easier for specifiers/designers, fabricators and operators of specialist enclosures.

Padlock versions of Emka's popular 1107 and 1125 Swinghandles and of their slimline 2100 programme are designed to make life easier for specifiers/designers, fabricators and operators of specialist enclosures where a padlocking facility is required in corrosive environments. Use of stainless steel padlockable through-pillars, with reinforced polyamide bodies, offer a simple to fit solution as part of the structured Emka system. These items compliment the Emka L-handle in stainless steel with padlock capability, the quarter-turn keylock and its sister wing-handle, which all accept standard UK hasps of 3/16' to 3/8'.

European padlock sizes of 4.5mm to 10mm are accommodated with appropriate variants.

The ability to padlock cabinets with one or more locks for safety and security is an increasingly important consideration, especially where high voltages or otherwise dangerous or sensitive equipment is housed.

For example, electrical/electronic equipment in industrial process, offshore, HVAC, medical, food and automotive industries where simple operation and sealing up to IP65 is also valuable.

Whatever the size of cabinet there is an Emka padlocking handle to suit, with or without standard cylinder locks or to Ford specification.

Finish is in black polyamide, black epoxy, chrome or plain stainless to suit the application and to operate the many single point or multiple point lever locking systems which Emka offer.

Syncroscopy has introduced its new Montage Explorer, an automated sample scanning and image stitching system which helps to rapidly produce a single, perfectly focused image of a microscope slide.

Syncroscopy, the world leader in unique digital imaging solutions for microscopy, has introduced its new Montage Explorer, an automated sample scanning and image stitching system which helps microscopists to rapidly produce a single, perfectly focused image of an entire microscope slide. The new Montage Explorer system consists of a high resolution colour CCD digital camera that can be fitted to virtually any microscope, with or without a motorised stage, integrated to a state of the art PC. The PC is installed with the latest version of Syncroscopy's unique, patented Montage Explorer imaging software.

Montage Explorer dynamically extends the field of view so that as users move their sample they can simultaneously extend the depth of field, to produce a 3D image in real time.

This allows microscopists to use high magnification, and high resolution microscope objectives on a wide field of view and saves the time and effort of manually pasting many images together.

For even greater time savings, Montage Explorer can also be used with an automated xyz-stepper stage, which Syncroscopy can supply as a fully integrated part of a Montage Explorer system.

Martin Smith, Syncroscopy's Divisional Manager stated: 'We are very proud of our new Montage Explorer system because it integrates the best camera, PC and image analysis software for microscopy applications.

This ensures that users as diverse as entomologists wanting to study whole insects, right through to material scientists inspecting engine parts, can quickly generate one large image of a wide field of view, and yet still see incredible levels of detail in that image.

Available from Aerco is a range of miniature bayonet locking connectors from Deutsch designed to address the key issues of weight and space while providing high levels of performance.

Now available from Aerco is a range of miniature bayonet locking connectors from Deutsch designed to address the key issues of weight and space while providing high levels of performance in harsh environments. Deutsch Micro Military Connector (MMC) connectors are based on the proven environmental and mechanical performance of Mil-DTL-38999 but with the added benefit of increased contact density in a more compact design making them ideal for applications where space is at a premium and reliability is critical. Available in three, five and nine contact options with PCB variants also available, these tough, lightweight connectors will be ideal for use in combat vehicles and both military and commercial aircraft.

The connectors are sealed to IP67 and have an operating temperature of -55 deg C to +175 deg C.

Mechanical endurance is a minimum of 500 mating cycles and several plating finishes are available including RoHS compliant nickel plating.

Applying a shrink boot is made easier as the connector design incorporates an integral mounting that does not require additional parts.

Goudsmit UK has announced the supply of the 'Magname' badge holder to Dean and Associates.

Goudsmit UK has announced the supply of the 'Magname' badge holder to Dean and Associates. For the past 17 months Goudsmit UK have been working in conjunction with Dean and Associates developing an innovative magnetic badge holder for the exhibition and conference sector. The 'Magname' badge holder uses magnets to attach name badges to clothing as shown on www.magname.co.uk.

Martin Dean, Managing Director, Dean and Associates stated 'Having recognised the need within the conference and exhibition arena for a new badge holder we approached Goudsmit UK.

The company worked with us on a number of concept ideas and developed a magnetic badge holder which we were delighted with.

Initial interest within the market has been phenomenal with 150,000 'Magname' badge holders already in production.

Magnames have received excellent references from top executives in this sector such as the Managing Director of the London Excel Exhibition Centre.' 'The advantages of using the 'Magname' over traditional pin badge holders is that delicate materials such as silk shirts and suits will not be damaged and the badge can be securely positioned even through thick material such as leather or wool.' The concept was quite simple but involved complex magnetic analysis using the Magneto software program.

This was to ensure that the magnets had the desired performance characteristics for the varying thicknesses of clothing that the 'Magname' would be attached to.

Also a permanent snap fit was required and to ensure that the optimum balance between ease of assembly and security of the snap fit was achieved finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out.

For many small businesses in the UK, funding a new project from concept stage through to production can be a huge financial strain.

At Goudsmit UK, customers benefit from technical design and development expertise in the UK along with a cost effective manufacturing solution through their facility in China.

Stephen Donnelly, Managing Director said 'It's great to see Dean and Associates get from initial idea stage to selling their product into the market place.

For many small companies the cost of getting an initial idea into production can be enough to put them off.

Initial signs show that the market is backing this new innovative badge holder and potential sales in the UK and world wide look promising.'

Important standards that safeguard the reliability of instrumentation manifolds are starting to be ignored, warns Parker Instrumentation.

Important standards that safeguard the reliability of instrumentation manifolds are starting to be ignored, warns Parker Instrumentation, who has become aware of inferior-quality product being installed. The decline in standards - which most users will find it difficult to spot - could threaten the integrity of instrumentation systems and potentially result in premature failure. The problem has been identified on double block and bleed (DBB) manifolds, for connecting instruments to process piping - for working pressures up to ANSI Class 2500 or 6,000 PSI, or more (some customers ask for compliance with the API specification for example, which is 10,000 PSI).

ANSI-B 16.5 and 16.34 standards are widely specified for these products, and state that such components must be machined from 'close to net shape forgings'.

This stipulation ensures that the grain flow of the metal is in line with the finished machined shape - for optimum strength and resistance to corrosion attack.

Parker has identified instances where double block and bleed manifolds have been produced from bar stock material, which has a unidirectional grain flow.

Machining the contours required for a double block and bleed manifold cuts through the flow lines, exposing grain ends.

This reduces strength, and increases susceptibility to corrosion.

Double block and bleed manifolds typically have narrow middle sections, which if machined from bar stock, become weak points.

These weak points can be subjected to large bending moments, due to the loading force of instruments and other components, and are often subjected to vibration as well.

With internal flow diameters up to one inch, the ramifications of failure can be severe.

The linear grain flow of bar stock offers another potential failure mechanism.

Resistance to corrosion is crucial for many DBB manifold users such as oil and gas platform operators, who specify materials carefully to ensure very long service lifetimes and performance in the presence of corrosive media and environments.

Exposed grain ends that result from machined bar stock manifolds can render the material more liable to fatigue and more sensitive to stress corrosion.

'Most users we deal with specify and rely on ANSI standards, and believe that's what they are buying,' says Spencer Nicholson, Parker Instrumentation's Innovation and Technology Manager.

'But in this field you cannot tell low quality parts by external appearance, and in some cases users are not getting what they specify.

You need to cross-section and etch a component to see if it complies with standards.

It is easy to understand how end users can be confused when terminology such as 'machined from forged bar stock' - is used.

Clearly this is not a close to net shape forging, and does not comply with relevant standards.' If DBB manifold users are concerned about quality and want to verify the use of forgings,

The design and manufacture of customised linear positioning systems on short lead times is key to LinTech's success.

The design and manufacture of customised linear positioning systems on short lead times is key to LinTech's success. This California-based company offers an exceptionally wide range of options enabling its customers to create the optimum system for the job. To compensate for misalignment between the motor shaft and screw (or belt) drive shaft extension LinTech's product programme includes the choice of three different coupling types.

The middle option is especially apposite to LinTech's policy as it too can be tailored to suit the specific needs of the application.

This flexibility is provided by the Oldham Series couplings, which are manufactured and supplied by Huco Dynatork.

This British manufacturer of precision drive products was the first to employ the sliding coupling designed by the 19th century engineer, John Oldham, for locomotive applications.

It introduced a plastic torque disc to achieve zero backlash and applied the principle to modern precision drives.

The Oldham coupling has been central to the Huco product programme since the mid '80s.

The 3-part sliding disc Oldham coupling is typically recommended by LinTech for applications that involve high acceleration and the starting and stopping of high inertial loads.

Naturally it is supplied in a choice of diameter and length sizes and with bore diameters to accommodate various NEMA and metric motor shafts.

However, it is the choice of hub styles and disc materials associated with this coupling that has particular appeal for LinTech.

The hubs determine the method of installation and shaft attachment and the discs, the quality of motion.

The Oldham is precision engineered throughout and comprises two hubs with inward facing tenons.

These engage with matching slots spaced at 90deg in a central lightweight torque disc.

As the coupling rotates, the disc compensates for any parallel shaft offset by sliding the commensurate distance along each tenon in turn.

A hard, low friction facing on the working surface guarantees long, trouble-free operation.

Quality of motion is a function of the carefully controlled relationship between the tenons and the torque disc.

The disc is precision moulded from high grade engineering polymers and, being easily replaced at low cost, is the sacrificial element in the drive train.

A choice of torque discs is available including those resistant to radiation and heat.

If severely overloaded the torque disc will break, acting as a mechanical fuse, thereby protecting associated equipment from damage.

A replacement torque disc quickly restores the drive without the need to dismantle the drive system.

'We like the flexibility of mixing and matching different bore hubs to create a total coupling for an application,' explains Gary Wester, Vice President of Sales.

'And we favour standard nylon torque disc that provides a nice degree of system damping between the motor output vibrations and the input shaft on our positioning slide.' This ability to fine-tune the component to the exact performance requirements of the application has earned LinTech a substantial customer base.

Its systems are used in a broad variety of general automation applications but particularly for precise positioning in the medical, automotive and packaging sectors.

Meech International, an established leader in static control, surface cleaning and compressed air solutions, has launched its new global website.

Meech International, an established leader in static control, surface cleaning and compressed air solutions, has launched its new global website. This new site is a valuable source of information featuring comprehensive technical and application details for Meech's complete product range. With a newly-added search facility, users can quickly and easily find out specific product information from any of the 4 main areas of Meech's business: static control, air technology, surface cleaning and JetStream air-knife systems.

A News Section is regularly updated with the latest product releases, company and application information.

Downloads can be conveniently accessed, enabling users to choose where and when they want to read relevant information.

'The prime objective in re-designing our website was to make it as user friendly as possible.

We want our existing and prospective customers to find the information they need as quickly and easily as possible,' commented Steve Pheasant, Marketing Director, Meech International.

Global Display Solutions' Manufacturing Services (GDS MS) division has been selected by Automotive Lighting, a Magneti Marelli as its supplier of electronics contract manufacturing services.

Global Display Solutions' Manufacturing Services (GDS MS) division has been selected by Automotive Lighting, a Magneti Marelli as its supplier of electronics contract manufacturing services. Headquartered in Italy and with operations in Romania and China, GDS MS will provide Automotive Lighting with complete support on a global scale. Automotive Lighting is an innovative provider of external lighting for automobiles.

This new relationship will see GDS supply Automotive Lighting with a number of electronic contract manufacturing services including optimal materials choice, development of dedicated tools for the best production yield, introduction of new component cases and functional testing benches for in-factory testing.

GDS MS has over 30 years' experience in the electronic manufacturing services industry and will offer Automotive Lighting specific SMT expertise.

GDS MS is continually developing its expertise in the automotive industry, having recently applied for the ISO/TS 16949 standard.

The ISO/TS 16949 is a technical specification defining the international quality system requirements for design and development, product installation and servicing of automotive related products.

The ISO/TS 16949 standard was published in March 2002 by the International Automotive Task Force and provides certified companies with additional confidence in global sourcing, enabling greater business opportunities.

Automotive Lighting has extremely high expectations of all its suppliers, setting them quality targets in order to ensure it only works with the best in the industry.

In order to ensure it provides the best possible service, GDS MS conducts 100% inspection of incoming materials, bar code systems to avoid errors between components/programs and on-line technical documentation.

GDS MS supplies important customers in the high-tech environment, such as GE Medical, Ducati and Marconi, and offers a wide capability from low to high volume production.

Dirak, an innovator in latches, locks, handles and hinges, has further expanded its extensive hinge product offerings to include a 180andordm; lift-off hinge that incorporates D-snap Technology.

Dirak, a global innovator in latches, locks, handles and hinges, has further expanded its extensive hinge product offerings to include a 180andordm; lift-off hinge that incorporates D-snap Technology. Until now, screws were required to install a lift-off hinge. This new hinge, marketed under the Snap-line brand, consists of two components, the door component and the frame component.

The door component of the new 180andordm; lift-off hinge simply snaps into place on the door, with no need for mounting hardware.

D-snap Technology dramatically speeds up the installation process, because no screws, nuts or tools are needed to install the door part.

This saves up to 90 percent of hardware installation time.

A lift-off hinge makes it possible to remove a door from a cabinet or enclosure without disassembling the hinge.

Retracting the pin halves enables the door to be removed.

The Snap-line 180andordm; lift-off hinge adds an additional level of convenience to the traditional lift-off hinge, because the door part of the hinge, with pre-fitted pin-halves, snaps easily into a prepared cut-out on the door.

What makes the Snap-line 180andordm; lift-off hinge so unique is a set of spring-loaded wings that are inserted into a channel in the hinge housing.

As the wings retract after passing through the cutout, the Snap-line hinge is held securely in place, even in severe vibration applications.

Strength and durability are comparable to that of products that are installed via traditional assembly methods.

The benefit to customers is ease of installation resulting in significant reduction in assembly time.

Since the door part of the hinge does not require mounting hardware (nuts, bolts, screws) the risk of hardware loosening over time and damaging sensitive electronic equipment is reduced.

Different sizes of spring-loaded wings make it possible to use the hinge in any sheet metal thickness.

The Snap-line 180andordm; lift-off door hinge is equally suitable for right-hand or left-hand applications, reducing the need to stock different part numbers for different door configurations.

Door part, frame part and pin-halves of the Snap-line 180andordm; lift-off hinge are zinc die-cast with E-coated pin halves for the frame component to aid in corrosion resistance.

Dirak offers thousands of hinge solutions in a variety of sizes, styles, materials, installation methods, and functionality.

Using Dirak's modular design, design symmetry and D-snap Technology, Dirak hinges can be used interchangeably in numerous applications, resulting in less inventory, eliminating the need for costly re-design of enclosures, and providing a cost-effective assembly process.

on the increase and EMKA has recognised this with a specialist 'how to do electronic locking and monitoring' section of its website.

Electronic locking and monitoring of cabinets, server rooms, control cabinets etc is greatly on the increase and market leader EMKA has recognised this with a specialist 'how to do electronic locking and monitoring' section of its corporate website. Acting as a 24-hour support area engineers can develop their awareness of system capabilities for EMKA's own ELM with a live demo and an online virtual system which allows users to configure online and trial the various modules, sensors and activators which can be integrated into the network. For example, temperature, climatic, smoke, accelleration/tilt, mains observation, mains switch, reed switch and gsm internet (SNMP) access - all in addition to the primary cabinet locking hardware and access software.

Basic FAQs help with problem sorting as do downloads of manuals, technical datasheets, software, wiring plans and specific technical documentation.