Feedback system is now installed in a number of factories for automatically controlling the problems of static and has been proven in thermoforming, slitting/rewinding and gravure printing.

The recently launched Meech Model 986 Feedback system is now installed in a number of factories for automatically controlling the problems of static and has been proven in many processing applications including thermoforming, slitting/rewinding and gravure printing. Unlike other products that merely provide static 'reporting', the 986 DC Feedback System automatically optimises static charge removal by sensing the residual charge on the target material and reacting to it. One of the main characteristics of the system is its flexibility of installation.

Engineers at Meech advise users on how best to install the system in order to give optimum sensitivity and performance.

The entire system consists of a sensor bar and feedback controller which is used in conjunction with the Meech 977v3 Pulsed DC controller and 976 ionising bar.

The feedback controller automatically adjusts the ion output balance by communicating with the sensor and 977v3 unit.

For a flat web application, installation is relatively straightforward with the sensor bar positioned 400mm downstream from the 976 bar and 20-50mm from the surface of the web.

However, on a typical slitter/rewinder machine it is important to ensure that the sensor bar remains at a constant distance from the roll surface, avoiding the ion field produced by the 976 bar.

Due to its innovative design, this is achievable with the Model 986 by simply mounting the sensor bar on the lay-on roller arm (diagram available).

With complex machines such as surface rewinders, installation will depend on the make and design but the 986 Feedback system is versatile enough to be fitted on machines regardless of whether the finished reels are removed from above or below.

This system has already been proven in many process applications such as slitter/rewinders and thermoforming.

A 254mm AC fan - driven by a powerful shaded pole motor and featuring a precision ball bearing system - is designed for cooling of all types of large cabinets and enclosures.

Aerco now supplies a 254mm AC fan from Commonwealth Industrial that is designed for cooling of all types of large cabinets and enclosures.

Rated at 220/240V at 50/60Hz and driven by a powerful shaded pole motor, the FP-108 produces airflow of up to 258 litre/s (547CFM) and because it is 89mm thick this robust and powerful fan has excellent performance against the high pressure experienced in modern, high density electronic enclosures.

The precision ball bearing system ensures a life expectancy of 40,000h at 25 deg C and the fan is shock tested to acceleration of gravity to 30G.

A range of high performance co-polyester elastomer profile buffers offers a low cost damping solution where a moving mass does not need to be decelerated to an exact datum position.

The Tubus range of high performance co-polyester elastomer profile buffers offers a low cost damping solution where a moving mass does not need to be decelerated to an exact datum position and it is not necessary to absorb 100% of the incoming energy. Their life expectancy, up to 1 million cycles, is remarkable, up to 20 times longer than urethane buffers, up to 10 times longer than rubber buffers and up to five times longer than steel springs. Tubus buffers have an operating temperature between -40 deg C to +90 deg C.

They are resistant to grease, oil, petroleum, microbe and chemical attack and seawater.

They also have excellent UV and ozone resistance.

Five models are available - TA, TS, TR, TRL and TC - offering different stopping characteristics and energy capacities ranging from 2Nm up to 12,720Nm per cycle.

Emergency stop uses are an ideal application.

Other application areas are end stops in robotic systems, high bay warehouse systems, machine tools, theme park rides, dockyard handling equipment, baggage handling, conveyor systems and crane equipment.

A custom-engineered test rig, designed and manufactured entirely in-house by Industrial Gas Springs, providesx fast and accurate analysis of all types of gas spring.

A custom-engineered test rig, designed and manufactured entirely in-house by Industrial Gas Springs' engineers, has been installed at the company's Mitcham, UK headquarters to provide fast and accurate analysis of all types of gas spring. Featuring purpose-designed software, which enables spring performance data to be processed quickly and accurately - the new rig has already established itself at the heart of the company's ISO 9001: 2000 quality procedures. The equipment has been designed to measure key criteria, including the loads exerted by gas springs throughout their compression and extension cycles.

As a result, it can be employed to verify friction forces on spring seals, as well as monitor a series of build quality parameters, including oil reservoir level, seal performance and even operating rod surface finish.

In addition, it will confirm the characteristics of prototype IGS units developed to meet customers' application requirements and can even be used to identify the most appropriate spring to match or exceed the performance of a competitor's product.

One of the rig's primary tasks is to determine static forces at points 5 mm from the spring's fully extended and fully compressed conditions.

These values correspond to P1 and P2, the industry-standard figures used to specify all gas springs.

'Because of the high pressure exerted by a gas spring's seals on the unit's operating rod, friction will occur whenever a spring is extended or compressed,' explains IGS' cmmercial manager, Jean-Philippe Duvillard.

'In order to determine the P1 and P2 figures accurately, the test rig has been designed to measure forces throughout a complete cycle, with the spring being compressed and released at a specified rate - as well as at a known ambient temperature,' he continues.

Measurements are recorded during the automatic test cycle by a data logger, which subsequently downloads the readings for processing by a PC.

Results can then be simply displayed on screen, or recorded in line with the requirements of Industrial Gas Springs' quality procedures.

'Since installation, the new test facility has enabled us to apply even more stringent controls to our already impressive Right-First-Time quality performance,' comments managing director, Steve Woolcock.

'We typically test IGS gas springs to more than 250,000 cycles - five times the figure of many competitors'' products! What is more, our rigorous monitoring procedures are matched by extremely close manufacturing tolerances and ISO 9001: 2000 quality standards.

Our customers can therefore have complete confidence in the performance and in-service reliability of all IGS products.' * About Industrial Gas Springs - based at Mitcham, Surrey, IGS has established a 20 year track record as Britain's leading supplier of industrial gas springs both to UK and increasingly, export markets.

The company's vast product range is applied across the widest spectrum of manufacturing industry and its in-house design, applications engineering and manufacturing capabilities are certified to ISO 9001:2000 quality standards.

Manufacturing problems associated with chemicals, paints, dyes or pigments, which have settled in storage and transportation, can be eliminated using simple low cast mixers.

Manufacturing problems associated with chemicals which have settled in storage and transportation can be eliminated using simple low cast mixers. Euromixers new range of direct and gear drive portable fluid mixers offer a simple, low cost solution for batch mixing applications. These are suitable for a range of applications on paint, chemicals, ink, dyes and pigments to ensure consistent high quality when mixing or adding chemicals, or returning solids to suspension which can result in significant cost savings and production benefits.

The mixers are suitable for use on standard tanks and vessels, 200 litre drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC For free 30 day trial please contact James Hodges to discuss your needs - we will be pleased to help.

workplace equipment catalogue from Bott has over 160 pages of products to fit out and improve almost any working environment, with many additions.

Workplace equipment manufacturer Bott has launched its 2006 product catalogue. Renowned for their high quality workshop equipment, Bott has been refining and redeveloping its product range over the previous year. Many new and innovative products are now available from the market leaders.

The new edition has over 160 pages of products to fit out and improve almost any working environment.

There are many significant additions and revisions to the Bott range, which has been updated to meet the increasing expectations and requirements of today's workplace.

Changes to the range include: * Extended range of Quickship 24 hour delivery products.

* Many more heavy duty drawer cabinets.

* New heavy duty mobile drawer units.

* A completely revised range of workbenches.

* A new range of window door storage cupboards.

* Shelving to fit with Bott cupboards and workbenches.

* Heavy duty system shelving with endless configurable options.

* IT storage including PC cabinets, TFT display storage and CPU storage trays.

* New wall panel tool display kits.

* New louvred panel and storage bin kits.

* The innovative high density sliding panel tool store.

* Mobile tool storage trolley.

* A new range of storage boxes.

Products are available through many national distributors, alongside the Bott network of Dealer Partners.

AS-i slaves for signal column applications allow users to 'mix and match' light elements to indicate the exact status of a machine or process from a considerable distance away.

Siemens Automation and Drives has launched a new generation of Sirius 8WD44 AS-i slaves for signal column applications. Developed and designed in response to extensive customer research, the new devices offer users a greater level of functionality than any other As-i slave currently available. Using the 8WD44 modular range of 70mm signal columns, it is possible for customers to mix and match light elements from a wide range of colours and signaling functions.

Operators can therefore see the exact status of a machine or process from a considerable distance away.

With industrial controls spread over such a large area, low-level communications networks like AS-i allow system integrators to significantly reduce cabling between command and signaling locations.

Many existing AS-i installations run version 2.0 - which can link up to 31 four input, four output (4I4O) slaves.

The 'standard' system is served by the 8WD4428-0BE module - which allows up to four light elements to be driven from a single address.

However, increasingly installations specify AS-i version 2.1.

The ability to link up to 62 4I30 slaves on a single master has considerable appeal given today's increasingly complex processes.

This so-called 'A/B' system is served by the 8WD4428-0BD module.

Up to three light elements can be driven from a single A/B address (equivalent to half a standard AS-i address).

The introduction of the A/B slave therefore gives system integrators far better value for money than in previous years, as they can install twice as many stacks as before without needing additional masters.

Other improvements include: an integrated internal auxiliary power switch, so only one slave type is required, irrespective of whether the current drain of the complete stack requires an auxiliary 24V supply or not, hence easier selection and reduced stock holding; LEDs visible from the side of the modules show AS-i system status, allowing for easier diagnostics and maintenance; and an integrated addressing jack, which helps towards a more convenient commissioning process

Among productive storage systems at the UK's Midlands Manufacturing exhibition will be fully braced work bench, which has a 40mm worktop that can take loads up to an impressive 1 tonne UDL.

Bott will be introducing a number of new productive storage solutions to the marketplace at the forthcoming Midlands Manufacturing exhibition. On stand 219, on the 15-16th March the storage solution provider will be distributing its new 2006 product catalogue and showing a number of new innovations designed to meet the increasing and diverse needs of the marketplace. Among the new offerings will be the BH and BM frame benches.

Manufactured from mild steel for guaranteed strength and build quality, the fully braced BH bench has a 40mm worktop that can take loads up to an impressive 1 tonne UDL.

With flexibility a key aspect of the new benches, the BH bench has suspended cabinets mounted upon support rails allowing them to be fitted anywhere along the bench.

Alongside the BH, the BM frame bench will be available with a choice of multiplex or lino 30mm worktops and its build quality gives it a weight capacity of 500kg UDL.

Like the BH bench it has a modular construction for maximum flexibility.

The BH and BM benches are available either 1500 or 2000mm long with 700 or 900mm depth and a working height of 840mm and 830mm respectively.

These flexible new modular benches are available with add-ons that include overhead shelves and light assembly units, perfo back panels, ducting with twin sockets plus a wide variation of additional extras that can be seen in the new 2006 catalogue.

Alongside the new benches will be the new 'Tool Store' storage system.

This cabinet is ideal for automotive special tooling, maintenance tools, tool archives or any industrial environment where space is at a premium.

The Tool Store comprises four double sided tool storage panels for users to quickly and efficiently locate any tool at the drop of a hat.

Each panel is punched with square holes that enable the panels to be fitted with an extensive range of Bott tool holding accessories.

Manufactured from high quality heavy duty steel, the spacious tool storage area is over 3 square meters.

The four extending slides inside the Tool Store unit each have a 25kg UDL capacity that provides the customer with an impressive storage capability for customers working in compact working environments.

Further offerings will include the CL heavy duty cabinet range (750mm by 600mm) suited to tough working environments.

The most recent addition to this range is the CL1000.

Standing at one metre high, it contains one 50mm high drawer, three 100mm high drawers, two 150mm and a 250mm high drawers for storing a products of wide size variations.

The drawers are fully divisible to improve the location and division of parts and each has a 100kg UDL capacity at 90% extension for the storage of heavy goods.

Also on show will be a selection of maintenance trolleys, louvre panels, bin sets and mini workshop units.

The modular maintenance trolleys are available in a wide of colours and can accommodate a toolboard, shelf kit, 10 piece hook kit, plastic bin kit and a louvre backpanel, all on show at Midlands Manufacturing.

To complete the range of extensive new products available at the exhibition will be the flammable storage units.

Bott will demonstrate the 1m2, 500mm deep unit at the show.

Available with two shelves, the cupboards are supplied with sealed shelf trays making it ideal for the storage of small amounts or occasional liquid containment.

Finished in safety yellow and powder coated, the cupboards are fully labelled to UK and European standards.

Chrome swinghandles - with a touch-comfortable satin finish - are suitable for two or three position rod lock systems - and provide IP65 sealing in either RH or LH application.

EMKA's market leading range of swinghandles has not only greatly aided safety and convenience for specialist cabinet builders, it has also offered improved looks in the popular black - now chrome is back in style and EMKA have also responded with a touch-comfortable satin finish. The 1150 programme swinghandle is a compact 160mm x 36mm in black or chrome finished zinc die and is suitable for two or three position rod lock systems - it also provides IP65 sealing in either RH or LH application with a variety of cylinder inserts and cam options. Fixing requires 2 simple 50 x 25mm contacts or a single 150 x 25mm punched hole.

Further information on EMKA products and services may be found on the EMKA Web site, where it is also possible to download any part or the entire EMKA product catalogue. EMKA's market leading range of swinghandles has not only greatly aided safety and convenience for specialist cabinet builders, it has also offered improved looks in the popular black - now chrome is back in style and EMKA have also responded with a touch-comfortable satin finish. The 1150 programme swinghandle is a compact 160mm x 36mm in black or chrome finished zinc die and is suitable for two or three position rod lock systems - it also provides IP65 sealing in either RH or LH application with a variety of cylinder inserts and cam options. Fixing requires 2 simple 50 x 25mm contacts or a single 150 x 25mm punched hole.

Further information on EMKA products and services may be found on the EMKA Web site, where it is also possible to download any part or the entire EMKA product catalogue.

To ensure there is a coupling to provide the optimum performance for any given application, a precision drive products maker now has an auto-selection feature on the Web site.

Huco, a world leader in precision drive products has added a 'nifty' unique feature to its new Web site. To ensure there is a Huco coupling to provide the optimum performance for any given application the company has established a substantial choice of options. The new auto-selection feature on the website is designed to pinpoint the most appropriate model from this exceptionally wide range in a matter of seconds.

The visitor needs only to key-in dimensional data and performance parameters.

By process of elimination the site will then identify the best candidate or choice of candidates for the job.

'Our coupling range now comprises many hundreds of sizes and variants,' explains Huco's joint managing director, David Lockett.

'Our new auto-finder feature saves time by steering the specifier straight to the best choice.

However Huco will of course continue to provide selection support on the telephone to anyone wishing to discuss the options.'

Long life mechanical struts have been designed specifically for those applications where the use of conventional gas struts is inappropriate - making them ideal for use within many industry sectors.

New products from Associated Spring include a range of Mechanical Struts designed for a long life while maintaining consistent repeatable loads. These Mechanical Struts have been designed specifically for those applications where the use of conventional gas struts is inappropriate - making them ideal for use within a wide range of industry sectors includings medical, nuclear, pharmaceutical, chemical, defence, marine, agricultural and construction. You can select from a comprehensive range of standard Mechanical Struts and assembly modules or we can offer to meet the specific needs of your industry with a wide range of custom designed products.

The company also works closely with design engineers on major experimental and prototype projects which frequently translate into high volume production of special springs and accessories.

SPD spent over a decade building sources to deliver hardware with exceptional quality and highly competitive prices.

With this new range added, Associated Spring now offer a tremendous selection of the finest gas and mechanical springs available.

* About Associated Spring SPEC - As a member of the international Barnes Group, Associated Spring is a major force in its own right with worldwide sales of standard and special springs exceeding $1 billion.

In the UK, Associated Spring SPEC is backed by the extensive resources of the parent company enabling it to offer local development, production engineers, and an unprecedented range of precision springs and components from stock.

Associated Spring is also a world-class producer of gas springs and mechanical springs.

They have now aquired the SPD Divisions range of Gas springs and components, which makes it one of the largest stock holders of gas and mechanical springs in the UK.

With the squeeze of a hand, a wrench automatically sizes and grips a wide range of nuts and bolts, distributing equal force on all sides of a fastener - three tools can replace 38 conventional ones.

LoggerHead Tools LLC today announced 6in and 10in versions of its award-winning Bionic Wrench, a new class of hand tool that teams the versatility of an adjustable wrench with the simplicity of pliers. The 6in and 10in Bionic Wrenches are based on the successful 8in Bionic Wrench, first in the series launched in May 2005. Since its introduction, the Bionic Wrench has won two prestigious international product design awards, the coveted Editor's Choice Award from Popular Mechanics, as well as generous praise from retailers and customers.

With the squeeze of a hand, the Bionic Wrench automatically sizes and grips a wide range of US and metric-sized nuts and bolts, distributing equal force on all sides of a fastener.

The 6in Bionic Wrench fits 14 fastener sizes; the 8in version fits 16 fastener sizes; and the 10in version fits 18 fastener sizes.

Altogether, the Bionic Wrench family replaces 38 SAE and metric wrench sizes from 1/4in to 1.1/4in or 7mm to 30mm.

* A 'gripping experience' and how it works - the Bionic Wrench is different than traditional wrenches or pliers because it actively distributes force on all sides of a nut or bolt instead of the corners.

The Bionic Wrench has six steel jaws that simultaneously converge on the sides of a nut or bolt when the cushioned, ergonomic handle is squeezed.

This patented design provides several advantages: * The Bionic Wrench will not slip or round off nuts or bolts.

In fact, it can often remove fasteners damaged by other wrenches.

* It eliminates the need to find the exact wrench size.

* The Bionic Wrench is small, portable and lightweight - the 6in and 8in sizes weigh less than 1 lb each and the 10in size weighs 1.5 lb.

The Bionic Wrench is easy to use for almost anyone.

Its simple, intuitive and universal design requires no locks, knobs or adjustments.

It can be used with either hand in almost any orientation.

It can be used on softer materials that traditional wrenches often damage, such as plastic, copper and aluminum.

* An award-winning design - as a testament to the Bionic Wrench's innovative design, LoggerHead Tools received the iF Product Design Award 2006, one of the most coveted honors in product design presented by the International Design Forum (iF) in Hannover, Germany.

An elite group of international designers selected winners from about 2,000 entries from 37 countries.

The Bionic Wrench also received a 2005 Good Design award from the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.

The Good Design awards bestow international recognition upon designers and manufacturers for advancing new and innovative product concepts - for pushing the envelope beyond standard product design.

Guaranteed forever, available now - LoggerHead Tools products are made in the United States and guaranteed forever.

The Bionic Wrench is available through Ace Hardware stores, Herrington Catalog, and a growing list of national retailers and catalogs.

* Price - following are the suggested retail prices for the Bionic Wrench series: 6in Bionic Wrench, $28.95; 8in Bionic Wrench, $32.95; 10in Bionic Wrench, $36.95.

Bionic Wrench combination packs will also be available at selected retailers.

* Versatile tool, wide range of applications - the Bionic Wrench is a versatile addition to the tool box, workshop, garage, kitchen drawer or auto trunk.

It can be used for many applications that require turning nuts or bolts, such as repairs and renovations, automobile and bicycle maintenance, and assembling furniture, exercise equipment and outdoor play sets.

* Innovative American-made tools - 'As a new company, LoggerHead Tools must compete through innovative design and leading-edge technology,' said LoggerHead Tools president Dan Brown.

'The awards, along with the strong market acceptance of our universal design, validate our business strategy.' Brown added, 'We also want to demonstrate that US companies can compete while keeping their design and manufacturing processes in the United States.

In this age of outsourcing, innovation can keep American manufacturers in the game.

True innovation provides customers with high value and convenience, while elevating companies from the commodity market space.' He said that LoggerHead Tools will be unveiling the next in a succession of new products at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, USA, May 9-11, 2006.

* About LoggerHead Tools - LoggerHead Tools designs, develops and markets innovative, new-to-the-world hand tools manufactured in the United States.

The company's mission is to continually bring to market innovative American-made tools that provide superior technology and value to its customers.

The company is developing a series of tools based on the patented 'Bionic Gripping' technology.

A system of profile rod clamps positions small assemblies, e g, for mounting of side guards on conveyors, mounting micro switches/stops, for camera mounts and positioning of accessory equipment.

The MSR.60 system of profile rod clamps is ideal for positioning small assemblies, e.g for mounting of side guards on conveyors, mounting micro switches/stops, for camera mounts and positioning of accessory equipment on powered assembly lines or large machines. The system features a standard length multi-splined aluminium profile of 13mm dia., linked with precision thermoplastic elements, including twin bolted base unit with tilt function and the possibility to mount in any orientation. Externally splined arms are linked by matching internally splined right angle clamps and four possible types of mounting flange for installation of equipment.

MSR.60 is a system unique to Elesa, with quick and simple assembly of the standard components.

Each component locks or clamps into position to prevent mis-alignment and allow accurate positioning of instruments or other devices.

Aluminium profile in satin anodised finish with base, jointing pieces and mounting flanges in black, orange, grey, yellow, blue or red to suit the environment, e g, to match existing equipment or decorative colour scheme.

Budget-priced filtration fume cupboards include a choice of carbon filters for fume containment or HEPA filters for particulate containment (ideal for a balance) for industrial use.

Monmouth Scientific are pleased to announce the introduction of a new range of budget filtration fume cupboards to compliment their popular Circulaire range of cabinets. The new range, manufactured by Karstulan Mettali in Finland, offer excellent containment with excellent value for money. Their compact range starts at just GBP 1,395+VAT which includes a choice of carbon filters for fume containment or HEPA filters for particulate containment (ideal for a balance).

It also includes free delivery to a mainland UK address.

Manufactured from epoxy coated steel with reinforced glass side panels and a folding plex front screen, the cabinet is complete with an adjustable speed fan, built in electrical socket and internal light.

Optional extras include gas, water and vacuum outlets as well as a base stand should bench space not be available.

Applications for the range are numerous and can be used in all sorts of areas including industrial, biological, healthcare, forensic, education and chemical areas.