New component assembly workstation significantly improves yield and lowers manufacturing costs a broad range of applications in photonics equipment manufacture.

EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSE: EXF) announced today the launch of a new semi-automated assembly workstation for array-type devices. The ProAlign 5000 Component Assembly Workstation is designed to lower the cost of manufacturing complex photonics components by increasing yield, product quality and throughput. The new ProAlign 5000 Component Assembly Workstation handles a broad range of applications including one-sided, two-sided and right-angled planar lightwave circuits (PLCs); optical switches; pitch converters; transceivers; echelle gratings and arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs); and devices with 90-degree as well as angled faces.

Developed in conjunction with leading photonics component manufacturers, the Component Assembly Workstation offers numerous industry firsts.

The ProAlign 5000 system is the first workstation designed with cost-of-ownership (COO) criteria in mind; the first to include automated first-light detection (patent pending); and the first to incorporate a single six-axis NanoRobot unit moving the device to be assembled.

Together, these unique features increase production yield for photonics component manufacturers and, as a result, lower costs.

Other important features of the new ProAlign 5000 workstation include machine vision using motorized optics for rapid coarse alignment with minimal user intervention; rock-solid stability for superior alignment and bonding; and force sensors for absolute determination of part separation ensuring repeatable process control.

All aspects of the ProAlign 5000 workstation were developed with the goal of increasing product quality and yield for component manufacturers, thereby increasing throughput.

'EXFO is the only company with the broad-ranging expertise, including nanoalignment, automation, testing and bonding, needed to translate customer requirements into solutions,' said David Farrell, President of Burleigh Instruments, a wholly owned subsidiary of EXFO.

'Our new ProAlign 5000 Component Assembly Workstation redefines what an assembly workstation should be for the global telecommunications industry.

'It provides photonics component manufacturers with the most advanced solution on the market today.' About EXFO EXFO, which derives its name from EXpertise in Fiber Optics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of fiber-optic test, measurement, monitoring and automation solutions for the global telecommunications industry.

EXFO markets more than 80 product families to 2000 customers in 70 countries around the world.

EXFO and its subsidiaries develop products for two main markets.

The Portable and Monitoring Division provides handheld and modular instruments for the physical-, optical- and protocol-layer testing needs of telecommunications carriers and network service providers.

The Industrial and Scientific Division offers an extensive line of high-performance instruments, test automation systems and manufacturing automation equipment for optical component and transmission system vendors as well as for research and development labs.

Bearings, gears, linear motion, aerospace and conveyor products are the five main product groups that R A Rodriguez will be featuring on its exhibition stand at Drives and Controls 2002.

Bearings, gears, linear motion, aerospace and conveyor products are the five main product groups that R A Rodriguez will be featuring on its exhibition stand and each will benefit from a new addition. New to the long established Kaydon range of Reali-Slim thin section bearings is the recently introduced metric series. An industry standard for applications that call for simplicity, compactness and minimum weight, Reali-Slim is now stocked by R A Rodriguez in more than 350 different sizes.

Copies of the 3008 KHK Stock Gear catalogue will be available from the stand, a new edition that contains details of several new products including sintered metal spur gears, Fairlock hub acetal spur gears, tapered racks and pinions and spiral bevel gear boxes.

Also new are the KHK hypoid gears.

Available ex-stock, this MHP range is able to produce an exceptional speed reduction of 200:1 in a single pass.

A compact gearing body replaces several stages of reduction gears, cutting component cost sharply.

A number of configurations demonstrating the versatility of the Werner linear motion programme will be joined by a new linear guideway with patented circulation and lubrication systems.

Developed by R A Rodriguez in Germany the guideway has a four-row bearing structure that affords significant benefits over systems based on four point contact bearings.

High accuracy, high stiffness and low torque are characteristics of this new range.

The aerospace sector has always been a prime target market for many R A Rodriguez products.

Kaydon and Spirolox bearings are typical of this application-specific range.

The company also represents the Kahr Bearing company which manufactures spherical and journal bearings for landing gear and helicopter rotor dynamics.

A new addition to the aerospace portfolio is Valve Research and Manufacturing, a company that designs and manufactures miniature fluid control valves, solenoids and manifolds.

A selection of its products will be displayed on the stand.

Representative of the conveyor products and new to the range are the Zetasassi tensioning devices and overload clutches.

Variants include manual and automatic adjustable chain tighteneners and manual swivelling chain tighteners; nine models of safety clutches for torque up to Nms are also available.

Grid, gear, disc and elastomer couplings are all designed to ensure long life and smooth operation on the factory floor, minimising costly downtime.

WYKO Industrial Services has added Grid, Gear, Disc and Elastomer couplings to its world-renowned Falk Couplings range. The new additions are all designed to ensure long life and smooth operation on the factory floor, minimising costly downtime. They provide a combination of easy installation, high load capacity, minimum maintenance requirements and the ability to effectively dampen vibration and reduce the effects of shock loads.

One of the major strengths of the Falk range is the variety of coupling types to suit different applications and variable operating conditions.

Whether the operating requirement is more flexibility, lower maintenance, higher torque, improved load protection, simple cost-effective performance or something else, there is most likely a Falk coupling to suit.

This facility is further extended with Wyko's new introductions, which include: Steelflex Grid Couplings, Wrapflex Elastomer Couplings, Freedom Disc Couplings and Lifelign Gear Couplings.

All are offered in a wide range of sizes and have torque and bore capacities to satisfy a whole host of application parameters.

A simple and cost effective alternative to gear couplings, the Falk Steelflex Grid range combines the high load capacity with the flexibility of an elastomer design.

The Falk Steelflex Couplings offer simpler installation than gear types, but sacrifice nothing in torque performance with ratings up to 932,000Nm.

They also provide protection against shaft misalignment and effectively dampen vibration and reduce the effects of shock loads by as much as 30%.

The unique 'replace in place' Grid Spring design of the Steelflex couplings eliminates the need to move hubs or re-align shafts, reducing Grid Spring change-out time.

Added to this, low initial cost and a guaranteed five-year , no-maintenance run time - with the use of long-lasting lubricant - assure the lowest lifetime operating cost in the torque range.

Setting new standards for reducing downtime, Wyko's new Falk Wrapflex coupling is a low cost, low maintenance, non-lubricated elastomer unit.

With Wrapflex, quick and easy installation and replacement is guaranteed because motors don't need to be moved.

The 'replace-in-place' elements at the heart of the design even eliminate the need for time-consuming realignment of power transmission components.

Available in 3 styles and 9 sizes the Wrapflex couplings have bore capacities up to 186mm, operate in the torque range to 15,000Nm and are backed by a three-year warranty.

WYKO's Falk Freedom Disc Couplings are a practical alternative to lubricated and elastomer couplings in many applications.

They are unaffected by extremes of temperature and moisture - which can be real problems for elastomer couplings - and their operating life is not reduced by exposure to sunlight or ozone.

Designed to provide continuous high-speed service with virtually no maintenance, the Freedom couplings have no moving parts, so lubrication is not required and production time is optimised.

Easy to install, the Freedom couplings are designed incorporating unitised Stainless Steel discpacks which ensures simple maintenance and a 'no backlash' connection.

The final new introduction to the WYKO-Falk range, Lifelign gear couplings, provide a low cost, long lasting solution to both large and small coupling requirements.

Designed to AGMA standards to achieve wide interchangability, and triple-crowned for maximum capacity, Lifelign couplings offer the highest bore capacities and ratings and are built to last longer as a result of such factors as superior lubrication (Long Term Grease) and a four point seal, both of which extend life and reduce maintenance.

Available in four types, with either flanged or continuous sleeves, the Lifelign couplings are suitable for a wide range of applications on such equipment as bulk handling systems, fans, pumps, cranes mixers, crushers, coilers, feed rolls, straighteners, as used in Steel and Paper making applications etc.

Shrink and stretch sleeving equipment features a radiant heat chamber and is capable of speeds up to 150ppm.

Aetna UK launched the AXON range of shrink and stretch sleevingequipment at the PPMA Show at Excel last September. Theyintroduced the EZ-130 shrink sleeving system complete with theEZ-24-SR radiant heat chamber, which is constructed fromstainless steel. This machine is capable of speeds up to 150ppmand has a sleeve layflat capacity from 15mm to 130mm.

Thisparticular model created a great deal of interest, particularlyfrom the dairy, food and body care industries, and by year endthe system was placed with one of Aetna's existingcustomers, where it is proving to be very effective.

AXONCorporation was founded over 10 years ago and today they are aworld leading manufacturer of automatic equipment offering achoice of machine speeds to meet the needs of all customers fromstart-up businesses to the largest multi national.

They can alsodesign custom machinery to meet specialised packaging needs.

Axonis the only manufacturer in the world to offer standard machinescapable of processing round, square or other shape productsranging from 20mm to 650mm in sleeve/band size, at speeds up to750 parts per minute for a single head system.

A major bottlemoulding company has placed an order for the first Axon/Styrotechsystem model ST-1030 which will be installed in March 2002.

If itproves successful, an order for a second machine will follow.Aetna are UK market leaders for pallet stretch wrap and have acustomer base of over 1000 companies.

These include a crosssection of customers in the food, drink, dairy and body careIndustries who already purchase machinery from the DIMAC range ofshrink wrapping equipment, and they intend to introduce thesecustomers to the Axon/Styrotech range.

Initial results arepositive and Aetna believes there is a good opportunity for aversatile range of quality machines, at very competitive prices.They fully expect to create a market niche for both stretch andshrink sleeving in 2002.

Aetna currently employ 10 fullyexperienced service engineers and hold a large stock of spareparts.

As further proof of their confidence in finding a seriousmarket segment in the UK for the Axon /Styrotech range, they havemade further investment in a newly created position, that ofCustomer Care Manager Currently celebrating their 10 yearAnniversary, Aetna are extremely proud of the reputation theyhave established since the company was launched and firmlybelieve they offer the very best technical and after-salessupport in the UK today.

A twenty-page brochure dedicated heated hose systems and technologies provides technical information on the design, rating and specification of heated hoses.

Tyco Thermal Controls has produced a twenty-page brochure dedicated to its range of Isopad heated hose systems and technologies. It provides technical information on the design, rating and specification of heated hoses for process applications in industrial environments. Isopad heated hoses are suitable for use in a wide range of industrial processes to solve difficult handling problems - especially where substances are temperature critical.

Their construction provides resistance to high temperatures, pressures and aggressive materials, enabling substances to be transferred within plant where the use of fixed lines, with constant temperature control, is impractical.

Hoses can be tailored to provide application specific solutions and, for this purpose, the brochure contains a comprehensive briefing form to create the optimum construction for the individual process requirement.

Elma's 19 inch front panel frames are designed for applications that include building automation, security systems, telecoms and control cabinets for machine tools.

ELMA is well known for the great diversity of its 19' structural assembly parts. There are now 19' applications that do not specify the inclusion of complete card frames. The 19' front panel frame is aimed at these applications.

Patch fields, displays, interfaces and other front panel designs can be built up in combination with this solution.

Typical markets include building automation, security systems, telecoms and control cabinets for machine tools.

The visible side of the front panel frame is made of clear anodised aluminium with a hard and highly wear resistant surface.

It has a useable width of 84 HP and there are also 3 U and 6 U versions available with or without handle mountings.

As well as mechanical processing, ELMA's front panel service is available for electroplating, silk-screening and assembly - a comprehensive, single-source service.

R J Herbert has incorporated Bielomatik automated lubrication systems into its packhouse machines to reduce component wear.

To help reduce component wear and achieve a smooth, quieter operation for many of its packhouse machines R J Herbert has incorporated Bielomatik automated lubrication systems. Once installed they deliver precise quantities of oil or grease directly to the required point of lubrication, using less lubricant, without overspill, without polluting the surrounding area and resulting in extended operational life of some machines by as much as 35% before requiring overhaul. R J Herbert design and build extremely robust packhouse machines, these can be found at many stages in the food preparation cycle, automated box tippers which raise, rotate and empty raw boxed root crops such as potatoes, parsnips and carrots at the start of the cycle, to highly efficient product size graders.

The nature of the business gives packhouses a reputation for placing high demands on machinery suppliers in terms of loading, reliability and performance.

To ensure free movement of sliding and rotating components grease nipples were originally mounted at various points throughout a piece of equipment.

Often being inaccessible, these relied on regular attention and the correctly specified lubricant, if a machines performance was to be maintained.

Today, many of the R J Herbert machines are fitted with a Bielomatik single line lubrication system.

Featuring piston metering valves, this automatically delivers controlled quantities of oil, in the case of the root crop grader machine to individual roller carrier links, not only reducing the noise level of moving components but also adding to machine reliability and longevity.

Large box tippers from R J Herbert are fitted with grease and oil systems from Bielomatik.

The oil system lubricates the roller bed drive chains, whilst the grease system lubricates the major bearings and hydraulic clevis points.

The little and often approach maintains a supply of grease to the bearings and helps stop the ingress of dirt and dust, one of the main contributors in premature bearing failure.

The lubricant is held in small storage tanks and is pumped to metering valves strategically positioned about the machine.

Bielomatik offer a choice of electrically or pneumatically operated pumps for automatic systems, whilst a hand pump is available for semi automatic manual systems.

After discharge of a precise quantity of lubricant, the metering valves recharge automatically, ready for the next lubrication cycle.

Many organisations are now finding that where component lubrication is necessary, frequent, small measured dosing, applied as the machinery is moving is far more effective and it has a tremendous cost advantage.

It eliminates that 'forgotten occasion' when multiple point manual greasing is overlooked.

After careful trialling to discover the appropriate amount of lubricant required the Bielomatik system is happy to be left alone.

Maintenance is minimal and down time low.

The only human intervention is to replenish the main oil reservoir when a low level warning is raised.

A new series of dust filter units has been added to the range of Absolent high performance atmospheric filtration systems offered in the UK by Kitagawa Europe.

A new series of dust filter units has been added to the range of Absolent high performance atmospheric filtration systems offered in the UK by Kitagawa Europe. Available in six models, with airflow rates from 2,000 to 16,000m3/hr, the new Absolent particle filters achieve 99.95 per cent collection efficiency under standard aerosol test conditions to DIN 24 184. Units use multiple filter cartridges, each with a surface area of 7.8m3, and a downward flow of air to combine high performance with a small workshop footprint.

In operation, air is admitted via the inlet duct at the top of each model.

Large particles drop directly to the dust container at the base of equipment, while smaller contaminants are trapped by the filter cartridges.

These are subsequently released and collected during the automatic filter cleaning sequence, which employs a shock air pulse principle.

Incorporating washable filter cartridges for extended operational life, these low-maintenance, low-noise units are the ideal complement to Absolent' s range of oil mist filtration systems.

Through their advanced design - which provides a far greater filter area than competitive products - the Absolent filters achieves at least 99.97 per cent oil separation - to consistently outperform industry-standard centrifugal and ionised element units.

Systems are offered in both oil mist and oil smoke filtration variants and will remove sub-viral sized particles, as well as eliminate carcinogenic contaminants in the range 0.1-0.5 microns diameter.

They also incorporate easy-to-clean washable pre-filters and can be operated continuously over long periods without servicing.

With their minimal floorspace area, Absolent high performance filters provide a particularly cost-effective method of achieving clean, healthy and productive working environments meeting the requirements of ISO 14001 Health and Safety Standards.

New from NCMT is the BIG Daishowa Seiki Hi-Jet rotary coolant adapter which uses split construction to separate the bearing housing from the coolant collar.
New from NCMT is the BIG Daishowa Seiki Hi-Jet rotary coolant adapter which uses split construction to separate the bearing housing from the coolant collar. The result is increased reliability over extended service life. Furthermore, the system can be utilised at speeds up to 10,000 rev/min with coolant pressures up to 20 kg/cmý without compromising reliability.

To date, coolant adapter reliability has been compromised as the use of a common housing demands use of mechanical seals both to separate the stationary and rotating parts of the adapter, and to separate the device's bearings from the coolant.

As the seals wear, not only does coolant begin to leak from the adapter, but the bearings can become awash with coolant.

Although this can be compensated for when selecting the bearing, its life is then dependent on the ability of the machine's filtration system to provide coolant that is not contaminated by particles of swarf.

Otherwise, at high spindle speed and high coolant pressure, bearing damage can be swift and irreparable.

On the Japanese-manufactured Hi-Jet holder, which can be used with any tool provided with coolant holes, the bearing set is separately enclosed and positioned above the coolant adapter ring.

Connection between the two major components is effected using two merit rings, one stationary and the other rotating, which clamp and seal the coolant ring from above and below.

These provide mechanical sealing in a labyrinth-style arrangement.

Some wear is accepted and the rings are designed to be easily replaceable by the user.

The major components of the adapter are, however, fully protected.

Capability of the Hi-Jet to operate at elevated speeds and pressures makes it ideal for use with small diameter cutting tools or in gun drilling applications where provision of through-tool coolant is critical.

There are 57 versions available to suit virtually any BT50 or BT40 spindle application from light drilling up to boring and end milling.

L Robinson has invested in the provision of customer support for its worm drive hose clips, providing a wide choice of Jubilee workshop packs and kits.

Jubilee clip manufacturer, L Robinson has, over recent years, invested heavily in providing strong customer support for its well-known brand of worm drive hose clips. As a result of this investment, distributors now benefit from a plethora of trade counter point-of-sale accessories whilst busy hands-on engineering personnel have access to a wide choice of Jubilee workshop packs and kits. A varied selection of Jubilee clip dispenser display units allows the company to cater for wholesales and distributors with large trade counters, as well as those with more modest requirements.

Flexibility of design enables distributors to choose from either a Handy Pack point-of-sale display box holding a selection of 10 different clip sizes or the largest Jubilee Smart Dispenser, holding up to 540 clips.

All dispenser units, depending on the size, also include one or two Flexidriver tools, designed to access those awkwardly positioned Jubilee clips.

For the workshop mechanic, Jubilee clips are supplied in a selection of re-usable containers, packs or kits depending on requirement.

These include the popular Workshop Pack containing 143 clips, the Junior Assortment Box holding 165 nut and bolt clips, the 'O' Clip Kit, which houses 175 assorted 2-ear clamps and the recently introduced smaller, Pocket Pack supplied strapped in packs of 10 for wholesalers and distributors.

This latest innovation from L Robinson will appeal to home car mechanics and small garage businesses etc.

Staubli's connectors incorporate the latest metal to metal sealing technology ensuring leak free operation and excellent resistance to pressure and low or high temperatures.

There are many applications in the oil industry where a safe and secure connection is needed that can also be easily disconnected when required. Frequently the connection is sub-sea or activated remotely such as fluid injection on Christmas Trees or tool connection of ROVs. These applications call for a connector that will withstand the operating environment and connect faultlessly every time.

Staubli's connectors incorporate the latest metal to metal sealing technology ensuring leak free operation under the most arduous conditions.

Metal to metal seals are suitable for underwater applications over extended periods and provide excellent resistance to pressure and low or high temperatures.

Where corrosion is a concern the connectors can be manufactured from austenitic stainless steel or for extremely harsh environments, Inconel.

Staubli's patented system includes a unique, self-aligning mechanism ensuring that a good metal to metal seal and connection is readily established eliminating any danger of jamming.

Compensation for misalignment includes both a pre guiding system with elastic connection, a double guiding system and swivel couplings.

High precision, electro-erosion machining ensures perfect surface quality and alignment.

Metallic seals also significantly reduce the operating cost normally associated with seal wear and tear.

Applications involving high pressures (up to 70,000psi) also call for specially designed connectors; Staubli's are the most suitable, capable of connection and disconnection under pressure with a simplified locking system and adapted to withstand a high flow rate and pressure shock.

Moreover the flush face, non spill design eliminates any spillage.

Multi-coupling (stab) plates can be designed to accommodate all the connections required in an application for example, gas, fluids, water, data, electrics and power, connected simultaneously and automatically in one movement, eliminating error, ideally suited to remote operation.

Staubli's team of experienced engineers is able to advise on the best solution for any application, bringing their knowledge of proven solutions in other industries to the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors.

A workbench configurator from Production Basics allows users to choose workstation styles and accessories and add them to an on-screen 3D model.

Production Basics has developed a workbench configurator that allows users to choose workstation styles and accessories and add them to an on-screen 3D model. Users can change colours and sizes on screen, helping them evaluate the best workstation for their manufacturing facility. Functionality also includes spinning, rotating and zooming the model showing the user small product details and work bench set-up.

The Java-based program is available on the company website.

'This is a technology that is defining the state of the art in our industry.

We are very excited to be the first manufacturer to provide our customers this robust tool, ' says Adam Wisnia, President of Production Basics.

The Configurator is easy to use, employing radio buttons for product choices and sizes.

The Workstation Configurator includes pre-configured work benches with recommended sizes and accessories for specific industries such as Electronics Manufacturing and Material Handling.

This gives busy manufacturing managers a quick start to their workstation search.

The Configurator includes built-in accessory compatibility for sizes and types of ergonomic accessories, so users have the most realistic model of the workstation they are purchasing.

'Many customers want to see what their workstation looks like before they make a commitment.

With the Configurator, users can test drive any combination of accessories and different workstation styles, colours, sizes and worksurface heights from their desktop.

We expect to save manufacturing professionals time and money by letting them 'try-on' the workstation,' says Rob Desmarais, National Sales Manager.

The Configurator retains an itemized list of all the parts chosen and the list price.

After the work table is assembled on screen, users can request a quote from the company website.

The Production Basics sales department will then process the quote.

Production Basics' three main product lines- C-Leg Series, RTW Tables and Easy-Lift Series- are all available for configuration on-line.

Production Basics has unveiled a new website with improved organisation of products and workstation information.

Production Basics has unveiled a new website. The site features improved organisation of products and workstation information. While browsing the site, industrial engineers, manufacturing and lab managers will discover furniture products that will inspire productivity in their facility.

'The great features like site search and quote requests from our previous website are still there, but they are better, more comprehensive and easier to use.

Plus new features like FAQ's, common configurations, related products, a dedicated customer centre, newsletters and the 3D work bench configurator make the site more exciting,' says Erica Rice, Marketing Director for Production Basics.

Enhanced features include:easy product navigation, search work tables and accessories by industry- Material Handling, Assembly, Electronics Manufacturing or Laboratory, interactive workstation configurator,dedicated Customer centre, extensive Product Support section including literature, assembly instructions and common questions, on-line Quote Request program.

The site features C-Leg Series, RTW Table, Easy-Lift and Solution Series workstations and compatible ergonomic accessories.

Site visitors will find enhanced product information available for specific item numbers such as parts included and assembly instructions.

Several areas of the site were designed for specific industries, so that managers can quickly and easily access information on the workstations appropriate for their facility.

Global Display Solutions (GDS), designer and manufacturer of industrial displays, has announced the acquisition of Clearview Displays, providers of bonded display enhancement services.

Global Display Solutions (GDS), designer and manufacturer of industrial displays, has announced the acquisition of Clearview Displays, providers of bonded display enhancement services. This acquisition will enable GDS to build on its existing range of display technology while offering superior manufacturing and engineering services to its customers in North America to support fast turnaround times on advanced bonded display services. Under the terms of the acquisition, Clearview Displays will become a subsidiary of GDS, known as GDS Clearview, retaining its staff and headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon and reporting directly to GDS Inc's US Headquarters in Roscoe, Illinois.

Clearview Displays specialises in display enhancement solutions, and is the creator of the G-BOND process.

G-BOND overcomes optical challenges for display product manufacturers at an affordable price, and is particularly effective when used with outdoor displays such as ATM screens, outdoor kiosks and gas pumps displays.

Clearview Displays G-BOND technology will enhance GDS's current product ranges, in particular its outdoor display collection which require advanced optical enhancement and sunlight readability.

Through the acquisition, GDS's customers will have access to an even wider range of optically bonded services and solutions with panel sizing ranging from 6.4' to 65', and options such as touch screen enhancement and optical filters.

Marco Cohen, Sales and Marketing Manager at GDS, comments, 'This strategic acquisition will allow GDS to provide our existing customers with an improved range of products and a better all round service.

We believe that GDS Clearview will also help to support faster turnaround times on advanced bonded display services, and we hope to further grow our presence on the West Coast as a result of this acquisition.' David Blass, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at GDS Clearview, comments, 'Clearview is excited to become part of GDS.

GDS Clearview will continue to offer the same optical bonding services that we have always provided and the integration into Global Display Solutions gives customers of both businesses access to a wider range, and support worldwide.' In January 2007, GDS Clearview moves to a new facility four times larger than its previous capacity.

This 8000 square foot site caters for the growing demand for bonded LCDs.

When an international company specialising in medical engineering and biotechnology needed an ATEX class vapour fan, they turned to Flakt Woods.

When an international company specialising in medical engineering and biotechnology needed an ATEX class vapour fan, they turned to the company with an undisputed reputation for manufacturing ATEX certified fans and blowers, Flakt Woods. Understanding the Norwegian customer requirements has helped Flakt Woods to engineer the perfect solution, a bespoke ExVel high pressure recompression blower, which was manufactured to comply with the EU ATEX 100a directive, that requires all non-electrical equipment for use in potentially explosive environments to conform with ATEX. Every aspect of the blower was taken into consideration to meet the demanding features of the directive; temperature, accumulation of static charge, component robustness and the limit values applying to the distances between moving and stationary parts were all calculated in order to comply.

Flakt Woods is ideally placed to manufacture custom made ATEX equipment, as it was the first European fan manufacturer to be accredited with ATEX certification for its range of fans.

The final product has volume flows of up to 1.5-95 m3/s, and pressures of up to 65000 Pa.

Using the most efficient fan technology, has led to a blower with an outstandingly low energy consumption, with a zero leakage shaft seal design.

Pre-engineered components have also saved both design and engineering costs for the customer.

Furthermore, to prevent sparking, a critical factor as far as the risk of explosion is concerned, all parts were earthed and an anti-arcing screen was built around the impeller, the shaft seal and the clutch.

Full machine documentation and a 50-point risk analysis was drawn up as part of certification.

The fan was ready for delivery in December 2006, just four months after the order was placed.

The know-how acquired during the project and the diverse application of the ExVel blower means that Flakt Woods has the capability to design and deliver ATEX certified high pressure blowers for a wide range of industrial processes.

The Purair 5 Ductless Fume Hoods from Air Science USA feature a high level of operator protection where routine work is being carried out.
The Purair 5 Ductless Fume Hoods from Air Science USA feature a high level of operator protection where routine work is being carried out. The units exceed OSHA, ANSI and all relevant international standards. The Ductless design eliminates installation costs and allows the unit to be positioned over a sink or benchtop apparatus.

There are three models available with a choice of 24', 36' or 48' widths, The units operate at low noise levels and because they recirculate, they do not exhaust expensive conditioned and/or heated air into the atmosphere.

A face velocity of 100 fpm ensures containment of fumes and particulates for operator protection.

An alarm alerts the operator when the airflow falls to an unacceptable level.

The unit can be placed on any bench top, and an optional polypropylene spillage tray can be provided when required.

The rear of the unit has lighting to illuminate the work surface.

All mechanisms in the head section are on the clean side of the filter, with the switches and electrical components being isolated from any contamination.

The patented filter clamping mechanism allows for the filter to be easily installed and ensures an even seal at the filter face at all times to prevent bypass leakage.

The main filter can be chosen from 14 different types of carbon, which include specialty media for vapours of organics, solvents, acids, mercury and formaldehyde.

HEPA filters for particulate filtration are also available to suit your application needs.

Typical applications for the Purair 5 include histology, powder weighing and sampling prep work.

EAO, UK representative for Sanyo Denki presents the industry's first DC cooling fan measuring a compact 150mm sq x 50mm thick.

EAO, UK representative for Sanyo Denki presents the industry's first DC cooling fan measuring a compact 150mm sq x 50mm thick. The SAN Ace 150 is a massive 40% lighter than comparable fans thanks to an astute new design combining a scaled down motor with a plastic frame. The compact and lightweight SAN Ace 150 also features a new blade and frame design that guarantees performance equivalent to and exceeding that of larger, high performance products.

Maximum air volume of 8.54 m3/min and maximum static pressure of 210 are the highest in the market.

A sound pressure level of 61 db [A] is undoubtedly the industry's quietest operation.

The SAN Ace 150 delivers further operational efficiencies achieved through Pulse Width Modulation Control technology.

This allows the rotational speed of the fan to be managed to minimise unit power consumption and noise.

The new SAN Ace 150 is designed for use in servers, storage systems, communications equipment, industrial equipment and various types of industrial machinery.

The MAT stainless steel Cabinet Cooler provides a cold air source to stop cabinets overheating and prevents the ingress of contamination such as dust or moisture.

The DSV Mermaid Commander is a dynamically positioned dive support vessel, employed in offshore subsea construction and maintenance worldwide. Part of the Thoresen Thai Group of Thailand, the boat is run by Mermaid Maritime , a company providing a range of marine services. As well as supplying safety equipment, training and ships chandlery, the company deploys 3 offshore service vessels, including the Mermaid Commander, to support diving teams undertaking projects such as classification surveys and salvage and underwater repairs.

On board the Mermaid Commander is a sophisticated ship management system.

This uses state-of-the-art electronics and combines ship operation and control functionalities within a single integrated environment.

As with many control systems contained in confined spaces, a heat is generated when it is operational.

Many organisation use refrigerant cooling systems to avoid overheating and malfunction.

However, many of these systems on the market are both expensive and bulky.

The Electronics Technology Officer (ETO) on board the Mermaid Commander looked to find a smaller and more efficient solution.

Meech International had the ideal product - the MAT stainless steel Cabinet Cooler.

This provides a cold air source to stop cabinets overheating and prevents the ingress of contamination such as dust or moisture.

The Cabinet Cooler comprises a vortex tube that produces cold air that flows into the cabinet through the bulkhead fitting.

It is then ducted to the centre of the cabinet.

All Meech Cabinet Coolers are capable of cooling up to 2400 Btu/hr 703 Watts and are supplied with a set of four generators that can be easily interchanged for optimum efficiency.

The MAT Cabinet Cooler has been installed in the DSV Mermaid Commander and provides a compact and effective solution for keeping the management system from overheating.

For added efficiency, a thermostat solenoid has been supplied with the Cooler so it only starts operating when a certain temperature is reached.

This reduces the amount of compressed air that is used, so lowering operational costs.

Manufactured in stainless steel and with no moving parts, the Cabinet Coolers can be used in harsh environments, with little or no maintenance required.

A further safety feature is the inclusion of a pressure relief valve to prevent the cabinet from over pressurising.

'We are delighted with the Cabinet Cooler.' says Chris Airey, ETO on the vessel.

'It is especially useful as we operate in very hot conditions and it is important that our management system work at all times.

Customers in the corrugating industry have been suffering a number of problems with the conventional designs of steam joints used on corrugating machines for a number of years.

Customers in the corrugating industry have been suffering a number of problems with the conventional designs of steam joints used on corrugating machines for a number of years. Problems encountered include excessive condensate causing cold spots and blistering, leaking gaskets, broken condensate syphons and poor seal life. The latest Deublin HPS steam joint is specifically designed to solve these problems to improve corrugated product quality and reduce maintenance costs.

The unique design of adjustable syphon allows syphon clearance to be set after installation ensuring that condensate removal is optimised for maximum roll temperature and uniformity.

This adjustable syphon design incorporates a collet to rigidly support the syphon over a long length away from the weakness of the thread where the syphon breakages often occurred.

Covering sizes 1 1/4', 1 1/2', and 2' inch with the same product the HPS steam joint reduces inventory holdings at the plants and fitting dimensions conform to current industry standards.

The HPS product has been adopted by a large number of well-known corrugating packaging manufacturers in the UK and throughout the world.

Deublin has introduced the Bearingless 'AutoSense' 'Long Stroke' Rotating Union for Coolant, MQL and Air Service.

Deublin has introduced the Bearingless 'AutoSense' 'Long Stroke' Rotating Union for Coolant, MQL and Air Service. The 1154 Series Rotary Union features patent pending 'AutoSense' technology that automatically changes between closed seals and controlled leakage in response to the media ... coolant, MQL or air.

The non-rotating element has a long stroke to track drawbar movement even when the union is mounted on a clamping device.

Balanced mechanical seals made from silicon carbide offer long service life.

The new recessed handle from Elesa makes carrying of cases or mobile or tray mounted equipment so much easier than struggling without hand grips.

The new recessed handle from Elesa makes carrying of cases or mobile or tray mounted equipment so much easier than struggling without hand grips. The recessed GN425.4 folds down flat when not in use and opens out to provide a sturdy secure hand grip when it is required to lift or otherwise manhandle the equipment. The GN425.4 comprises a robust diecast backing plate in black finish with four-point attachment, housing a 10mm chrome plated steel carry handle.

Fitment is via a 142x60mm hole with M4 assembly screws, leaving a minimal 3mm projection.

The 16-page, full-colour brochure from Meech International on its unique JetStream Ionising Air Knife system highlights the technical advancements JetStream brings to contamination removal.

The new 16-page, full-colour brochure from Meech International on its unique JetStream Ionising Air Knife system highlights the technical advancements JetStream brings to contamination removal as well as bringing the product to life through a number of comprehensive case histories from real customers. The case studies highlight how renowned, international organisations have helped improve both their production and profitability through the use of the JetStream Air Knife system. Find out how Quality Engineers in companies such as Honda of the UK Manufacturing, Visteon UK and RPC Containers have incorporated JetStream successfully into their production lines and read about the impressive benefits.

Stunning photography also helps highlight these particular applications.

Technical details are outlined in a clear and concise manner and particular emphasis is given to highlighting the system's flexibility and versatility.

All engineers who encounter problems with contamination removal will benefit from receiving a copy of this new brochure.

As well as outlining product details and case studies, it includes details of Meech International's impressive credentials throughout industry, throughout the world.

EMKA has expanded its range of stainless steel hinges with the new 1110-U120-PH which accommodates 26mm door returns with 180deg opening.

EMKA has expanded its range of stainless steel hinges with the new 1110-U120-PH which accommodates 26mm door returns with 180deg opening. This is ideal for use on in-line suites of cabinets in corrosive wash down environments or for harsher situations such as offshore installations where larger and heavier doors are needed. The 1110-U120-PH is a lift-off hinge with simple screw fixing.

It maintains the integrity of the door panel - requiring only screw hole punching - not cut outs, and so aids door rigidity.

The strength comes from AISI 316 castings with fine ground finish and the simple elegant design enables quick lift-off for installation of doors or for ease of equipment maintenance.

Whilst it's not impossible to render an electric or hydraulic motor suitable for complete submersion in water it is costly, complicated and time-consuming.

Whilst it's not impossible to render an electric or hydraulic motor suitable for complete submersion in water it is costly, complicated and time-consuming. Nevertheless in the marine engineering and process industries there is a real need for such drives and for these applications Huco Dynatork now has the complete answer. Building on the inherent benefits of its basic air motor design that was specifically designed for operation in harsh and hazardous environments, the company has developed a fully submersible range.

These acetyl bodied models with stainless steel shafts and bearings are available in two sizes and specials can be made to order.

Ideal for any motion control application underwater such as opening a valve or for propelling a stirring mechanism for example, the motor is also a good choice for washdown environments and flood-risk areas.

The motor can withstand aggressive chemicals, high pressure hosing and can operate fully submerged.

In common with the standard range, these new submersible motors excel in constant start/stop applications under load and can be applied to give similar characteristics to those of a stepper motor.

Reverse operation is achieved by using 5-port control valves giving near instant response even under load.

All the Huco Dynatork submersible air motor needs to operate is compressed air and even that is minimal.

It requires up to 80% less than vane motors, providing significant cost savings even at maximum torque.

Free-floating pistons transmit maximum torque on start-up that can be adjusted via a pressure regulator.

As a ready supply of compressed air is common in the marine and offshore sites this new motor will of particular interest to these sectors.

Air can be supplied via a reservoir and tests have confirmed that a Huco Dynatork motor will run continually for more than 15 minutes from a standard diving cylinder.

Another important air motor development that is already generating considerable interest in the nuclear industry is the new Huco Dynatork non-magnetic model.

It combines stainless steel shafts and ceramic bearings enabling the motor to be used in a high magnetic field.

Leading gas spring manufacturer Industrial Gas Springs has increased its investment in the quality and efficiency of its customer service with the installation of a fourth Miyano machine.

Leading gas spring manufacturer Industrial Gas Springs has increased its investment in the quality and efficiency of its customer service with the installation of a fourth Miyano machine at its Mitcham headquarters. The BNJ-42SY turning centre will provide the extra capacity it needs to handle an increased demand for its high quality stainless steel gas springs. The CNC fixed head, two-spindle, two turret lathe will run 24/7, machining all kinds of components such as rods and bodies up to 42mm in diameter in one operation rather than two, explains operations manager Tony Smith.

The availability of greater variation in simultaneous front and back processing and a Y-axis slide, speeds up the cycle time by around 35% compared with machines which have two spindles and one turret.

Other features of the BNJ-42SY serve to reduce downtime and significantly improve productivity.

Equipped with a fully automated IEMCA short bar feeder that enables unattended running, the machine OEdials-up' a designated engineer whenever it runs out of material or when integral torque sensors detect a problem such as tool breakage.

A powerful and versatile machine which can be quickly configured to produce short turnaround parts with small batch sizes, it can be set up at the end of the day and left to run OElights out' throughout the night to keep pace with demand for the company's extensive product range.

The installation provides another tool which serves to further increase the company's manufacturing capabilities certified to ISO 9001:2000 quality standards.

We chose the Miyano because those already installed in the factory were reliable and easy to operate, explains field sales manager James Godbold.

The machine fits our requirements for producing in one cycle, parts that would normally require a secondary operation to complete.

This in turn, makes it possible to offer customers a highly efficient service and fast turnaround, giving them the confidence in the performance of the products and the assurance that they will receive their orders on time.

Industrial gas springs manufacturer has installed a fourth CNC twin-turret lathe to cope with increased demand for high quality stainless steel gas springs.

Leading gas spring manufacturer Indstrial Gas Springs has increased its investment in the quality and efficiency of its customer service with the installation of a fourth Miyano machine at its Mitcham headquarters. The BNJ-42SY turning centre will provide the extra capacity it needs to handle an increased demand for its high quality stainless steel gas springs. 'The CNC fixed head, two-spindle, two turret lathe will run 24/7, machining all kinds of components such as rods and bodies up to 42mm in diameter in one operation rather than two,' explained operations manager Tony Smith.

'The availability of greater variation in simultaneous front and back processing and a Y-axis slide, speeds up the cycle time by around 35% compared with machines which have two spindles and one turret.' Other features of the BNJ-42SY serve to reduce downtime and significantly improve productivity.

Equipped with a fully automated IEMCA short bar feeder that enables unattended running, the machine 'dials-up' a designated engineer whenever it runs out of material or when integral torque sensors detect a problem such as tool breakage.

A powerful and versatile machine which can be quickly configured to produce short turnaround parts with small batch sizes, it can be set up at the end of the day and left to run 'lights out' throughout the night to keep pace with demand for the company's extensive product range.

The installation provides another tool which serves to further increase the company's manufacturing capabilities certified to ISO 9001:2000 quality standards.

'We chose the Miyano because those already installed in the factory were reliable and easy to operate,' explained field sales manager James Godbold.

'The machine fits our requirements for producing in one cycle, parts that would normally require a secondary operation to complete.

This in turn, makes it possible to offer customers a highly efficient service and fast turnaround, giving them the confidence in the performance of the products and the assurance that they will receive their orders on time.' * 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.

Meech International will be showing its Model 992v3 Static Generator amongst a host of other static control solutions on stand 2- N11 at The International Converting Exhibition.

Meech International will be showing its Model 992v3 Static Generator amongst a host of other static control solutions on stand 2- N11 at The International Converting Exhibition (ICE), Munich, March 27-29 2007. Also included on the stand will be the Meech Web Cleaning System, Meech's range of Ex products, certified for use in hazardous areas and the Model 986 Feedback system, an innovative and unique closed loop system for automatically controlling the problems of static in converting process applications. The new Model 992v3 Static Generator can be operated to generate a controlled level of static charge that will create a temporary bond between materials.

This allows the performance of the Model 992v3 to be optimised for a variety of applications and a diverse range of materials, resulting in maximum pinning effect without the risk of overload, an ideal solution for bag making and core pinning applications.

For large-scale applications, multiple generator bars can be connected and an internal switch mode power supply accommodates different input voltages and frequencies.

Meech will also be exhibiting the Series 1000 web cleaner, a highly effective contact web cleaner that is used throughout the converting industry for applications such as removing slitting dust.

The Series 1000 web cleaner combines ionising bars, brushes and vacuum to improve both product yield and quality.

On display will also be Meech's models 915Ex and 976Ex for use on solvent coating heads and gravure printing presses.

Certified by both Baseefa for use in Europe and UL in the USA, Meech is the only company that has both close and long range approved Ex ionisers, which do not require airflow.

The Meech Model 986 Feedback system utilises Meech's Pulsed DC technology to react automatically to process conditions and self- adjust to provide the most effective static charge neutralisation, making it ideal for applications such as rewinding.

An 'intelligent' Pulsed DC system provides not only an effective alternative to AC static control systems but also has the ability to optimise solutions for specific materials and more demanding processes.

Other products from Meech include the Meech 915 Shockless AC bar and 976 Long Range DC bar, ionising air blowers, ionising air curtains, guns and nozzles.

Members of the Meech International team will be present to answer any questions visitors might have on the subject of static control and web cleaning.

Applied Scintillation Technologies (AST) has produced coated CCD detectors for use in a range of spectrometers including those for spark emission.

Applied Scintillation Technologies (AST) has produced specially coated CCD detectors for use in a range of spectrometers including those for spark emission - where they are used for the analysis of ferrous or non-ferrous metals; with the CCD solid state detectors providing detection of optical emission lines over the spectral range of 170 - 460 nm. Detectors are coated with GOrg, a unique organic phosphor used exclusively by AST for robust UV applications as part of its ExtendUV range of phosphors. This high-efficiency phosphor is excited at wavelengths between 150 and 400 nm with an emission peak at 545 nm.

GOrg therefore extends and improves the sensitivity of the CCD device between 150 and 400 nm, significantly improving the quantum efficiency of the detector in this wavelength range.

At wavelengths above 400 nm, the coating becomes virtually transparent.

AST's versatile coating service provides a range of options, including the supply and coating of devices or coating only.

New high- transmission windows may also be fitted and full QC testing carried out.