National Design Engineering Show

March 18-21, McCormick Place, Chicago

By Design News Staff -- Design News, March 11, 2002

Sensors

Redesigned analog output ultrasonic industrial-position sensors are said to increase measuring ranges from 30 to 2,500 mm, and have an improved resolution of 0.03 mm with enhanced repeatability of ±0.5 to ±1 mm. These devices are suitable for non-contact distance and level-monitoring applications, such as liquid-or granulate-level detection, clear and opaque object measuring, and roll-diameter measuring. The teach function on the sensor allows the design engineer to select both the limits of the sensing range and the slope of the analog output. All adjustments are made using the teach-in button and settings can be monitored using the multicolored LED indicator.

Baumer Electric Ltd., Booth 5234, www.baumerelectric.com. Enter 576

Moldings

Custom-molded products are reportedly beneficial for applications that require shock absorption, vibration isolation, and acoustic damping.

The company also features sheet goods and a variety of standard shock mounts and vibration isolators. These products are used in applications that include computer hardware, high-end audio, laboratory equipment, and industrial machinery.

Sorbothane, Booth 7432, www.sorbothane.com. Enter 577

PLC

The CJ1 series of controllers is reportedly designed to deliver improved PLC performance, requiring 40 to 60% of the panel space of traditional mid-size PLCs. The devices are said to have process speeds of 20 nsec and up to 2,560 I/O points, improve the performance of mid- and large-rack controllers, and allow compact machines to provide an increased level of control. The CJ1 modules are roughly the size of a playing card deck and connect module-to-module using locking connectors, which claim to eliminate the need for a bulky PLC rack.

Omron Electronics LLC, Booth 4700, www.omron.com. Enter 578

Gearhead

The company is introducing all-planetary, low-backlash, servo-grade gearheads for motion control applications. Named type MRP, these products are said to be close to very high-end gearheads in torque ratings and torsional rigidity, but lower in cost. Ratios are up to 100: 1 and the devices are available in five sizes from 50 to 155 mm², with maximum backlash of 10 to 15 arc-min.

Mijno Precision Gearing, Booth 127, www.mijno.com. Enter 579

Power supply

The three-phase QUINT POWER Supply with 20A output is a 24V dc power supply that is said to feature a wide range input suitable for North American (3 × 480V) and European (3 × 400V) machine tool, material handling, and automotive industries. Standard DIN-rail mount three-phase designs can reportedly provide 24V dc directly from power feeds, which could potentially eliminate large, inefficient, and costly step-down transformers. Electrical features include an input power factor correction circuit, electronic overload, and short-circuit protection with U/I characteristics. Other benefits of the power supply include a low 5-lb weight and an occupancy space of 9 inches.

Phoenix Contact, Booth 5100, www.phoenixcon.com. Enter 580

Motors

"EC" series of brushless "pancake" motors are electronically commutated, reportedly enabling improved motor life since there are no mechanical brushes to wear out. Ball bearings also add to the longevity and, due to their low profile, the motors are suitable for color wheels, pick & place machines, robotics, and pumps. Four sizes are available: 2, 3, 12, and 30W. Maximum speed is up to 12,000 rpm.

Maxon Precision Motors, Booth 9067, www.mpm.maxonmotor.com. Enter 581

Assembly products

A new traversing assembly is a featured product by the company, reportedly designed with two side-by-side load carriers on which to mount take-up material guides. A single rolling-ring linear actuator drives both load carriers, permitting near non-stop production during take-up operations. When a reel is filled, the take-up feed is switched to the nearby material guide and production continues without having to stop the system and re-synchronize the take-up drive with material pay-off feed, thus reducing set-up time and costs.

Amacoil Inc., Booth 233, www.amacoil.com. Enter 582

Cotter pin

Bow-Tie™ Locking Cotter Pin works like a hairpin cotter that, according to the company, locks itself on. A simple but definite action releases the cotter, yet it cannot be accidentally knocked or vibrated off. Available in sizes that fit ¼- to 1-inch shafts, the product can be used regardless of the hole position, and replaces other traditional cotter pins in a variety of applications.

Pivot Point Inc., Booth 7318, www.pivotpins.com. Enter 583

CAD

Solid Edge Insight technology is said to enhance the company's mechanical design tools—including its 3D mechanical software—with data vaulting, revision management, engineering change orders, and BOM management to help companies share and reuse the collective knowledge of their design-engineering organizations. This technology is a mainstream mechanical CAD system that includes design data management as a built-in capability. Insight offers manufacturing companies an improved alternative to separate CAD and product data management systems—an integrated solution for everyday CAD work routines.

EDS PLM Solutions, Booth 7505, www.ugsolutions.com. Enter 584

Filter cartridges

Each 6-inch OD × 40-inch long MegaFlow™ pleated cartridge filters up to 250 gpm. The cartridges are coreless, which reduces disposal costs. MegaFlow vessels can hold up to 19 cartridges for a maximum 4,750 gpm flow rate. To simplify cartridge removal, the vessels have a convenient horizontal design.

Parker Hannifin, Process Filtration Div., Booth 817, www.parker.com. Enter 585

Rotary switch

Designed for the appliance industry, the thiNcoder™ 5B is said to increase capability to a five-bit encoder switch that can be customized not only for washers and dryers, but other industries as well. It provides increased position allotment while keeping thickness less than 1/10 inch and costs low. Since this rotary switch can be mounted on flex, this design eliminates the need for failure-prone component interconnections.

Duraswitch Industries Inc., Booth 7339, www.duraswitch.com. Enter 586

Positioning table

Open-frame positioning table is designed for applications requiring backlighting. It is available with ball- or crossed-roller rolling elements that can handle loads of 225 or 450 lbs, respectively. Both versions are said to provide smooth motion from a precision rolled lead screw, and have positional accuracy and repeatability within 0.0005 inch along the total 6-inch range.

PIC Design, Booth 6526, www.pic-design.com. Enter 587

Ceramics

A highlighted product from the company's advanced ceramics includes the AmAlO× 68 alumina ceramic that features improved wear- and corrosion-resistant properties. Used in a wide range of industrial applications, AmAlO× 68 components are purported to provide efficient, cost-effective solutions to material problems in such industries as chemical-process equipment, automotive, and semiconductors.

Astro Met Inc., Booth 7938, www.astromet.com. Enter 588

Gas filter

The Intervene Max-Flow Gas Filter is said to feature improved air-flow rates and low-back pressure to maximize performance in insufflation, oxygen concentration, vacuum protection, and ventilation applications. A 15/22-mm connector is said to allow for an easier and air-tight gas-supply connection, with multiple media available to remove bacteria, viruses, and particles.

Pall Corp., Booth 7677, www.pall.com. Enter 589

Linear bearings

All-polymer linear bearings in inch (Drylin^® RJI) and metric sizes (Drylin^® RJM) are interchangeable with standard recirculating ball bearings and offer cost and weight reduction. They fit into standard pillow blocks, are made from iglide^® J material, and are said to offer a low coefficient of friction and im-proved shock and vibration dampening characteristics. Both the RJI and RJM require no external lubrication and are highly resistant to corrosion and wear.

igus inc., Booth 6945, www.igus.com. Enter 590

Switch

A 3-position safety foot switch features Off, On, and E-Stop positions. The CE-compliant Model GFS also features an IP65 corrosion-resistant metal housing, positive-break switches rated at 16A/400V ac, and a life expectancy exceeding 10 million switching cycles.

Schmersal LLC, Booth 7542, www.schmersalusa.com. Enter 591

Transmitter

The Ashcroft^® DXLdp low-pressure transmitter with SpoolCal™ process-valve actuator enables transmitters in critical airflow systems to be easily validated and calibrated in place, without disturbing process tubes or wiring. A twist to the left and the SpoolCal tees the process pressure out to a handheld calibrator; a twist to the right puts it in calibration mode for ease of use.

Dresser Instrument, Booth 7461, www.ashcroft.com. Enter 592

Rotary encoders

Rotary encoders, with their inductive scanning principles and EnDat interfaces, are said to surpass resolver performance because these devices meet the demands of drive technology for simpler commissioning and diagnostic functions. The products are available in a singleturn version (ECI 1317) which counts 17 bits = 131,072 measuring steps per revolution, and a multiturn version (EQI 1329) with 4,096 distinguishable revolutions (12 bits).

Heidenhain Corp., Booth 704, www.heidenhain.com Enter 593

Lubricants

Krytox^® Performance Lubricants feature a new line of XHT products for an improved high-temperature fluorinated grease. Krytox FG is another line of oils and greases designed for the food-processing industry. In addition, the company's standard Krytox oils and greases and Fluoroguard^® Polymer Additives are also available.

DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise, Booth 9026, www.dupont.com. Enter 594

Linear guide

UtiliTrak linear guide is designed for light-to-medium duty, anti-friction, linear-motion guidance and is used in applications where load capacity, stiffness, and positional accuracy are less demanding than typical "machine-tool grade" requirements. The product features the company's DualVee Motion Technology, an off-the-shelf "guide wheel-based" technology and a pur-ported low-cost alternative to more expensive recirculating ball- or roller-bearing technologies. Performance requirements include low noise, high speed, smooth running, and high load for general automation projects.

Bishop-Wisecarver, Booth 7118, www.bwc.com. Enter 595

Adhesives

Adhesives for assembly applications include methacrylates, epoxies, and flexible urethanes in a range of viscosities, cure speeds, and resistances to chemicals and environmental factors. Plastic Welder™ is designed to bond engineered plastics and dissimilar substrates including unprepared metals, ceramics, and wood.

Devcon, Booth 8916, www.devcon.com. Enter 596

Converter box

To convert electrical equipment to foot pedal control, just plug equipment (such as augers, appliances, or medical and dispensing equipment) into the ControlSafe™ Electric to Pneumatic/Electric Converter Box. This box contains an alternate action (latching) or momentary switch which, in turn, plugs into a standard electrical receptacle. The Converter Box units are most often used in conjunction with the company's B621BA or B721BA hard PVC foot pedals; or the F800BA or F350BA soft PVC foot pedals.

Pres:Air:Trol Corp., Booth 2357, www.presair.com. Enter 597

Linear-motion guide

Caged Technology now includes three product groups: Caged Ball™, Caged Roller™, and Caged Technology Ball Screw™. The company claims to have improved upon the ball screw by incorporating a newly designed ball-return tube and an elastomeric spacer to separate balls.

THK America Inc., Booth 6942, www.thk.com. Enter 598

Ball valves

Quick-fitting ball valves feature polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) construction. A form of plastic, PPS is said to result in a lightweight product that allows for varying configurations, including elbow styles. The use of wear-, chemical-, and noise-resistant PPS also permits the passage of water in certain applications. The ball valves' tube O.D.'s range from 1/8 to ½ inch.

Pisco U.S.A., Booth 8513, www.pisco.com. Enter 599

Controller

The model CT325 temperature controller measures 1 × 1 × 1.5 inches and can control up to 240W of heating power. The unit is powered for a single dc supply that provides power to the control electronics, as well as the heating element. The miniature design accepts 100 or 1,000 ohm Platinum RTD, or 50 k-ohm thermistor sensor input.

Minco Products Inc., Booth 8230, www.minco.com. Enter 600

Encoder

A Sine/Cosine Linear Electric Encoder™ is said to provide a durable, non-contacting absolute output with minimal speed/resolution tradeoff. The device is comprised of an electrically excited patterned scale and a read head that responds to the electric field flux generated by the scale. Features are said to include: high resolution (up to 10 nm), accuracy (to less than 10µ), low-power consumption (as low as 100 microwatts), and an immunity to RFI/EMI.

Netzer Precision Motion Sensors Ltd., Booth 334, www.netzerprecision.com. Enter 601

Speed valve

The Iversen Speed Valve is said to increase cylinder speeds, reducing cycle times on injection-molding machines, hydraulic presses, and die-casting equipment. The valve increases the piston speed, but not the force it exerts. The product is an all-in-one valve with no external controls and a pressure rating up to 7,250 psi.

Sherex Industries Ltd., Booth 7858, www.sherex.com. Enter 602

Push-in plugs

Series PIP and PIP-TAB push-in plugs are available in seven new sizes and fit SAE and NPT threads. These reusable snug-fitting PIP and PIP-TAB series are made from flexible low-density polyethylene, and are reportedly highly resistant to impact and abrasion.

Protective Closures Co., Booth 734, www.caplugs.com. Enter 603

Timing-belt installation

ATN^® connect technology is reportedly a mechanical connection system designed for rapid belt assembly and disassembly in the field to be installed directly at the drive set up. The finger-spliced ends of the timing belt are prepared for field installation with clamping hardware that is said to consist of high-strength polyamide inserts, high-grade steel plates, and the requisite screws. This connection technology also allows ATN convertible profiles to be attached, even in the joined area, and the connecting kit is available for ATN timing belts 50 and 100 mm wide.

BRECOflex Co. LLC, Booth 8537, www.brecoflex.com. Enter 604

Springs

Stock and custom springs feature compression, extension, and torsion springs. The company's Belleville Washers are also available, as well as the Hefty Line of heavy-duty die springs. Engineering support is reportedly offered in designing or choosing the exact spring for a specific requirement.

Lee Spring Co., Booth 7436, www.leespring.com. Enter 605

PLCs

Latest additions to the MicroSmart series of programmable logic controllers include the "slim"-type CPU units, available with 20 or 40 I/O points and various types of output. Each CPU module is said to be equipped with four high-speed counters, an RS-232C port, and an analog potentiometer. The slim types also include a built-in analog input in a compact housing, measuring 90 mm in height and 70 mm in depth.

IDEC Corp., Booth 5234, www.idec.com. Enter 606

Steel-ring software

The company now has CAD models available in 91 different formats to download for various steel-ring applications on its website. Design engineers can now view 3D preview pictures and isometric preview pictures. In addition, a user can search for parts and download them to their own e-mail address.

Smalley Steel Ring Co., Booth 7842, www.smalley.com. Enter 607

Power supplies

Switching power supplies— 5-48V dc, 0.3-5A—now feature approval for UL 1604 Class I and Div. 2 Groups A, B, C, and D hazardous locations. Each model features DIN rail mounting for quicker assembly, and operates more than the temperature range of 0 to 55C.

Entrelec Inc., Booth 5111, www.entrelec.com. Enter 608

Rapid-prototyping system

The FDM Titan™ system creates prototypes from various materials—such as Polyphenylsulfone and ABS plastic—requiring minimal changeover steps between them. This selection of materials reportedly improves impact strength, strength at high temperatures, flame-retardant qualities, and sterilization capability.

Stratasys Inc., Booth 8338, www.stratasys.com. Enter 609

Self-tracking belt

Eagle Pd Acculinear belts and sprockets are said to combine the advantages of thermoplastic polyurethane and a self-tracking Helical Offset Tooth design for linear-motion drives. The material is reportedly durable up to 230F, resists flaking, and offers high resistance to oils, grease, and abrasion. The flangeless, self-tracking system reduces noise, vibration, and drive width, while high-tensile steel-cord-reinforcement limits elongation.

Goodyear Engineered Products, Booth 220, www.goodyearptp.com. Enter 610

CAD

A "next-generation," one-click part-insert capability has been added to the company's CADRegister.com website. The new functionality reportedly allows users to click on any of the 2D drawings and 3D solid models in the CADRegister.com on-line library, instantly viewing the drawings and models in a running CAD session. Drawings can be saved in all standard formats, and a full list of supported CAD systems can be found on the website.

Thomas Register, Booth 7520, www.thomasregister.com. Enter 611

Ac drive

The QUIX ac drive is an economical V/Hz drive that contains an optional memory key and detachable keypad, reportedly to make programming easier for repetitive projects. This flexibility makes the device suitable for a variety of applications. QUIX is available in inputs of single and three phase, as well as 230 and 460V, with a size range of ½ to 5 hp.

Elestream.Com, Booth 4222, www.elestream.com. Enter 612

Grippers

PGN-plus parallel grippers are said to maintain higher forces, increased loads, and improved efficiency due to their newly designed jaw guidance. Forces and moments of the gripper—or acting on the gripper—are spread over several surfaces of a multiple-tooth guide, enabling finger length increase of up to 30% and more than doubling the maximum payloads. Due to the optimized piston design, the grip force of the pneumatically actuated fingers was reportedly increased up to 36%.

SCHUNK Inc., Booth 7328, www.schunk.com. Enter 613

Drive

The KBAC-24D Adjustable Frequency Drive is a variable-speed control in a NEMA-4X/IP-65 washdown and watertight enclosure. It is designed to operate 208-230V 3-phase ac induction motors through 3.6A RMS. The sine-wave coded pulse-width modulated output operates at a frequency of 16 kHz reportedly said to provide high motor torque, high efficiency, and low noise.

KB Electronics Inc., Booth 7415, www.kbelectronics.com. Enter 614

Software

Based on the object-oriented database technology, the EPLAN 21 system is said to target the trend towards rising globalization by replacing conventional working methods with a database-type planning process. As a result, complex project-planning correlations are reported to be more consistent, coordinated, and automated. The product's automated evaluation and verification tools improve design documentation so that design engineers can focus on electrical design while EPLAN 21 handles routine but time-consuming tasks, such as automatic generation of cable overviews, terminal diagrams, bills of material, and terminal-connect diagrams.

EPLAN, Booth 8222, www.eplan-software.com. Enter 615

Bolts

Standard stud/bolt tensioners are said to solve bolting problems in heavy industry. Using ordinary hand/air tools, these products reportedly eliminate the need for hydraulic tools or brute-force sledgehammers. The devices claim to be fast, safe, accurate, economical, and tighten in pure tension, thus eliminating stud seizure.

Superbolt Inc., Booth 1834, www.superbolt.com. Enter 616

Steel-belt conveyor

The benefits of stainless-steel belts in conveyor systems are said to include unlimited travel lengths, no stretch, precise positioning, as well as improved performance in adverse chemical or temperature environments. A patented ball-bearing drive pulley and tensioning device can be incorporated into the unit for higher accuracy. Mounting plates are available for a range of motion-control pack- ages, or the unit can be shipped complete with a specific motion- control package attached.

Belt Technologies Inc., Booth 633, www.belttechnologies.com. Enter 617

Industrial computer

The QTERM-G70 is an Ethernet-enabled graphics terminal with object-based programming. The computer features a list of industrial-grade hardware options including: a 320 × 240 lighted graphics LCD display (color or grayscale); 10 Base-T Ethernet with TCP/IP support; touchscreen with option PS/2 keyboard connection; and 1 Mbyte Flash/2 Mbytes RAM in a NEMA-4, CE-rated housing. This terminal is reportedly based on an object-based graphic terminal programming language called Qlarity™, which allows a user the ability to use pre-defined objects, edit existing objects, or author personal objects with ease and flexibility, whether designing a simple control panel interface or a complete standalone application.

QSI Corp., Booth 4226, www.qsicorp.com. Enter 618

Gearheads

NEMA-size single- and double-stage in-line and single-, double-, and triple-stage right-angle planetary gearheads are offered in eight gear ratios from 3:1 to 100:1. Using aluminum housings and heat-treated steel gears, these precision assemblies are said to feature true planetary gear design with low backlash of 8 to 15 minutes.

Stock Drive Products, Booth 931, www.sdp-si.com. Enter 619

Electronic latches

E-Line electronic latches are said to help protect equipment enclosures with enhanced security and data-collection features while occupying the same space as mechanical latches with conventional keys. Up to 25 unique entry code combinations can be stored to identify individuals, and every opening operation may be logged by an individual.

DIRAK Inc., Booth 7364, www.dirak.com. Enter 620

Couplings

Paradrive™ oldham couplings for motion control applications are comprised of two aluminum hubs with drive tenons that mate with a floating-center member. This design is said to allow easy sliding to accommodate misalignment. These devices have very light-bearing loads since the only resistance caused by misalignment is frictional. They also reportedly have the advantages of electrical isolation and relatively low cost. The couplings accommodate angular and axial misalignment, but are suitable in applications where parallel misalignment is a problem.

Ruland Manufacturing Co. Inc., Booth 8315, www.ruland.com. Enter 621

Sensor

The Temposonics^® S Series ASCII protocol position-control sensor, the ServoSensor™, is said to feature a high-performance sensor and embedded closed-loop position controller in the same standard-sensor envelope. This sensor ASCII protocol and enhanced Windows^® application setup software enable the use of common translator software suitable for the Automation Direct 205 and ControlLogix PLC platforms. Key features reportedly are a high degree of flexibility in its internal configuration and in its external interface, as well as multiple axis control of up to 16 axes per communication port.

MTS Systems Corp., Booth 217, www.temposonics.com. Enter 622

Digital light projector

Thixomolded^® digital light projector is said to measure a compact 8 7/8 × 6½× 1 5/8 inches. The magnesium alloy housing illustrates the benefits that the Thixomolding^® process supposedly offers the design engineer in producing compact, lightweight, thinwall-net, or near-net shape parts to extremely tight tolerances (±0.0005 inch/inch) with minimum shrinkage and improved repeatability. This finished product weighs 2.9 lbs and is said to be stiffer, lighter, and thinner than would be possible with an engineered plastic part of similar dimensions.

Thixomat Inc., Booth 8419, www.thixomat.com. Enter 623

Software

SolidWorks 2001Plus 3D CAD software reportedly enables users to develop any drawing or part; provides improved performance in terms of creating large assemblies; eases the conversion of 2D designs to 3D solid models; and cuts design time in half. The software also provides enhancements to several design features and functions such as productivity tools, drawings and parts, large-assembly design tools, and sheet-metal design.

SolidWorks Corp., Booth 6900, www.solidworks.com. Enter 624

Sensors

VeriSense 3100 immersion thermal sensors are targeted at engine, axle, and hydraulic systems temperature measurement. These brass devices are capable of accurate temperature readings from -58 to 200C for immersion applications. The IC sensor is said to offer advantages in regard to linearity and accuracy, and to reduce overall system cost in immersion-sensing applications.

Airpax Corp., Booth 8914, www.airpax.net. Enter 625

Valves

Airpinch™ valves are used for "tough to control" materials including slurries, dry flowables, and corrosive liquids. Models include a failsafe, air cylinder-actuated, 2-inch pinch valve and a miniature-diaphragm air pump. Additional products include duckbill check valves, and air-actuated "pulse pumps" that are said to be non clogging, lightweight, and economical.

Richway Industries Ltd., Booth 750, www.richwayind.com. Enter 626

Cabinets

CAB polycarbonate (PC) wall-mounting plastic cabinets, built from corrosion-resistant PC material, are now UL listed and include types 4, 4X, 12, and 13. In addition, the units are rated NEMA 4, 4X, 12, and IP 65. All CAB PC units have an enclosure flammability rating of UL-5V and reportedly offer long life and easy machinability. These enclosures reportedly provide an optional swing-out door.

Fibox Inc., Booth 4717, www.fiboxusa.com. Enter 627

Linear actuators

Size 17 hybrid linear actuators are available with a 0.9° step angle that is designed for higher resolution and allows for a full-step linear movement of 0.00006 inch. Like the 1.8° version, this actuator is available in 4 designs: captive, non captive, external linear, and linear rotary. These products are said to feature precise positioning and rapid motion, and are suitable for a variety of applications.

Haydon Switch & Instrument Inc., Booth 7345, www.hsi-inc.com. Enter 628

Gearheads

AlphaStep Series stepping motor and driver packages with built-in feedback devices are said to offer more precise, zero-backlash performance while providing higher torque. The HG gearhead is available in combination with two types of AlphaStep packages. Combined with the HG gearhead, the 1.65-inch² motor models are said to produce a maximum holding torque ranging from 22 to 35 lb-inches.

Oriental Motor USA Corp., Booth 7342, www.orientalmotor.com. Enter 629

Software

EnCapta™ CAD-integrated software is said to enable design engineers to capture, structure, and communicate the non-geometric design data necessary for complete product definition. The software provides templates for defining the type and structure of information, such as cost estimates, that is often stored separately from the CAD model. The templates then enable design engineers to associate this information with the relevant CAD geometry and features.

VISTAGY Inc., Booth 7911, www.vistagy.com. Enter 630

Ball-bearing slides

Slides for a variety of applications, duties, and specialties are now available. From light-duty slides for challenging size/space considerations to heavy-duty slides that support 130 to 255 lbs, these specialty slides feature lock-out position, two-way travel, and under-shelf mounting. Additionally, these slides reportedly can handle such slide-selection considerations as height, width, depth, and weight of chassis/drawer; depth of rack/cabinet; and optional hardware for mounting rack/enclosure.

Illinois Lock Co., Booth 7957, www.illinoislock.com. Enter 631

Valve

Lightweight yet durable plastic body valve is said to be capable of handling various media, including compressed air and water. The ¼- and 3/8-inch quick push-to-connect tube fittings reportedly ease the installation of this valve in any application, including alternating pressure mattresses, and chilling and cooling devices.

KIP Inc., Booth 8748, www.kipinc.com. Enter 632

Sensor

Electro-optic liquid-level sensor, the ELS-1150, is 1.38 inches long and, unlike other optic sensors, reportedly uses a strong glass prism, fused to a carbon steel/stainless-steel housing, to monitor vessels pressurized up to 2,500 psi. Operating temperature range is -40 to 212F, and the device is available with ½-inch NPT mountings. These sensors are suitable for monitoring the small-pressurized vessels found in HVAC, refrigeration, and hydraulic applications.

Gems Sensors, Booth 7846, www.gemssensors.com. Enter 633

Rails

Telescopic Rails are said to provide the convenience and ease of "drawer" slides while offering the strength and rigidity of linear bearings. They are designed to carry loads up to 2,500 lbs per pair with strokes that reach up to 2m. The strength and rigidity of these slides comes from the hardened, cold-drawn bearing steel (52100) rails and sliders and the low-profile intermediate member. The slider is the same length as the fixed and intermediate members and, using a heavy-duty ball cage, moves inside the steel rail.

Rollon Corp., Booth 104, www.rollon.com. Enter 634

Lift covers

Gortite^® lift covers are said to protect lift mechanisms and personnel from dust, dirt, foreign objects, and pinch points. These products are reportedly made of rugged, durable materials selected for specific applications based on the environment in which the life table will operate. The improved construction process provides a more rigid cover than sewn methods, and can reportedly extend lift life and prevent costly damage.

A & A Manufacturing Co., Booth 7734, www.gortite.com. Enter 635

Fitting

Liquid-tight nickel-plated cord grips with EMI protection work with braided- and foil-shielded cables. A serrated nickel-plated nut is offered to reportedly assure a positive ground to the mounting surface. The fitting can handle temperatures from -40 to 212F and pressure up to 150 psig.

Sealcon, Booth 8731, www.sealconusa.com. Enter 636

Foams

PORON^® urethanes are low outgassing (to meet stringent anti-fogging criteria) and reportedly demonstrate improved resistance to compression set. The product line includes thin materials, thin and soft materials cast on PET film for easier handling, and foams that have slow rebound properties. Most thicknesses of these urethane foams meet UL 94 HBF requirements, and several formulations meet UL-JMST2 ratings.

Rogers Corp., Booth 8504, www.rogers-corp.com. Enter 637

CFD software

Fluent 6.0 CFD modeling software reportedly enables users to foresee behavior of solids in multiphase flows with Eularian granular models. The software uses turbomachinery-specific coordinates in its own environment to postprocess results. Also featuring near-linear scaling during parallel processing, the software includes automatic animation generation and other postprocessing and visualization options.

Fluent Inc., Booth 8121, www.fluent.com. Enter 638

Cylinder

The Twist Clamp incorporates an internal mechanism to produce rotary-piston motion throughout stroke. By attaching a clamp arm, the actuator becomes a suitable clamping mechanism for light-duty holding applications. The rotary motion is said to rotate the clamp arm out of the work area for easier loading and unloading of part.

Bimba Manufacturing Co., Booth 6916, www.bimba.com. Enter 639

Software

Version 6 of Overdrive CAD/CAM offers new functions and enhancements for solid modeling, surfacing, machining, and mold making. Changes are said to include expanded collaboration and interoperability, as well as extended control of solids, surfacing, and assembly. An enhanced user interface is also available.

VX Corp., Booth 7511, www.vx.com. Enter 640

Gearhead

The Harmonic Planetary^® HPG Series gearhead is available in size 32. A reported key feature is that the backlash is maintained below 1 arc-min for product life. The gearhead has a rated torque of 1,176 inch-lbs, repeated torque of 2,655 inch-lbs, and maximum torque of 5,753 inch-lbs. It is said to have a 120-mm² frame size with available ratios ranging from 5 to 33:1.

HD Systems Inc., Booth 417, www.hdsi.net. Enter 641

Rollers

New 1-inch-wide roller models include solid rollers from 1½ to 4-inches in diameter, DuraSoft^® rollers from 2½ to 4 inches in diameter, and finned rollers from 2 to 4 inches in diameters. All rollers are available in 1- and 2-inch widths and come in a variety of durometers (from 20 to 95), materials (black neoprene, white nitrile, or polyurethane), and mountings (standard or precision bearing, shaft drive, and brake roll-clutch bearing.

Fairlane Products Inc., Booth 8659, www.fairlaneprod.com. Enter 642

Controls

Standard and custom pressure-control regulators, valves, and electropneumatic controllers for gas or liquid control—from sub-atmospheric to 20,000 psig—are featured products. Pressure-reducing, back-pressure, two-stage, and reference-pressure models with a variety of materials, porting, and loading options are also available.

Tescom - Industrial Controls Div., Booth 7333, www.tescom.com. Enter 643

Inserts

MaxTite™ full-hex blind-threaded steel inserts feature a full-hex body design, thick head, and heavy wall to resist torque-out. Once installed in sheets, panels, or closed-end structure as thin as 0.010 inch, these devices can reportedly provide strong metal threads.

Atlas Engineering, Booth 7628, www.atlas-eng.com. Enter 644

Motor

An improved 22-mm brush-commutated dc motor, the LO-COG^®, has a length of 1.900 inches and is said to provide up to 40% more continuous torque (up to 2 oz-inch) to deliver more power, compared with shorter 22-mm-diameter models. In addition, the longer length reportedly promotes the process of heat dissipation in order to reduce the potential for undesired heat buildup in the motor. This motor is suitable for mass data storage and semiconductor-processing equipment.

Pittman, Booth 7757, www.pittmannet.com. Enter 645

Greases

The Fluorocarbon Gel 868 series is comprised of PTFE-thickened damping greases designed for high-shear metal-on-metal components that have to operate smoothly and quietly for extended periods. Damping greases reportedly reduce wear and seal out dust and moisture like traditional greases, but their primary function is to control motion and noise in mechanical and electromechanical devices.

Nye Lubricants, Booth 7962, www.nyelubricants.com. Enter 646

Cable-tie hooks

Type TDO™ self-clinching cable-tie hooks are designed to hang bundled wires in an enclosure to provide secure attachment points for mounting wire to electronic chassis. The hardware's "hook" feature provides a capability for users to temporarily remove (then return) tie-bundled wires from their mounting points (which is often necessary when wires block access to components for service or when wires must be re-placed). With the cable-tie hooks in place, tie-bundled wires can simply be slipped off, and when the bundled wires are ready to be returned to their mounting points, they can be easily re-hanged on their hooks.

PEM Fastening Systems, Booth 7526, www.pemnet.com. Enter 647

Rollers

Power-Core™ rollers for high-speed linear-motion devices are said to provide manufacturers and design engineers of precision sliding doors and indoor/outdoor architectural partitions with quiet performance for noise-free operation. These rollers and trolley systems are purported to resist flat development, will not absorb moisture, and do not wear out the rail. The roller is said to be assembled using proprietary thermotechnology to ensure a more precise and stable configuration.

Intech Corp., Booth 7266, www.intechpower.com. Enter 648

Inserts

Quick-Sert^® inserts are said to provide permanent steel threads in aluminum and other soft metals. The products have a smooth tapered lead, easing installation while the knurled body locks the Quick-Sert tightly in place. These devices are suitable for both OEM and repair applications.

Yardley Products Corp., Booth 7862, www.yardleyproducts.com. Enter 649

Tube benders

Benchtop tube benders are said to deliver consistent bends from 1 to 180° for such tubing materials as carbon and stainless steel, copper, and aluminum, in sizes up to 1 inch (30 mm) in outer diameter. Available as a manually or an electrically operated unit requiring a 110 or 230V ac power source and built of rugged, lightweight aluminum, these benders can be located on a bench or placed on an accessory tripod. A key feature of these benders is the use of rollers, used in conjunction with a sturdy bend shoe, to reduce the potential for wrinkling, damage, and/or increased ovality to the radius of tubing when bending.

Swagelok, Booth 2232, www.swagelok.com. Enter 650

Cylinders

"Stopper Cylinder" series (STA), for managing conveyor workflow, is said to offer three model variations, consisting of 16 configurations that address the dynamic and logistical considerations surrounding mount and machine servicing. The trunnion rod-style STA version is resistant to high forces due to its reinforced piston rod and flange extension. The roller-style STA cylinder provides an option for a hard stop or intermittent braking, due to the unit's dual-purpose piston rod. The toggle lever-style STA is said to provide a means by which a large load (660 lbs) can be gently stopped as it travels along a conveyor at a speed of up to 10 inches per second.

Festo, Booth 8309, www.festo-usa.com. Enter 651

Steel

Flat-rolled stainless and carbon steels coated with the AgION antimicrobial compound are said to suppress the growth of an array of destructive microbes. This compound is blended into an epoxy paint system and then applied to the company's products by continuous coil coating. Antimicrobial-coated steel can reportedly benefit the construction, medical equipment, HVAC, and appliance industries.

AK Steel Corp., Booth 8436, www.aksteel.com. Enter 652

Plungers

Hand-retractable plungers are available in thread sizes ¼, 5/16, 3/8, ½, and 5/8 inch. The devices, like hand-retractable plungers with phenolic noses, can be used in aluminum, brass, and soft material applications.

Northwestern Tools Inc., Booth 9321, www.northwesterntools.com. Enter 653

Software

OneSpace Solution Suite reportedly complements existing data and process technologies and provides an improved collaborative product design environment for communication across the development team. Highlights are said to include improved implementation and ROI, as well as a CAD- and PDM-neutral environment to complement and extend a product-development environment. In addition, the user may make design changes in synchronous or asynchronous modes. The software suite includes project and meeting schedules, project management, and other enhanced capabilities.

CoCreate Software Co., Booth 7711, www.cocreate.com. Enter 654

Erector sets

A reported addition of several different modular structural systems to the company's product offerings enables design engineers to build workstations, workbenches, safety guards, partitions, enclosures, and linear-motion systems. The entire 80/20 line is available in inch and metric, as well as three other lines of aluminum structural fittings and systems. More than 3,600 different parts are listed and can be reviewed, downloaded (including CAD drawings, specifications, and pricing), or ordered on-line.

Reid Tool Supply Co., Booth 7853, www.reidtool.com. Enter 655

Motors

The 16G88 series of dc ironless-rotor motors have a 16-mm diameter, 4.5W continuous power rating, maximum shaft speed of 12,000 rpm, and maximum continuous output torque of 5 mNm. These miniature motors, designed for 3 to 24V supply voltages, reportedly offer more acceleration than standard dc motors without magnetic cogging. Applications include robotic end-effectors, medical power tools, and other miniature devices requiring high power.

Portescap, Booth 6536, www.portescap.com. Enter 656

Software

COSMOS/M™ 2.7 is said to offer enhancements to the software's range of analysis capabilities, such as modeling, meshing, and visualization of parts. The improvements reportedly include the areas of pre- and post-processing, linear static analysis, buckling and frequency analysis, and advanced computational fluid dynamics. This CAE software is available as a stand-alone product and also as an add-on for COSMOS/Works and COSMOS/DesignSTAR.

Structural Research and Analysis Corp., Booth 6900, www.srac.com. Enter 657

Encoders

High-performance optical encoders that meet moderate to high-end accuracy requirements comprise both incremental and absolute types featuring high resolution and low inertia. The incremental encoders range from 30 to 48 mm in diameter, with resolution up to 6,000 lines per revolution. The absolute encoders include 20- and 58-mm diameter sizes and generate 8- and 10-bit binary code output signals.

Thomson Micron LLC, Booth 4719, www.thomsonindustries.com. Enter 658

Orifices

An updated version of the micron orifice series now includes 7.5-, 10-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 40-, and 50-micron ruby orifices, with the full range now extending up to 0.081 inch. These devices are suitable for design engineers controlling precise amounts of gas and liquids. Additional featured products include 1/16-inch barb designs and micro-screen filtration.

Bird Precision, Booth 6940, www.birdprecision.com. Enter 659

Servo coupling

Smartflex^® high precision zero backlash coupling is designed with steel bellows fastened to shaft bushings with clamp collars. According to the company, couplings offer low inertia and more misalignment capability. With up to 200-Nm torque capacity, these couplings may be found in four shaft diameter sizes from 8 to 50 mm.

Mayr Corp., Booth 119, Enter 660

Runners

Four new styles of Load Runners^® include urethane, polymer, stainless-steel, and high-temp rollers that are designed to work in formerly inoperable environments. The urethane coating on the urethane runners is said to make them suitable for outdoor use. The polymer construction of the polymer runners supposedly provides quiet running and shock absorption, while the stainless-steel runners are designed to withstand chemical exposure in harsh environments. High-temperature runners are permanently lubricated with high-temperature grease.

Osborn International, Booth 132, www.osborn.com. Enter 661

Valves

VHS micro-dispensing valves are high-speed (1,200 Hz), two-way solenoid valves designed with a small size (0.22 inch diameter) to allow placement of the valve directly over the individual well centers of standard 96 well micro-titer plates. The device is available with either a standard (0.05 inch)- or small (0.02 inch)-diameter outlet port, or with an integral-jeweled orifice for direct dispensing.

The Lee Company, Booth 8359, www.theleeco.com. Enter 662

Plastic

Check valves that use diaphragms to filter impurities, while separating purified water form wastewater, are molded to tight dimensions using the company's thermoplastic urethane (TPU). Replacing fabric reinforced rubber diaphragms, these TPU diaphragms are said to improve product performance. For example, the change to a TPU design with high-tensile strength is said to eliminate the threat of pinhole leaks between the fabric weave.

Minnesota Rubber, Booth 7367, www.mnrubber.com. Enter 663

CAD

The company's Workshop™ Manufacturing Design Software for tooling, machinery, and general mechanical design/drafting applications reportedly allows users to create, import, and edit 3D models and drawings. The software is built with a Pure Geometry™-based data structure that is said to allow for total editing control of imported data, improved support for advanced surface modeling, and a shorter learning curve for beginners. The product also offers tools for assembly and entity management, as well as dimensional-accuracy assurance.

CADKEY Corp., Booth 7919, www.cadkey.com. Enter 664

Flexarms

Gooseneck Flexarms are said to be strong vinyl-covered products designed to support medical devices, mobile electronics, instruments, and displays. The devices are offered in a range of diameters, fittings, and brackets with a quick-connect coupling system.

Moffatt Products Inc., Booth 7312. Enter 665

Electromagnetic components

The company features a variety of electromagnetic components with dual primaries and secondaries that make these devices suitable for multiple applications. Power supplies for automation, robotic, and control applications are available with both linear- and switch-mode models. Other products highlighted include: control, safety, and isolating transformers; EMC and ferrite components for reduction of electromagnetic interference; and an EMC laboratory to assist during design and manufacturing processes to meet international standards.

Block USA LP, Booth 8029. Enter 666

Ceramic balls

CERBEC^® ceramic balls are said to improve bearing performance in a variety of applications, including machine-tool spindles, ballscrews, turbomolecular pumps, aerospace, robotics, and semiconductors. These products reportedly decrease wear while enabling bearings to run at higher speeds with less maintenance and reduced downtime. Compared to conventional steel bearings, hybrid bearings with CERBEC ceramic balls claim to increase service life, improve reliability, and lower operating costs.

Saint-Gobain Advanced Ceramics, Booth 412, www.cerbec.com. Enter 667

Gear pumps

The 2000 Series is said to offer maximum flow rates of 1.01 gpm, maximum pressure of 240 psi, and maximum fluid-temperature capabilities of 180F. Three different sizes of PPS Polymer gears are available, depending on flow rate and pressure requirements. The motor is a nominal, reversible, brush 12V dc, and the modular design of the gear pumps allows for a wide variation of flow ranges with a standard-parts set.

Gorman-Rupp Industries, Booth 7454, www.gripumps.com. Enter 668

Thermal material

THERMFLOW^® T766 phase-change material, which is said to provide a low thermal resistance interface path between hot components and heat sinks while allowing easier removal of sinks for rework operations, is now available. T766 pads include a foil layer that lets heat sinks be removed without force and without leaving residue to be cleaned from component surfaces. The material consists of a tacky, electrically non-conductive phase-change film on one side of a conformable metal foil.

Chomerics, Booth 6585, www.chomerics.com. Enter 669

Servomotor

SilverMax™ 34HC motor is said to have more than 3,200 inch-oz of torque, 600W of power, and four stack lengths. A featured function is the reported ability to switch into "Anti-Hunt" mode; this mode is said to reduce servo dithering, allowing the motor to remain motionless while maintaining a target position. Another product highlight of these servomotors is their ability to stabilize an inertial mismatch of 100:1 or more.

QuickSilver Controls Inc., Booth 129, www.qcontrol.com. Enter 670

Annotation solution

Auto Vue SolidModel allows users to take measurements and access 3D markups and assembly transformation, without an authoring requirement, in both engineering and office formats, as well as 2D and 3D CAD formats. The visualization and annotation solution features shaded model, wireframe, silhouette, and hidden line removal functions. Mass properties may be computed to include gravitational centers, moments of inertia, and inertia tensors.

Cimmetry Systems Inc., Booth 6501, www.cimmetry.com. Enter 671

Pneumatic cylinder

The Series P1L Cylinder is a round-body repairable pneumatic cylinder that appeals to a range of applications purportedly due to its compactness and competitive cost. With full-flow ports, standard bumpers, and optical-adjustable cushions, the cylinder is suitable for high-speed applications with piston speeds of 15-35 inches per second. The product features threaded-on end caps for easier repair of internal components, wide pistons and rod bearings to minimize stresses, custom stroke lengths and rod ends with no delivery lead-time penalties, and inch- or metric-mounting threads and ports.

Parker Hannifin Corp., Booth 6585, www.parker.com/cylinder. Enter 672

Indexers

At less than 3 inches tall, the IT50 is a small cam-operated indexer to assist with escapements, part transfer, and small-part assembly. Standard 2-stop motions reportedly make it suitable for automating ultrasonic-welding and orbital-riveting operations. A center-thru-hole is standard, and a variety of drive packages are available.

CDS Corp., Booth 104, www.cdsindexers.com. Enter 673

Lead screw nuts

The XC series of anti-backlash plastic lead screw nuts use ActiveCAM™ technology de-signed to reduce drag torque. The technology, using a rigid stainless steel cam with automatic rotation, maintains torque, wear, and accurate positioning while reportedly achieving zero backlash, good repeatability, and axial rigidity. XC-3700SH screw nuts are available for 3/8-inch diameter screw sizes, and XC-5000SH are made for ½-inch diameter screw sizes.

BSA, Booth 6536, www.ballscrews.com. Enter 674

Miniature encoder

Designed for constrained package applications, the Incremental Rotary Encoder MOD 700 Series features miniature en-coders measuring 17.7 × 9.6 × 8.89 mm for integration into motors. Encoders are available with a miniature lead-frame caliper, configured with an LED and OptoASIC, for surface mounting onto PCBs or installation onto flexible circuitry. Models include optical disks in a range of shaft diameters.

BEI Duncan Electronics, Booth 113, www.beiduncan.com. Enter 675

Planetary gearheads

The IPN series of NEMA 17, 23, and 34 planetary gearheads are designed to handle high maximum shock loads, a 4,000 to 6,000 RPM maximum input speed range, and a 310 to 1,770 lb-inch static torque range. Featuring case hardened gears, they offer dual pre-loaded sealed ball bearings and a single-piece output shaft and carrier design for servo and step motor applications.

Deltran PT, Booth 6536, www.deltranpt.com. Enter 676

Sealant

Loctite^® 55 Pipe Sealing Cord is a non-curing, coated multifilament cord that operates as a threaded pipe and fitting sealant. The sealant includes a built-in cutting tool and features sealing cord up to 5,700 inches long, with temperature resistance up to 150C. Designed for up to 4 inches NPT of plastic tapered pipe threads and fittings, it may be used on stainless steel, steel, brass, plastic, and black iron.

Loctite Corp., Booth 1832, www.loctite.com. Enter 677

Cable and hose carrier

The SRC and LRC Series of cable and hose carriers feature a patented half-shear lockout system that reduces overall weight. According to the company, 50% fewer parts and a link design without center portions help reduce weight further. SRC-Series include six standard radii and a three-inch outer link height, while LRC-Series feature seven standard radii and a four-inch outer link height. Applications include cranes, platforms, man lifts, industrial robots, and machine tools.

A&A Manufacturing Co. Inc., Booth 7734, www.gortrac.com. Enter 678

Proportional valves

These proportional valves are designed with 0.032 to 0.625-inch orifice sizes for fuel cell, industrial control, medical, energy cogeneration, and alternative fuel applications. Most valves are UL approved for hazardous locations and all have 250 Hz frequency response. Suited for gases and liquids, the valves feature an isolation diaphragm that separates working fluid from coil and armature.

Teknocraft, Booth 9010, www.teknocraft.com. Enter 679

Drive

The MDrive34 is said to provide the simplicity of a motor with on-board electronics, but without the expense of an indexer on each axis. The device is suitable for applications in robotics, medical instruments, semiconductor manufacturing, and pick-and-place. The drive uses a NEMA 34 frame size 1.8° motor combined with microstepping drive, and accepts up to 14 resolution settings from ½ to 256 microsteps per step. An MDrive34 Speed Control version is also available.

Intelligent Motion Systems Inc., Booth 7326, www.imshome.com. Enter 680