Automation Parts

SGS Introduces Pre-Shipment Inspection Service SGS SA Industrial Services is offering its customers a pre-shipment inspection and certification service covering equipment or materials. SGS will inspect quality and quantity, packing and marking and loading supervision. A certificate of inspection can be provided against a letter of credit and authorised by a chamber of commerce. For export to countries with import certification schemes, pre-shipment inspection is necessary to receive an import certificate. Without this certificate the shipment will not clear customs in the destination country. Pre-shipment inspection ensures goods arriving at their destination conform to the required specifications.

Delrin-Based Chains To Appear At Hanover Show Iwis Antriebssysteme and CoKG will introduce their Flexon hinged-slat chains and Mattop chains at 'Motion, Drive and Automation', to be held in Hanover, Germany, from 20-24 April 2009. The polymer chains are made from Dupont's Delrin acetal resin, which helps them prevent contamination and makes them energy efficient and easy to maintain. FDA-approved Delrin combines high mechanical load capacity, dimensional stability (also in humid environments) and excellent sliding behaviour. According to requirements, chain-links produced using two-component injection moulding are available, whereby the strap made of Delrin is over-moulded with a non-slip, soft component made of a high-performance thermoplastic elastomer.

Panasonic FP-X series PLC comes with a wide range of features suitable for most applications and is designed to save development cost. Ultra high processing speed of 0.32 μsec per instruction (executes a 5 Kstep program in 1.9 msec). Large program capacity of 16, or 32 Kstep exceeds the capacity of most compact PLCs. Expandable up to 382 I/O points, low cost coordinated motion, analog, and communication cassette options are also available. Excellent for communication applications with the ability to network 16 FP-X (master to master network), or 99 FP-X (master to slave network). Modbus RTU master and slave supported (will support up to 63 slave per master). Built-in 8 channels of high speed counters with speeds up to 10 KHz per channel (optional high speed counters also available with speeds up to 80 KHz). USB connection, built-in power supply, removable screw terminals are only a few of the well thought out features of the FP-X PLC. The transistor type FP-X comes with up to 4 ax

Honeywell Unveils Strategic Site For Manufacturers Honeywell has launched a website that delivers ideas, information and tools to help manufacturers maximise plant performance and get the most out of their existing assets. The site - www.theoptimizedplant.com - focuses on four key strategies: reducing maintenance costs, reducing risk and improving cash flow, implementing return-on-investment (ROI) solutions and driving down operational costs. It includes a range of tools, including videos, podcasts, white papers, case studies and informational web seminars, all of which are claimed to offer practical advice for deriving faster returns. Harsh Chitale, vice-president of marketing and global strategy for Honeywell Process Solutions, said: 'Over the past few years, manufacturers have been feeling pressure to push production to the limits, but now they're under intense scrutiny to cut costs while maintaining production.' The site features tips on extending the life of curren

iSpeed Drives Match System Output To Demand Parker Hannifin has launched a range of intelligent variable speed drives that it says will deliver energy savings for users of commercial and industrial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. The company said the drives can cut up to 40 per cent of the energy used by refrigeration systems with single compressor units and up to 25 per cent from the energy consumed by conventional multi-stage compressor racks. The drives, designated iSpeed, are designed to control the operating speeds of compressors, fans and pumps, matching system output precisely to variations in demand, giving optimum energy efficiency with low maintenance and long-term reliability. In addition, the ability to ensure accurate control of refrigeration systems, with precise and smooth adjustments in compressor speed to match operating load demands, helps to minimise the problems caused by fluctuations in pressure and temperature. In the example of food refrigeratio

JW Winco Star Knobs Are Temperature Resistant JW Winco has announced that it now offers metric size series EN 5337.8 safety star knobs with keys. The star knobs are RoHS-compliant and developed for applications where access by unauthorised personnel is not permitted. The shape of the keyhole profile is identical to the key profile, and the protruding part of the key can be folded so that releasing and clamping for the knob are not impeded, even when the key is in the lock. Made of glass-fibre reinforced technopolymer plastic, the knobs have a tapped brass insert and are temperature resistant up to 100C (215F). The hand knob has a black matte finish, and the underside plastic cover is ultrasonically welded to the handle body. They are resistant to solvents, oils, grease, and other chemical agents. The keys are made of red plastic with a stainless steel stem. Several sizes are offered as standard, and one with a stainless steel insert is available upon request.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has announced that the CIRED electricity conference and exhibition will take place on 8-11 June at the Prague Congress Centre. CIRED is an international event and is organised alternately by the IET and the Association des Ingenieurs sortis de L'Institut d'Electricite Montefiore (AIM). 1,072 abstracts from more than 50 countries were submitted for consideration for CIRED 2009, and some 700 papers will be presented over three days, through formal presentations, roundtable discussions, special reports and poster presentations. The CIRED conference provides delegates with an opportunity to learn, discuss and exchange experience about the major structural, technical, managerial and regulatory changes affecting the industry. A technical exhibition associated with the conference will also take place. Exhibiting companies from more than 50 organisations, including Siemens, ABB, GE Energy, Kema and Dutch Power, across 53 countries

Morgan Offers PBN Material For TFPV Manufacture Morgan Technical Ceramics' CVD Materials business is offering its Performance Pyrolytic Boron Nitride material for use in the manufacture of the photo-absorption layer in thin-film photovoltaic cells. Performance Pyrolytic Boron Nitride (PBN) is a good material for crucibles and evaporation boats used in producing the thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) cells, as well as for coating graphite heating elements used for material vaporisation. In solar cell production, thin-film deposition offers a simpler and more cost-effective alternative to using silicon wafers. Thin films use less material and are faster and simpler than the complex and delicate process of slicing, dicing and placing of silicon wafers. However, cost of deposition must be reduced and the efficiency of the resulting PV cells sufficiently increased to make solar electricity as inexpensive to generate as carbon-based methods. Use of the PBN material in the TFPV process i

AGY Launches Low-Loss Glass Fibre Yarn AGY has introduced L-Glass, a low-loss glass fibre yarn for printed wiring board (PWB) applications. The low dielectric constant (Dk) and low dissipation factor (Df) properties of L-Glass fibre are suitable for designs requiring increased signal speeds and better signal integrity than traditional E-Glass/epoxy substrate materials. Scott Northrup, director of new business development at AGY, said: 'Substrate materials that provide low dielectric constant and low dissipation factor properties have become an essential element of high-speed digital systems such as mobile communication base stations, high-end routers and servers, and high-speed storage networks. 'As these systems move to higher processing speeds, substrates with low-loss properties are needed to ensure the speed and integrity of the signals,' he added. Low-loss laminates for high-speed applications have traditionally been produced in one of two ways. In one method, a

IFM Houses Latest Laser Sensors In M18 Enclosure IFM Electronic has brought out a standard M18 housing for its latest laser sensors. These sensors can detect objects as small as 0.5mm, while the through-beam type can see as far as 60m. They are equipped with Class 1 lasers (to IEC 60825-1), which is the safest form of laser light and doesn't need special labels. The visible light spot and the pushbutton setting method allow the sensitivity and function to be quickly set. The range covers powerful through-beam systems, retro-reflective types and background-suppressed diffuse to suit demanding applications in automated assembly. All of IFM Electronic's M18 sensors, lasers and standards feature a robust stainless-steel housing and standard M12 connector.

Simerics Enhances CFD Simulation Software Simerics has announced the release of Pumplinx Version 2.4. Pumplinx is a CFD simulation tool created especially for designers of pumps, motors, compressors, propellers and other fluid devices with rotating or sliding components. Starting with a 3D CAD design, Pumplinx enables the engineer to create a virtual test article and generate flow visualisation and engineering output as accurate as a full scale hardware test at a fraction of the time and cost, claims Simerics. Pumplinx provides automated grid generation, a robust and accurate cavitation model, and same-day turnaround. It can be used to improve efficiency, minimise cavitation, control pressure ripple and reduce noise, added Simerics. The code is continually being developed to add new capability and templates for modelling a wide range of equipment. New features in Pumplinx v2.4 include: bent axis piston pump template; cavitation damage model; 1D models for spool valves and pressur

Thermal Printer Is Compact & Efficient Brady has launched the BBP11, a small and efficient thermal printer that combine good printing quality with high-speed output. This user-friendly machine prints labels, tapes, cable markers and heat-shrink sleeves and comes in a compact, space-saving design. The BBP11 starter model is an ideal printer for identification in a range of industrial environments including manufacturing, electrical, datacomms, electronics and laboratory. The printer is also compatible with a range of printable materials such as polyesters, self-laminating, EPREP, vinyl, cloth and permasleeves. The BBP11 is a natural choice for printing text, logos and barcodes (1D and 2D) and is ideal for wire identification and cable marking. The BBP11's dual-walled construction makes it solid and hard-wearing, while the good print resolution (300dpi) ensures high-quality, accurate results with minimal loss of material during start-up. Supplied complete with free ready-to

Araldite 2000 Plus Adhesives Get New Additions Huntsman Advanced Materials has announced additions to the Araldite 2000 Plus range, including polyurethane adhesives and a methacrylate adhesive that requires minimal surface treatment. Araldite 2028 polyurethane adhesive is transparent and UV stable, as well as flexible and fast curing. The adhesive bonds a wide variety of plastics including polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) and is tailor-made for sign bonding and seismic cables as well as general industrial applications. Araldite 2029 polyurethane adhesive has good gap-filling properties and high flexibility. The adhesive bonds copper and brass to composite and metals. Suitable for larger components where there is a need for longer open time, it is designed for the transport market as well as for multipurpose systems for thermoplastic and composite bonding and the general industrial market. Araldite 2045 polyurethane adhesive is ideal for making smaller sub-assem

Infrared Sensors Measure Metal Temperatures Visitors to the Micro-Epsilon stand at Maintec this year saw a demonstration of the Thermometer CT laser range of infrared non-contact temperature sensors. These sensors are suitable for measuring the temperature of metals, ceramics, composites and secondary metal processing application, from 50C up to 1,800C. The Micro-Epsilon Thermometer CT laser M3 is an infrared, inline (fixed) temperature sensor that measures at a short wavelength of 2.3um for all temperature measurements between 50C and 600C. With a start temperature of 50C, the Thermometer CT laser M3 is for end users that need to measure the temperature of metals, ceramics and composites, while processing at room temperature. The short wavelength enables measurements to be taken through glass or transparent plastic windows, a common task in the latest laser welding or lighting systems. The sensor's precision double laser sighting, in combination with an optical resolution of 1

Philips & Phase-out Of Incandescent Lighting Royal Philips Electronics is to provide professional customers with a full range of product and system solutions, support and guidance to help them switch to energy-efficient lighting. The phase-out of incandescent lighting within the European Union commences on September 1 this year. The phase-out is expected to make a significant contribution to reducing energy use and carbon emissions. Philips calculates that for example the simple switch to energy-efficient lighting in homes in Europe could save EUR 10 billion per year in energy costs - equivalent to 25 million tonnes of CO2. To enable professional customers to make a quick and efficient switch to energy-saving technologies in compliance with the new legislation, Philips is to immediately commence initiatives to help customers manage the transition throughout the entire value chain. The company will be increasing manufacturing capacity of its broad range of alternative solution

Dorcom Distributorship For Tador Technologies Dorcom announce that they have now been awarded UK distributorship for all the Tador Technologies Products, including the C-Gate. The C-Gate is for remote control of any Entry/Access or electrically operated device. Features include:. - Easily connects to an existing automatic entry system. - No distance limitations, unlike a normal remote control. - Stores up to 1600 Regular User and 400 Special User Timed Access telephone numbers. Will release the lock on recognising the number, the call does not incur a call charge. - Operates on a multi-band GSM Network. - Real time clock operation. - Easy installation, programming and operation. Plug and play. - Can store up to 1000 logs in database. - Small and compact: 98 x 82 x 30mm (H x W x D). - Wireless controlled PC application, via modem or SMS. - Operating voltage: 5- 30 V DC 1.5A. The C-Gate is a remotely controlled device that will open an automatic gate or door

TPS Security Seminar At Passenger Terminal Expo Darius Aibara, an Associate Director with TPS's Security & Explosion Effects team, will feature as one of the keynote speakers at 2009's Passenger Terminal Expo, to be held at London's ExCel centre. The event - one of the most highly regarded conferences in the industry calendar - will see Aibara provide expert insight on how to incorporate counter-terrorist requirements into airport terminal design by examining the gap in provisions currently made in airport design and security. Recent events in the UK such as the Glasgow Airport attack, coupled with the ongoing general worldwide terrorist threat, have made this one of the hottest topics amongst airport operators, security managers, designers and other professionals involved in today's commercial aviation and aviation security industry. The TPS seminar features in the afternoon session on day one, March 24th, of the three-day annual event, as part of a conference

Hager Energy Saving Stair Case Time Lag Switches Hager launch new range of staircase time lag switches that offers a simple and flexible energy saving solution. The switches are easy to fit or retrofit onto a DIN rail and can be used with any wall switches. The basic time lag switch allows the end user to switch on the lighting for an adjustable amount of time between 30 seconds and 10 minutes. After that time period the lights will switch off automatically. The device also has a manual override. A second switch has additional functionality. Like the basic version it will switch the lights off automatically after an adjustable time. It also has three other modes. A pre-warning mode provides a signal with the lights 'blinking' on and off before the end of the lighting period. The double delay mode allows the end user to press the switch for more than three seconds to provide a time delay of an hour. Finally there is a double delay and pre-warning mode, which can provide th

Renold Couplings Highlights Folly Of Fuse Theory Fuse theory, a myth related to couplings, is costing industry a fortune, according to Paul Shuffleton, managing director of Renold Hi-Tec Couplings. According to fuse theory, rubber-in-shear type flexible couplings protect diesel-driven generator sets by failing or acting like a fuse when there is a potentially damaging short circuit. This is a myth, because the majority of rubber-in-shear couplings fail through fatigue rather than because of a short circuit. This is also the main reason for failing rubber blocks. Rubber-in-shear couplings consist of a rubber element fused in-between two metal hubs. One hub drives the other through the rubber, the flexing of which protects against shock and vibration. The coupling is only as strong as the rubber element, so if the rubber fails then the coupling fails too. When this happens on a diesel-driven generator set, some engineers believe there has been a short circuit and that the relatively

Keyence Launches CV-5000 Machine Vision System Keyence UK has announced the launch of the CV-5000 series machine vision system, which has a range of camera options available. These include a 310,000 pixel (4.7ms transfer speed), two-million pixel (29.2ms transfer speed) and a five-million pixel camera that transfers ultra-high-definition 2,432 x 2,050 pixel images in 61.2ms (16.3 transfers/sec). Inspection tool upgrades include a real-time shade-correction image filter, profile defect detection for irregular shapes, and an expanded colour extraction engine. Complete lighting control enables simultaneous use of up to eight LED light sources without separate wiring or PLC programming. The CV-5000 machine vision system includes: a range of high-speed colour and monochrome cameras; expandable controller architecture; ultra-high-speed processing; new colour extraction engine, ACE II; defect detection solutions; statistical processing; communication software; and multiple interface optio

Rockwell System Digitally Blends CPG Materials Rockwell Automation has introduced a digital blending solution that manages materials in blending processes and controls multiple variables to provide consistent product quality. Customer demand for product variety, variance in attributes and characteristics of raw materials and manual production processes are some of the challenges faced by the CPG industry. The Rockwell Automation digital blending solution, which is delivered on the Logix Control Platform and the Factorytalk software suite, helps to alleviate these problems to make CPG factories more flexible and efficient.It controls the metering of ingredients based on volume or material characteristics. This approach helps manufacturers achieve product consistency more quickly with less process equipment, product rework and scrap. The solution uses Rockwell Automation standards and technologies, allowing for quicker start-up and consistency across multiple applications or locati

Stannah Lift Group Is a RoSPA Award Winner RoSPA Awards Manager said that Stannah Lifts Group of Companies has shown a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its employees and others. The Stannah Lifts Group of Companies, whose head office is in Andover, Hampshire, is celebrating winning one of the prestigious Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Occupational Health and Safety Awards in 2009. The Gold award will be presented at a ceremony at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel, at the National Exhibition Centre, on Tuesday 12 May. The ceremony will take place alongside Safety and Health Expo 2009 - Europe's leading annual health and safety exhibition. David Rawlins, RoSPA Awards Manager, said: "Stannah Lifts Group of Companies has shown a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its employees and others". "Entering the RoSPA Awards reinforces the message that good health and safety is good for business and clearly

'Designer' Oak Floors Join Kahrs Linnea Collection At just 7mm thick, Kahrs Linnea range provides an eco-friendly real wood-flooring option that's both durable and easy to install. Kahrs has introduced seven new brushed and stained oak floors to its popular Linnea Narrow Collection. All of the new products feature a tactile brushed surface and stained matt lacquer prefinish, whilst Kahrs Woodloca joint gives fast and gap-free installation throughout the floor's lifetime. All Linnea products are offered with a 12-year wear surface guarantee. New floors to the Linnea range include white-stained Oak Blanc, Oak Cloud and Biscuit, mid-tone Oak Honey and dark-toned Oak Amber, Coal and Coffee. Each board features Kahrs multi-layer construction, with a wood veneer surface layer, high performance HDF core layer and wood veneer bottom layer. As well as numerous Oak flooring options, the Linnea range also offers floors crafted from Ash, Beech, Birch, Cherry, Hard Maple, Jato

Roofmate LG-A Supports Code And BREEAM Targets Roofers looking for easy wins when it comes to energy efficiency have a new insulation product to turn to Roofmate LG-A from Dow Building Solutions. New parapet insulation extends choice for roofers. The Styrofoam product is ideally suited to parapet insulation, and comes with a 10mm modified concrete topping to minimise cost and installation time. It also complements the increasingly popular Roofmate SL-A insulation boards, designed for inverted warm roofs. Dow's A-foam range uses recycled CO2 as a blowing agent, resulting in a Global Warning Potential (GWP) of less than five - new Roofmate LG-A qualifies for Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM insulation specification credits. "Providing Roofmate LG in our environmentally-advanced A-foam format combines the proven benefits of the inverted roof system with an insulation product for parapets that's better for the environment," explained Richard Powell, UK Roofing M

SKF To Showcase MCA Handheld Device SKF will display its Machine Condition Advisor (MCA) handheld device at this year's Maintec industrial maintenance and asset management exhibition on 17-19 March at the NEC in Birmingham. The MCA is claimed to be an easy-to-use, ergonomically designed, handheld device, designed to simplify machine maintenance and prevent costly failures. Putting the benefits of machine monitoring within reach of any maintenance and operations personnel, the MCA simultaneously measures vibration signals and temperature to quickly and accurately assess the condition of essential rotating equipment, such as pumps, fans, motors, compressors, cranes and conveyors. Although it is small enough to fit in the pocket or clip to a work belt, the MCA features powerful signal processing and advanced technology, making the device suitable for novice and expert users alike. Users simply turn the unit on, then press the sensor tip against the part of the machine (usually

Borealis To Exhibit Materials & Components Borealis will showcase advanced aesthetics, organoleptics, faster production and energy and weight-reducing advantages at Plast '09 (Pavilion 20, Stand B24) on 24-28 March. During the tri-annual event in Milan, Borealis, a provider of value-creating plastics solutions, will demonstrate the performance and processing benefits offered by the latest film and moulding grade additions to its ranges of polyolefins for the pharmaceutical, food-packaging and white-goods industries. Among the materials making their tradeshow debut will be Borpure high-density polyethylene (HDPE) grades MB6561, MB6562 and MB7541 for the caps and closures market. In addition to fulfilling packaging-industry demands for increased cycle speeds and outstanding food-and-drink preservation through retention of natural odour and taste, the Borpure HDPE materials are claimed to maintain high-level environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) and a stiffness/impac

Engineering Supplies Publishes Redesigned Website Engineering Supplies has relaunched its website that includes thousands of products now available to purchase online. The site also includes search facilities to find and compare products quickly and effortlessly. Sections for different products are accompanied by guides for selecting appropriate items. In-depth technical product information is available for engineers of all abilities and as an aid for buyers. Users can also sell the company old scrap carbide (with free collection). The company is also adding free technical download areas, technical forums and free job advertising for customers.

Motion Controllers Include Ethernet/IP Option Aerotech's Soloist and Ensemble series advanced motion controllers now include an ODVA-certified Ethernet/IP fieldbus option to allow direct programming from Allen Bradley PLCs using RSLogix. Register-to-register and ASCII interface programming is available to bring real-time I/O and message exchange with device configuration and data collection over the Ethernet/IP open industrial network standard for integrated machine automation and motion control solutions. Ethernet/IP is built on a standard Ethernet TCP/IP network and uses the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) of Devicenet. Aerotech's Soloist and Ensemble motion controllers are DSP equipped multitasking intelligent drives that can be configured for linear and rotary, brushed and brushless servo motors as well as open-loop stepper motors. They are equally suited for use with Aerotech's wide range of medium to ultra-high precision positioning systems or as stand-alone moti

Microsoft Joins Robobusiness As Keynote Sponsor Robotics Trends and EH Events have announced that Microsoft has joined the Robobusiness Conference and Exposition as a breakfast keynote sponsor. Tandy Trower, a general manager and founder of the robotics initiative at Microsoft, will deliver the keynote session on the first morning of the 6th Annual Robobusiness Conference and Exposition, which takes place on 15-16 April 2009 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Robobusiness is an international business development event for the personal, service and mobile robotics industry. Tandy Trower's presentation, 'Personal Robotics: Getting Some Perspective', will focus specifically on the most compelling opportunities within the personal robotics market. Trower said: 'There have been many opportunistic projections about the personal robotics market and, while progress is being made, there has been very limited delivery of actual products. 'Robobusin

Stealth Introduces Model TT-840 LCD Monitor Stealth Computer Corporation, an ISO 9001 manufacturer of industrial rugged computers and peripherals, has released the Model TT-840 LCD monitor. The TT-840 is a rugged, environmentally sealed LCD monitor, which operates in extreme temperatures from -20C to +60C, making it suitable for outdoor and intense weather conditions. Stealth's TT-840 is an 8.4in (21.3cm) sunlight-readable LCD encapsulated in a rugged aluminium enclosure that has been sealed to IP68/NEMA 6P specifications. The high-performance LCD is designed to be totally watertight, surviving liquid, dust and dirt intrusion. Ed Boutilier, Stealth's chief executive officer, said: 'By capitalising on the latest in LED [light-emitting diode] backlight technology, the Stealth TT-840 rugged LCD features a vivid-sunlight-readable display with up to 1,000 nits of brightness and a 600:1 contrast ratio, making it ideal for outdoor or high-ambient light conditions.' The L

Sinusoidal Motors Include Temperature Sensor Bonfiglioli has released a range of brushless, sinusoidal motors designed for three phase, 200V AC and 330V AC power supplies. All models are equipped with a thermistor type temperature sensor and IP 65 push-pull connectors (IP 67 optional) conforming to EMC requirements. The range consists of two series of motors, one designated BTD, and the other BCR. The difference between the two series lies in the extension of their speed and torque ranges, as well as their overall efficiency. This is achieved by two different technologies: standard wound stator for BCR, and advance pole wound for the BCD. Each series includes a number of different mechanical sizes, corresponding to different flange dimensions. Each flange size is available with motors of different lengths, capable of developing different levels of torque. BTD and BCR series servo motors can only be controlled in speed and/or torque by a suitable electronic servo drive. These driv

Absopulse Expands Rugged Converter Range The PDC 500 from Absopulse Electronics is a recent addition to its line of rugged DC/DC converters. This unit is encapsulated in a thermally conductive MIL-spec silicon rubber compound for immunity to shock, vibration and moisture and is suitable for operation in transportation, oil and gas, mining, industrial automation, utility and other extreme environments. It operates in a -40C to 60C cold plate temperature range, with extended temperature ranges available on request. The PDC 500 is designed to meet IEC 61373 Categories 1 A and B shock and vibration standards. Absopulse also offers a 500W encapsulated converter that complies with EN 50155 for electronic equipment used on railway rolling stock. This 500W converter utilises a push-pull topology to deliver 12V, 24V, 48V or 110V DC and it operates from 24V, 48V or 125V DC supply voltages. At 125V DC input, the unit can provide up to 600W output power. Other input and output options are av

Liebherr Uses Steinmeyer Ballscrew In Sukhoi Jet Liebherr-Aerospace has specified a Steinmeyer ballscrew for the horizontal stabiliser trim actuator of the Sukhoi Superjet 100, which will be introduced at the Paris Air Show in June. Liebherr-Aerospace, from Lindenberg, Germany, is responsible for the fly-by-wire flight control system of the Sukhoi Superjet 100. The jet, produced by Russian aerospace firm Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company, will contain between 75 and 95 seats. An aeroplane must be in balance longitudinally to fly. This means that the net effect of all the forces acting on the aeroplane must not produce an overall pitching moment about the centre of gravity. Without a horizontal stabiliser there would be only one combination of speed and centre-of-gravity position where this requirement was met. The horizontal stabiliser provides a balancing force to maintain equilibrium for different speeds and centre-of-gravity positions. The ballscrew is part of an actuator that mov

400 Amp 2300-7200 Volts (Medium Voltage) The HCV-5HA, the first vacuum contactor produced in Houston, Texas, was also the first Toshiba vacuum contactor to incorporate an electronic drive unit to power the operating coils. This solid state design eliminated the economizing resistors and improved the reliability of the coil circuit. The contactor is available in either electrically maintained or latched type version. The compact size and high performance, as well as being available in a drawout design, has helped many OEMs and end-users replace old air-break contactors and breakers. Toshiba Offers Superior Features Environment Resistant: Ideal for use in high dust areas. Switching arc is contained within the vacuum bottle, shielding the main contacts. Reduced Maintenance: Vacuum bottle contacts have long life with virtually no maintenance required. No External Surge Protection: Special main contact materials minimize chopping current. No surge suppresser required. Designed f

Theorem Updates The Multi-CAD Theorem's Multi-CAD V5 product removes the cost and complexity of working with CATIA V5 data and non-CATIA data on a single project. Allowing the operator to access the data seamlessly from within CATIA eliminates the translation bottlenecks that add costs to product designs. It also removes the need to import data from UGNX and/or Pro/E into CATIA. Multi-CAD reduces design costs by enabling the CATIA V5 user to incorporate non-CATIA V5 parts and assemblies, simply, within the CATIA V5 environment. This approach contrasts favourably with the traditional time-intensive and costly process of translating non-CATIA V5 data to CATIA V5 using a standard such as STEP AP203, or a direct database translator. A major drawback with the above processes is recognising when a design change takes place in non-CATIA V5 data and managing the process of updating the CATIA V5 representation to take into account the changes once the initial translation process is co

Lambda Unveils Fibre-To-Fibre Optical Isolators Lambda Photometrics has announced a line of fibre-to-fibre optical isolators from Optics for Research (OFR). They are designed for use in super-luminescent light-emitting diode (SLED or SLD) applications. These isolators provide high isolation and low insertion loss over broad bandwidths and are available for common SLED wavelength ranges in the 750nm to 900nm region. These isolators use OFR's proven IO-F series optical engine, and two platforms are available for single- or dual-chip SLED requirements. For single-chip SLED applications, the IO-F-SL1 fibre isolator provides high performance over a spectral bandwidth of 70nm. For dual-chip SLED systems, the IO-F-BB-SL2 provides coverage over a 100nm bandwidth. Isolation at the centre wavelength typically exceeds 35dB, and is maintained to at least 20dB at the bandwidth FWHM points for both models. Optical power handling capability is 3W in the forward and reverse directions, and t

Added Functionality For GigE uEye Cameras Stemmer Imaging has announced that the GigE uEye high-end (HE) industrial cameras from IDS now have added functionality. The GigE uEye HE industrial camera range is said to be suitable for sophisticated, complex machine vision and image-processing applications. The range features 18 models, including both monochrome and colour versions, with resolutions from VGA (640 x 480 pixels) through WVGA (CCIR/PAL), XGA, SXGA, UXGA to QSXGA (2560 x 1920 pixels). The introduction of the uEye 3.30 driver provides increased support for many hardware and software features for this range of cameras. The driver provides support for both Windows Vista and the onboard serial interface. The camera's RS232 interface, seen from the PC as a standard COM port, enables control of peripheral devices such as a lens, a pan/tilt unit or a lighting controller. The driver also provides enhanced support for Genicam, with optimised internal image acquisition and the

IFM Releases Efector Valvis Reliable feedback of rising stem valve position is made easier with the Efector Valvis from IFM Electronic. Efector Valvis is designed for feedback on rising stem valves with a stroke of up to 80mm.Using Efector Valvis means that complex mounting of several individual position sensors on the valve piston is no longer required. Simple programming by pushing a button replaces mechanical adjustment to the respective valve positions. The Efector Valvis system operates on the inductive principle. The sensor signals up to three valve positions to the control system: valve open, valve closed and any position in between, for example, seat lift. Three-colour LEDs indicate the switching output. Rising stem valves differ, so a range of adapters for types including Alfa Laval Sudmo, Gemu and Georg Fischer is available from IFM Electronic.

Torqueleader Helps Morgan Achieve ISO Approval At the end of 2008, Morgan Motor Company gained ISO 9001 approval assisted through the installation of a Torqueleader supplied torque analyser. Morgan currently has an 18 month order book. All cars are made to order with 90 per cent being exported - many to Europe, especially Germany and France. At present they are making around 650 cars a year and have seven different models, prices ranging from roughly GBP25 - GBP100k. The classic cars have a wooden body fixed to steel chassis, the body panels are aluminium and the Aero 8 and Aeromax are fixed to a bonded aluminium chassis. The smaller engines starting at 1.6 litre from Ford up to the larger 4.8 litre V8 engines from BMW are in the Aero 8 and Aeromax models.

The 2009 edition of ABB's Drives & Motors catalog is now available for end-users, system integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The 48-page catalogue is free and provides technical details of ABB's range of low-voltage AC drives from 0.18-2,800kW and motors from 0.06 to 710kW. It also presents ABB's range of DC and medium-voltage AC drives. Easy-to-use tables give ordering data, dimensions, options and electrical details for most products, together with prices for 2009. New products for 2009 include an IP66-rated ABB general machinery drive. From 0.37-7.5kW the drive is suitable for screws, mixers, pumps, fans and conveyors in places where the machinery is exposed to dust, moisture and high-pressure washing such as the food and drinks sector. The ABB standard drive range and the ABB industrial drive range have also seen their power range boosted and are now available up to 160kW. Supporting software includes integration and programming tools, star

Storch Magnetics Unveils Power Matrix Chuck Storch Magnetics has introduced the Power Matrix electromagnetic chuck, which is claimed to offer up to 132 tons of holding force per square foot for all types of machining applications. Storch Magnetics is an Eclipse Magnetics-authorised reseller. With extreme holding force, these chucks are claimed to allow milling on five faces for high metal removal rates while eliminating vises and h-clamps for faster part setup. Power Matrix chucks are designed to offer multi-point clamping for round, stepped and shaped parts. Parts can be mounted directly to the chuck's face or, for odd-shaped ones, steel mounting blocks can be used that allow the magnetism to flow through them for positive part holding. By eliminating part movement, these chucks are said to allow high metal removal rates, better part quality and a reduction in cutting chatter and vibration for longer tool life. Greater production is also achieved, since multiple parts can be

Safety Device Indicates Power Conditions The Universal Power Alert (UPA) from Marsh Bellofram Europe provides a visual external indication of live power or stored energy conditions existing within an electrical enclosure. This safety device helps prevent arc flash and possible electrocution for operating and maintenance personnel, by pre-verifying that full electrical isolation conditions exist before the access door or cover is opened to any enclosure containing electrical power devices. The permanently installed UPA 130 unit supplements conventional voltmeter testing and helps maintain compliance with the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 70E safety standard, which addresses the issues of safe electrical work practices for workers. These power alerts are suitable for use on single and three-phase power supplies, with typical applications including motor control centres (MCC) and MCC buckets, high-energy panels or panels with multiple power sources, circuit breaker disconn

Wolfram Research Offers Consulting Service Wolfram Research has launched a consulting service called Wolfram Solutions, which is said to provide solutions for business problems and technical computing needs. With technical skill, vertical industry prowess, deep management experience and focus on customer priorities and goals, Wolfram Solutions is claimed to deliver the power of technical computing to help improve efficiency, quality and results and to spearhead innovation. Wolfram Solutions consultants are said to be experienced in modelling, simulation, data analysis, image processing, high-performance computing, parallel computing, delivering technical computing over the web and other technical computing fields. According to the company, which manufactures Mathematica, its experts offer performance tuning and enhancements for existing software, while also conducting research, development and deployment for new software. For one customer, Dolphin Measurement Systems, Wolfram Solut

Trans-Coil H5 Filters actively monitors the load current, reacting to changes in load almost instantaneously, while returning the true power factor to near unity. This dual duty product accomplishes both objectives immediately upon installation without the need for a special commissioning process. The filter’s ability to adjust to a dynamic load also means that an expensive harmonic study is not necessary prior to the installation of an H5. The ease of installation plus the superior performance of this filter makes the H5 the ultimate choice in harmonic mitigation solutions. TDD Reduction to 5% or better at Full Load - Power Factor Correction to less than or equal to .98 lagging Power Factor Improved to near Unity Response time of less than 8 ms to step load changes Additional filters can be added to increase correction capability Units can be paralleled without any calibration Self-Commissioning Installation Modular design Harmonic Cancellation to the 50th harmonic