Automation Parts

KTR Develops Coupling For Measurement And Control KTR's Countex Coupling is a three-part, backlash-free, torsionally stiff coupling used mainly in measuring and control technology, such as encoders and tachometers. The compact design of the coupling is characterised by its simple assembly, reliable performance and suitability for use in confined spaces. The double cardanic design allows the coupling to compensate for all potential misalignments with minimal restoring forces. The axial 'plug-in' of the coupling ensures an easy blind assembly. The coupling has aluminium crown-shaped hubs on the outside diameter, with a toothed cage made from temperature-resistant nylon. Set screws secure the hubs against axial movement. Countex can be used in temperatures of up to 160C. The first Countex Coupling available was a size 14 with rated torques of 1Nm and maximum bore diameter of 14mm. KTR has now extended the range to include the smaller size 6 Countex Coupling with a rated ...

At ATX 2010, taking place in Anaheim, California, from February 9-11, Renishaw will focus on its latest range of motion-control products. These include a true absolute optical encoder for rotary and linear applications, a track-mounted linear-encoder-scale system and magnetic-encoder chip. Also on show will be the QC20-W wireless ballbar, which assesses machine-tool positioning and servo-control performance, and now includes a volumetric testing capability, plus a range of touch probes and probe software that increase machine-tool automation and improve process control. For visitors sourcing offline measurement products, there will also be the opportunity to discuss Renishaw's retrofit service for coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs), including Modus - the company's first metrology software. Resolute is a true absolute optical-encoder system featuring dirt immunity and a specification said to break new ground in position feedback. Resolution is 1nm at 100m/sec for linear-enc...

Flex Connectors Supplies Light Control For Youths Flex Connectors' energy saving lighting control and connection products have been used in a youth venue in Norwich. The project is part of myplace; a ten year Government scheme which aims to provide improved facilities for young people. OPEN is the first of these venues to be completed in the UK. The installation contractor required a system capable of handling the complexities of the lighting brief. Flex Connectors occupancy sensors, plugs, leads, sockets and project configured connection boxes were chosen to use throughout the building.

The Touch Control from Metrohm, in conjunction with the 890 KF Titrino, is a Karl Fischer (moisture analyser) for water determinations. The Touch Control is said to be ergonomic and modern, with no need for a computer. It can be held by hand, placed on a laboratory bench or attached to a stand or the wall in order to save space and protect it from chemicals. The colour display informs the user about the instrument status and offers comfortable and intuitive user guidance. Keys can be locked out, so much of the analysis can be completed with one button press. The Touch Control is equipped with two PCMCIA interfaces that accept commercially available storage media, such as Compact Flash cards. This ensures that there is sufficient memory space available for methods, data and system backups. Access control is possible with the personal keycard.

RIDI Lighting Education Lighting Control Product Class Control, developed in conjunction with Hampshire County Council, offers the ability to alter the lighting conditions to match the task in hand. RIDI Lighting has launched its next generation education lighting control product and its recent installation, through Reavey and Son Electrical of Southampton, has passed the test at Burnham Copse primary school in Tadley, Hampshire. Designed to deliver outstanding energy efficiency, as well as the optimum learning environment, whatever the external conditions, Class Control, developed in conjunction with Hampshire County Council, offers staff at Burnham Copse the ability to alter the lighting conditions to match the task in hand - be it glare free concentration on the interactive whiteboard or for general teaching. Class Control uses a tailored control interface based on DALI protocol to allow swift and simple alteration of lighting levels via either a handheld remote control or wal...

Thomas Updates Baccus Stock-Control System Thomas Micro Systems has introduced version 3.0 of the Baccus Manufacturing Control system, which provides ease of use to small and medium-sized manufacturers. Baccus is an integrated stock control/order processing/MRP system covering: stock control (raw materials and bought-in components), assemblies, purchase-order processing, sales-order processing, work orders and quotations. Baccus can automatically plan work orders and purchase orders from sales orders, ensuring the manufacture only of what is needed and that materials are ordered in the optimum quantities at the optimum time to fulfil those orders. Baccus also keeps track of actual costs against estimated costs for each work order.

ICR Rod-Style Actuator Simplifies Motion Control Tolomatic has released the ICR Basic rod-style actuator, the first model in the company's new Smartactuator series of compact, all-in-one linear actuators. These actuators (integrated servomotor, drive, controller and actuator) simplify motion control for industrial applications. The Smartactuator series can be built to order and is ready to ship in five days from factory order. The series is designed for durability and 100 per cent duty cycle performance. It combines a powerful servomotor with a rugged ball-screw housed in a sturdy aluminium extrusion. The series also incorporates Tolomatic's Endurance TechnologySM features for long service life and to remove the need for maintenance. Aaron Dietrich, electric product manager for Tolomatic, said: 'When applying traditional electric motion-control systems, engineers have to specify each component in the system, often purchasing them from different suppliers, and then assem...

GKS's metrology lab for the Detroit area has registered for the export and temporary import of items regulated by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). GKS went through an in-depth process to establish and implement an ITAR control programme at its Plymouth, Michigan facility. It is now eligible to perform metrology and reverse engineering services on defence articles that appear on the United States Munitions List. ITAR regulations are administered and enforced by the US Department of State, and are meant to advance national strategic objectives and foreign policy by using the ITAR trade controls. GKS's Plymouth, Michigan lab is also accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). The accreditation encompasses and surpasses ISO 17025 standards.

Mclennan's 23HT18C and 34HT18C hybrid stepper motors provide a solution for EMC compatible motion control. The NEMA 23 and 34 frame range includes a rear housing extension complete with a UTO type metallised connector. The range has now been augmented with the addition of a rotary encoder option to allow position feedback for applications where position verification is important. A choice of encoder resolutions is available with quadrature output complete with a Z marker channel for accurate axis homing. Encoder interfacing via a D-type connector, also EMC compatible and fitted to the rear housing, completes the assembly. Optional mating plug and screened cable assemblies for both motor and encoder are available to simplify installation and maintain EMC compatibility on the customer's machine. The high torque 23HT18C and 34HT18C range includes a neodymium magnet system for holding torques from 0.39Nm to 7.35Nm with usable speeds up to 10,000 full steps per second. With f...