Automation Parts

Amplifier Compliments Standard Mounting Systems The Series AP5103 DIN-rail amplifier is a low-cost, general-purpose, single-channel signal conditioner that is compatible with standard DIN-Rail mounting systems. It is designed for input of pressure, force, torque, weight and other variables measured by standard DC-excited strain-gage transducers. The AP5103 allows the user to select filtered analogue output of +/-5V DC, +/-10V DC or 4-20mA and will accommodate a range of DC strain-gage sensors with bridge resistance of 120 to 10,000Ohm. The amplifier includes front-panel-accessible settings for mode, volts, current, filter, excitation and zero. A wide zero and span adjustment and switch-based shunt-cal feature make the versatile suitable for a variety of applications. DIN-Rail design permits easy access to screw-terminal connections for power, analogue-output, shunt and sensor signals. The AP5103 provides high signal stability and accuracy over a range of sensor inputs, and a powe...

Biodoc-It Systems Boost Bio-Imaging Capabilities UVP has brought out upgraded Biodoc-It Imaging Systems to boost gel-imaging capabilities. The Biodoc-It makes it easy for researchers to capture and save gel images. The system is now available with a choice of scientific-grade CCD cameras, including a new 1.3 megapixel camera for high-resolution image capture. The stand-alone design, with a built-in processor, requires no external computer and reduces space requirements. The touch screen and easy-to-use software interface enable quick-touch control of preview, capture and save functions. The built-in USB drive (with 1GB USB stick) provides easy access to saved images. Users can also transfer images via network connectivity. Two versions of the Biodoc-It are now available: the Biodoc-It 220, with 1.3 megapixel CCD camera (darkroom includes side-access doors); and the Biodoc-It 210, with 0.3 megapixel CCD camera (no side-access doors).

OGT Selects Lab901's Screentape Systems Lab901 has shipped the first of its next-generation Screentape systems for automated RNA QC to Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), in Oxford, UK. Screentape R6K is a next-generation platform for RNA QC that automatically delivers the Screentape Degradation Value (SDV), an objective quality metric for total RNA samples. Lab901's Screentape platform eliminates steps such as gel reagent preparation, chip priming and chip-vortexing, and because individual micro-gels are used for each sample analysis, the platform avoids all problems associated with cross priming and sample carry-over. Lab901's Screentape device can be used more than once. A single sample can be run cost-effectively each time, reserving the rest of the available channels for future experiments. It removes the need to batch samples together or throw away unused portions of the consumable, which improves the RNA QC workflow and saves money.

Baxi LZC Systems On Show At Ecobuild Baxi Group will use Ecobuild to launch its Ecogen micro-CHP unit into the specification sector, part of the company's LZC system range. Baxi Ecogen is part of the company's range of low and zero carbon (LZC) system solutions on display at the show. The range is designed to help specifiers cut carbon emissions, comply with the latest legislation and help tackle fuel poverty issues. Baxi Ecogen is a wall-hung, domestic micro-CHP unit, available for specification by local authorities, housing associations and private developers. Ecobuild visitors will see how the appliance's Free Piston Stirling Engine can generate 1kWh of electricity while the unit also provides abundant supplies of space heating and hot water for the home. Extensive field trials have shown that Baxi Ecogen units can reliably satisfy up to two thirds of a typical household's electrical requirements. Around one third of this energy can be used in the home and anoth...

Dynamic Systems Releases Tracking Software Dynamic Systems has announced the release of a low-cost WIP (work in process) software program based on bar code technology, called Checkmate WIP Lite. The release of WIP Lite is targeted at manufacturers who want to know who is assigned the job, where it currently is in the plant and how long it has been in that location. The work order can be tracked to department, task or employee; multiple jobs may be assigned to the 'badge'; and time frames may be set for each task and reported when overdue. The tracking software is said to provide: a reduction of late jobs; the ability to identify bottlenecks; an improvement in productivity; and increased customer service. Dynamic Systems provides bar code systems including a tool and equipment management system with a maintenance scheduler, inventory control, time and attendance and job costing.

Yamaichi Extends Portfolio Of Connection Systems Yamaichi Electronics has extended its portfolio of board-to-cable connection systems for high-speed applications. The company has introduced a connector system to fulfil the requirements for high data rates and good low-noise characteristics that are required in multimedia, infotainment and entertainment applications. The HF507S series is a range of board connectors characterised by transfer rates up to 5Gbps. They are available with 21, 31, 41 and 51 pin counts in 180 degrees or 90 degrees, as well as in shielded or unshielded versions. Yamaichi also offers three different corresponding cable systems - YFB, YFT and HF507P series - in order to meet the variety of applications and requirements. All cable systems are equipped with an adapter, which is fitted to the HF507S via a locking mechanism on its side. The YFlex cables are an FPC system based on LCP material. The contacting of the conductor paths is realised by special silver con...

GPEG And 4D Systems To Supply 'Smart OLED' Modules GPEG International has announced its partnership with 4D Systems, which will provide customers with 'Smart OLED' modules. These passive- and active-matrix OLED display modules feature a built-in embedded graphics controller that ensures feature-rich functionality that can be simply and effectively incorporated into new product designs. All 4D Systems's 'Smart OLEDs' feature: a near-360-degree viewing angle; high contrast with resolutions up to QVGA (320x240); a five-pin interface to any host device (5V, TX, RX and GND) and reset; a supply voltage from 3.6V to 6.0V; serial RS-232 (0V to 3.3V) with an auto-baud feature (300K to 128K baud); an optional USB interface via the 4D Systems micro USB (uUSB-MB5) modules; an onboard micro-SD (uSD) memory card adaptor included for storing icons, images and animations; three selectable font sizes (5x7, 8x8 and 8x12) for ASCII characters and user-defined bitmapped cha...

CTH/CTM600s Provide Connection In Heating Systems Camden Electronics has introduced a range of 2.5mm pitch PCB connectors for use in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) control applications. The new CTH/CTM600 series connectors provide fast and easy interconnection between a printed circuit board and cables. They are polarised to avoid mis-mating and are ideal for use in boilers and boiler controllers, air conditioning and similar heating/ventilating systems. The CTM600 series is available in 19 sizes from two to 20 poles and provides polarised male PCB mounting connectors; the CTH600 series provides the equivalent female parts. A staggered pin header is also available (CTH601 series) while two sizes of crimp connectors (CTC600 and CTC750 series) for easy connection of cables to the CTH600 series complete the product line up. The 2.5mm pitch PCB connectors are moulded from UL94V0 grey polyamide (PA) and feature tinned nickel-plated brass contacts rated at 6A (CTC600)...

Machine Building Systems Offers Item Base Plate Item has added a die-cast 'Base Plate 8, 40x40 M10' to its aluminium-profile machine construction kit, available from Machine Building Systems. An M10 foot is suitable for customers with uneven floors who require a knuckle foot with a generous amount of adjustment on a bench or a conveyor, for instance. This gives the longer threads some resistance to the side loads that they will meet. However, this leads to two problems, according to the company. First, the 40x40 profile most commonly used for legs has a bore at the tapping size for M8 and must be drilled and re-tapped out where this is feasible. Second, permissible thread pitch deviations under DIN standards, common in the male threads, often mean that the feet will bind in long tapped holes, no matter how accurate the tapping. The new base plate is intended to solve both these problems at low cost by having the M10 tapped hole for the foot aligned with any of the T-slots...

Steelmaster Crane Systems Selected By Parkersteel Demag Cranes And Components has supplied three Steelmaster crane systems to Parkersteel as part of the development of a new 14-acre steel processing and distribution facility. The dockside location of the new facility was chosen to allow imported steel to be offloaded, by dockside crane, directly into the stockyard and co-located processing plant, eliminating the costly transport from port to factory. The dockside crane places the steel beams immediately under the Demag cranes, for further lifting and movement to the appropriate storage area within the stockyard. The steel beams are then loaded onto conveyor systems, which take them into the factory for processing and next-day delivery to customers or Parkersteel's other stock-holding sites. To meet the specific materials handling needs of Parkersteel's application, Demag supplied three double girder Steelmaster cranes, all of which have a span of 36m and are rated at 8 + 8 ...

Measurement Systems Spot Problem Components The ability to integrate multiaxis systems and controllers allows different faces of the parts can be simultaneously measured, matching the production timing. Automotive industry parts and assembly quality standards have moved from sigma level sampling to zero defect requirements This can be achieved through a combination of containment through 100% inspections (eliminating bad parts) and correction through immediate feedback and adjustment Manufacturers of critical parts and assemblies such as airbags, wheel bearings and pistons have achieved this by adding SMAC XYZ measurement systems to their inline manufacturing process. These linear motor based systems incorporate a "softland" capability that removes the need for expensive probes. Volumes up to 100mm3 can be covered by a single system. Robust guiding and the direct drive linear motor greatly reduce the need for periodic offsets, which are a major problem with standard commercia...