Automation Parts

MTS has released absolute linear-position sensors, which are now available as versions approved for installation in hazardous areas. The explosion-proof versions of the Temposonics R- and G-Series position sensors are suitable for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere containing flammable gases (groups IIA, IIB and IIC) and dusts. An independent test body certified the sensors in compliance with the European ATEX directive 94/9/EC. With above-ground applications, the position sensors meet the requirements of instrument categories 3D (Zone 2) and 3G (Zone 22). When the sensors are operated in these zones, although the atmosphere presents the corresponding explosion risk, there is no hazard of inflammation. The transducers are available with rod- or profile-shaped housings and analogue, CAN, SSI or Start/Stop interfaces. The maximum surface temperature is 135C in a gas-containing atmosphere and 100C if dust is present in the environment. Various protection types preclude the pos...

IFM Electronic has launched the AC007S module, designed to connect safety devices such as fail-safe sensors and light curtains to the safety version of ActuatorSensor-Interface (AS-i). Ideal for use with IFM Electronic's safe proximity sensors, the SIL3-compliant AC007S module takes OSSD (output signal switching device) signal input from a sensor or other ESPE (electrosensitive protective device) and checks the integrity of that signal for cross faults, for example, as well as the switching status of the ESPE and its own internal integrity and transmits this data via As-i Safety at Work. Overall safety is ensured on the AS-I Safety at Work system by the safety monitor, and the safe data transmission on the AS-i bus has been approved by TUV and BIA. It is suitable for signal transmission up to the highest category 4 to EN 954-1 and IEC 61508 / SIL3. IFM's IP67-rated AC007S safe input module can be field-mounted along with other standard or safe devices on the AS-i cable...

LMS has announced a partnership with the Brussels-based Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (VKI). This collaboration will promote joint research, technology and development projects and consultancy activities in aero-acoustic modelling and testing. It combines LMS' numerical vibro-acoustics simulation and data acquisition expertise and VKI's wind-tunnel testing, measurement techniques and flow phenomena modelling know-how. VKI's knowledge of environmental and applied fluid dynamics, wind technology, measurement techniques and flow phenomena simulation will help LMS develop and validate methods and software technology. In the aero-acoustics field, these activities cover heating, ventilation and air-conditioning projects, whereas fluid-structural interaction applications are useful in wind noise transmission research.

Kew Technik has introduced a telescopic pole that lets users make safe contact with exposed conductive parts on electrical equipment such as fluorescent luminaries, fans and air-conditioning units. The hollow pole can be extended up to 5.6M in length. It is available with or without an R2 test probe, which can be quickly fitted to the end of the pole, removing the need for ladder towers or scissor lifts. The telescopic pole has a polyester resin-baked coating for added durability.

Migatronic has added two models to its range of super compact, mono-phase Delta welding machines, both of which can weld thicker plates than the three present Delta machines. The Delta 200 HP TIG/MMA machine features a pulse function and high output in the current range 5-200A, while the Delta 180 E MMA machine operates in the current range 5-180A. The increased power has no effect on the weight: Delta 200 HP weighs 10.7kg and Delta 180 E weighs 9.5kg. In addition to assembly and repair jobs, the two machines are also suitable for workshop use. With casings of aluminium and plastic available, the operationally reliable welding machines are both portable and sturdy. With the scratch ignition, the Delta 180 E MMA can also be used for simple TIG welding. The welding machine features hot-start, arc power functions and protection against fluctuations in the mains voltage, and the welder has the option of a plus or minus pole on the electrode clamp. The Delta 200 HP machine features ope...

Tekscan has released the High-Temp Flexiforce Sensor HT201, which can measure forces in environments as hot as 200C. The ultra-thin, highly-linear (typically +/-1.2 per cent) High-Temp Flexiforce sensor is ideal for non-intrusive force measurement in a variety of processing applications, including injection moulding, heat sealing and heat-sink applications. Industries that will benefit from these high-temperature force measurements include automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, printing and food and drink processing. The sensor can: detect and measure a relative change in force or applied load; detect and measure the rate of change in force; identify force thresholds and trigger appropriate action; and detect contact and/or touch. The HT201 sensor is available in two force ranges, low and high.

Airborne Composites has bought Fibersim software from Vistagy to reduce lead times for new products by 20 per cent and for redesigned and scaled versions by more than 30 per cent. Airborne Composites will begin by using Fibersim to design and tool the composite overhang panels for the empennage wing surfaces of the Gulfstream G650 business aircraft. The panels are a sandwich structure comprised of carbon fibre/epoxy skins and a honeycomb core. Airborne Composites is subcontracting for Stork Fokker on the G650 programme. The biggest challenge Airborne Composites faces with the G650 programme is short lead times and the need to make quick design changes during definition of tooling, plies and processes. Wiard Leenders, general manager of Airborne Composites, said: 'Fibersim is completely integrated into the Pro/Engineer Wildfire CAD system and allows for redefinition of the CAD part while defining the plies, which enables our engineers in analysis and design to work in parallel ...