Valves and viscometers

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ENGINEERINGTALK

The Independent Weekly Product Information Guide
for Product Design and Automation Engineers
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ISSN 1470-627X - Free subscription
Last week's delivered circulation: 52958
Published every Thursday from the UK.
Issue 356: 1 March 2007
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Advertisement

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* Easy operation and fast start-up using Danaher Motion setup software
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=====================================================
In this issue:
* Editor's Message
* Our Top new products selection
[1] Standard AC drives enter servo performance arena
[2] Precision gear sets claimed as world's smallest
[3] Modelling tool suits CAD applications
[4] Dependable and rugged design for angle sensor
[5] Nut offers fast and reliable fastening
[6] Valves reduce stroke volume
[7] Increased load carrying without extra design space
[8] Module improves serial communication
[9] Mains-powered viscometer launched
[10] Recorder monitors temperature and humidity
* New technical articles and case studies
* Other featured product news
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Chris Rand, Editor, writes:

I have absolutely no statistics to support this, but I just have a
feeling that engineers are disproportionately represented in the
fields of toolshed owning, railway enthusiasm and stamp collecting.
Tick me off for at least one. So I have no hesitation in drawing
attention to the fact that today sees the launch of a really nice set
of stamps from the Royal Mail here in the UK on the theme of
innovation. Stamps are big business, and have therefore rather
predictably been undervalued by some shameless opportunism in recent
years; even now some Pacific island is probably printing off a
commemorative set of stamps depicting this year's Celebrity Big
Brother contestants. However, the new Royal Mail ones are great.

Based on the theme of innovation, the six stamps depict the work of
five influential British engineers and inventors (a rather silly sixth
stamp is supposed to represent space tourism: do I detect the
influence of Sir Richard Branson again?). The illustrations are by
Peter Till, whose style you probably either love or hate (I love it)
and show the work of Thomas Telford, George Stephenson, Alexander
Graham Bell, John Logie Baird and Tim Berners-Lee. The theme
immediately struck me as being "transport and communication" rather
than "innovation", but what do I know? Take a look:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/information/70301eg-editorial.html

I hope you find this issue of our weekly newsletter useful. In
addition to the new products, news and ideas featured here, there are
hundreds more on our website and dozens more being added daily, so do
take a look if you can. Alternatively, the full stories behind all
the summaries and headlines in this newsletter can be retrieved by
email alone: see details below.

In the meantime, if you have any suggestions as to how we might make
the site or the newsletter better, email me directly.

Best wishes
Chris Rand, Editor
mailto:news@engineeringtalk.com
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OUR TOP NEW PRODUCT SELECTION
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[1] STANDARD AC DRIVES ENTER SERVO PERFORMANCE ARENA
(ABB Automation Tech (Drives and Motors), 26 Feb 2007)

ABB has designed a new drive which it claims is "the most adaptable in
the market", allowing control of synchronous or asynchronous motors,
either open loop or closed loop. Rated from 0.75 to 45kW, it uses
standard AC drive technology but with significant performance
improvements including DTC (direct torque control) which features a
very fast torque control loop, taking it into the pure servo drive
arena where torque control loops of between 62.5 to 250us are
achieved. The drive is targeted at machinery builders and will open up
new applications for ABB such as smaller processing line drives for
rubber and plastics machines.

> Request free details from the supplier:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/abb/313/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/abb/abb313.html
or send a blank email to mailto:abb313@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[2] PRECISION GEAR SETS CLAIMED AS WORLD'S SMALLEST
(Harmonic Drive UK, 26 Feb 2007)

Harmonic Drive has introduced what it says are the world's smallest
backlash-free precision gear sets. The Micro Harmonic Drive gear
components typically measure less than 8.0mm in diameter, with an
axial length of under 1.0mm and a tooth module of just 34 microns, yet
when supplied as part of a miniaturised gearbox or actuator can
provide high reduction ratios, plus exceptional acceleration,
repeatability and torque with low moments of inertia.  The gear sets
are based on proven Harmonic Drive technology, with a conventional
assembly of a wave generator, Flexspline and circular spline, but the
wave generator now comprises a sun gear, which is normally connected
to a motor shaft, with two elastically deformable planetary gears
being used to transmit motion from the motor shaft to the Flexspline
and the circular spline. Additionally, it is also possible to
incorporate a dynamic spline as an output element when the gear set is
used as a speed reducer.

> Request free details from the supplier:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/hrm/120/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/hrm/hrm120.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hrm120@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[3] MODELLING TOOL SUITS CAD APPLICATIONS
(Adept Scientific, 28 Feb 2007)

TurboCAD Professional 12 delivers many significant improvements over
earlier versions of the well-known PC CAD software. Improvements in
rendering and the new support of LightWorks Archives result in better
visualisation capabilities, and new, adjustable tool palettes,
context-sensitive tools and intuitive work flow should combine to
increase productivity. TurboCAD Professional 12 uses the latest Open
Drawing Alliance file libraries, allowing users access to over 30 of
the most popular industry standard file formats, including AutoCAD's
DWG and DXF, DesignCAD's DCD, MicroStation DGN, 3DS, IGES,
STEP and STL.  A newly added feature also supports the import
and export of 3D files to and from DWF format.

> Request free details from the supplier:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/ade/327/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/ade/ade327.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ade327@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[4] DEPENDABLE AND RUGGED DESIGN FOR ANGLE SENSOR
(ASM, 27 Feb 2007)

ASM is claiming "a new benchmark" for angular position sensors with
the development of a magnetic angle sensor in a very compact M12
housing.  The PRAS1 sensor provides absolute position measurement over
a full 360-degree sensing range and with only a 0.5in diameter and
overall length of less than 2in, it can be installed in tight
locations. Contact-free and wear-free angular measurement is achieved
by using a position magnet.

> Request free details from the supplier:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/asm/118/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/asm/asm118.html
or send a blank email to mailto:asm118@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[5] NUT OFFERS FAST AND RELIABLE FASTENING
(Profil UK, 26 Feb 2007)

The new URNA general-purpose clinch fastener nut from Profil UK offers
a fast and reliable method of mounting M6 steel threads in sheet metal
components up to 1.9 mm thick. It should be cost-effective for many
applications requiring good dynamic, static and impact load
performance in light gauge materials. Featuring a universal
rectangular nut with a circular cross section shank, the rivet
fastener achieves push out, torque and shear load capabilities
superior to traditional pierce or rivet nuts, but at a significantly
lower cost.

> Request free details from the supplier:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/pfl/121/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/pfl/pfl121.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pfl121@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[6] VALVES REDUCE STROKE VOLUME
(Asco Joucomatic Numatics, 27 Feb 2007)

Asco Joucomatic Numatics has launched a 33mm version of its highly
successful type 353/800 Power Pulse valves. Specifically designed for
the dust collector market, the valves feature a patented piston design
that enables significantly faster opening and closing times, quieter
operation and lower operating costs. Power Pulse valves are very
compact and the option of a remote pilot makes them even more
attractive for applications where space is at a premium. Remote pilots
can be mounted individually or supplied in boxes, operating from two
to twelve valves and having the benefits of a common inlet and
exhaust.

> Request free details from the supplier:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/asc/170/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/asc/asc170.html
or send a blank email to mailto:asc170@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[7] INCREASED LOAD CARRYING WITHOUT EXTRA DESIGN SPACE
(HepcoMotion, 27 Feb 2007)

The HepcoMotion UtiliTrak is claimed to be not only a better quality
linear guideway system than its predecessor, but also easier to
install. Higher precision has been achieved by the replacement of the
original composite rail with a one-piece carbon steel rail that is
both hardened and ground to provide the internal vee running surface.
Available ex-stock, UtiliTrak is offered in two series: the SW series
has steel carriage wheels running on a hardened bearing steel rails
and is designed for loads up to 16,800N at speeds of up to 8m/s with
acceleration to 5G; for lighter duty applications where smooth running
is not so critical, there's the PW series with chemical-resistant,
polymer wheels over-moulded on a stainless steel bearing running on an
anodised aluminium rail.

> Request free details from the supplier:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/hep/193/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/hep/hep193.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hep193@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[8] MODULE IMPROVES SERIAL COMMUNICATION
(Idec Electronics, 27 Feb 2007)

Idec Electronics has dramatically increased the serial communications
capability of its Pentra programmable controller range by the recent
introduction of an expansion communication module.  The FC5A-SIF2
provides an additional RS232C port with a maximum baud rate of 38.4
kbaud.  Up to five communication modules can be added, which - coupled
with the two available on the Pentra CPU - makes a total of seven,
more than enough to handle connection to a variety of RS232C devices.
The Pentra PLC is claimed to be the fastest slim CPU in its class.

> Request free details from the supplier:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/ide/161/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/ide/ide161.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ide161@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[9] MAINS-POWERED VISCOMETER LAUNCHED
(Hydramotion, 27 Feb 2007)

Hydramotion has introduced a mains-powered bench top version of its
Viscolite portable viscometer for real-time continuous viscosity
monitoring in laboratory scale equipment. The Viscolite VL700HP offers
all the benefits of the portable version with the added advantages of
a 4-20mA analogue viscosity output and an RS232 serial data link for
connection to a PC. With a range of 0.1 to 10,000cP in fluids at -40
to 150 C, the instrument has very high repeatability and excellent
sensitivity, even at low viscosity.

> Request free details from the supplier:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/hdr/134/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/hdr/hdr134.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hdr134@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[10] RECORDER MONITORS TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
(Isatec, 26 Feb 2007)

Isatec has become a distributor of the LogTag range of
high-performance, environmental data recorders. The LogTag HAXO-8
humidity and temperature recorder combines features of the TRIX-8
temperature recorder with a highly reliable solid state humidity
sensor. It has a temperature resolution of 0.1C between -40 and +85C
and a humidity resolution of 0.1%RH from 0 to 100%RH.  8000 pairs of
humidity and temperature readings can be stored against real time in
its nonvolatile memory, and an alert indicator can be configured to
flash when preset conditions are encountered.

> Request free details from the supplier:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/ist/111/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/ist/ist111.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ist111@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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MINIMISING RISK IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
(Crucible Industrial Design, 26 Feb 2007)
Mike Ayre highlights three issues that can reduce the risks involved
in new product design and development.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/crq/crq102.html
or send a blank email to mailto:crq102@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

3D CAD AIDS ANTARCTIC RESEARCH
(SolidWorks Corporation, 27 Feb 2007)
Researchers at the McMurdo Station in Antarctica will soon be able to
safely study aquatic species using a remotely operated vehicle
designed in SolidWorks 3D CAD and Cosmos design analysis software.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/sol/sol290.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sol290@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on SolidWorks Cosmos design
analysis software:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/sol/290/4

TOLERANCE RING ORDERS RAMPED UP
(Rencol Tolerance Rings, 23 Feb 2007)
Western Digital is increasing its volume with Rencol tolerance rings
to supply its products for Western Digital's PSG products.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/ren/ren134.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ren134@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on Rencol tolerance rings:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/ren/134/4

SYSTEM CONVERTS SERIAL DEVICES TO TCP/IP
(MAC Solutions (UK), 28 Feb 2007)
ISDNconnect provides Shell's wide area network with a low-bandwidth,
always-on connection between terminal equipment and a central
location.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/mpd/mpd106.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mpd106@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on Lantronix Ethernet
industrial device server:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/mpd/106/4

RAIL BATTERIES BEAT MILLION-MILE MARK
(Saft Industrial Batteries, 27 Feb 2007)
Saft Matrics MRX rail batteries have just beaten the million-mile mark
on the GNER Mallard trains that operate a high-speed intercity service
along Britain's East Coast main line.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/sgt/sgt156.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sgt156@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on MRX nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd)
rail batteries:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/sgt/156/4

FLOW METERS AID WATER AND WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
(ABB Automation Tech (Instrumentation + Automation), 23 Feb 2007)
Up to 700 AquaMaster electromagnetic flow meters from ABB are being
installed as part of the transfer of responsibility for Ministry of
Defence (MOD) water and wastewater assets.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/apr/apr214.html
or send a blank email to mailto:apr214@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on AquaMaster electromagnetic
flow meters:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/apr/214/4

FLUE GAS ANALYSIS IMPROVES EFFICIENCY
(Emerson Process Management, 23 Feb 2007)
Rosemount Analytical flue gas analysis products are helping to
maintain efficient operations at the major RWE combined heat and power
(CHP) plant in Barry, South Wales.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/emo/emo193.html
or send a blank email to mailto:emo193@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on Rosemount Analytical
Oxymitter 4000:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/emo/193/4

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Other featured new product news
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DESIGN ONLY SOFTWARE VERSIONS RELEASED
(Delcam, 26 Feb 2007)
New versions of ArtCAM Pro and ArtCAM JewelSmith software are aimed at
users that want to take advantage of the design features within the
software but do not need the systems' machining options.
> Request free details from the supplier on ArtCAM Pro and ArtCAM
JewelSmith:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/dea/395/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/dea/dea395.html
or send a blank email to mailto:dea395@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

APPLICATION REDUCES ENERGY CONSUMPTION
(SKF UK, 23 Feb 2007)
SKF has developed an energy and environment analysis application that
can significantly reduce the energy consumption and save costs for
process plants and manufacturing industries.
> Request free details from the supplier on Client energy and
environment analysis application:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/skf/336/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/skf/skf336.html
or send a blank email to mailto:skf336@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

STEPPER CONTROL CARD HELPS BUILD COMPLEX SYSTEMS
(Adlink Technology, 27 Feb 2007)
Cost-effective four-axis stepper motor control card offers precise
synchronisation across all axes to ensure simultaneous starts and
stops for accurate motion of complex systems.
> Request free details from the supplier on PCI-8144:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/adl/127/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/adl/adl127.html
or send a blank email to mailto:adl127@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

SMALLER SHOCK ABSORBERS BOAST HIGH PERFORMANCE
(Ace Controls International, 27 Feb 2007)
Safety shock absorbers feature compact design, making them suited to
numerous emergency use applications.
> Request free details from the supplier on SCS-300 and 650:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/ace/135/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/ace/ace135.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ace135@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

EYEPIECE EASES PCB INSPECTION
(Vision Engineering, 28 Feb 2007)
The Mantis Elite from Vision Engineering now benefits from an
accessory that will give operators maximum working distance for
manipulation tasks like rework.
> Request free details from the supplier on x6SLWD objective eyepiece:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/vis/124/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/vis/vis124.html
or send a blank email to mailto:vis124@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

NEAR INFRA-RED PROCESS ANALYSER DISPLAYED
(Aspectrics, 27 Feb 2007)
Aspectrics' EP-NIR analyser offers a breakthrough in NIR analysis,
facilitating ultra-fast scanning operation capable of acquiring an
impressive 100 scans/s.
> Request free details from the supplier on MultiComponent 2750
analyser:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/asl/116/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/asl/asl116.html
or send a blank email to mailto:asl116@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

IR CAMERA PROVIDES HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES
(InfraTec, 26 Feb 2007)
VarioCAM high resolution is the world's first mobile thermographic
camera with a megapixel resolution.
> Request free details from the supplier on VarioCAM high resolution:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/iqq/104/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/iqq/iqq104.html
or send a blank email to mailto:iqq104@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

HINGING SYSTEM SUITS PANEL MANUFACTURE
(Emka UK, 23 Feb 2007)
Emka's hinging system covers standard finishes in black or chrome,
with variants in stainless steel for corrosive or biohazard
situations.
> Request free details from the supplier on Emka hinging system:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/emk/207/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/emk/emk207.html
or send a blank email to mailto:emk207@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

BALL SCREWS PROVIDE DEPENDABLE SOLUTIONS
(SKF UK, 28 Feb 2007)
For low-load applications, SKF offers type SD and BD miniature ball
screws, which can be supplied in diameters ranging from 8mm to 16mm.
> Request free details from the supplier on SD and BD miniature ball
screws:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/skf/339/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/skf/skf339.html
or send a blank email to mailto:skf339@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

BEARINGS CUT ENERGY USE BY 30%
(SKF UK, 23 Feb 2007)
SKF has developed a new family of bearings that reduce energy
consumption by at least 30% compared to standard ISO products.
> Request free details from the supplier on Deep groove and tapered
roller bearings:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/skf/337/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/skf/skf337.html
or send a blank email to mailto:skf337@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

POWER SOURCES SUIT HEAVY-DUTY MIG/MAG WELDING
(ESAB, 26 Feb 2007)
The Origo Mig 410 delivers 400A/34V at a 50% duty cycle and the Origo
Mig 510 delivers 500A/39V at a 60% duty cycle.
> Request free details from the supplier on Origo Mig 410/510
step-switched power sources:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/exv/195/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/exv/exv195.html
or send a blank email to mailto:exv195@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

MAGNETIC CLAMPING SYSTEM TOLERATES 210C
(Roemheld UK, 28 Feb 2007)
The Hilma M-TECS 210 magnetic clamping system from Roemheld is the
only system of its kind that can be used in rubber moulding where
temperatures of up to 210C are required.
> Request free details from the supplier on Hilma M-TECS 210 magnetic
clamping system:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/rom/137/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/rom/rom137.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rom137@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

VISION SYSTEM INTEGRATES WITH CONTROLLER
(Fanuc Robotics (UK), 26 Feb 2007)
The Fanuc iRVision system is designed to reduce installation time and
cost, and to make vision integration with robot systems a
straightforward process.
> Request free details from the supplier on Fanuc iRVision vision
system:
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/fnu/109/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/fnu/fnu109.html
or send a blank email to mailto:fnu109@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

TRADE-IN OFFER EXTENDED
(Heidenhain (GB), 28 Feb 2007)
Heidenhain's GBP200 trade-in offer covers any DRO system, from any
manufacturer, in any condition, that is being replaced by a new
Heidenhain two or three-axis DRO system.
> Request free details from the supplier on Heidenhain GBP200 :
 http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/hei/155/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/hei/hei155.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hei155@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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