All articles by Nick Holt – Page 23
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ArticleKeep press moving for efficiency
Improving both machine productivity and worker safety by detecting zero-speed, overspeed and motion direction is the objective of new encoders from Pepperl+Fuchs, which are designed to allow safe access during setup and maintenance, the company says.“For example, using this solution in a rolling press application would enable the press to ...
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ArticleLaser line tackles shiny surfaces
Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon says it is using a non-contact laser line for measurement of shiny metallic and rapidly changing, rough or other difficult-to-measure surfaces.Its new displacement optoNCDT 2300LL sensor uses a laser line and algorithms to filter out interference caused by sub-micrometre surface defects on objects such as polished ...
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ArticleNew network compatibilities from Sick encoders
Compatibility with the most-widely used, distributed, net-based communication protocols is being offered by Sick with its programmable Ethernet AFS60 single-turn and AFM60 multi-turn encoders. They add Profi net and EtherCAT protocol compatibility, says the company.The two encoders are designed for both precision applications and harsh conditions, it says, and are ...
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ArticleErgonomics comes to welding torches
ESAB says its new range of TXH TIG welding torches has been designed with the needs of the welder in mind. The torches are for use with TIG welding machines that have an OKC connection, it says. Remote versions will operate with CAN-bus controlled machines.There is a range of air-cooled ...
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ArticleMulti-dimensions from Maka machining
Maka has introduced a new range with two 5-axis spindles with a rotary table for loading and unloading while machining. The Maka DC7 has a capacity of 500kg per side including pneumatic or hydraulic clamping, says the company.It can also be supplied with a 0 point clamping system, and there ...
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ArticleAdhesive made lighter
Henkel has introduced a lightweight version of its Teroson adhesive for direct glazing and assembly work in vehicle construction. Teroson PU 8590 Low Density is signifi cantly lighter than its predecessor at 1.0gm/ml, says the company. For a bus, this equates to a 56kg weight saving from the normal 250kg ...
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ArticleHigh-tech & hand-built motorcyles
Panigale productionMonitoring operationsProcess developmentFinal assemblyDucati’s Bologna factory exudes the heritage of the brand, but houses the production facilities for state of the art motorcycles. The plant operates both mixed and dedicated lines for engine and finished vehicle assembly.For someone who’s used to seeing high volume car production, the first thing ...
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ArticleMan & machine united by automation
BMW has applied a high level of automation to motorcycle production at its Berlin plantMotorcycles are as much part of BMW’s manufacturing heritage as cars, and both divisions share production processes and developments. Motorcycle production typically allows or requires less automation, but just as in four-wheel manufacturing, flexibility, efficiency and ...
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ArticleAlternative approach
A visit to Volvo’s Torslanda plant reveals the company’s alternative approach to improving productivityThe main points of interest for my visit to Volvo’s Torslanda plant had been to look more closely at production of hybrid cars (and Volvo had recently increased production of their V60 Hybrid) and find out about ...
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ArticleRe-defining efficiency in the paintshop
Efficient air recirculationHigh voltages instead of filtersSubstantial energy and chemical savingsDramatic reduction in particulate emissionsOptimized pre-treatment process with E-ShuttleWhen Volkswagen went looking for big reductions in energy consumption and emissions at its Bratislava plant, its facility provider responded with some novel solutions.The paint process accounts for up to 70% of ...
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ArticleFull steam ahead for pre-paint parts cleaning
New steam generating techniquesEffective cleaning with steam and airAlready proven in series production operationAPS reports on a new chemical-free process that uses saturated steam and high-velocity air to remove contamination reliably, quickly and cost-effectivelyImproved sustainability, increased cost-effectiveness and constant quality optimisation are some of the most important aims of the ...
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ArticleInterface accessories for harsh environments
Designed for reliable operation in harsh environments, Pepperl+Fuchs’s two new G10 Series AS-Interface splitters feature stainless steel coupling nuts, a robust one-piece housing with IP67/IP68/IP69K ratings and gold-plated and machined contacts, the company says.They can be mounted in tight spaces and the company claims they are immune to vibration.www.pepperl-fuchs.us
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ArticleVise and clamping systems catalogue
The new Get A Grip On Precision catalogue offers a comprehensive guide to a line of productivity boosting work-holding devices from OML available from importer Lexair.The catalogue includes the Genius precision 5-axis vise with 9,000lbf clamp force at the top of the jaws, the MC modular clamping system with patented ...
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ArticleHigh-speed cable assembly and connector systems
FCI has developed cabling solutions using ExaMAX connector technology that it claims will deliver up to 40Gb/s bandwidth capability.The ExaMAX IO connector design combines a new contact interface design technology that the company says decreases terminal stub and ground-mode resonances, with an optimised cable termination that minimises impedance mismatch and ...
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ArticleEntry-level vision system for colour applications
Cognex says its In-Sight 7010C, an entry level colour vision system, features 24-bit colour resolution that accurately identifies 16 million colour variations and is suitable for automotive manufacturing applications such as tyre model identification and fuse verification.Along with the In-Sight 7010C, the company is introducing three additional colour models, the ...
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ArticleExtended range of multi-sensor measuring equipment is launched
Hexagon Metrology has introduced three new Optiv Classic models to meet the European market demand for multi-sensor measuring machines at starter level.The company says its Optiv Classic 322, 432 and 443 are suitable for measuring flat parts such as punched components, circuit boards, foils or stencils, die cast and injection ...
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ArticlePermeability measurement system, plus...
Versaperm says a new range of precise sensors for its automotive testing system not only check for any leakage (permeability) of hydrocarbons, but now also can check against CO2, water vapour, and virtually any other vapour.The company claims it can check ‘waterproof enclosures in automobiles against possible water damage that ...
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ArticleFacilitating mass manufacturing of carbon parts
Schuler now offers lines which it claims can economically produce carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts, even in large volumes.For the manufacturing of carbon parts, the company says it uses the RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) process. Due to the geometry of the part or cavity surface, the die’s centre of loading ...
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ArticleUp-rated fettling booths accomodate larger parts
An up-rated version of Hosokawa Micron’s plug-and-play fettling trolley has been introduced.The company says the unit’s brush guarded, split side panels allow the it to accommodate larger parts and it has a simplified, quick change filter design that is constantly monitored by alarm activating pressure gauges.A back-draft extraction booth is ...
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ArticleAqueous cleaning machine combines spraying and immersion
The PALMA aqueous cleaning machine from MAFAC is designed for spray and flood washing of industrial components, says UK agent Turbex. The twin-tank machine is equipped with a quick-flood facility that fully immerses a basket of components within 30 seconds, it says.The second tank allows pre- or post treatments to ...