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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: 51,030
Published every Thursday from the UK.
Issue 342: 09 November 2006
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Engineeringtalk operates a double opt-in subscription policy.
To ***: send an email with a blank subject line to
leave-eng-talk-5412848N@news.pro-talk.com
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42,983 product announcements and technical articles on our
website http://www.engineeringtalk.com/ - all fully searchable
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In this issue:
* Editor's Message
* Our Top new products selection
[1] Connectors make solenoid valves explosion-proof
[2] Flowmeter adapts to industrial challenges
[3] Laser printing process adapts to packaging duties
[4] Clamps put a brake on linear motion
[5] Compact relay is easy to interface with PLCs
[6] Impact indicator keeps track of the time
[7] Fieldbus modules offer economical option
[8] Guide to solid pins
[9] Feature-based CAM system is free to download
[10] Pneumatic valves compensate for wear
* New technical articles and case studies
* Other featured product news
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Chris Rand, Editor, writes:

The conceptual design of the Cambridge-MIT Institute's eye-catching
'Silent' Aircraft Initiative was presented this week, and received
widespread coverage. The project was launched three years ago aiming
to discover "ways to reduce aircraft noise dramatically, to the point
where it would be virtually unnoticeable to people outside the airport
perimeter".

On the engine side, researchers from Cambridge University have been
working with engineers at Rolls-Royce in Derby to produce an engine
design which will allow the reduced jet speed necessary for noise
reduction at takeoff. They found that the total exhaust area needs to
be about twice that of conventional jet engines to achieve this. A
highly efficient airframe designed at MIT, with a high ratio of lift
to drag forces, would reduce the cruise fuel burn, and the amount of
drag from the engines can be reduced by embedding them within the
aircraft. Locating the engine intakes on the upper surface would
shield people on the ground from engine noise. On landing, the
airframe is about as noisy as the engines, so the new design has no
flaps, a drooped leading edge rather than slats, and a simplified and
streamlined undercarriage.

Laudable as this project is, I suspect the main problem facing
commercial aviation is ecological, and one of the main effects of
quieter aircraft will be to make it more acceptable to have more
flights. Obviously I'm not suggesting that quieter aircraft are not a
good thing, but they may make the commercial versus ecological debate
over aviation even more polarised.

'Silent' Aircraft Initiative website:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/information/20061109-eg-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] CONNECTORS MAKE SOLENOID VALVES EXPLOSION-PROOF
(Asco Joucomatic, 07 Nov 2006)

A new series of Asco explosion proof solenoid valves features an
Ex-approved plug and socket connector system, enabling installation,
maintenance, repair and servicing to be carried out in a hazardous
area, without the need to isolate the equipment. The HA connection
system comprises a male socket which is integrated into the solenoid
valve, and a female connector which is available as an option. The
connector can be used with voltages up to 250V AC or 60V DC, making
the compact units suitable for a wide range of instrumentation
applications.

> Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/asc/168/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/asc/asc168.html
or send a blank email to mailto:asc168@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[2] FLOWMETER ADAPTS TO INDUSTRIAL CHALLENGES
(Endress + Hauser, 06 Nov 2006)

The new Promag 55S electromagnetic flowmeter is purpose-built for
processes which have to contend with fluids with a high solid content,
as well as many that are abrasive, high in temperature and chemically
aggressive. Central to the design is the right combination of liner
material and electrode design to meet differing demands: a natural
rubber liner with brush electrodes is ideal for highly abrasive rocky
slurry. A polyurethane liner with tungsten carbide-coated electrodes
is used for fine slurries. A high-temperature PFA lining with duplex
electrodes is perfect for concentrated black liquors. And a hygienic
PFA liner with bow electrodes is the optimum solution for fruit mashes
and pulps.

> Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/edr/151/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/edr/edr151.html
or send a blank email to mailto:edr151@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[3] LASER PRINTING PROCESS ADAPTS TO PACKAGING DUTIES
(DataLase, 03 Nov 2006)

The award-winning DataLase process now offers unique end-of-line
packaging customisation capabilities. The process enables variable
information such as ingredients, barcodes, batch numbers, logos,
special offers and promotions to be quickly, efficiently and
cost-effectively applied directly to packaging or to labels or amended
at the end of the production line by simply using a very low power CO2
laser. The area to be marked is coated with DataLase and left blank.
The information is then activated at the end of the production line
using the laser, which causes a white-to-black colour change reaction.

> Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/sdt/128/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/sdt/sdt128.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sdt128@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[4] CLAMPS PUT A BRAKE ON LINEAR MOTION
(Ace Controls International, 03 Nov 2006)

Ace Controls International has introduced a new range of linear and
rotational clamping/braking devices to give design engineers another
option to control motion. The new Locked Series is available in three
versions: Type L offers clamping or braking on machine rails and
linear slides, Type P is for piston and pneumatic cylinder rods and
Type R is for rotary applications.

> Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/ace/132/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/ace/ace132.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ace132@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[5] COMPACT RELAY IS EASY TO INTERFACE WITH PLCS
(Omron Electronics, 08 Nov 2006)

Omron is introducing a rare innovation to the industrial plug-in
relay. With a width of only 6mm, the G2RV offers significant space
saving without compromising reliability and features. At its heart is
a strong mechanical blade connection with a large contact surface that
ensures reliable connection between socket and relay. In spite of its
width, the G2RV includes common features of a true industrial relay
such as a LED indicator, mechanical indicator, transparent housing and
6A switching capacity.

> Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/omr/215/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/omr/omr215.html
or send a blank email to mailto:omr215@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[6] IMPACT INDICATOR KEEPS TRACK OF THE TIME
(Lamerholm Electronics, 07 Nov 2006)

Lamerholm Electronics is launching the Mag 2000 impact indicator with
a date and time stamping feature. This cost-efficient, resettable,
re-usable and tamper-proof device monitors the handling of fragile
goods and freight containers over 180kg. When an impact occurs, the
device records the direction and angle of impact, and the new feature
provides irrefutable evidence of an impact by recording the exact date
and time the impact occurred.

> Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/lah/121/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/lah/lah121.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lah121@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[7] FIELDBUS MODULES OFFER ECONOMICAL OPTION
(Vipa UK, 07 Nov 2006)

As part of its System 200V range, Vipa now offers an alternative range
of lower cost fieldbus and I/O expansion modules. The ECOnomical range
has been engineered to provide mid-range specifications which are
often required by smaller and more straightforward centralised
automation applications. There are Profibus-DP and CANopen slave
modules, each with potential for eight expansion modules; for I/O
expansion, the range covers eight and 16 channel digital input and
output units, and four-channel/12bit analogue input and output units
with both +/-10V and 4-20mA configuration. Cost savings of up to 50%
can be achieved when comparing these modules with full-featured System
200V alternatives and all modules can be freely mixed to optimise
costs in more complex systems.

> Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/vip/111/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/vip/vip111.html
or send a blank email to mailto:vip111@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[8] GUIDE TO SOLID PINS
(Spirol Industries, 07 Nov 2006)

Spirol Industries has published a guide to solid pins, which provides
comprehensive design and application information for the company's
complete range of standard solid pins and predesigned special helical
grooved pins. The majority of Spirol's solid pin products are press
fit, where the fasteners retain themselves in the assembly by the
friction between the pins and host. "Retention mechanics", as it is
known, is one of the most important aspects of specifying the correct
pin for an application and Spirol's ranges of knurled and helical
grooved pins meet most requirements.

> Request a free copy from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/sdu/124/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/sdu/sdu124.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sdu124@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[9] FEATURE-BASED CAM SYSTEM IS FREE TO DOWNLOAD
(Delcam, 07 Nov 2006)

Delcam is offering a free evaluation copy of its FeatureCAM
feature-based CAM system from a new, redesigned website. The site
follows the style of other Delcam websites and offers information and
forums on the wide range of CADCAM products now available from Delcam.


> Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/dea/381/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/dea/dea381.html
or send a blank email to mailto:dea381@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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[10] PNEUMATIC VALVES COMPENSATE FOR WEAR
(Parker Hannifin, 08 Nov 2006)

Parker Hannifin has released an innovative range of pneumatic
directional control valves called the B Series, which incorporate a
wear compensation system that significantly extends the operating life
of the spool seals and reduces levels of stiction. The new range
offers compact dimensions and is designed for ease of fitting and use.
For example, direct body porting and integral mounting holes are
standard, allowing the valves to be easily mounted, either
individually or together on compact modular manifolds, which can be
extended to accommodate changes in a machine's control system.

> Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/par/252/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/par/par252.html
or send a blank email to mailto:par252@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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VIBRATION ISOLATION IS KEY TO ACCURACY
(Minus K Technology, 07 Nov 2006)
As nanotech applications become more diverse, the need for reliable
vibration control has become increasingly critical, says Jim McMahon.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/mqp/mqp100.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mqp100@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

IMPLICATIONS OF EN13849-1
(Pilz Automation Technology, 06 Nov 2006)
What does the new EN13849-1 standard mean for machine builders, system
integrators and those involved in specifying and designing
safety-related control systems for machines?
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/pil/pil251.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pil251@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on EN13849-1 standards
advice:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/pil/251/4

TRANSDUCERS FOR DYNAMIC PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
(SensorsOne, 06 Nov 2006)
For the best frequency response from a pressure sensor use an
unamplified piezoresistive transducer that provides a millivolt output
directly from a strain gauge bridge.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/svm/svm123.html
or send a blank email to mailto:svm123@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

AIRKNIVES OFFER COOL ANSWER FOR SWARF REMOVAL
(Air Control Industries, 03 Nov 2006)
When machining aluminium billets down to around 5% of the original
mass, there is a significant amount of swarf - which needs to be
removed.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/aci/aci137.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aci137@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on Airknives:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/aci/137/4

RODLESS CYLINDERS ADD PUSH TO CONVEYOR SYSTEMS
(Hoerbiger-Origa, 06 Nov 2006)
Rodless pneumatic cylinders are used whenever a pusher unit is
required on conveyor systems designed and built by Stourport company
Conveyor Units.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/hoe/hoe168.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hoe168@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on OSP-P rodless cylinders:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/hoe/168/4

MOTION SYSTEM IMPROVES ON ROBOTIC OPTIONS
(Bosch Rexroth - Linear Motion and Assembly, 07 Nov 2006)
A preconfigured Cartesian Motion System has provided Applied Cooling
Technology with a safe, convenient and cost-effective solution for
loading cooling fins into its innovative finning machines.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/mad/mad131.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mad131@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on Cartesian Motion Systems:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/mad/131/4

SCADA SYSTEM TAKES CHARGE OF GREENSAND PREPARATION
(Citect, 06 Nov 2006)
Orthos Projects has successfully completed a turnkey contract to
design and build a new state-of-the-art greensand preparation plant
for Scaw Metals.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/aud/aud149.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aud149@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on CitectScada:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/aud/149/4

TENSILE FORCE TESTER PULLS CONTINUOUS DUTIES
(Mecmesin, 08 Nov 2006)
A tensile force tester has been used continuously on the production
line for over 8 years at Owen Mumford, UK-based designer and
manufacturer of blood glucose monitoring and control devices.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/mec/mec129.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mec129@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on AFG 500:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/mec/129/4

TORQUE TRANSDUCERS PUT MOTORS ON TRIAL
(Sensor Technology, 06 Nov 2006)
The University of Texas is working on a new test bed that will
radically improve evaluation of motors for demanding applications.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/set/set126.html
or send a blank email to mailto:set126@fetch.engineeringtalk.com
> Request free details from the supplier on Torqsense:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/set/126/4

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Other featured new product news
====================================================================

HARDENED SHAFTS COMPLEMENT LINEAR BEARINGS
(Ondrives/Rino Industries, 07 Nov 2006)
Ondrives offers a range of hardened and ground linear shafting for use
with linear bearings.
> Request free details from the supplier on Hardened and ground linear
shafting:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/hpc/163/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/hpc/hpc163.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hpc163@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

POWER PACKS STABILISE VEHICLE TESTING MODULES
(HBM UK, 06 Nov 2006)
HBM has introduced the new NT650 and NT651 power packs to stabilise
the onboard voltage of its MGCsplit vehicle testing modules at 28V
within a permissible range of 10 and 58V.
> Request free details from the supplier on NT650 and NT651:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/hbm/215/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/hbm/hbm215.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hbm215@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

MECHANICAL WRENCHES ARE PUT TO THE TORQUE TEST
(Crane Electronics, 07 Nov 2006)
Crane Electronics has devised a Torque Test Bench that enables
manufacturers to test their mechanical wrenches and automatically
document the results of these tests.
> Request free details from the supplier on Torque Test Bench:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/crc/140/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/crc/crc140.html
or send a blank email to mailto:crc140@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

IR CAMERA HAS INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS COVERED
(Flir Systems, 08 Nov 2006)
The ThermoVision SC6000 HS camera is reckoned to be ideal for any
infra-red industrial, scientific or military use when flexibility and
unequalled performance is vital.
> Request free details from the supplier on ThermoVision SC6000 HS:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/fli/214/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/fli/fli214.html
or send a blank email to mailto:fli214@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

SOFTWARE MAKES SENSE OF MACHINE CONDITION DATA
(SKF UK, 06 Nov 2006)
The SKF Machine Suite is a comprehensive software solution to
integrate inspection, vibration and surveillance data from multiple
condition monitoring systems and processes.
> Request free details from the supplier on SKF Machine Suite:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/skf/320/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/skf/skf320.html
or send a blank email to mailto:skf320@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

SMART RELAYS TAKE LOCAL CONTROL
(Schneider Electric, 06 Nov 2006)
Zelio Logic smart relays are proving so attractive to users that sales
through distributors have increased by more than 28% in value terms
over just one year.
> Request free details from the supplier on Zelio Logic smart relays:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/tel/229/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/tel/tel229.html
or send a blank email to mailto:tel229@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

EASY UPGRADE FOR LEGACY RSVIEW SCREENS
(Citect, 07 Nov 2006)
Over 50% of world's installed base of HMI/Scada systems can now be
quickly and easily converted to CitectScada.
> Request free details from the supplier on RSView importer:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/aud/150/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/aud/aud150.html
or send a blank email to mailto:aud150@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

TOOLS TACKLE COMPLEXITY OF MACHINE DESIGN
(Baldor UK, 06 Nov 2006)
Baldor has added powerful program debugging facilities to its Mint
language for motion and machine automation.
> Request free details from the supplier on Mint WorkBench:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/bal/206/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/bal/bal206.html
or send a blank email to mailto:bal206@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

MINIATURE MOTORS MAKE COMPACT ACTUATORS
(EMS, 06 Nov 2006)
Miniature drives specialist EMS offers some of the smallest linear
actuators in the world.
> Request free details from the supplier on Faulhaber Smoovy
actuators:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/ems/148/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/ems/ems148.html
or send a blank email to mailto:ems148@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

LINEAR MOTION TECHNOLOGY CLOCKS UP TEN YEARS
(THK UK, 08 Nov 2006)
THK is currently celebrating ten years of production for its
innovative Caged Ball linear motion (LM) technology.
> Request free details from the supplier on Caged Ball products:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/thk/195/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/thk/thk195.html
or send a blank email to mailto:thk195@fetch.engineeringtalk.com

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About the Engineeringtalk Newsletter
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The Engineeringtalk Newsletter is published by Pro-Talk Ltd.
To stop receiving this newsletter, see foot of message.
Articles included in the Engineeringtalk Newsletter are chosen
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No charges are made or accepted for inclusion.
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For a full archive of articles included in the Engineeringtalk
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