Temporary hose sealing caps

WURTH has released a smart method of quick sealing hose ends for temporary capping. Called U Caps, and available in a boxed selection, the caps are suitable for a large range of sizes and types of applications and are hand fitted in just a few seconds.

Wurth U Caps rubber end seal selection set.

Both internal and external threads can be capped.

Made from top quality nitrile rubber, they are accurately sized to simply accept a hand push and twist quick fitting onto the gas threads, yet hold 30psi pressure.

Wurth U Caps come in a selection of all popular sizes from 5 to 35mm, in a box of 62 and work within a wide operating temperature range of -20C to +120C.

The nitrile rubber is resistant to all types of fuels and oils and can be re-used many times. The caps have been sized to work within most sizes of JIC, BSP, JIS, o-ring face and flange head fittings.

“This innovative way of instantly sealing hoses is a must for every factory, workshop and service kit,” says Wurth’s John Tsakoumangos.

“The easy-to-apply caps prevent fluid loss and contamination and can be used on male and female pipe fittings, hoses, and flange fittings. All that is needed is to select the right diameter.

“Definitely a case of a must-have for everyone who works with hoses or fittings,” Tsakoumangos said.

TTA transmitter trip amplifier

WEIDMULLER has accounced the release of the company’s new Wave TTA transmitter Trip-Amplifier.

Designed to be truly universal, the amplifier is part of the WAVESERIES family of analogue signal conditioners, which have been created for process and factory automation applications.

Programmable to suit any common DC input type, the trip-amplifier will measure, monitor, convert, filter, and isolate the signal – producing a DC analogue output proportional to the input.

It can be powered from any supply between 18 to 264V (ac or dc) without modification, and has two fully configurable SPDT relay contact outputs which are capable of handling currents up to 3A.

The universal inputs allow the user the freedom of adjustable response times, upscale or downscale burnout, and up to 100 point linearisation.

Outputs are both analogue and 2 x SPDT relays. The analogue can be re-transmission or isolation, whilst the relays can be control and or alarms with 3A contact rating with delay and deadband adjustments.

Additional features include easy configuration and installation, test terminals are provided to permit input and output signal checks without the need to remove cables.

The trip-amplifier comes in a blackUL94 V0 housing for mounting on TS35 or TS32 Din rail with a 45mm width. Pluggable connectors, allow screw or tension clamp wiring.

Asset management software

AUTOMATION group, Rockwell Automation, has introduced FactoryTalk AssetCentre, a new ‘change management’ software package, which enables users to securely and centrally manage ever-changing process automation production environments.

The software has been designed to streamline asset management, improve plant-floor security and protect intellectual property by securing access to control systems, tracking user actions, managing asset configuration files, configuring process instruments and providing backup and recovery of operating assets.

Featuring a centralised Microsoft SQL server database, the software package is equipped with common base functions, as well as ‘add-on’ options. Base functions include an ‘audit trail’ resource, ‘version control’, ‘scheduling’, ‘notification’ and ‘reporting’ capabilities.

Scalable by design, the program is adaptable to small line applications or site-wide installations. It also allows for easy expansion of asset counts or the addition of feature sets.

Mobile tool storage keeps company on track

BRAD Jones Racing’s major refit of their workshop, team transporter and pit garage incorporate BOSCOTEK™ mobile tool storage cabinets, high density storage modules and roll cabs.

Designed and manufactured with heavy-duty industrial application in mind, the range of mobile tool storage units is manufactured in Australia by Bosco Storage Solutions, an Australian owned company.

Team Manager, Kim Jones, said efficiency, having parts organised and having accessibility to them is very important on a day to day basis for the company to be able to put two V8 Supercars on the grid.

“Boscotek’s mobile tool storage cabinets and high density storage systems make that possible, everything has a place, everything has a division and as a system it works very well,” he said.

The company’s mobile tool storage units are said to be an ideal storage solution where tools and equipment need to be moved between areas.

Flexible configuration options ensure these units are custom-built to meet the specific requirements of the user.

Mobile, economical and flexible, features of the Boscotek mobile tool storage range are:

• Trolleys available in both 500 mm and 1000 mm wide to cater for exact storage requirements

• Ball bearing single extension runners, load capacity at 30 kg per drawer

• Drawer cabinets and cupboards are manufactured from 1.2 mm zinc seal

• Trolley top and base manufactured from 2mm zinc seal

• Flexibility and modular functionality offer the user a multitude of optional combinations

Mobile workstation

LENOVO has recently introduced the ThinkPad W700, a 17-inch widescreen mobile workstation engineered with game-changing technologies and innovations to exceed the demands of the most data and graphics-intensive users.

Featuring a built-in digitiser and colour calibrator, the mobile workstation combines these innovations with first-in market technologies such as new NVIDIA® Quadro FX mobile graphics and supporting next-generation Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme Quad Core processor technology.

Other features include optional dual hard drives with RAID configurations, up to 8 GB of high speed DDR3 memory, a range of wireless connectivity options and excellent multimedia capabilities including an optional Blu-ray DVD burner/player make the ThinkPad W700 mobile workstation the ultimate power and performance mobile workstation.

The mobile workstation also includes WiFi wireless connectivity. Additionally, users can connect to other devices wirelessly using Bluetooth technology.

For more information contact:

Lenovo

www.lenovo.com.au

Sonar transducer for level control

HAWK Measurement Systems, global provider of level, positioning and flow measurement technology, says it has introduced a breakthrough in interface level measurement

The new line of ‘fourth generation’ sonar transducers is designed for improved sensing of interface levels in Clarifiers and especially thickeners. The new sensors offer big improvements in overall power, penetration, and calibration density range.

They provide better capability under high suspended solids loading, ‘sliming’ and generally upset process conditions.

In Municipal water and waste water plants it is important to measure RAS and Floc (Fluff) level in secondary clarifiers, Bed level for primary clarifiers as well as Bed level in Thickeners.

According to the company, the Orca Sonar Interface products can now be used for control and not just monitoring purposes.

Sonar sensors may be used to locate and track layers of differing density within a process tank. The Orca sonar can allow the user to control flocculent dosing, control settling time and control the density of a bed.

The new transducer designs include three to seven sonar crystals mounted in a single head. Each sonar array produces a concentrated sonar beam, providing more emitted power and collecting more returned signals.

PM controller

WATLOW has introduced the newest member of the EZ-ZONE™ Family – the 1/32 and 1/16 DIN Panel Mount EZ-ZONE PM Controller with Integrated Control Loop Functionality.

According to the company, the controller offers solutions to reduce system complexity and lowers the cost of control loop ownership. The EZ-ZONE PM can also be configured in a variety of ways:

· as a discrete PID controller with adaptive tuning,

· as a discrete, agency approved, over/under limit controller, or

· as an integrated control loop solution by combining the PID functionality, over/under limit functionality and high amperage NO-ARC power switching output in a single panel mount package.

Combining these features reduces the required panel space, the cost of wiring and the cost of installing multiple discrete components.

The EZ-ZONE PM controller is highly scalable so the user only pays for what is needed. Buyers can also select from a variety of industrial communication protocols including Modbus. EIA 485, EIA 232, Modbus. TCP or EtherNet/IP™ to remotely configure, manage and monitor the system’s performance.

Every EZ-ZONE comes standard with an EZ-KEY, which enables simple, one-touch operation of user defined, repetitive activities. Other options include load current measuring capability, a remote set point input, ramp soak programming capability and control variable retransmission.

Applications

· Plastics processing

· Packaging

· Environmental chambers

· Semiconductor processing

· Analytical instrumentation

· General equipment use

Critical communication system for industrial applications

CRITICAL communications specialist Adtec Communications has released the ADTEC Linked Emergency Response Telephone System (ALERTS) to the manufacturing and industrial markets. ALERTS is a fully automated critical communication system.

Designed to be extremely flexible, it can be easily configured, making it ideal for any manufacturing, industrial or factory plant that requires fast, simple and immediate alerting, notification or messaging of key personnel.

According to Jeremy Sharp, Director of Adtec Communications, ALERTS lets users reach individuals in seconds regardless of where they are located in the event of an emergency.

“Although plants take every precaution to avoid chemical spills, fires, and other dangerous events, accidents do happen. To protect your people and assets you need to be able to notify and alert your emergency team immediately.

“ALERTS lets you do this. You can contact your key emergency people instantly so that you can effectively deal with the situation,” Sharp explained.

The critical communication system has been designed to be highly flexible and supports multiple communication networks and various hand-held equipment from mobiles, pagers and PDA’s to laptops and desktop computers.

Once initiated, ALERTS can connect you with numerous people simultaneously and allows you to communicate via voice and data applications.

Team members can have many contact numbers and multiple conferences can be held at the same time to ensure the flow of real-time information and rapid, effective emergency response deployment.

The company says the systems is also easy to implement and use.

At the touch of a button the emergency response team can be mobilised quickly and effectively 24 x 7.

But perhaps the most unique aspect of the system Sharp said is that it is one of the few critical communication solutions on the market that can be tailored to the specific needs of a plant or factory.

“ALERTS uses the most advanced and reliable technology in the world.

“It has been designed to provide maximum versatility and is fully scalable and flexible, any combination of functions can be configured to meet the specific emergency needs of your operation.”

The system is currently being deployed by the police force, fire brigade and other rescue services, public utilities, health services and corporations.

“Given the increasing importance being placed on OH&S issues in plants and factories it is timely that a product such as ALERTS was made available to the manufacturing and industrial markets,” Sharp said.

Electric motor monitor

ELECTRIC motors are utilised in the production of almost every product able to be purchased and yet, international research bodies calculate that “over 50% of drive-power energy could be saved if motors and drive systems became more efficient.”

To satisfy the growing demand for increased productivity and reduced CO2 emissions, governments from all corners of the globe have identified, not only the need for improved energy efficiency, but also the barriers that sometimes hold companies back from investing in new technology.

According to Control Supplies, a product called Powerboss is the intelligent answer.

Designed to adjust power to a motor as its load changes, it constantly monitors the motor’s load and calculates the exact amount of power required at any time – reducing the amount of electricity used, increasing the life-span of motors, reducing maintenance requirements and reducing the amount of Carbon Dioxide produced.

Ergonomic chairs and stools

VIRTUALLY every industrial business in Australia has a sizeable administration component, so personnel readily end up spending at least eight hours a day working in front of an office terminal or at a desk.

To counteract this potential occupational health and safety problem, workplace ergonomics specialist Actisafe has released the Actiwork range of chairs and stools.

This range provides various solutions to ensure workers experience the comfort levels and safety expected by workplace authorities.

According to the company, it provides chairs in many different combinations including castors or glides, and various heights of stools and chairs.

For long-lasting life and ongoing reliability, each piece of equipment is made with metal frames, gas strut systems and polyurethane seats.

The chairs and stools have been designed to add significant surface area to reduce the amount of seated pressure for all office personnel in the Australian workplace.

For more information, please contact Actisafe on 1300 852 397.

New remote control software for inkjet printers

THE NEW remote control software for Hitachi PXR series inkjet printers, PXRView 5, is designed to provide production control offices with interference-proof, central networking control of up to sixteen Hitachi printers used in production line coding applications.

The software has been designed to eliminate expensive no code/wrong code errors that can occur when printers have to be set up individually by various plant operators.

The printing tasks can be set up via any networked PC using Windows platforms.

The Hitachi PXRView 5 software adapts to ERP, MRP systems and other enterprise database standards and has powerful features including security password access; the ability to remotely create and print messages for one printer or groups of printers and to indicate by means of ‘status windows’ displayed on the production control computer, the status of all printers.

Further flexibility is provided by the ability to create logos, foreign language characters and other patterns from bitmaps, jpgs, etc; the ability to select from over 80 commonly used patterns; Hitachi PXRView 5 is one application from a suite of PCM Package Code Management products available from Visy Technology Systems.

Colour machine vision software

DALSA has released its iNspect 1.6 machine vision software with support for colour processing, along with many other tool enhancements.

Fully configurable machine vision software and vision package.

These new features broaden the application reach of iNspect without compromising its trademark ease-of-use.

iNspect is a simple fully configurable machine vision software and vision package designed for plant operators, factory personnel and systems integrators.

iNspect offers a wide range of tools for many machine vision applications including measurement and gauging, label inspection, defect analysis, 1D and 2D barcodes, pattern tools, optical character recognition and much more.

iNspect software comes installed as standard on Dalsa iPD Vision Appliances which are robust industrial devices for automated inspection. The new version iNspect 1.6 will initially be available on only two platforms, the standard VA61 and a modified VA31.

Both of these platforms provide GigE ports for interfacing colour GigE cameras. The VA61 is preferred as it provides multiple GigE ports that make it easier to interface camera and network resources.

Dalsa iPD Vision Appliances provide end-users and system integrators with a high performance, easy-to-use, cost effective and compact machine vision systems for single or multiple camera machine vision inspections.

Dalsa iPD Vision Appliances were developed with two primary vision requirements in mind: power, and ease-of-use.

Adept Electronic Solutions 08 9242 5411.

www.adept.net.au

Wireless testing developer’s kit

BANNER Engineering’s SureCross DX70 wireless developer’s kit consists of a gateway and one node transceiver to enable on-site wireless testing.

SureCross DX70 ready to use, self-contained kit.

The ready to use, self-contained kit provides battery boxes with test buttons and indicator lights simulating inputs and outputs to determine an application’s specific range and response time requirements.

The kit also contains three white papers covering basic radio, network and antenna theory.

This educational information provides an overview of the technology behind SureCross, a rugged wireless solution delivering I/O across ranges up to three miles away for remote installations, as well as solving a wide variety of cumbersome or difficult-to-access applications.

The SureCross Network employs a node transceiver to gather information, which is then concentrated at the gateway system controller.

The network’s bidirectional communication capabilities facilitate robust monitoring and control, while its frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) protocol and time division multiple access (TDMA) technology ensure dependable, secure communications.

With the SureCross DX70 kit, users can test signal strength, range, I/O types and response times at various locations and conditions within their unique environments.

In addition, several features make it particularly easy to set up and use:

* Offers gateway and node transceiver to start on-site wireless testing;

* Uses onboard signal strength capabilities to determine specific range and response time requirements;

* Features ready to use, self-contained equipment;

* Includes battery boxes with test buttons and indicator lights to simulate inputs and outputs;

* Provides detailed information about SureCross Wireless technology.

To learn more about the SureCross Wireless Developer’s Kit, view www.surecross.com/devkit.

Micromax 1800 634 766.

www.micromax.com.au

XTX form factor embedded board

INTERWORLD Electronics has released the XTX-945-A10 XTX form factor processor module from Aaeon. XTX is an expansion and continuation of the highly successful ETX standard.

The XTX board offers the latest I/O technologies.

XTX offers the newest I/O technologies on this proven form factor. XTX replaces the ISA bus X2 connector with serial high speed PCI Express and Serial ATA buses.

All other signals found on connectors X1, X3, and X4 remain the same in accordance to the ETX standard (Rev. 2.7) and therefore will be completely compatible.

The XTX-945-A10 features support for Intel Core 2 Duo (Merom)/ Core Duo/ Core Solo/ Celeron M (Yonah) processors and one 200-pin DDRII 400/533/667MHz SODIM with up to 2GB memory.

Based on the Intel 945GME+ ICH7-M chipsets the XTX-945-A10 provides four PCI-Express(x1), four 32-bit PCI, one LPC bus, one SMBus and one I2C interface.

In Addition the Intel 945GME with 224MB of share memory provides support for CRT, 24-bit dual-channel LVDS LCD graphics, NTSC/ PAL/ HDTV, S-Video and composite video outputs. In addition, one SDVO (serial digital video out) port is available for video expansion.

When combined with the ECB-910M-A10 carrier board the XTX-945-A10 provides a complete embedded computer system supporting the latest I/O and expansion technologies.

Interworld Electronics 03 9593 7555.

www.ieci.com.au

Air cylinders

THE ASR and ASQ Air Saving Valves have been designed to easily reduce the retract or extend (idling stroke) operating pressure without having to alter the control circuitry.

The air saving valves are installed in place of the existing fittings and flow control valves.

The design of the air saving valves provides a number of functions and can provide faster cylinder operation, at the lower pressure.

In addition the valves will remove the jerk normally associated with low pressure operation through a fast charge feature.

Available in a variety of sizes and flowrates the ASR and ASQ valves can be easily fitted to existing installed cylinders in minutes, and should require no changes to the existing plumbing arrangement.

SMC Pneumatics (Australia)

P – 1800 PNEUMATICS

W – www.smcaus.com.au

High density storage cabinets

ACTISTOR cabinets and drawer systems have been designed for general industrial applications, the machining industry, tool making sector, or any type of spare parts industry that is trying to save space.

Supplied throughout Australia by ergonomic product specialist Actisafe, products in this line are customisable cabinets that allow organisation and storage of various materials and objects.

The cabinets are expected to tidy and improve the safety of all workplaces. They are also of very strong construction with a durable powder coating for extended wear.

They are configurable and allow colour choice according to requirements in all industries (although blue is the standard colour).

While the drawers form the main part of Actistor’s product line, these drawers can be utilised in a variety of settings: in drawer cupboards, trolleys or Actistor’s modular shelving range — the Epsilon shelving system. Actistor drawer units are supplied a variety of sizes.

Constructed from sheet metal, the chests can be filled with any combination of drawers at the height indicated for each model. The chests are able to the fastened to the ground or wall, so this ensures the drawer units do not overturn.

A security locking bar allows the simultaneous locking of all the drawers while allowing for individual drawers to be opened.

Drawers are made of strengthened and shaped sheet steel. These slide and guide a ball bearing, providing extremely smooth movement.

Handles feature label holders and side protection. Drawer heights vary in multiples of 25 mm. A wide range of options for the division of drawers means that the drawer space is used to its capacity.

For more information, please contact:

Actisafe

1300 852 397

New end mill series

THE solid carbide end mill series PROTOSTAR Tough Guys is ideally suited for high-performance machining of alloyed and hardened steel grades up to 63 HRC.

According to the company, this makes the milling cutters ideal for general mechanical engineering applications, for tool and mould building and the aerospace industry.

Uneven division of the cutting edges makes for smooth running and minimal spindle loads, while 50° helixes ensure trouble-free production and outstanding process reliability.

Designed with different depths of flute and deep chip spaces, these solid carbide end mills offer impressive performance figures due to their high stock removal rate/high machining output coupled with excellent tool stability.

The tools, which enjoy particularly widespread use for slot and pocket milling, are available in two different variants. Variant 1 is suitable for steels up to 48 HRC, while variant 2 cuts steels of up to 63 HRC and is also suitable for dry machining.

For more information contact:

Walter Tools

W – www.walter-tools.com

High integrity dodge bearings

A NEW range of industry-standard, SN-dimensioned mounted bearings from Baldor includes value-added lubrication and strengthening features.

In conjunction with an exceptional choice of seal options, the Dodge SNX housing series offers machine and automation builders with high integrity solutions for outstanding performance in long lifecycle and harsh environment applications.

Dodge SNX housings are dimensionally interchangeable with SN housings from other bearing manufacturers, and are available in 200, 300, 500 and 600 series, covering shaft sizes from 40 to 175 mm.

They accept spherical bearings, and also double row ball bearings, and can be specified with a wide range of seals to suit the application.

Seal choices include double lip, felt, V-ring, labyrinth, triple tect, and end cover — making it easy to optimise a bearing for particular applications and operating environments.

Baldor has incorporated a number of features to enhance performance and reliability compared with some other SN compatible housings on the market.

The base of the SNX’s cast iron housing has been strengthened. Coupled with the standard four-bolt cap, this increases shock load resistance.

SNX bearings may be used without modification with either grease or oil lubrication, and come with two drilled and tapped lubrication holes in the cap, and two drain holes in the base. Some alternatives provide only single holes.

A large capacity oil sump further aids cool running in high speed applications. Oil return slots are cast into the seal groove, and there is an oil equalisation passage connecting the sides of the bearing. An oil sight gauge, and vent plug can be fitted as options.

For more information contact:

Baldor Australia

P – 1300 225 367

W – www.baldor.com.au

Flowmeter with innovative electronics

GLOBAL power and automation technology group ABB has announced the release of the new Variable Area Master FAM540. The FAM540 series is based on a modular system offering flowmeters with a simple indicator or including an advanced electronic transmitter.

The combination of the various models with the different indicators provides suitable flow solutions for each application.

The display delivers outstanding advantages like the simultaneous indication of flow and counter, the user-friendly menu-driven operation in clear text, the configurable switching output as well as the self-testing functionality for the simplified commissioning.

All indicators have an excellent instrument read out because the needle’s vibrations are substantially minimized. The comfortable operation via the graphical display allows a simple adjustment to changing operating conditions.

Externally the new instrument generation is immediately noticeable by the greatly improved readability of the display with the 4 button operator keypad and new Ex-approvals.

Hidden behind these features is the ABB philosophy, to offer the user instrumentation products which provide a common and up-to-date interface for operating their pressure and temperature instruments as well as their flowmeters.

The intuitive operation is readily comparable to modern cell phones. The user can easily configure the flowmeter at the meter site without resorting to any written instructions. This opens up the ability to adapt the instrument at the site for the specific application needs, such as changes in the operating conditions; fluid density, temperature and/or pressure.

The function assigned to the integrated contact output (alarm status, pulse output) is controlled from the software.

The instantaneous flowrate and the totalizer values are simultaneously indicated on the 4-line graphic display. Instruments without a display, but with a current output, can be configured using HART Communication on a Handheld or DTM.

The proven advantages of the previous FAM5400 models including application based flow features (Multifloat-System), which regularly apply swirl reduction for damping the indicator noise or the wide temperature range limits remain intact.

The use of variable area flowmeters in industrial process measurement has been established for more than 70 years.

Their measuring principle is both technically mature and cost-effective. They feature an amazing design variety and high reproducibility and do not require an external power supply for measured value indication on site. As a result, they are the appropriate solution for almost all applications involving the measurement of liquids, gases or steam.

The FAM540 Variable Area Flowmeter is suitable for all the common applications in all industry sectors.

For more information contact:

ABB Australia

www.abbaustralia.com.au