Low level access platform from DeltaDeck

For those maintenance tasks and finishing trades, BetaGuard has come up with DeltaDeck 250, a low level access work platform.

BetaGuard specialises in providing collective protection for safe working at low level heights limiting the risk of fall while working a at a maximum working reach of three metres.

The DeltaDeck 250 low level access work platform is one complete unit that can be assembles and dismantled in less than one minute by one person, allowing easy transportation and storage. It fits into a car boot.

It is ideal for those wanting flexibility when working at lower heights.

With multiple working heights (with a maximum of 870mm) to choose from, it is suitable for many finishing trades and maintenance tasks as it offers a fully integrated guard rail system.

It is light weight and is a mobile piece of equipment, and offers a safer alternative to ladders. Weighing 25 kilograms, it stretches to a height of 310mm, width of 730mm and length of 1,120mm. It has a safe working load of 200 kilograms and stretches to variable platform heights including 450mm, 530mm, 600mm, 730mm and a maximum of 870mm.

The DeltaDeck250 is manufactured under a BS ISO 9001 approved Quality System and complies with the stringent load safety factor requirements of BS EN 1004.

Turck Overmoulded Valve Plug Cordsets for harsh environments

Turck’s new overmoulded valve plug cordsets come with a unique design offers a full cordset alternative to traditional field wireable connectors.

Traditional field wireable connectors increase the chance of mis-wiring and labour costs are high. Unlike traditional field wireable connectors, the new overmoulded valve plug cordsets do not need assembling or hand wiring before use.

The cordsets provide a completely assembled solution that is 100 per cent factory tested and ready to use for fast, easy implementation.

The cordsets include a translucent moulding material with embedded, bright LEDs for superior visibility for power indication from any angle with black, grey, yellow and clear colouring options for diverse applications.

Overmoulded valve plug cordsets conform to the new EN 17 5301-803 standard for electrical connectors, replacing DIN 43650.

They also service hydraulic and pneumatic solenoid valves as well as pressure sensors.

They also meet NEMA 1, 3, 4, 6P and IEC IP67 standards. Solenoid valves control the flow of gas or liquid in cylinders, fluid power motors or larger industrial valves.

Uses for this new product include oil and gas refineries, water treatment facilities, chemical and petro chemicals, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical.

Turck I/O system’s new gateway for serial Modbus communication

Turck has expanded its BL20 I/O system with a new gateway for serial Modbus communication.

It combines multiple series Modbus standards in one gateway.

BL20 is a new system for remotely collecting I/O signals. While I/O signals used to be brought back to a single large cabinet, modern distributed I/O approach is to use multiple cabinets placed near the I/O that they control. The BL20 is designed for this approach.

It has three parts: the gateway, the base and the electronic module. The gateway is the connection to the I/O network and is available in DeviceNet, Profibus-DP, CANopen and Ethernet.

The electronic modules are available in a variety of I/O signal types and counts while the bases provide a complete set of connections for field devices.

They also distribute, fuse and monitor local power distribution to save time, space and money compared to traditional PLC I/O. They are available in screw terminal or cage clamps.

The gateway supports both the Modbus RTU and the ASCII protocol. The user can also choose between either RS485 or RS232 for the physical interface.

Push-in terminals for connecting the fieldbus and power supply cables directly eliminate the need for any time-consuming preparation of the typical 9-pin SUB-D connectors.

The baud rate, address assignment, bus termination, and RS 232/RS485 can be set on the gateway using the DIP switches. Other functions such as ASCII mode and other baud rates can be configured using FDT/DTM with Pactware.

A mini-USB port can be used as a service interface.

Embedded in the Banner DX80 wireless system from the TURCK portfolio, the new gateway makes it possible to implement cable-free Modbus RTU communication.

The extended temperature range from -25 to 60ºC allows the gateway to be used in outdoor control cabinets.

The electronics are coated with a protective lacquer to provide protection from condensation. Up to 32 I/O modules can be connected to the compact IP20 gateways, and the BL modules can be used for connecting RFID read/write heads.

Users can arrange the same electronics modules in different fieldbus systems.

New generation Digital Belt Tension Meter SM5

PIES Australia is proud to introduce the new generation Digital Belt Tension Meter SM5. The new SM5 will replace our SM4 model which has since been discontinued.

With the new SM5 you will experience a better and easier use in comparison to th SM4 model:
            – LCD display with backlight
            – Indicator which indicates the lifetime of the battery
            – Beam of light indicating the direction of the positioning of the measurement
            – Optimized measurement distance (from 2-5 cm between the sensor an belt
            – The SM5 model is highly ergonomic

Caps Australia introduces Drain-All 1700 auto drain system

Leading compressed air and power solutions company, Caps Australia introduces the Drain-All 1700 to its large range of air treatment products.

Drain-All 1700 is a range of auto drain products specially designed to remove condensate from compressed air systems. Featuring a robust and reliable construction, Drain-All 1700 can handle pressures up to 11.72 barg and liquid temperatures up to 76°C.

The Drain-All 1700 auto drain system is built to withstand highly demanding applications, weighing approximately 10kg and incorporating very few moving parts to ensure minimal maintenance requirements.

William Chan, Gas and Special Projects Manager for Caps Australia explains that the goal of condensate drains is to remove condensate from pressurised air systems safely and in an environmentally responsible manner, which is efficiently met by the 1700.

The green credentials of the Drain-All 1700 auto drain system come from its completely pneumatic design that eliminates the need for electricity and can be easily installed using simple piping connections at any point in a system including remote locations, hard to reach points where energy isn’t available, or areas at risk of explosion.

Chan adds that the 1700’s automatic air operation works to minimise blow down and reduce wasted expensive system pressure. Additionally, each individual trap is activated only when required according to the needs of the air compressor system, which means that users will not have to adjust any timers after installation.

Caps Australia offers a full range of Drain-All auto drain products suitable for corrosion condensate, high pressure (up to 82barg), high temperature (up to 175°C) and vacuum applications.

WB61 Tape Extension Sensor

Automated Control Engineering and ASM have launched the new WB61 Tape Extension Sensor that provides up to 400 millimetres in measuring length in a compact, industrial housing.

ASM Tape Extension Sensors have been designed to suit harsh conditions, apt for installation on cranes, excavators, forklifts and access platforms.

Due to the design of the sensor and the strength of the stainless steel tape, the WB61 range of sensors can be used in tough environments and upon difficult applications.

Use of pulleys will not affect the life of the tape extension sensors, making it ideal for areas where safety is top priority like crane operations.

The durability of the extension tape allows for use in hard-to-access areas where directional changing pulleys or in environments with extreme temperatures which may cause problems like icing.

The sensor comes with quality moulded housing manufactured from composite and stainless steel components for lower construction expenses for a rugged sensor that meets the sealing level of IP67/69K, with a mating connector.

It comes with a choice of three analogue and three digital outputs, and a linearity of +/- 0.10 per cent with the option of redundant outputs (SSI, CANopen or CAN J1939). The analogue output comes with a Connector M12, 5 pin while the digital output comes with a Connector M12, 8 pin.

The sensing device is a magnetic absolute encoder. Plastic and stainless steel is used in the product, with a stainless steel tape that is 10 millimetres wide and 0.08 millimetres thick.

Automated Control Pty Ltd

(02) 4964 4022

sales@automatedcontrol.com.au

 

Save energy consumption and cut the cost of power

Hales Australia is a national company traditionally specialising in tooling  components, now appointed official distributors of Unitherm International, the manufacturer of Unitvest (ceramic fiber).

Any process required to retain heat or cooling can benefit from this product.

The purpose made long lasting insulation blankets can be applied to many processes to reduce  energy loss  from surface areas, that in turn offer a significant reduction in energy costs over a short period of time.  Univest blankets also offer added OH&S benefits against exposed hot surfaces and reduction power to reduce factory air temperature.

Some processes using this product include, Hose and Pipe, Hydraulic lines, water pumps, moulding machines, engines, exhaust systems etc

For a no obligation quote  contact your local Hales Office on 1300 660 854.

Combilift Straddle Carrier

The Combilift Straddle Carrier is a cost effective and flexible container handling solution. It offers complete independence and flexibility when moving containers and similar oversized products on a site.

Users can position the container wherever they require for efficient stuffing and destuffing. It takes just three minutes to load a container from the ground onto a vehicle and it reduces on-site congestion for a safer working environment.

It has a 35-tonne capacity and is diesel powered with LP gas engine option. It comes with synchronised hydraulic steering and a 2-wheel hydrostatic drive. The super elastic/solid soft tyres allow for operation in harsh weather conditions.

It comes with front and rear independent side shift and is suitable for all standard ISO containers.

It has a low level operator cab with excellent 360º visibility from the driver position. It eliminates trailers waiting to be loaded and unloaded.

Optional extras include air conditioning and a fully enclosed cabin. Overall dimensions can be customised to handle non-ISO containers.

The Carrier has lower ground pressure when fully loaded than reach stackers or container handling forklifts, making it ideal for operations on poor, uneven surfaces like railway tracks.

Peltor Oratac In-Ear System

3M’s Peltor OraTac In-Ear system has lightweight hearing protection with ambient, tactical listening. Users can communicate via two-way radios in high noise areas without needing a boom microphone.

With the tactical function mode users can hear conversations, vehicles, warning signal and alarms, while protecting them from sudden impact and other hazardous sounds.

Since the OraTac fits in the ear, it can easily be worn with other personal protective equipment like the full face mask, hard hats, eyewear and powered and supplied air respiratory protection.

It is designed for high noise/high heat duties like manufacturing, smelting and mining.

The OraTac also includes a push-to-talk adapter and a disconnect cable. The cable connects to individual two-way radios and can be changed when a new radio is purchased without replacing the whole system.

For more information visit www.3m.com.au/ppesafety or call 136 136.

Mitsubishi Grendia forklift

MLA Holdings has introduced the Mitsubishi Grendia for greater benefits to the planet, and the operator and the employer.

Grendia offers forklift users a choice of diesel/dual fuel engines and electronically controlled gasoline engine that complies with all 2007 emission standards.

The forklift is equipped with features like Integrated Presence System (IPS), neutral safety, high-mounted rear combi lamp and clear all-round visibility, all of which are within the basic price of the truck.

For driver comfort, there is a floating power train with Mitsubishi Powershift transmission, which delivers power and gradeability with minimum noise and vibration.

Other features include a suspension seat with a hip support mechanism, acrylic roof for comfortable operation in outdoor conditions, and a fully hydraulic power steering fitted with steering synchroniser. This automatically matches the rear wheel angle to the steering wheel.

It is an economic forklift with low overall running cost. They are built to last, with the frame, body, mast and even the smallest bearing designed to resist damage. It uses maintenance-free gears instead of belts.

The Grendia comes in a range of 1.0-3.5 ton machines.

For more information visit mlaholdings.com.au

Space saving pallets

 

Cabka-IPS, a manufacturer of sustainable pallets, has released a new range of space saving pallets.
The new size 1140 x 1140 mm (Nest C5.2), augmenting the existing pallets in size 1100 x 1100 mm Nest C5. 
The large Nest C5.2, is available as a nestable pallet with nine feet or in a version with six clip-on runners. 
This pallet is a space-saver: 15 empty pallets stack to a height of just one meter. 
This permits dense storage and economical transport of empties. 
The result is lower shipping costs and reduced CO2 emissions.
The new pallets also save space when they are in service. 
The Nest C5.2 makes optimal use of the space in an ISO container (2320 mm inside width): two pallets fit side by side. 
Five can be lined up in a 20-foot container (5710 mm inside length) and ten in a 40-foot container (12 40 mm inside length). 
Thus the pallets fit snugly in containers of both lengths, whereas other pallets often require additional packing material. 
Die Nest C5.2 is very easy to handle. 
Its square base allows fork lifts to pick it up from any side. 
Workers have no trouble moving it by hand, because it weighs only 12.5 kg when empty. The weight-to-load ratio is high, with the pallet coping with static loads of up to 4000 kg and dynamic loads of up to 1500 kg. 
The pallet is available with or without a closed top deck.
 
Cabka IPS
www.cabka.com

 

Varitector Logger 30

Weidmuller has released its Varitector Logger 30, which registers and documents large current pulses and the frequency and time of the incidents.

The plug and play Varitector Logger 30 counts the current pulses greater than a set threshold value, which are discharged by PE conductors on surge protection devices.

Any lightening strike and surge voltage are continuously recorded and each measurement is issued with a time stamp accurate to the hour. Both the time and the date of the occurrence are recorded.

It also features an external sensor with a ferrite toroid for accurate measurements of currents. Clipped to the earth cable, it detects current peaks on the PE conductor, from events such as a lightening strike.

The data and time documentation means users can document incidents to determine the cause of the surge. It comes with large memory space for comprehensive data collection.

A two-line LCD display provides easy visualisation of current/incident data. Buttons on the device allow users to navigate through the menus easily.

The Logger 30 has a standard internal CR123A replaceable 3-V battery with at least a four-year service life. This means the device can be connected to the mains at all times.

It has an operating temperature range between -20º and +60º. It has a V-0 flammability rating in accordance with UL94 and meets EN62561-6 and VDE 0185-561-6 standards.

For more information call 1900 739 988 or e-mail info@weidmuller.com.au

Faster, more flexible MapleSim offers increased support for advanced model development and analysis

MAPLESOFT has announced a new release of MapleSim, its system-level modelling and simulation platform. With improved performance, more tools for programmatic analysis and model development, and expanded connectivity options, MapleSim 6.1 helps engineers meet and exceed system-level requirements.

The company claims that MapleSim dramatically reduces model development and analysis time while producing fast, high-fidelity simulations. In MapleSim 6.1, improvements to the simulation engine mean that MapleSim produces its quickest simulations. Also, MapleSim Application Programming Interface (API), a collection of procedures for manipulating, simulating, and analysing a MapleSim model in the Maple document environment, has been expanded to provide more flexibility for model creation and analysis.

Other improvements include expanded connectivity options with the new MapleSim Connector for JMAG-RT, enhanced support for Modelica, and a new transparency option for the visualisation of multi-body objects allowing engineers to add additional visual context to their models. MapleSim 6.1 is fully compatible with Maple 17.

“Advanced projects require advanced tools, and our customers appreciate the open, ‘white-box’ modelling environment of MapleSim that gives them immense control over their modeling and analysis,” said Dr Laurent Bernardin, executive vice-president and chief scientist at Maplesoft. “MapleSim is a vital component of the toolchain for many organizations, and with the new features in MapleSim 6.1, it’s even easier for customers to perform the analyses they want and get the results they need, fast.”

MapleSim 6.1 is available in both English and Japanese.

Safer robotics reducing manufacturing’s labour costs

Cheap imports coupled with Australia’s high labour costs and dollar has resulted in a downturn in the manufacturing sector.

Today one of the industry’s biggest challenges is to remain competitive and with automation and robotic technology getting cheaper this challenge is becoming easier to tackle.

The lower cost of robotic technology is also making it easier for Aussie manufacturers to justify as the return on investment is becoming increasingly attractive.

The improved development of smart robotics and machine vision systems has also made the light work of once difficult applications.

One company driving the charge towards improving Australia’s manufacturing prospects is Apex Automation and Robotics through the development of Gantry Robots.

The Sydney based company specialises in the design and manufacture of automation machines and robotic systems for a range of industries including plastics, foods, metal manufacturing and consumer products.

In a recent turnkey project for a contract filling company, Apex developed a Gantry Robot for the palletisation of plastic bottles.  The robot runs across three blow moulding machines producing different products, palletising one row at a time on a first-in, first-served principle.

The system includes three accumulation conveyors and when a row of bottles is ready it is separated and presented to the robot for palletising.

The robot head consists of a custom-designed gripper that can handle different products coming from different machines, as well as load the layer pads.

Recognising that safety on the factory floor is a key concern for manufacturers, Apex designed the robot to be completely guarded with perimeter fencing and light curtains which allow for safe access. The safety circuit also includes redundancy and safety monitoring devices in accordance to the relevant Australian standards.

This particular Gantry Robot is compact in design, can handle a wide range of products including unstable bottles with small bases and is able to be expanded for future product lines with an operator friendly touch screen, making adding new products a simple process.

The Gantry Robot is the latest addition to the company’s automation solutions and is already delivering labour cost reductions and improved site safety.

Pedestrian pallet trucks

Yale has launched new pedestrian pallet trucks design to offer greater comfort and ease of operation.

Dubbed the Yale MP20, they are built offering a choice of 1125 or 1173mm long forks, with a 670mm fork spread and a 2000kg load capacity.

Yale’s MP20 pedestrian pallet trucks incorporate clever design features which enhance ease of use and operator comfort.

These include an impact-resistant, ergonomically designed mid-mount control handle with cushioned return spring plus a large, turn-table steel bearing for improved manoeuvrability with reduced steering effort.

Performance is also enhanced by a short tilt control arm which delivers a tight turning radius, while cost of ownership is reduced due to low-maintenance brushless AC traction control and the tough and durable new frame design. Yale MP20 Pedestrian Pallet Trucks are ideal for use in applications including logistics operations, intensive vehicle and trailer charging and discharging, cross docking and horizontal transport over medium to long distances, order picking and production line feed in temperatures ranging from 0 to 49°C.

Yale is a division of the NACCO Material Handling Group.

Series IEFS insertion electromagnetic flow sensors from Dwyer Instruments

Dwyer Instruments introduces its new Series IEFS insertion electromagnetic flow sensors. Dwyer Instruments is a preferred source for a complete range of practical and affordable instrumentation.

Available in brass or stainless steel, Series IEFS insertion electromagnetic flow sensors can handle a wide range of pressures and temperatures as well as a variety of available saddle fittings to fit pipe sizes 3” to 24”.

The IEFS-3X and IEFS-4X insertion mag meters have isolation valves to allow hot-tap installation and optional stainless steel construction. Additional options for the flow meters include adapter fittings and a reverse flow output.

Series IEFS insertion electromagnetic flow sensors are ideal for ‘dirty’ water applications or any application where moving parts may be an issue.

New Noshok digital temperature indicators from AMS Instrumentation and Calibration

AMS Instrumentation and Calibration introduces a new range of digital temperature indicators from Noshok to their temperature measurement solutions.

Backed by a 3-year warranty, Noshok’s new 820/821 Series digital temperature indicators are an ideal replacement for bimetal, liquid bulb and glass thermometers in applications including pharmaceutical, food preparation, utilities and municipal, refineries, chemical and petrochemical plants as well as paper mills and hydraulics among others.

Noshok’s 820/821 Series digital temperature indicators feature an all 316 stainless steel construction and come with various mounting options for easy installation.

Key features of Noshok 820/821 Series digital temperature indicators:

  • Large 4-digit LED display
  • Field re-programmable with optional PC interface module and software
  • Software includes a security feature to prevent accidental re-programming
  • 4 mA to 20 mA programmable linearized output signal
  • Self-calibration feature for accurate and stable performance
  • Optional fully programmable switch output; relay or transistor
  • PT100 Ω RTD Class A element for temperature sensing
  • M12 x 1 (5-pin) plug or 36” integral cable electrical connection
  • IP 65/ NEMA 4 rated environmental protection

Ircon announces enhancements for new Modline 7 infrared thermometers

World-leading provider of infrared (IR) noncontact temperature measurement solutions, Ircon has introduced the new 7V Series of infrared sensors to the Modline 7 thermometer range.

Designed for the semiconductor industry, the new models are one of eight in a series launched by Ircon earlier this year. The Modline 7 thermometers are used in a wide range of industrial applications, including semiconductor manufacturing, metals processing, furnace refractory, primary and secondary glass, as well as plastics thermoforming.

Combined with Ircon ModView Pro software and an extended 5-year warranty, the Modline 7 infrared thermometers provide best-in-class solutions for demanding industrial environments. The new PROC-7 processor box allows full sensor operation through a push button panel and is part of a full line of accessories offered for the Modline 7 series thermometers.

Sensor setup and monitoring can be accomplished from the rear panel of the instrument or from the ModView Pro software, allowing for remote PC-based sensor configuration, temperature monitoring, trending and archiving via an intuitive graphical user interface.

Key features of Modline Active 7 Series infrared thermometers:

  • Rugged, IP65 (NEMA 4) sealed sensor system, flexible to meet nearly any continuous temperature monitoring and control requirement
  • Exceptional versatility with extended temperature ranges (-40°C to 3000°C), high-resolution optics and fast response times
  • Sensing head operates as a standalone sensor, providing simultaneous analogue and digital outputs of process temperatures
  • Motorised focus control, and through-the-lens and laser sighting standard on all units
  • Intuitive sensor design features integral water-cooling in a stainless steel enclosure
  • High-temperature water jacket with integrated air purge capability reduces installation and setup time
  • Optional air purge collar accessory enables the lens to be cooled and kept free of debris in hot dusty environments
  • Standardised installation accessories and common Windows ModView Pro software platform minimise multiple product configurations at user facility
  • Uses high-speed digital signal processors with RS-485 serial data communications networking capability that supports up to 32 sensors
  • ModView Pro software included at no additional cost

Modline Active 7 Series infrared thermometers are available from Active Instrument Services.

Mettler Toledo ICS5 compact scales with coloured displays prove value in checkweighing

The ICS5 compact scales from Mettler Toledo featuring colorWeight coloured displays assist operators through better speed and error-free operation in checkweighing applications.

Manufacturers that use checkweighing as a solution for completeness control have fewer missing components and incomplete packages. Completeness checks ensure businesses provide their customers with the exact quantity of product they have ordered, ensuring customer satisfaction while optimising the production process. However, manual checkweighing processes that require operators to read digits to check completeness may cause errors.

The ICS5 compact checkweighing scales from Mettler Toledo with a colorWeight coloured display help operators avoid these errors. The colorWeight display shows a green light when weight is in specification, and a red light when it is not, leaving nothing to the operator’s interpretation, and resulting in quick acceptance or rejection of the weight.

A new online simulation offers a trial of the colorWeight technology, indicating how much time a business could be saving during the checkweighing process by using this technology. Additionally, a value calculator demonstrates how much manufacturers could improve throughput with the use of a compact scale with colorWeight display.

Agilent Technologies introduces high-definition oscilloscopes with class-leading bandwidth and memory

Agilent Technologies introduces a new range of high-definition oscilloscopes featuring class-leading bandwidth and memory.

The new Infiniium 9000 H-Series high-definition oscilloscopes are available in bandwidths of 250 MHz, 500 MHz, 1 GHz and 2 GHz, offering up to 12-bit vertical resolution, which represents 16 times the quantization levels of traditional oscilloscopes with 8 bits of resolution. These scopes also include the industry's deepest standard memory (up to 100 Mpts per channel).

Noise is often the biggest impediment to getting an accurate measurement when viewing small signals. Using a combination of hyper sampling and linear noise-reduction technology, the 9000 H-Series provides noise levels three times lower than traditional 8-bit oscilloscopes, enabling users to view and resolve small signals not possible with 8-bit oscilloscopes.

Agilent has also developed a new series of low-noise probes specifically designed to allow engineers to view and analyse small-current signals without the measurement noise induced by conventional probing systems.

The new N2820A and N2821A AC/DC current probes offer industry-leading sensitivity, going all the way down to 50 uA, with a maximum current range of 5 A. These probes work in cooperation with the new oscilloscopes to offer sensitive current measurements. The higher sensitivity is especially useful for measuring current consumption of battery-powered mobile devices or integrated circuits.

The 9000 H-Series oscilloscope with the N2820A and N2821A current probes are specially engineered to make high-dynamic-range, high-sensitivity measurements to meet today's challenging current measurement needs.

The N2820A current probe interface uses a make-before-break connector, offering easy and reliable connecting and disconnecting without interrupting the circuit under test across multiple locations on the target board.

The Agilent 9000 H-Series provides standard memory of up to 100 million points per channel, which can be upgraded to 500 million points per channel to acquire longer windows of time while retaining fast sample rates.

The probes are also compatible with Agilent's Infiniium 9000A and InfiniiVision 3000 X- and 4000 X-Series oscilloscopes.