High-temperature bearing applications

Graphite Metallizing has released a family of tin-based babbitt GRAPHALLOY materials for high temperature bearing applications up to 350˚F (175˚C).

They are available in NSF certified grades for drinking water and are FDA accepted, and will perform reliably as self-lubricating bearings in submerged and dry applications, the company says.

This graphite/metal alloy is considered to environmentally safe to machine and use, and can effectively eliminate the need for grease or oil.

In low temperature applications (-400˚ F/-205˚C), these bearings supposedly solve lubrication problems caused by the viscosity of grease and oil that often prevents proper operation of equipment.  

Used in the manufacture of bushings, bearings and other components for machinery and process equipment, GRAPHALLOY materials are self-lubricating, impervious to temperature extremes (from -400° F to +1000° F/-240° C to 535° C) and thrive in harsh  environments where other bearings fail.

Graphite Metallizing
sales@graphalloy.com
www.graphalloy.com

Versatile electric forklifts

LINDE has unveiled a new range of electric forklifts including 19 different standard models between 2 and 5 tonnes lifting capacity.

The new E20-E50 series reportedly offers economical energy consumption, high productivity, enhanced driver safety and convenience.

Traction control, a self-activating parking brake for loading ramp safety, ergonomics and LED technology are all incorporated in the new range.

The 19 models are specified to allow precise matching of forklifts to work roles. All eight different load capacities are available in a ‘High’ design with a centre of gravity of 600mm for improved visibility over the load, and a ‘Flat’ design with a centre of gravity of 500mm for low clearance heights, container use or picking work where the driver has to frequently get in and out of the truck.

Customers can also choose from a ‘Long’ or ‘Compact’ design for the High or Flat versions. The long models have a larger battery and is said to provide additional energy reserves, but also allows the use of standard pool batteries. The compact models are recommended for tight, narrow working areas or less demanding use.

Linde Material Handling Australia
02 9831 9500
www.lindemh.com.au

Integrated monitoring with incremental encoder

Automated Control Engineering Group (A.C.E) in partnership with Hengstler has introduced the RI80-E incremental encoder.

According to A.C.E, the central element of the RI80-E is the latest Hengstler OptoAsic technology, which reportedly offers the highest EMC immunity.

The RI80-E is ideally suited for applications, such as geared elevators, asynchronous motors and industrial machinery.

With rugged mechanical design, the RI80-E offers incremental output and features a 30-45 mm hollow shaft and unbreakable disc. It also has a voltage range 5 … 30 V and protection class IP50 or IP64.

The encoder allows for integrated monitoring of pollution, disk damage and LED lifetime and temperature.

Automated Control Engineering (A.C.E.)
02 4954 5004 – sales@aceg.com.au
www.aceg.com.au

Robust BMR-Spring board-to-board connectors

Rojone has introduced the new high-performance BMR-Spring large misalignment board-to-board connectors to its subminiature RF coaxial solutions.

The Radiall BMR-Spring connectors can handle a minimum board-to-board or rack and panel distance tolerance of at least 0.078” (2 mm) with custom misalignment of 3mm or more. 

It has an operating frequency range of DC-8GHz, a 1.1 max VSWR guaranteed up to 3GHz, and can handle up to 350 watts of power at 2.7GHz.

The Radiall BMR-Spring adapter features a unique non slotted spherical interface for improved electrical performance, high vibration and shock resistance and an 80dB of shielding up to 3GHz. 

A self-alignment mechanism reportedly makes the BMR-Spring particularly ruggedised for blind-mate applications. The spring-loaded adapters are symmetrical to avoid any assembly issues.

A typical BMR-Spring board-to-board system is made of three parts – slide-on receptacle, symmetrical adapter and snap-on receptacle. Custom configurations are also available for board-to-board, module-to-module, or rack and panel applications.

HDL tools for Xilinx FPGA hardware verification

MathWorks has announced the availability of EDA Simulator Link 3.3 with new FPGA-in-the-loop (FIL) capabilities for Xilinx FPGA development boards.

According to MathWorks, FIL enables engineers to verify their designs at hardware speeds while using Simulink as a system-level test bench.

The introduction of FIL adds to the set of HDL verification options that EDA Simulator Link supports for algorithms created in MATLAB and Simulink. 

FPGA-based verification reportedly provides significantly higher run-time performance than is possible with HDL simulators and increases confidence that the algorithm will work in the real world.

The company says key product features include the ability to verify HDL implementations of MATLAB code and Simulink models using FPGA development boards for both Spartan and Virtex class devices including the Virtex-6 ML605 development board as well as

MathWorks
02 8669 4710
www.mathworks.com.au

Cable wire for solar modules

The Solarflex-X PV1-F cable has been manufactured to the highest quality standards used globally in stand-alone and networked systems as a module or branch wire, says Treotham Automation.

TÜV and VDE certificated, the cable are available in three sheath colours for improved handling: black sheathing on natural colour conductor insulation in the standard version, or optionally, red or blue sheathing to simplify local installation.

The compact AC/DC power supply units reportedly supply 100 per cent output at ambient temperatures of up to 60°C. They can be used in a wide temperature range between -25 and 70°C, including outside areas.

The Solarflex-X PV1-F cable has a temperature range of -40°C to +90°C at conductor +120°C and a minimum bending radius for fixed installation approximately 4x cable Ø.

The cable reportedly has good resistance to oils and chemicals and is also flame, UV, ozone, weather and hydrolysis-resistant resistant.

Warehousing rack inspection service

Dematic has introduced a new Rack Safety Audit & Inspection service to promote safer operations in warehouses and distribution centres.

According to Dematic, storage racks can change over time. Damage may occur, components can be reconfigured and extensions may be made. 

Dematic’s team of rack inspectors can review and identify necessary repairs, and ensure storage systems meet the necessary standards and safety requirements. 

Depending on the application, two levels of service are available: Rack Audits; Rack Inspections.

The team will look for:

Any unapproved changes to the “As Built” installation drawing 

The structural integrity of any unapproved changes

That Safe Working Load signage is appropriately displayed on relevant bays of racking

Damage to rack uprights 

Damage to footplates and floor fixings

The condition of any splices

That the rack is correctly installed and is not out of vertical alignment

The condition of horizontal and diagonal braces on rack frames

Damage to beams

That beam connectors and safety clips are secure, and that beams have not become dislodged

That welds between beams and connectors are not cracked on beams that have incurred impact damage or overloading

Any overloading of the rack

The use of any damaged or inappropriate pallets that could compromise safety.

Call Dematic for more information: 02 9486 5555.

 

Flexicon automatic bulk bag filler

A new Bulk Bag Filling Line from Flexicon automatically dispenses pallets, fills bulk bags, and accumulates filled bags for removal by forklift.

The dispenser, which holds up to 15 pallets, is equipped with a powered roller conveyor that removes the bottom-most pallet from the stack, and positions it directly beneath the cantilevered fill head of a bulk bag filler.

An operator then connects an empty bag to four actuated bag strap hooks, seals the bag spout using an inflatable collar, and presses a bag inflation button to initiate a seven-step automated filling sequence.

The filler is equipped with a height-adjustable powered fill head, and a feed chute vent for dust-free air displacement during filling. 

 

Excellent electrical insulation

Bestech Australia says the TML’s series ‘F’ foil strain gauges comprises of alloy foils from 0.003 to 0.007mm thick bonded on an epoxy resin backing of 0.03 mm thickness for excellent electrical insulation properties.

The series has colour-coded backing for use with materials which exhibit different thermal expansion characteristic, such as mild steel, stainless steel or aluminum. This feature is to assure precise strain measurements, Bestech says.

The TML foil strain gauges are available in single element, two-element cross stacked type, and 45° and 90° three-element stacked type rosettes.

Gauge factor is approximately 2.1, gauge lengths are from 0.3 to 30mm, and gauge resistances range from 60 Ω to 1000Ω. 120Ω and 350Ω are the most common gauge resistances.  Special purpose gauges are available, including shear strain, torque, and residual stress. TML ‘F’ gauges are available for other specimen materials, including glass and ceramics.

Low-noise hydraulic power units

The HYBOX concept from HYDAC is a complete solutions driven power unit package. 

It utilises HYDAC components including tanks, pumps, electric motors and a specially designed tank mounted manifold that incorporates the return filter, accumulators and valving,

The HYBOX Flex basic has up to 60L/min, 250/350 Bar. Oil tank sizes available include 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300 and 400L.

A valve block concept comprising of a multi-flexible block which offers users the possibility to attach other blocks, including HYDAC’s ML series and multi station manifolds for NG 6 valves and others is included in the unit.

The HYBOX features ultra-low noise options, integrated cooler and accumulator options, fully optimized power unit with condition monitoring integration and return and pressure filter integration.

It also comes with a fully itemised circuit diagram, 24 months warranty and an optional environmental tray

HYDAC
03 9272 8900
www.hydac.com.au

More flexible process viscosity sensors

Marimex Industries has introduced the next generation of process viscosity sensors, the ViscoMeter VP-1000 and ViscoMeter VP-3000.

Geared towards OEM process applications, the ViscoMeter VP-1000 is capable of measuring low or high viscosities with process pressures up to 10 bar/150 psi and process temperatures up to 130ºC.

The ViscoMeter VP-3000 sensor can reportedly be adapted to most process applications and is capable of measuring low to high viscosities and the sensors can be constructed for pressures up to 500 bar / 7,250 psi) and temperatures up to 450ºC.

Marimex Industries says it can make the non-active extension any length and shape. This way the sensor can be easily adapted to specific applications and installation requirements, the company says.

With the neck also being able to be any length, it is possible to use the sensor in high process temperatures. Air cooling of the sensor housing is reportedly not required making sure the sensor itself is kept at the actual process temperature.

Rheology Solutions
03 5367 7477 – info@rheologysolutions.com
www.rheologysolutions.com

Weather-resistance boot range

STOCKCAP has released a new range of Heatshrink Cable Breakout Boots which includes 2-core boots with body/core dimensions 32/8-14/3mm and 4-core boots 41/16-14/4mm, 50/17-17/4mm & 70/28-25/8mm.

In addition to their stock boot sizes, the company can also manufacture 10 other 2-Core sizes, 9 other 3-Core sizes and 8 other 4-Core sizes.

STOCKCAP Heatshrink Cable Breakout Boots are suitable for use with most common Low Voltage cable types including XLPE, Rubber and PILC cables rated up to 1.1KV.

All STOCKCAP Heatshrink Cable Breakout Boots are manufactured from cross-linked polyolefin and internally coated with hot-melt adhesive to provide excellent long-term resistance to weathering and moisture contamination.

High performance work Lamps

ROADVISION has released the LED6 Series high performance LED work lamps which are available in four models, in both round and square body constructions.

The LED6R/S produces 1,000 effective lumens whilst the LED6R/S “HP” high performance work lamp generates a massive 1,900 effective lumens.

According to the company, light weight tough die cast aluminium housing and polycarbonate lens make the lamps virtually indestructible.

Completely dust and water proof to IP67, the lamps offer multi-volt compatible 10-70V DC input with low 1.6Amp current draw at 12.8V.

It compact profile design is said to ensure convenient, simple mounting using stainless steel hardware. The lamps are supplied pre-wired with 1m of sheathed cable.

They are suitable for upright or pendant mounting with fully adjustable 75 degrees downward and 45 degrees upwards ensures light where you need it most.

The lamps produce an instant light output to last a lifetime with 100,000 hour LED’s utilising maintenance free solid state technology.

RoadVision
03 9730 7004 
www.roadvision.com.au

 

Classic upgrade for weighing procedures

METTLER TOLEDO has introduced the NewClassic balance range to replace the Classic balance portfolio.

The NewClassic balance is suitable for carrying out simple routine tasks or complicated weighing procedures in environments including in light industry production, training facilities and warehouses.

The balance has enhanced functionalities which is said to offer immediate results, easy handling and cleaning, and more opportunities to speed up weighing processes. 

According to the company, the glass panels and draft shield can be dismantled without moving the balance within 30 seconds, which makes cleaning an easy task.

The housing offers reliable protection and resistance to chemicals, also protecting the weighing cell from environmental influences and impacts. 

All NewClassic models are now approved for trade use in Australia.  

Greater protection when handling sharp objects

Ansell has released a new glove designed to boost productivity by workers who are required to handle sharp objects or components.

The liners of the HyFlex 11-630 glove have a yarn structure that contains HPPE (Higher Performance Polyethylene), which reportedly improves performance as it aids impact strength.

According to Ansell, the yarn provides high level cut resistance required by workers involved in controlling, handling and assembly applications where contact with sharp pieces can cause serious cuts.

The lycra in the liners of the glove, as well as the polyurethane coating, reportedly provides excellent flexibility and fit, and a specific formulation of the polyurethane dipping provides a secure grip on dry or slightly oily pieces.

The PU formulation also increases abrasion resistance on the gloves’ work surface to improve grip.

The HyFlex 11-630 glove is compliant to AS/NZS 2161 and has been designed for the automotive and transportation, glass, machinery and equipment, maintenance and metal fabrication industries.

High-density I/O for industrial sensor networks

Micromax Sensors & Automation has released a new line of Banner Engineering SureCross Performance Wireless I/O Gateways and Nodes, featuring high-power radio frequency (RF) architecture with 1-Watt transmit power in the 900 MHz ISM band.

According to the distributor, the SureCross Performance family delivers the same power management, deterministic network and integrated Site Survey features originally designed for the SureCross product line, while offering additional model enhancements.

New models within this product family include universal analog inputs, providing users with increased input selection options in a single device.

Operators have the ability to select either 4 to 20 mA or 0 to 10V inputs in the field. Additional Node and Gateway models provide up to 12 discrete inputs or outputs.

The SureCross Performance family also includes new temperature Node options, offering up to four factory-calibrated temperature inputs for thermocouples or RTD inputs.

Micromax Sensors & Automation
1300 36 26 26 – info@micromaxsa.com.au
www.micromaxsa.com.au
 

Safety in precision cleaning machines

Ultrasonics Australasia has introduced the Ultrasonic Cleaning Bath which eliminates exposure of staff to harsh acids and caustics  when cleaning equipment such as pump housings.

According to the company, the Ultrasonic cleaning machines can be used for a range of applications in industries including engineering, motor, plating, electronics, precise hardware, glass and optics.

The company claims that the Ultrasonic Cleaning Bath delivers precision cleaning that manual labour cannot achieve and is useful anywhere a precision clean is required before assembly.

The HNE-SWEEP models single tank ultrasonic cleaner machines are constructed from 304SUS stainless steel housing, 316 inner shell for corrosion resistance and a long lifespan.

Unit 25400 is also equipped with a 3 phase heating unit ranging from room temperature ~ 90℃. 

Ultrasonics Australasia
61 428 407 748
www.ultrasonicsaustralasia.com.au

 

Efficient, eco-friendly electro servo pump

THE Techni Waterjet Quantum ESP is said to be a revolutionary concept in waterjet cutting screw; eliminating the need for hydraulic type pumps.

This low carbon footprint pump incorporates a servo motor directly enveloping a high load, precision ball.

The ball screw directly houses the ceramic plungers, which reciprocate back and forth to create the pumping action.

The infinite control of the servo motor and precision of the ball screw, enable extremely accurate control over the output pressure and volume of the water displaced, as well as eliminate pressure spikes when deadheading, the company says.

This control feature reportedly gives operators the ability to program virtually any pressure and flow rate from zero to full capacity, while only using the power displaced at the cutting head.

Each of Techni’s Techjet-X2 premium series machines can map a cutting area with a laser-calibrated digital encoder.

The motion system can deliver position accuracy of 0.0005 inches (0.01mm) and high cutting speeds of up to 1,000ipm or 25metres per minute. 

Achieving accurate bolt loads

Enerpac’s GT-Series hydraulic bolt tensioners, in capacities up to 2845kN (320 tonne) at 1500 bar, are particularly suitable for achieving known and accurate bolt loads across multiple applications, such as pipelines and flanges.

This precise, safe and time-saving fastening technology is particularly useful in applications involving critical tolerances and multiple bolting tasks on heavy industrial processing, power generation and resource exploration and development equipment and infrastructure.

According to the company, a major advantage demonstrated at QAL is that multiple bolts can be fastened at one time using exactly the same pressure from the same power source.

This ability to “daisy chain” hydraulic tensioners gives even load across a bolted surface, which is a major advantage in the industries in which they are used, especially where high technology, high pressure equipment is involved, the companys says.

Forward and reverse cleaning solution

Nilfisk have launched the innovative SC350 walk behind cleaning machine which cleans in both forward and reverse motions.

The 37 cm scrub deck is reportedly fully adjustable providing complete traction control and allowing access to confined spaces.

With a low rating of 64dB(A), the unit is ideal for noise sensitive areas and day time cleaning.

The unit incorporates an on board charger as standard making charging as simple as park and plug, Nilfisk says.

It features a small and light 12v optima battery with a one hour run time, 27 kg of brush pressure and a reportedly high vacuum power for drying.

According to the company, all components are immediately accessible without tools making maintenance quick and easy.

Classed as ‘start and go’, the new machine is considered easy to operate with minimal training required.