 Rolled ball screws
DANAHER MOTION, WOOD DALE, ILL. Thomson NEFF precision rolled metric ball screws are available direct from Danaher Motion in North America, a move that is part of Danaher Motion’s continued combination of several acquired ball screw portfolios. Thomson NEFF ball screws are rolled to an accuracy of 50 µm/300 mm, with higher accuracies available upon request. They come in a range of metric diameters, leads, and nut styles. Thomson NEFF ball screw ball nuts feature three unique ball return systems to deliver precise guidance, low wear, and smooth-running performance. Danaher says the ball screws are well suited for use in high-precision applications, such as woodworking, water jet cutting, electronic assembly, and medical applications.
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Network security
EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT, AUSTIN, TEXAS. Built into the new family of DeltaV smart switches, Emerson has added auto-lockdown security capabilities that allow a DeltaV user to automatically lock and unlock the port access of all the switches in the network. This lockdown will disable all unused network connections (ports) on the switch. One of the biggest security vulnerabilities in a control system is that network devices, such as Ethernet-based network switches, are located in unsecured locations out in the process, and accessible to everyone. Locking down switch ports prevents accidental connection and virtually prevents deliberate connection of an unauthorized device to the switch. The one-click lockdown application automatically scans the DeltaV network to find the DeltaV switches and then allows the user the choice to automatically unlock or lock the switches.
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Inclinometer sensor
TURCK, MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. A dual-axis inclinometer sensor is used for angular tilt detection. The sensor has compact rectangular housing and may be mounted at ±10-, ±45-, ±60-, and ±85-degree angles. Inclinometer sensors may be used in a variety of industries to solve unique feedback requirements where the customer needs to level platforms, control tilt angle, or control a dancer. The new inclinometer measures angular tilt in reference to gravity. At the heart of the inclinometer is a MEMS device, which incorporates a capacitive element into the sensor that uses two parallel plate electrodes, one stationary and one attached to a spring-mass system. Movement causes acceleration that produces deflection in the non-stationary electrode.
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Tamperproof thermostat
OMEGA ENGINEERING INC., STAMFORD, CONN. The FT011 and FTD011 Series of tamperproof thermostats come with a fixed setpoint and are compact in design. These CE-compliant products are DIN rail mountable and the modules are color coded: red for normally closed models (thermostat opens at temperature rise), and blue for normally open models (thermostat closes at temperature rise). Several different fixed temperature setpoints are available. The dual models come with two thermostats in one unit: one
normally closed (NC) and one normally open (NO), or two normally open (NO). Price starts at $13.
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Suppression sensors
PEPPERL+FUCHS, TWINSBURG, OHIO. Long-range ML7 background suppression photoelectric sensors feature a compact 31 mm x 11 mm x 23 mm housing and deliver a sensing range of up to 350 mm. The company says that is more than double the sensing range of competitive miniature background suppression sensors. These sensors have automatic crosstalk protection that enables multiple ML7 sensors to be mounted side-by-side with no interference between the units. Enhanced LED indicators provide power and output status, as well as detailed diagnostic information. ML7 BGS sensors also have the 4-in-1 TM output, exclusive to Pepperl+Fuchs. This technology automatically detects the connected load and sinks or sources as needed, simplifying selection, stocking, and installation time and costs.
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Surface treatments
TRELLEBORG SEALING SOLUTIONS, FORT WAYNE, IND. The company says that its Flexcoat coatings and surface treatments can improve the friction characteristics of elastomer seals to the point where they can be used in dynamic situations in automated assembly. According to Trelleborg, the tendency of elastomer seals to stick to mating counterparts often makes them less than suitable for dynamic situations and assembly operations where insertion is required. Coatings allow elastomer seals to be used in low-speed and short-stroke-length dynamic applications.
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Ball valves
INNOVATIVE PRESSURE TECHNOLOGIES, ERIE, PA. API 3000 and 6000 Class ball valves use a floating ball design that facilitates smooth, low-torque operation for use in instrument air lines, high-pressure instrument lines, automated service with actuator, and general plant service applications. These ball valves deliver maximum working pressure to 6,000 psi (414 bar) per API 598 with 0.38-in. to 1.5-in. port sizes. The ball valves feature a blow-out proof stem for increased safety. They are 100 percent tested to API-598, or contract requirements, to ensure quick start-up and high-performance operation. Full and reduced port designs are available, as is a fire-safe version. These ball valves come in a selection of tube, pipe, and flanged end connections.
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Power distribution blocks
AUTOMATIONDIRECT, CUMMING, GA. Edison power distribution blocks and terminal blocks, with distinctly different styles of short-circuit current rated, or SCCR, power distribution are designed to support different application needs. Edison’s finger-safe power distribution blocks feature a modular design allowing users to select and configure the number of poles required by each application. Useful for today’s power circuit requirements, these blocks are engineered to accept copper conductors and maintain an SCCR rating of 200 kA, with proper fusing. The finger-safe blocks are suitable for both factory and field wiring, and are rated from 175 to 760 A. Most finger-safe blocks are DIN-rail mountable and prices start at $8.25.
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Ethernet adapter
ABB LOW VOLTAGE PRODUCTS, NEW BERLIN, WIS. The SREA-01 is an Ethernet adapter for the company’s low-voltage ac drive line. The DIN rail-mounted SREA-01 enables access remotely to drives. If a process alarm or fault occurs, the internal Web server of the SREA-01 provides an easy-to-use user interface for accessing the drives and other process variables. Installing an SREA-01 in complement with ABB drives can significantly reduce downtime, costs, and site visits where drives are controlling motors. With drives increasingly being installed in remote locations (windmill farms, water and waste water pumping stations, irrigation pumps, oil fields, and mining applications), operational data from the process needs to be acquired and sent to a central location for process monitoring and analysis, according to the company.
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 Rotary arc elements
SPECTRUM SENSORS & CONTROLS INC., GRASS VALLEY, CALIF. An expanded line of rotary arc element segments are now available with several different linear and non-linear tapers, taps, and electrical angles of 340 and 350 degrees. These potentiometer element segments are smaller in size and deliver high reliability, long life and excellent output smoothness. The rotary arc element segments are suitable for military, aerospace, and industrial valve applications. Spectrum uses a co-molded conductive plastic element for a hard, smooth surface and greater long-term reliability compared to raised circuit element potentiometers, according to the company.
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Regenerative blowers
AMETEK TECHNICAL & INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, KENT, OHIO. Rotron EN regenerative blowers provide good solutions for a range of environmental remediation applications. Their explosion-proof motors are UL- and CSA-approved for various Class 1, Division 2 atmospheres to promote optimized and safe operation in the harshest environments. Typical applications include soil vapor extraction, vent header off-gassing, and landfill gas recovery. These clean, oil-free, and low-noise blowers incorporate rugged construction engineered for long service life. They use regenerative air technology to develop proper air pressures and vacuums without the higher energy and maintenance costs associated with larger multistage or positive air-displacement blowers and compressors.
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Insulated wire
OMEGA ENGINEERING INC., STAMFORD, CONN. The company has a range of wires for users to choose from. Its class of sensor, transducer, hookup, heater, RTD, thermocouple, extension wire, and MI cable include solid or stranded wire with single, one pair or multipair conductors. Long continuous lengths up to 5,000 ft. (1,500 m) are available for bulk OEM needs. Short 25- to 500-ft. production spools are good for connecting strain gauges to solder terminal strips and pads. The 28-gauge ribbon cables with 4-50 conductors are PVC pre-insulated conductors that can easily be trimmed to any conductor width to fit usage. Omega’s 24-gauge, aluminum-polyester shielded cable comes with 2, 4, 8, or 15 conductors. It has PVC insulation and PVC outer jacket, which makes the product suitable for low- and high-level voltage signals.
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Control pinch valve
RED VALVE CO., CARNEGIE, PA. The Series 5200 control pinch valve provides accurate, repeatable control of abrasive and corrosive slurries. Red Valve says the resilient elastomer sleeve produces a smooth venturi flow path that outlasts gate, plug, ball, and even stellite-coated control valves. The reinforced elastomer sleeve is the only wetted part of the valve, eliminating the need for packing, valve seats, and mechanical parts. A cone sleeve trim is most commonly used in throttling applications for tighter control and better range. A choice of controls is available, including pneumatic, electropneumatic, and the latest “smart” positioners.
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Explosion-proof pressure switches
ASHCROFT INC., STRATFORD, CONN. Type B700 explosion-proof pressure switches can be specifically configured for harsh pressure media and demanding operating environments. Enclosed in a NEMA 7/9-IP66 rated housing, Type B700 pressure switches can be used in Class 1, Division 1 and 2 and Class 2, Division 1 and 2 hazardous locations. Each pressure switch can be configured with a variety of diaphragm materials (including Monel) or with external diaphragm seals for especially caustic media. Type B700 pressure switches come in ranges to 10 in. H2O and to 3,000 psi, and in D/P ranges to 600 psid, accommodating up to 1,000 psi static (line) pressure.
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Motion control modules
DGH CORP., MANCHESTER, N.H. The D3000M series of Modbus compatible smart digital-to-analog modules make it easy to control an analog output using a serial port, according to the company. The D3000M series combines a 12-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) with programmable analog output control features and communicates using Modbus RTU over an RS-232C or RS-485 link. The series has 16 models. Output burnout protection is 240 V ac (current outputs), +/-30 V (voltage models). Measurement resolution is 12 bits. Update rate is 1,000 conversions per second. These modules are designed to be used in industrial applications, including continuous variable control valves and actuators, 4-20 mA loop interface, controllers, as well as discrete (on/off) solenoids, valves, limit switch sensing, and relays.
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Rotational viscometer
ATS RHEOSYSTEMS, BORDENTOWN, N.J. The Merlin viscometer is a high-performance rotational viscometer capable of both steady shear and yield stress testing in a rugged, compact footprint. Designed for performing both routine rheological tests, such as single point viscosity checks for QC, and complex rheological evaluation for R&D, the Merlin viscometer is useful for investigating the mixing, stirring, and process flow characteristics of fluid systems. The unit comes standard with built-in Peltier temperature control for all measuring systems. Cone and plate, parallel plate, and concentric cylinder measuring systems are included. The measuring systems employ novel “quick capture” mounting technology. The gapping mechanism is highly accurate and user adjustable.
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 Wireless transceiver
BANNER ENGINEERING, MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. The company has a new way to collect analog, digital, and temperature information in hazardous areas. The system is a state-of-the-art combination of wireless communication, battery technology, and intrinsically safe electronics. Hazardous areas pose unique sensing challenges. Banner says its intention is to make sensing within a hazardous area as easy as possible. This new method moves the intrinsically safe power supply from the control room to the wireless transceiver. This is the DX99. According to Banner, the DX99 battery-powered node is a combination of three key state-of-the-art technologies combined in a single housing: battery-based power supply, robust wireless technology for mission critical data, and intrinsically safe operation.
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Precision square plane
PINPOINT LASER SYSTEMS, PEABODY, MASS. The precision 90-line square plane is an enhanced version of the 90-line right angle beam bender and is configured for creating precise reference planes with the Microgage alignment system. The 90-line takes the laser reference beam from the Microgage and turns it precisely 90 degrees with full rotational capability to create a reference square plane that is suitable for squaring machinery, adjusting machine tools, positioning slides, and checking gantries. In addition, the 90-line creates precise parallel lines for checking roller alignment, tracks, and mechanical guides. This 90-line kit comes with a precision 2-axis positioning mount so that the 90-line can be centered on the incoming laser reference beam.
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3-way control valve system
EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT, MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA. The Fisher GX 3-way control valve and actuator system has the ability to accurately control the temperature of water, oils, steam, and other industrial fluids. Applications include heat exchangers and lubricating skids. The flow cavity of the GX 3-way valve body has been engineered to provide stable flow and reduce process variability. This linear stability is suited for temperature and pH control applications. The GX 3-way valve is multifaceted in its ability to cover both flow mixing (converging) and flow splitting (diverging) applications with no extra parts needed. It features both side-port and bottom-port common trim.
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Stainless steel hinges
J.W. WINCO INC., NEW BERLIN, WIS. The company now has the new GN 237-NI series of stainless steel hinges with countersunk through holes. Both the hinge body and pin are made of stainless steel. A zinc die-cast version with black powder coated textured finish is also available. For certain minimum quantities, an aluminum version of the hinges is offered upon request. Various metric and inch size fasteners and kit packages are also available upon request. These hinges are RoHS compliant. J.W. Winco offers inch and metric size adjustable levers, cabinet U-handles, plastic and steel hinges and locking mechanisms, revolving and retractable handles, hand wheels, hand cranks, conveyor components, leveling mounts, hand knobs, and many other items for the industrial and commercial equipment industries.
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Bubble aeration system
TIDEFLEX TECHNOLOGIES, CARNEGIE, PA. This aeration system combines coarse and fine bubble aeration components to improve mixing and oxygen transfer while preventing backflow and clogging. The custom engineered system uses the Tideflex TFA coarse bubble diffuser to provide rapid mixing while Tideflex Technologies’ Tubeflex fine bubble air diffuser provides the fine bubble supplement. This combination increases transfer efficiency due to the entrainment in higher-velocity loops created by the TFA. The fine bubble and coarse bubble air diffusers incorporate patented Tideflex Check Valve technology to prevent backflow and clogging of the diffusers. The combined system reduces energy use and lowers total airflow requirements.
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Next-generation cables
AUTOMATIONDIRECT, CUMMING, GA. One can eliminate the tedious process of wiring PLC I/O modules and terminal blocks by using ZIPLink cables and modules, according to the company. As a replacement for the legacy ZIPLink line these next-generation components have an average price reduction of nearly 30 percent. The new line is not a pin-for-pin replacement, so if you are replacing existing parts, you will need to replace both the cable and the connector module. A ZIPLink cross-reference chart is available at www.automationdirect.com/ziplinks.
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 Magnetic field sensor
TURCK, MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. The compact WIM45 magnetic field sensor is the latest entry to the company’s line of cylinder position sensors. The WIM45 provides a direct analog output for determining the position of a piston magnet on all types of pneumatic cylinders, delivering greater accuracy than indirect analog monitoring with potentiometers or linear position systems. The WIM45 detects the position of a piston on standard pneumatic cylinders by using a series of Hall elements, which sense the piston magnet and send a signal back to the processor. Users can reverse the sensor’s analog output slope by rotating the sensor 180 degrees. This feature eliminates the need for two separate sensors and helps streamline the production process. With a housing size of 72 mm long and 5 mm wide, the WIM45 is one of the most compact analog magnetic field sensors on the market.
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