Extrusion System Features Multistrand Capabilities
A modular multiple-output die system has been introduced that ensures precise control for the extrusion of jacketing and tubing in a range of product variations. The Series 100 system can produce 8, 16, 32, or 64 products from a single extruder. It can also be configured to coextrude up to three layers as well as single or multiple stripes.
Engineered for compounding and the coating of wire, thread, small tubing, and small profiles, the system is also suited for low-output applications. It easily adapts to quick-change tooling. Simply turning a shutoff valve on or off increases or reduces overall output.
The tooling’s flow passages convey all of the input materials without stagnation, enabling them to merge and form single strands. The passages were designed using the company’s custom 3-D CAD advanced flow-analysis software, ensuring accurate and reliable mixing and uniformity of strand pelletizing, jacketing, or tubing. Guill Tool & Engineering Co., West Warwick, RI, USA.
Linear Stages Suited for IVD Instruments
Plug-and-play miniature linear stages are designed for easy integration into IVD instruments. The design and construction of the Pico stages eliminate the need for users to stock and assemble disparate system components.
The stages integrate drive and guidance mechanisms based on the manufacturer’s standard ground ball screws and profile rail guides. They are available in 60- and 80-mm sizes, with five standard stroke lengths in each size. Travel speeds up to 500 mm/sec can be achieved.
Standard features include an extruded aluminium base, a stainless-steel cover, limit switches with a plug attachment, and axes designed for cross-table assembly. Stepper- and servomotor packages, linear measurement systems, and variable multiaxis assemblies are available as options. Additional custom features can be integrated to meet particular specifications.
Enabling controlled linear movement, the stages promote repeatability, precise positioning accuracy, and quiet operation in a range of clinical chemistry and laboratory applications. SKF, Göteborg, Sweden.
Temporary Masking Resins Protect Surfaces of Medical Products
Temporary metal masking resins offer reliable surface protection for orthopaedic implants, surgical instruments, and other medical devices. The SpeedMask 7100–series resins cure in seconds when exposed to UV light. Multiple viscosities simplify dispensing and reduce mask application to a single-coat process. A range of adhesion levels are available. The resins leave no toxic residue on surfaces, and biocompatible grades are available.
The materials are designed to coat and adhere to surfaces to provide protection during metal-finishing operations. Selected adhesion levels may be chosen to seal and protect surfaces during tumbling, peening, abrading, and cleaning processes. The resins also resist acid and alkali cleaning and plating solutions.
Masks are available in peelable and water-soluble grades. Peelable masks can be removed from surfaces at room temperature or after a warm-water soak at 120°F. Water-soluble masks wash off with a hot-water spray or in agitated baths at temperatures between 140° and 180°F. Dymax GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Next-Generation Handheld Readers Introduced for Part Traceability
Direct part mark (DPM) identification has been rapidly adopted by the healthcare and other industries as a means to ensure part traceability. Recently introduced handheld instruments are designed to reliably read all manner of DPM and bar codes.
The Dataman 7500–series readers integrate the company’s IDMax code-reading software as well as patent-pending UltraLight illumination technology. The latter ensures optimal performance of the device regardless of the marking method or the part’s material, shape, or surface texture.
The 7500 model supports USB, keyboard wedge, and RS-232 interfaces, while the 7550 supports Bluetooth wireless communication. The readers are rugged enough to withstand up to 50 drops onto a concrete surface from a height of 2 m. Cognex, Rueil Malmaison, France.
Low-Profile SMT Jumpers Are RoHS Compliant
Ultra-low-profile jumpers designed to interconnect traces on densely populated PCBs comply with the directive on Restrictions on the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS).
Comprised of parts in standard 0805 and 1206 EIA case sizes, the SJ-series jumpers feature a 0.050-in. profile that allows sufficient clearance for circuit paths. The products support the use of high-volume placement equipment and solder reflow processes. Resistant to moisture and other contaminants, the jumpers are suited for high-reliability applications and use in harsh environments.
They are designed for rapid assembly on multifunction PCBs; board features can be easily modified or activated by adding or removing jumpers.
Constructed of #C110 copper flat wire and a 100% matte tin over nickel underplate, the products have a 2-A current rating and an operating temperature range of –55° to 125°C. Components Corp., Denville, NJ, USA.
Turnkey Laser System Enables Particulate-Free Welding
Based on a diode-pumped solid-state laser, a fully integrated welding workstation joins sensitive electronic and mechanical assemblies without producing particulates. The resulting joints are dust, humidity, and crack resistant, and they can be rendered invisible to the eye.
A beam-steering and -focusing head enables both fixed and dynamic welding. This feature also allows for rapid tooling changeovers. Minimal heat is generated on the workpiece, permitting close-range welding of sensitive components.
LaserCAD software is integrated into the graphical user interface, which runs on Windows 98, 2000, and NT operating systems. All commands and menus are selectable in five different languages. Standard CAD elements are used to visualize and control the work area, and all laser parameters can be adjusted and applied to the CAD elements.
Workpieces typically can measure between 1 and 20 cm, but custom machines can be built to process larger parts. Several pieces can be processed simultaneously. Table or motion systems can be added to the workstation. Dukane Corp., St. Charles, IL, USA.
Precision Cleaning System Adheres to Strict Environmental Standards
A manufacturer of high-tech cleaning equipment and a supplier of solvents have joined forces to develop a bi-solvent cleaning system that meets rigorous global environmental standards. The automated F-500 system uses Novec 7200 engineered fluid and methyl soyate to remove contaminants such as oils, heavy waxes, grease, and particulates.
Designed for cell-manufacturing processes, the F-500 provides an all-in-one wash, rinse, and dry cycle while minimizing floor space, energy use, and process time. It is significantly smaller in size than typical aqueous cleaning systems, according to the firm.
The automated cleaning process begins when parts are immersed in methyl soyate, which serves as the primary cleaning agent. Sonication removes most of the contaminants at this stage of the process. The parts are then rinsed in distilled Novec 7200 fluid, which contains no volatile organic compounds or hazardous air pollutants. Contaminants are automatically purged from the cleaning cycle.
The cleaning fluid has zero ozone depletion potential and is low in toxicity. It is compatible with a range of metals, plastics, and elastomers. Forward Technology, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Small-Footprint Machining Centre Designed to Process Small Parts
Conventional small machining centres are susceptible to vibration, causing manufacturers who process small parts to opt for larger, more-stable machines. The NVD 1500 DCG vertical machining unit has been designed to minimize vibration, even though it has a 33.5 × 76.2-in. footprint. X- and y-axis travel is 5.9 in., while z-axis travel is 7.9 in.
The machine’s drive force is channeled through the centre of the axis. Five ball screws—two on the y-axis and one on the x-axis—provide a significant reduction in vibration compared with conventional systems, without sacrificing speed or accuracy, according to the firm.
The oil cooler and electrical cabinet are isolated at the rear of the machine. This construction minimizes the transfer of heat and vibration to critical machine components.
An absolute-positioning optical scale achieves a positioning resolution of 0.05 µm. The ball screws have a 0.2-in. lead to provide feed rigidity during machine operation. Z-axis drop prevention automatically retracts the tool tip from the workpiece when there is an interruption in the machining cycle.
The standard spindle attains a maximum speed of 24,000 rpm; a spindle reaching 40,000 rpm is available as an option. Mori Seiki, Willich, Germany.
