Circuit breakers

A series of fuse-holder-style single-pole circuit breakers has been extended with the addition of two rear-mounting versions. Besides the previously existing snap-in front-panel-mounting version, the T9 series of circuit breakers includes a nut-secured threaded-neck type and a snap-in model for mounting in rear panels 0.5 to 3.0 mm thick. An IP65-rated cover can be added to the threaded-neck version to provide protection against dust and jetting water. The complete series offers the flexibility necessary to fit a range of customer mounting requirements. Safe and reliable operation of these components is ensured by a cycling trip-free release. Used in medical diagnostic and analytical equipment, among other applications, the circuit breakers have current ratings of 4–16 A at 240 V ac and 48/32 V dc. Schurter AG, Luzern, Switzerland.

Metrology instrument

A Renishaw touch probe has been added to a video measuring system, adding 3-D contact measurement to the device’s existing noncontact optical and laser measurement capabilities. The iNEXIV VMA-2520 features a 73.5-mm working distance to accommodate a range of samples. By combining video and touch-probe techniques in a single system, overall measuring time can be reduced, making the instrument suitable for rapid quality control checks and R&D work on metal, plastic, and rubber components and complex electronic and mechanical assemblies. Designed specifically for 3-D workpieces, the device requires minimal bench space yet combines a 250 × 200-mm stage with a 200-mm z-axis stroke. Nikon Instruments Europe, Badhoevedorp, Netherlands.

Thermal-transfer printer

An enhanced thermal-transfer overprinter for labelling and flexible-packaging applications is capable of printing at speeds to 1000 mm/sec and can code more than 425 packages a minute, depending on the ribbon width and nature of the application. The DataFlex Plus overprinter now has greater capability for labelling and horizontal packaging, and improved abilities in the area of vertical packaging. In addition, it can display and print Arabic characters, as well as offering facility in 18 other languages, among them Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Turkish. Key features of the printer that are still present in the enhanced version are its patented direct-drive ribbon technology, 1000-m ribbon capacity, bidirectional ribbon movement that ensures efficient ribbon consumption, and intuitive 8.4-in. SVGA graphical user interface with colour touch screen. The simply designed ribbon cassette facilitates changeover. The printer can change between intermittent and continuous modes in right- or left-hand operation. Videojet Technologies, Hatfield, Herts, UK.

Parts-feeding system

Advanced inspection, sorting, and feeding of microcomponents in assembly applications is available with an automated system built from modular components and non-part-specific tools. The flexible VIFS visual inspection and feeding system performs product recognition and positioning purely by vision; it requires no robots or dedicated devices. Batches of bulk parts are supplied randomly to the camera system, which captures images of parts and their orientation and allows only qualified parts to be picked up for inspection. Standard inspection is based on dimensions, but dedicated visual checks are possible, and, after inspection, parts are offered for assembly, OK– not-OK selection, or packaging. Available modular system components supply, inspect, rotate, handle, or place parts. A frame and controls support the system when used in stand-alone mode, and a tray loader is available for loading and unloading during unattended production. Integrated Mechanization Solutions B.V., Almelo, Netherlands.

Fluid-power devices

Miniature fluid-power products for medical, pharmaceutical, analytical, dental, and other applications are presented in a full-line catalogue. Available devices include electronic valves, check valves, control valves, proportional valves, regulators, fittings, and tubing. In this edition of its product literature, the manufacturer introduces a series of electronic valves designed for use in oxygen-enriched environments. These devices are suited for applications that are extremely sensitive to contamination. Clippard Europe S.A., Louvain-la-Neuve-Sud, Belgium.

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