Product news
07/01/2008
Fusion machine
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The Electro Plus Fusion Machine, with hand-held user interface, speeds the electrofusion joining process of thermoplastic pipe and fittings and can be used with several of the company’s piping systems. These corrosion-resistant piping systems are suitable for a wide range of applications, including chemical processing facilities, school and hospital labs, pharmaceutical waste systems, semiconductor manufacturing, power plants, pulp and paper mills, corrosive waste, and other industrial applications. The machine has an operating temperature range of -10??C to 45??C and compensates automatically for ambient temperature. Input voltage requirements are 100-130V AC or 200-250V AC 60Hz AC RMS. The unit weighs 45 lbs and measures 22”??14”??10”. The design allows for use in harsh field environments, and a built-in safety feature prevents fusion cycle restart without breaking the connection. The unit comes in an integral carrying case. GF Piping Systems, Tustin, CA USA; www.gfpiping.com.
Inventory-management software
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Proficy Tracker 7.5 software manages the tracking and traceability and discrete operations, such as container management and packaging, of consumer products in industries from automotive to electronics. The software provides control commands to production equipment in order to process and route materials and supports inspection and rework processes, as well as production, assembly, and packaging operations. The application uses data from automated sensors and readers, including bar codes, RF tags, and other mechanical tag systems, and provides graphic screens to display tracking paths and item information, and reflect production control commands. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, Charlottesville, VA USA; www.gefanuc.com.
Sputtering targets
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High-purity silicon carbide (SiC) sputtering targets for physical vapor deposition (PVD) applications enable the deposition of high-purity SiC thin films for applications such as the manufacturing of magnetic disk drive heads. Dielectric SiC films deposited from the CVD SiC targets have higher density, higher thermal conductivity, and lower expansion coefficient than dielectric aluminum oxide films, according to company claims. The SiC films ensure the absence of etch residue (contamination) from reactive ion etch processes that can be used to pattern the SiC film. Morgan Advanced Ceramics, Worcs. DY13 8QR UK; www.morganad vancedceramics.com.
Optical top
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The 730 series vacuum-compatible optical top combines the company’s CleanTop with several new proprietary design features, special cleaning of process materials, and a vacuum pump-down procedure that keeps out-gassing to a minimum. The top features all-stainless steel construction, including the honeycomb core with its vacuum-compatible geometry. Available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, the optical top was developed with the assistance of scientists and engineers at the U. of Texas’ Petawatt Laser Project and the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Technical Manufacturing Corp., Peabody, MA USA; www.techmfg.com.
MEMS-based vibration sensor
The ADXL001 high-bandwidth MEMS vibration sensor enables better monitoring of equipment performance. Based on the company’s iMEMS Motion Signal Processing technology, the sensor allows designers of industrial process control instruments to incorporate high-performance, dependable high-bandwidth vibration monitoring into their applications via an easy-to-use sensor solution, according to company claims. The unit is capable of early detection of motor-bearing vibration and irregularities up to 22kHz, allowing system operators to identify failing equipment long before costly damage is sustained. The new iMEMS vibration sensor is available in a 5mm??5mm ceramic package that can be designed into the motor control circuitry or mounted on existing factory equipment at the point of measurement interest. It is available in three full-scale dynamic ranges of ??70g, ??250g, and ??500g and is highly resistant to EMI and RFI. The ADXL001 is priced at $35 in 1,000-unit quantities and comes in an 8-pin LCC (leadless chip carrier) ceramic package. Analog Devices, Norwood, MA USA; www.analog.com.
Ductless fume hood
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Purair 5 Ductless Fume Hoods feature a high level of operator protection where routine work is being carried out, according to company claims. The units exceed OSHA, ANSI, and all relevant international standards. The ductless design allows the unit to be positioned over a sink or benchtop apparatus. The units operate at low noise levels and because they recirculate, they do not exhaust conditioned and/or heated air into the atmosphere. Three models come in a choice of 24-, 36-, or 48-inch widths. A face velocity of 100fpm ensures containment of fumes and particulates for operator protection, and an alarm alerts the operator when the airflow falls to an unacceptable level. An optional poly-propylene spillage tray can be provided when required. Typical applications for the Purair 5 include histology, powder weighing, and sampling prep work. Air Science USA, Fort Myers, FL USA; www.air-science.com.
Wireless gauge reader
The patent-pending Wireless Gauge Reader clips on to the front face of an existing gauge and doesn’t necessitate removing old gauges, breaking pressure seals, performing leak checks, running wires, or interrupting the underlying process. The devices transmit readings wirelessly to the company’s Receiver/Server, which provides real-time graphing and alerts and can also interface with existing automation systems via OPC, SECS/GEM, or BACNet protocols. The offering is targeted at legacy production plants such as those for semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and beverages. The systems provide stand-alone software to define and send early warning alarms to pagers or cell phones in the event of excursions, or may seamlessly integrate with existing automation operator stations. The units use 2.4GHz signals to transmit data with a range up to 300m. Cypress Systems, San Jose, CA USA; www.cypress.com/systems.
Electron microscope
The Titan3 80-300 scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) includes two Cs-aberration correctors and a monochromator on a single instrument, providing high-resolution imaging and analysis. Its environmental enclosure reduces its sensitivity to external sources of interference. FEI Co., Hillsboro, OR USA; www.fei.com.