Heat-shrinkable Bobbins, from Tyco Electronics, provide a protective cushion between pipes, hoses or cables and the P-Clips, ties and other clamps used to secure them in position.
Heat-shrinkable Bobbins, from Tyco Electronics, are designed to provide a protective cushion between pipes, hoses or cables and the P-Clips, ties and other clamps used to secure them in position. Bobbins fit a wide range of diameters and are quick and easy to install, without special tooling. Once shrunk into position they will remain securely in place and protect their host against abrasion damage.

They have excellent mechanical, thermal and chemical properties, a broad operating temperature range -40C to +150C and are ideal for a wide variety of manufacturing applications - including the high performance requirements of the aerospace industry, military equipment and motor sport installations.

These slim profile and lightweight heat-shrinkable components also offer significant space and weight savings over traditional moulded designs.

Keyence's Armoured Tough Flex fibre optic sensors with built-in flexible stainless steel jacket will not break even when sharply bent.
Keyence's Armoured Tough Flex fibre optic sensors with built-in flexible stainless steel jacket will not break even when sharply bent. Impact and Shock Resistant, the fibre unit will continue to operate even if repeatedly hit or snagged by an object or tool. With Reflective and Thrubeam models they are designed to solve difficult applications or simply to protect the fibre from daily wear and exposure to harsh environmental conditions.

Conventional fibre optics' construction mean they cannot be routed like electrical cables with tight turns and twists as the LED light they transmit (from the amplifier) is easily decreased if they are bent too tightly.

All fibre optics therefore have a 'minimum bending radius' specification to prevent damage or poor performance of the sensor.

Due to a large minimum bend radius (typically 25mm), conventional fibre types cannot be fitted tightly around corners on a machine, therefore large loops have to be left which can easily be accidentally snagged or damaged and in the worst case broken.

In applications where the fibre may be frequently bent then poor performance or even breakage can occur.

In harsh environments where there may be shock or impact, the chance of mechanical damage to conventional fibre optics also increases.

Keyence's 'Super Tough Flex' fibre optics however enable a minimum bending radius down to 0.5 mm.

Now the fibre optic cable can be bent around right-angle corners without any decrease in performance, no loops are required.

In cases where there is harsh environments, Keyence's Armoured Tough Flex range with stainless steel protective jackets are equally as flexible compared to conventional spiral fibres.

The introduction of EN 954-1 and IEC 61508 regulations, which govern machinery safety and electrical controls, open up opportunities for users of networked control systems.
Legislation reduces bus-based automation costs The introduction of EN 954-1 and IEC 61508 regulations, which govern machinery safety and electrical control technology, open up enormous opportunities for users of networked control systems. It is now possible for networks such as AS Interface (ASi-Bus) to carry both control logic and safety data across the same bus line. Siemens Automation and Drives recently launched its own Safety Integrated initiative, which includes everything from failsafe PLCs and I/O modules to emergency stop buttons and light curtains.

Based around ProfiSafe, which is the new safety network developed from Profibus DP, and the AS Interface derivative, ASi-Safe, the new networks can be used to provide complete machine control or site-wide communication.

The reduction in both installation and material costs, thanks to the acceptance of the internationally recognised control bus protocols AS Interface and Profibus DP, as part of a safety integrated system, is bound to improve automation systems in factories and machine shops.

Both ASi-Safe and ProfiSafe are completely compatible with existing AS Interface and Profibus DP networks and network components.

This means that there is no need for any hardware or software changes to be made to existing control architectures.

Neither is there a requirement for users of automated control systems to invest in new programmable controllers (PLCs).

In addition, all solutions are fully backward compatible with either existing AS Interface or Profibus DP installations.

'The reduction in cabling and installation costs alone will save considerable costs.' explains Siemens Automation and Drives' Product Manager, UK Networks Paul Hingley.

'The ability to use standard, industry recognised components such as Simatic PLCs and Sinumerik machinery control means that systems integrators and end users can now obtain a complete, safe data and conventional I/O data solution from one supplier.'

Moeller Electric has extended its Easy family of control relays with the addition of two new members aimed specifically at high volume OEM applications.
Moeller Electric has extended its Easy family of control relays with the addition of two new members aimed specifically at high volume OEM applications. The Easy 400-X and 600-X OEM types have all the functions and performance of the standard Easy units but at a lower price, as they come without display or keypad. Programming even the most complicated control circuits is easily done via a PC using Easysoft, Moeller's extremely user-friendly software running under Windows or Windows NT.

With Easysoft, inputting circuit diagrams does not require any specific skills.

Programming is as easy as selecting and connecting contacts and coils by just clicking the mouse button.

Having created a circuit it can be copied and implemented in as many Easy relays as required.

Both the 400-X and 600-X relays are available as 115/230V AC and 24V DC units, which incorporate a real-time clock.

The compact 400-X, measuring just 71.5mm wide, provides eight inputs and four outputs - two additional analogue inputs come with the DC version.

Featuring twelve inputs and six relay or eight transistor outputs, the 107.5mm-wide 600-X devices are capable of more complex control tasks and suit applications which demand increased capability and functionality.

Additional expansion modules permit the 600-X series to employ up to 24 digital inputs and 16 digital outputs.

To control physically-separated tasks Moeller offers an easy-Link connection module that allows the distributed installation of expansion units.

Thus just a simple twisted-pair cable is required and distances of up to 30m can easily be bridged.

Should the units be accidentally disconnected or suffer a power failure, built-in non-volatile memory allows the storage of switch positions.

The 400-X can remember up to four markers plus the actual values of a timing relay and a counter, and the 600-X series retains up to twelve markers, two timing relays and four counters.

Thanks to an operating temperature ranging from -25degC to +55degC both ranges provide trouble-free switching and control even in the most severe environments.

A new range of linear encoders has been developed by Heidenhain for linear motor and high axis speed applications.
A new range of linear encoders has been developed by Heidenhain for linear motor and high axis speed applications. The encoders are particularly targeted at applications such as high speed placement machines and printed circuit board drilling but are equally suitable for use on co-ordinate measuring machines. The LIDA 400 linear encoder, now available from Heidenhain GB of Burgess Hill in West Sussex, has a compact scanning head and high tolerance to contamination and immunity to electromagnetic noise.

A major advantage is the capability to provide a high quality output signal involving large interpolation factors at traversing speeds up to 480 m/min and measuring steps of 50 nanometers.

The scanning head is only 12 mm high and can be easily mounted in very tight spaces.

However, even with such a small head, because of the configuration of the beam path and the inclusion of an innovative photo detector, the scanning area is large at 14.5 mm2 and therefore enhances the encoder's tolerance to contamination.

In addition, the scanning optics completely eliminate any influence of waviness from the surface of the scale tape.

The AURODUR gold 20 micron grating period lines are produced using photolithogranically on the steel scale tape which guarantees high accuracy and repeatability while maintaining a resolution as precise as 0.1 microns.

And, via opposing parallax effects, compensation is achieved for local expansion and compression of the tape surface.

The low interpolation error of LIDA 400 also accommodates high accuracy over short distances giving improved control characteristics of position and velocity control loops.

The encoders are available with reference marks on the tape scale and also feature integrated magnetic limit switches, which output in parallel through the encoder cable.

The LIDA 400 is available in a number of versions with IVpp and TTL interfaces and measuring lengths up to 30 metres as standard.

For rotating axes, the scale can be used for measuring full circles or circular segments.

Panel board system gives the end user maximum flexibility and provides an intermediate option between Loadlimiter 63 MCB distribution boards and Loadbank 250 MCCB panel boards.
Recently launched by the Dorman Smith brand, part of Tyco Electronics - Energy Division and one of Britain's most respected manufacturers of low voltage switchgear, the Loadbank 125 panel board system is designed for use with the brand's new range of YA frame MCCBs. The new device gives the end user maximum flexibility for installations and provides an intermediate option between Loadlimiter 63 MCB distribution boards and Loadbank 250 MCCB panel boards. A cost effective MCCB distribution solution, Loadbank 125 devices offer 250A (for YA3 MCCBs for incoming devices) or 400A (for YA5 MCCBs for incoming devices) rated panel boards with outgoing YA2 MCCBs up to 125A rating.

250A panel boards benefit from 6, 8 or 12 triple pole outgoing ways with the 400A version featuring 6, 8, 12 or 16 triple pole outgoing ways.

Panel boards offer generous room for cable spreading, contain both incoming and outgoing units in a single enclosure and are supplied with separate doors for incoming and outgoing MCCBs.

ASTA certified busbars with a short circuit rating of 25kA for 1s, common internal accessories for YA2, YA3 and YA5 MCCB's/switch disconnectors and a neutral and earth terminal for each single pole way are further benefits of the new Loadbank 125 panel board system.

Soft starters for electric motors protect and extend the life of drive belts, chains, gearboxes, bearings and machine mountings at relatively low cost, writes James Bowler.
Soft starters provide an electronic solution to mechanical problems at relatively low cost. They protect and extend the life of belts, chains, gearboxes, shafts, bearings and machine mountings. In addition, soft starters can achieve real savings in energy for users by providing the facility to switch motors off, without fears for the torque stresses they will cause upon restarting.

Added to these factors, the traditional fit-and-forget reliability of soft starters ensures security of operation even in the most critical of tasks.

Statistics show that over 90% of the motors in UK industrial have no form of control, other than simple electro-mechanical switching.

As a result, the sudden impact at start- up of these motors, followed by the rapid acceleration to full speed, causes problems across a wide range of equipment types.

Sudden torque stresses cause excessive wear on belts, pulleys, gears, chains, couplings and bearings, and also cavitation in pumps, which reduces their efficiency and life.

In conveyor systems, too, loads may be displaced or damaged upon start-up, and products may become contaminated.

Clearly then, mechanical engineers have plenty of reasons to press for the fitting of soft starts in fixed speed motor applications.

Especially so, as the cost savings resulting from reduced downtime and from not having to replace bearings, gears, pulleys and bearings so frequently, will ensure quick payback on any soft starter unit.

A additional argument for the fitting of soft starters is that equipment previously left running, due to concerns about it restarting - and concerns, also, regarding belts braking, shafts shearing and bearings failing - can now be switched off, enabling real savings in energy to be achieved.

In addition to their primary protective function, soft starters can also safeguard power transmission components in applications where loads are likely to jam suddenly - mixing, wood sawing and rock crushing, for example - often with disastrous results for production.

The traditional method of achieving this safeguarding was via a mechanical 'shear pin' that consisted of a pin of a deliberately weak material inserted into two concentric shafts at a convenient point in the drive train to the load.

If the load became jammed, the sudden rise in torque would cause the pin to shear so that the two shafts could then rotate independently, thereby disconnecting the motor from its load.

Before the load could be re-started, the old pin would need to be removed and a new one inserted - an obviously inconvenient and time-consuming process.

The 'Electronic Shear Pin' facility integrated into Fairford's QFE series of soft starters eliminates the need for a mechanical shear pin entirely.

The speed and extent of a sudden and rapid rise in motor torque is immediately detected by the QFE which will then decide on a course of actions ranging from instantaneous shutdown to monitoring for recurrences if the blockage is released rapidly.

Current measurement converters convert sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal currents from 30Hz to 6kHz into the analogue standard signals 4-20mA or 0-5(10)V process currents up to 400A.
400A current measurement converter has split coil Current measurement converters convert sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal currents from 30Hz to 6kHz into the analogue standard signals 4-20mA or 0-5(10)V process currents up to 400A. Current measurement technology from Phoenix Contact has been expanded to include a new product, capable of processing currents up to 400 A. These new current measurement converters convert sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal currents from 30Hz to 6kHz into the analogue standard signals 4-20mA or 0-5(10)V.

The MCR-SL-S-100(200)(400)-U-(I)-(LP) measurement converters can be effortlessly installed at any time and with no interruption to the power supply due to a re-cabling principle that allows for easy retrofitting.

Every module features a switch for selecting the measuring range.

Two different variants (voltage and current output) enable a wide range of applications to be realised.

The voltage output devices are electrically isolated between input, output and power supply (24V DC).

The current output devices are isolated between input and output and obtain their power supply from the output loop.

The 400A current measurement converter expands the previous measurement ranges of existing Phoenix Contact modules from 55A to 400A, extending the applications where higher current measurements in energy distribution circuits, motor current monitoring, and any type of measuring and converting currents are needed.

* About Phoenix Contact - Phoenix Contact is one of the world leaders in developing and manufacturing connectivity solutions and automation components.

Its principal product ranges include: printed circuit board connectors; modular terminal blocks; fieldbus components; surge voltage protection systems; industrial plug and socket connectors and interface units.

Catalogue details in-stock and custom design coiled cords with variety of Whitney Blake coiled cords pictured with a range of features and benefits to meet many application needs.
Whitney Blake Company, the leader in interconnect solutions, introduces its new 2006 Koiled KordT catalog, featuring detailed specifications of its in-stock and custom design coiled cords. A variety of Whitney Blake coiled cords are pictured with a range of features and benefits to meet myriad application needs. This comprehensive catalog highlights Whitney Blake's basic offering of in-stock cords available in light, medium, and heavy duty selections, as well as custom cable and assembly design with various options to satisfy specific needs.

Product specifications, dimensions, performance comparisons charts, and temperature rise charts are also provided to help users select the most appropriate cord for their specific electrical, mechanical, environmental and industry needs.

* About Whitney Blake Company - Whitney Blake Company is the industry leader in off-the-shelf retractile cords and offers complete engineering service from product design to finished assemblies.

The company's core areas of expertise include: custom cable design and manufacturing; custom cable assemblies; cord assemblies for 'hi-flex' applications and custom over mold design and development.

Whitney Blake's cables and cable assemblies are used as a component in the manufacture of a variety of commercial and military communications, transportation, electronic data processing, medical electronics, durable goods and other equipment.

In business since 1899 and incorporated in Vermont in 1985, Whitney Blake Company has ISO 9001: 2000 certification and UL, CUL and CSA approval.

Combining a high absorbent, low lint specialist wipe with a citrus solvent has produced a high performance, high quality impregnated wipe for use in the cleaning of electrical components.
Mykal are proud to announce the launch of their new Electrical Power Wipes, a pre-impregnated low linting wipe containing a powerful cleaner for removal of contamination, grease and oil from electrical components. Mykal have combined an industry established high absorbent, low lint specialist wipe with their own De.Solv.It Fast Dry Precision Cleaner (DSI 1000FD) citrus solvent. This has lead to the creation of a high performance, high quality impregnated wipe for use in the cleaning of electrical components.

The wipes have also been recommended for use with oil filled electrical equipment by EA Technology following extensive tests on behalf of the Distribution Network Operators via the Strategic Technology Programme.

For the cleaning of electrical components, including switchgear, panels, equipment, motors, cables or overhead power lines, Mykal Electrical Power Wipes are powerful enough to remove even the heaviest greases, oils and industrial contaminants.

Electrical Power Wipes are sold in re-sealable sachets of 40 wipes, with a re-usable hard plastic container for added durability and are available to the utilities industry from Horizon Utility Supplies.

Using the latest solid state and microprocessor techniques, portable digital microhmmeter ensures maximum low resistance measurement reliability and the most user-friendly features.
Cropico, a division of the renowned electrical safety testing provider The Seaward Group, introduces the DO7010 portable digital microhmmeter. Developed with the latest solid state and microprocessor techniques, the DO7010 ensures maximum low resistance measurement reliability and the most user-friendly features, with an exceptionally rugged and compact design. The instrument is built for low resistance and bond resistance measurement, and is ideal for use in the workshop, field, or test facilities.

With a measuring range of 600 microOhm to 60 Ohm with 0.1 and 10 Ohm resolutions respectively, the lightweight DO7010 can measure with switchable current levels of 1A or 10A on all except the highest range.

Externally recharged NiMh battery packs are easily changeable via the front panel to minimise downtime.

An LCD panel displays full information on measurement configuration, and a single start button ensures ease of use.

The DO7010 triggers measurements by the lead contact directly to the test devices, enabling fast single person operation.

A remote hand terminal is also available to fully control the tester at up to 15m distance.

Other features include true four-terminal measurement to eliminate lead resistance errors, auto average of forward/reverse measurement and sequence testing with an available 1000 reading memory.

The data logging function also permits downloading of test sequences from an XL spreadsheet and uploading of test results to the spreadsheet.

* About Cropico - since its inception as the Croydon Precision Instrument Company in 1952, the Cropico name has become synonymous with accuracy, innovation and high quality.

For over half a century, the company has produced a range of high-quality measuring instruments.

Over the last decade, a dedicated RandD facility in Norfolk, UK has pursued an exciting program of product research, ultimately fueling Cropico's continued innovation in design and manufacturing techniques and firmly establishing the company as one of Europe's leading manufacturers of electrical measuring instruments.

* About Seaward Group - the Seaward Group is a leading global provider of products and services dedicated to helping customers meet their obligations for electrical safety, and offers specialised test and measurement solutions to ensure electrical safety in distribution, electrical installation, and electrical products.

The Seaward Group services a variety of industries including power utilities, general manufacturing, appliance, equipment rental, medical, quality control, electrical support, and contracting.

The Group is dedicated to using innovation to help customers meet legal obligations for electrical safety in a way that enhances productivity and adds value to their businesses.