The Leading Source for Design Engineering News & Insight
Explosion a Reminder That Plants Not Always Safe
June 15, 2013 12:36 am | by Jeff Amy, Associated Press | News | CommentsBy some measures, chemical plants like the sites of separate fatal explosions this week in Louisiana are among the safest manufacturing workplaces in America. That doesn't stop residents and emergency responders from keeping wary eyes on the hundreds of facilities stretched along the Mississippi.
Inductive Sensors
June 14, 2013 6:20 pm | by PD&D Staff | Product Releases | CommentsSteute Xtreme has introduced a NEW Line of ATEX- IECEx Certified Inductive Sensors designed for use in Zone 0 and 20 explosive atmospheres and extreme environments. Units are available in M8, M12, M18, and M30 sizes with a cable or plug-in connector. Models are also available with IP68K or IP69K ratings and for temperature from -40° to +120°C.
Electronic Rotary Latch
June 14, 2013 5:37 pm | by PD&D Staff | Southco, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsSouthco (Concordville, PA) has recently expanded its R4-EM Electronic Rotary Latch product class to include a version suitable for outdoor environments. With its corrosion-resistant plated steel and stainless steel construction and fully-sealed internal actuator, the R4-EM Outdoor provides reliable electronic locking that is resistant to moisture and dust.
New Series of Insulation Testers
June 14, 2013 5:30 pm | by PD&D Staff | Megger | Product Releases | CommentsMegger (Norristown, PA) offers a new series of insulation and continuity testers that conform to IEC1010-1 standards. Rated to CAT IV 600 V, the MIT400 series provides greater user safety when testing in higher voltage environments.
New 2 mm Shrouded Male Connectors
June 14, 2013 5:20 pm | by PD&D Staff | Mill-Max Mfg. Corp. | Product Releases | CommentsMill-Max has added 2mm pitch products to its family of shrouded male pin connectors for higher density applications. The connectors are effective where a robust, secure connection is demanded, such as frequently mated interconnects and blind mate situations.
New Versions of Popular In-Line Cable Connectors
June 14, 2013 5:14 pm | by PD&D Staff | Product Releases | CommentsBulgin (England) has launched 4-, 6- and 8-pole versions of its popular PX0777 environmentally-sealed in-line cable joiner, offering cost-effective water- and dust-proofing for a wide range of applications.
Convection-Cooling Eliminates Fan Maintenance
June 14, 2013 5:06 pm | by PD&D Staff | Product Releases | CommentsTDK Corporation (San Diego, CA) has announced the release of TDK-Lambda’s new CUS250LD series low profile AC-DC power supplies. These single-output supplies provide 250-watts of output power with convection cooling (no fans required). This design eliminates the need for fan maintenance and reduces acoustic noise and vibrations.
Additional Channels, New Firmware, & Accessories
June 14, 2013 4:59 pm | by PD&D Staff | Product Releases | CommentsThe new Yokogawa DLM4000 is the industry’s first mixed-signal oscilloscope to feature eight channels. Combining the large screen and 8-channel capability of Yokogawa’s earlier 8-channel DL7480 oscilloscope with the mixed-signal technology of the company’s pioneering DLM2000 Series, the instrument is ideally suited to test and debug applications in the embedded systems, power electronics, mechatronics and automotive sectors.
A Fireside Chat: Solder Recovery with EVS International
June 14, 2013 4:19 pm | by PD&D Staff | Articles | CommentsEVS International is based in the United Kingdom on the Isle of Wight, which is a technology hub off the south coast of the English mainland. EVS has become a leading company in the solder recovery market and today holds 16 International awards for its equipment. PD&D caught up with Managing Director Graham Norman to talk about the benefits of solder dross recovery equipment, new equipment, and the secret of the company’s success.
'Saving' the Next Generation of Manufacturing Workers
June 14, 2013 4:11 pm | by Joel Hans, Managing Editor, Manufacturing.net | Blogs | CommentsWhen it comes to the monumental task of training another generation of manufacturing employees, armed with the high-tech skills that the technology-heavy processes of the future will require, it’s easy to come down hard on the educational system.
Verifying Temperatures on an Appliance Test Wall
June 14, 2013 4:00 pm | by CAS DataLoggers | CAS DataLoggers | Articles | CommentsTest walls form a convenient way to perform product verification for testing appliances from ovens to dishwashers to stoves. A common example of these product verification setups involves measuring exactly where each appliance’s heat output is coming from. Some facilities use specialized test walls of various sizes designed for this purpose, holding stacks of units undergoing testing/verification.
Equipment Financing Means Flexible Solutions for Unique Business Needs
June 14, 2013 3:55 pm | by William G. Sutton, CAE President and CEO, Equipment Leasing and Finance Association | Blogs | CommentsEconomic times are challenging many businesses today, and the current economic environment poses even greater difficulties for entrepreneurial startups and small businesses that are struggling to get established, grow or just stay in business.
Is Technology Disconnecting Us?
June 14, 2013 1:32 pm | by Big Think | Videos | CommentsIn the world of Henry-Alex Rubin's new feature film, Disconnect, the hunters have a distinct advantage over the hunted and their protectors. The bullies and thugs have technology on their side, and they use it in all sorts of ways to stalk, trick, surprise, and catch their prey.
Autonomous Energy-Scavenging Micro Devices
June 14, 2013 12:58 pm | by Amy Nelson, SPIE | News | CommentsOut in the wilds or anywhere off the grid, sophisticated instruments small enough to fit in a shirt pocket will one day scavenge power from sunlight, body heat, or other sources to monitor water quality or bridge safety, enabling analysis in the field rather than bringing samples and data back to the lab.
Energy from the Windy Heights
June 14, 2013 12:54 pm | by Empa | News | CommentsThe electricity from our sockets could soon come from a high-tech device flying in the sky. The innovative research project to generate wind energy with the aid of a kite won over the “Venture Kick” jury; it is providing CHF 10,000 of support for the Empa spin-off “TwingTec”.
