32 minute read
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Industrial Machinery Digest's Monthly Product Showcase features the latest from some of the manufacturing industry's top suppliers.
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Clever integration: BvL cleaning system in production cell needs less personnel
Several automotive suppliers use decentralised cleaning in their production to reduce personnel hours and costs – these solutions do not have to be complex and expensive.
Everything centres around the process here – literally! In one example, grey-cast iron planetary carriers are first processed in a machining centre and then cleaned. To reduce handling times, a manufacturing cell was designed where the machining centre and cleaning system are supplied by a robot.
The operator only has to move the floor conveyor into the manufacturing cell and start the process and can then complete other tasks for the rest of the shift. From this point on, a robot carries out the handling. It picks a component from the basket and places it in the processing machine. A machining time of 12 minutes per component is defined. Then the robot transfers the machined or polished component to the cleaning system and places it back in an empty basket after cleaning.
One basket holds 8 components, and the floor conveyor can accommodate 5 baskets. A machining time of 12 minutes means that 40 parts can be machined within an 8-hour shift without worker intervention.
Small but clever: that is the best way to describe the OceanRW cleaning system from BvL. At first glance, it is a small, conventional single-tank cleaning system that uses the turntable principle. The parts to be cleaned are placed on the workpiece carrier at the top and rotate around the horizontal axis during the process. The special nozzle frame is individually adapted to the component to ensure thorough cleaning. Drying is also achieved with individually designed nozzles.
The cleanliness requirements for this intermediate cleaning step were quite modest. The parts had to be free from visible transport and manufacturing residue after cleaning, such as swarf, blasting materials or casting sand.
“It is important to us to design the perfect cleaning system for customers,” explains Bernd Menke, Sales Manager at BvL Oberflächentechnik. “And that includes much more than just looking at the parts to be cleaned. The entire process, the logistics and also the automation play just as important a role as the satisfaction of the system operators,” says Menke. “In this case, we were able to implement the perfect process with a small cleaning system. That produced an optimum solution that was not too complex and not too expensive – all while relieving the employees in production.” Menke also emphasised, however, that “BvL can implement a great variety of solutions and integrate these in the customer’s production line. Our consulting and competence benefit greatly from a wide range of experiences. Our IT experts have also linked some highly interesting interfaces to a variety of different system types,” he explains.
Many manufacturing companies are currently experiencing a major skills shortage in production.
Manufacturing cells with a workpiece supply for an entire shift can be a practical option for using valued personnel efficiently. Integrating machining as well as cleaning is important for an efficient process and for employee satisfaction. It means that the parts will be ideally prepared for the next production step.
New Cementex Arc Rated Face Shields
Updated face shield provide classic, reliable arc flash protection Cementex, the safety tool specialists, highlights the Cementex 17 Cal/cm2 Arc Rated Face Shield (AFS-180) with hard hat. The AFS-180 features a molded shape to provide minimal distortion with exceptional Visible Light Transfer (VLT). This face shield will be included in the Category 2 Contractor, UltraLite and Feature Series PPE kits. They are in stock and available to ship immediately. Cementex Arc Rated Face Shields are made of durable polycarbonate with anti-fog and scratch resistant coatings. The long length, chin cup, and sides provide superior coverage and protection around energized equipment. The brow shield deflects impact of Arc Blast and the translucent sides and chin cup provide improved peripheral vision. This face shield meets the requirements of: NFPA 70E, CSA Z462, ASTM F2178, ANSI Z87.1, ANSI Z89.1, and CSA Z94.1. 2022 IMD AD final 11-21-2.pdf 1 11/22/22 12:16 AM
The AFS-180 Face Shield is available for purchase through Cementex distributors. For more information about Cementex’s industryleading products, visit www. cementexusa.com or call 1-800-654-1292.
For more information, visit www.cementexusa.com
Drench Shower
The Drench shower is equipped with a pull rod activated shower and push handle eye/face wash for immediately drenching of personnel that have been exposed to hazardous chemicals. The Shower provides a continuous stream of non-injurious water for 15 minutes or longer, after activation. Combination shower and eye/face wash shall deliver 30 GPM of flowing pressure from the shower head and 8.0 GPM of flowing pressure from the eye/face wash. Drench Shower is ready for installation to water supply and waste systems. Compliant with A.N.S.I. and O.S.H.A. requirements.
For more information, visit www.EmergencyShowerBooths.com
Trim-Lok Corporate 6855 Hermosa Circle Buena Park, CA 90620 Trim-Lok Midwest 5540 Beck Drive Elkhart, IN 46516
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NewTek Hermetically Sealed 4-20 mA Position Sensors Offer Consistent Performance with Less Power than other DC-operated LVDTs
NewTek Sensor Solutions offers its Hermetically Sealed Position Sensors with a 4 – 20 mA current loop output that has become the data transmission standard in the process control industry. Offering rugged operations and high performance with low power consumption, Newtek’s HI Series of Hermetically Sealed 4-20 mA LVDTs ensure highly reliable and consistent data output for factory automation, materials testing and packaging equipment applications. Requiring less power than similar DC-operated LVDTs and signal conditioners, these 4-20mA sensors also satisfy low power budgets.
Sustaining accuracy with no errors over long distance transmissions, the 4 – 20 mA current does not degrade over long connections and is less sensitive to background electrical noise. Simple to connect and configure, the 4-20 mA output position sensors offer plug and play compatibility with most PLCs and controllers. Units also require less wiring and connections than other signals to reduce startup costs.
NewTek offers its Hermetically Sealed 4-20mA LVDTs with either a radially- or axially-mounted connector. Units are available in ranges of 0.1” (2.54 mm) to 20” (500 mm). In addition to being sealed to IP-68, windings of the HI series are potted inside the housing with a two-compound epoxy for maximum resistance against harsh environment conditions. Operating temperatures range from -15°F to 185F° (-25°C to 85°C).
For more information, visit www.newteksensors.com
New Norton Cutting and Grinding Wheels for Aluminum Offer Best in Class Performance
Saint-Gobain Abrasives, one of the world’s largest abrasives manufacturers, has introduced its new “Norton for Aluminum” Thin Wheels for the right angle cutting and grinding of aluminum and other non-ferrous soft metals. High quality, extra-friable and self-sharpening aluminum oxide grain and specialized bond technology results in the best cutting and grinding wheel market performance in its class. The new wheels offer aggressive, fast cutting which resists loading and minimizes heat on the workpiece, providing consistent, long-lasting wheel performance.
“As the demand for lighter, stronger materials such as aluminum continues to grow, we are very pleased to offer customers a new, efficient cutting and grinding wheel solution that specifically addresses their application challenges,” said Bradley Povelaites, Manager, Product and Commercial Management, Norton | Saint-Gobain Abrasives. “Norton for Aluminum wheels improve throughput and reduce scrap and downtime, saving costs.”
Norton for Aluminum wheels have a range of features and benefits including a 5/8"- 11" hub for quick, tool-free wheel changes. Helping to keep metal surfaces clean for defect-free, corrosion-free welding, the new wheels have a contaminate-free bond which does not need any waxes or lubricants. Also, a double coarse layer construction adds versatility and life on applications such as back-grinding and notching. Norton for Aluminum wheels construction is strong and safe, exceeding all the strictest Norton American ANSI and international safety standards.
Key markets for Norton for Aluminum include aluminum and metal fabrication, welding, shipbuilding, automotive and transportation, aerospace and construction. Applications include aluminum, cut-off, portable grinding, beveling, notching, smoothing welds and offhand stock removal. The new wheels are available in 1/4" Grinding Type 27, 1/8" Cutting/ Notching/ Grinding Type 27, .045" Right Angle Cut-Off Types 01/41 and 27/42, and Straight Cut-Off Type 01/41.
For more information, visit: www.nortonabrasives.com
PALLITE™ Inc. Expansion to Meet Demand.
QUIET Platforms install PALLITE™ PIX™ storage solutions across their warehousing facilities.
PALLITE™, the award-winning international designer and manufacturer of high-density storage bins, has taken on bigger premises in Milwaukee to facilitate the demand in their honeycomb cardboard pick bin units.
Since launching their strong, flexible warehouse storage solutions in the USA twelve months ago and success following MODEX, PALLITE™ has seen huge demand from a growing number of customers, including QUIET Platforms.
Over its 13-year operating history, QUIET has become the chosen fulfillment provider to the most successful and progressive digitally native companies seeking to maintain their brand identities.
With facilities located in key regions including Boston, St Louis, Chicago, Dallas & LA, working with PALLITE™ they have been able to transform their storage and picking efficiencies.
With the installation of PALLITE’s PIX™ SLOTS storage solution, QUIET have reported considerable business benefits including, the reduction in the price per pick location, increased durability compared to previous corrugated bin boxes that would break down and need to be replaced but also, tangible improved ROI.
PIX™ has also provided QUIET with the flexibility they needed, scalability and customization of the pick location dimensions, another major factor provided for by PALLITE™ storage solutions.
“The Biggest impact of installing PIX™ was the ability to have a storage solution able to be used for picking in our Atlanta launch. From the date we acquired the building to the date we had inventory in storage ready to be picked 2022 IMD AD final 11-21-2.pdf 1 11/22/22 12:16 AM was 6 weeks. Storage density has improved and picking locations per square foot has increased.”
“Another major impact is inventory accuracy. There are no bin boxes being crushed and ripped causing inventory to fall on the floor. The sustainability of the units provided an additional benefit” Quiet Platforms.
PALLITE™ PIX™ and PIX™ SLOTS is a range of lightweight, flexible, and robust storage units constructed from honeycomb paper cardboard. Designed to flex to the ever-changing demands of the modern warehouse, this innovative range of modular storage bins can be produced to each customer’s inventory requirements. PIX™ units maximize every inch of warehouse space, revolutionizing picking efficiencies, improving pick accuracy as well as helping businesses fulfill on their sustainability goals.
Recent innovations to the range include rearward angled shelving to further alleviate stock spilling from pick faces. Rigid shelf edges with space for labels and bar codes are included for easy integration into existing pick systems.
Contact PALLITE Inc. enquiries@pallitegroup.com www. pallitegroup.com/us
PORTABLE SCISSOR LIFTS WITH POWERED LIFT
Ideal for use in manufacturing, warehousing, retail, and even office environments, Presto portable electric scissor lifts provide the ultimate in ergonomics and versatility. These battery-powered tables lift and lower at the touch of a button. They roll smoothly on any
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surface, even carpet, yet can be stabilized safely with a foot-operated floor lock.
Whether used for transferring loads to and from workstations, picking orders, positioning materials at production machines, or even as a variable-height workstation itself, the lift improves productivity and reduces the risk of injuries by eliminating repetitive bending, lifting, and carrying.
Two model series are available. XBP models have 24” wide platforms while WBP models have 36” platforms. Both series have platform lengths of 36” or 48”. Sturdy steel construction provides lift capacities of 1,000, 1,500, or 2,000 pounds, depending on the model. Vertical travel is 24 or 36 inches depending on model, with maximum raised heights of 33 to 53½ inches. Oversized casters (two fixed, two swivel) provide easy maneuverability. All models feature lifetime lubricated bearings, a 12-volt battery, and a built-in battery charger.
For more information, visit www.prestolifts.com
New Video Sticker Platform to Improve Workplace Safety, Created by SaferMe
Video stickers that can be stuck on equipment or in key locations in a facility deliver more accurate and timely safety messages.
SaferMe, a leading workforce safety company, has announced the launch of SpotCast, a new video sticker platform. SpotCast enables instructional and safety videos to be easily embedded on durable QR Code stickers. The sticker is placed on any piece of equipment, and employees simply scan it with their smartphone or tablet and watch the embedded video. No sign-up is required.
SpotCast solves the major challenge of how to easily deliver instructional videos to employees, at the right time and in the right place. Markets for the product include the manufacturing, engineering, utility, physical security, facility management, contracting and construction sectors. "The type of instructions that employees really require involves more than just reading a manual, or listening to a verbal instruction," says Clint Van Marrewijk, CEO and founder of SaferMe. "Doing a job for the first time can be difficult, or dangerous, or both. Next to in-person training, video is the best instructional medium by far, for a business environment. Training managers can't be right next to someone all the time, to show employees exactly what to do. That's where video comes in."
SpotCast is already delivering results in Europe and New Zealand where it is being used to create training and risk management videos that succinctly communicate "how to" messages.
Content creators require minimal training on how to use the platform, and the barriers to entry from a technical perspective are negligible. The process for making the videos is seamless. The stickers that are unique to each company are ordered from SaferMe, and once the SpotCast stickers arrive, the user follows an easy three-step process: 1. The sticker is placed on any piece of equipment or in any important location. 2. The QR Code sticker is then scanned, and the user is prompted to record their video. 3. The video is uploaded to the QR Code and becomes active. The next time someone scans the SpotCast sticker, the recorded training video will play on the user's phone.
SpotCast can be updated with new videos at any time, and the stickers are durable, waterproof, sunproof, and tear-proof.
For more information, visit www.saferme.com.
Schreiner ProTech Offers Pressure Compensation Seals for Vehicle Lighting Systems
Schreiner ProTech, a Germany-based global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative functional labels with value-added benefits for the automotive and engineering-based industries, now offers pressure compensation seals (PCS) with precision dispensing and inspection systems for vehicle lighting applications. The solutions offer reliable venting elements that protect sensitive components without sacrificing crucial, safetysustaining light intensity.
When lighting fails to comply with driving laws, a roadside vehicle check can result in a hefty fine. Such
safety violations are incredibly common: a Germany-based automotive organization found that about one in four passengers cars had a defective lighting system, and that three percent had at least one headlight suffering from total failure.
Pressure compensation seals comprise sophisticated membranes that regulate venting and moisture exchange in a headlight while protecting it against external effects that could impair its functionality. For effective protection of all vehicle lighting elements against moisture, dirt, and dust, Schreiner ProTech offers comprehensive PCS solutions for all commonly used vehicle lighting systems, as well as adaptive lighting, laser light and Matrix LED versions. The company leverages its longstanding expertise in adhesive processing and membrane technology, including proficiencies in design calculations for electronic housings, preparation for surface treatment, and total solutions integration from initial pre-production assembly to full assembly line system integration.
Schreiner ProTech’s portfolio includes small-scale self-adhesive membrane solutions as well as lightweight design options. Another benefit of the proprietary membrane solutions is that they save weight and space compared to components using conventional threaded or snap-fit injection-molded connections. Validated processes and inspections/testing according to IATF 16949, as well as customized assembly/packaging units, complement the product series.
For more information, visit www.schreiner-protech.com
Busy Minnesota farmstead has five Schweiss bifold doors
Brian and Bruce Frank have five Schweiss Doors bifold doors in use on their two farms near Olivia and Bird Island, Minn., and they couldn’t be happier with any other style of door on the market. The Franks’ farm is 1,600 acres, growing corn, soybeans, sugar beets, sweetcorn, peas, navy beans and some wheat. The Franks also perform some custom sugar beet harvesting for area farmers.
With a farm this busy, they appreciate the ease of operation of the bifold liftstrap and bifold cable doors on their machine sheds and farm shop.
Arriving at the farm, you’ll immediately notice the Frank brothers take pride in their machinery and buildings – everything is sheltered, clean and in its place, ready for spring planting.
Brian said they put in their first doors during the late 1980s, not long after Schweiss started making bifold doors. They didn’t even consider another manufacturer.
Those first two doors are bifold cable lift doors measuring 23 feet by 16 feet and 26-feet by 12 feet. They have manual latches that Brian says have been holding up since the day they were put on. He says he keeps them in operating order by following simple routine maintenance such as keeping them well-lubed.
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His shop is a 60-foot by 100-foot 1975 Morton cold storage machine shed that was raised up four feet to accommodate a taller bifold door for additional headroom in order to accept bigger machinery. It has overhead radiant heat and is well lit. It has a 34-foot, 6-inch by 18-foot bifold liftstrap door with autolatches and a pair of 4 by 3 sliding windows.
“The Schweiss doors are pretty much maintenance free,” Brian Frank says. “They’re durable and solid. We had a bad storm in 2011. My shop door stood up to 90 mph or better winds. Without these doors, I think the building would have been gone. I think they saved the buildings. I have freestanding headers on all but the two older doors. The shed doesn’t creak or crack when you open the doors. They’re nice and solid and seal well in all types of weather.”
The three newer doors all have automatic latching systems. Brian likes this feature because it eliminates the step of having to walk back and forth to unlatch them and they pull the doors in nice and tight.
“We went with bifold doors for snow and they let you park closer in front,” he says. “The hydraulic doors are nice, too. I like the simple one-piece construction of them. We’re sized kind of where we want to be. Although the new shed could have been built a foot or two taller to allow for a higher door, the height of the combines when you put the hopper extensions on, start to get tall.”
The new cold storage shed measures 80 feet by 150 feet and has a 48-foot by 18-foot bifold liftstrap door with autolatches and a remote opener.
“A story about the remote,” Brian says. “I was ¾ of a mile or more away with the planter one spring. I thought, just for the heck of it, I would click the remote, and it opened up. I was impressed with it.
“One thing about Schweiss Doors, whatever you want, you get. They’re not trying to shove something down your throat. If anything, they’re going to overbuild you; they’re not going to under-build you. You just want to make sure your building is capable of holding your door. When this building craze was going on, there were companies putting bids on pole buildings and they weren’t putting meat into that end of the building where the door was going on. If you only knew what door you’re putting on your building and you are new construction, you need to make sure Schweiss and your building contractor communicate. It’s very important. Schweiss has very nice manuals and guidelines that they send out. Their website is awesome, go to it first and you can start to put a lot of information together really fast.”
For more information, visit www.bifold.com.
Siemens expands access to advanced simulation with Simcenter Cloud HPC
New Simcenter Cloud HPC provides instant on, rapidly scalable cloud-based high performance computing (HPC) for complex simulation studies, hosted on AWS. Siemens Digital Industries Software today announced that it has added scalable, on-demand, high performance simulation capabilities to Siemens Xcelerator as a Service (XaaS) with the launch of Simcenter™ Cloud HPC software. As part of the ongoing collaboration between Siemens and Amazon Web Services (AWS), the new service is hosted on AWS, optimized for Simcenter solver technologies, and managed by Siemens.
This service can help reduce the costs traditionally associated with on-premise high performance computing (HPC) deployment, allowing organizations of all sizes to access the benefits of advanced simulation, gain deeper insight into the performance for their products, and drive more informed engineering decision making.
“Having access to sufficient HPC resources is essential to get the most value from engineering simulation and this issue is a constant challenge for engineering departments
with evolving needs,” says Jean-Claude Ercolanelli, Senior Vice President, Simulation and Test Solutions, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “By providing flexible, accessible and scalable HPC resources in the cloud, we are offering our customers a new freedom to rapidly scale up or down as their business requires, avoiding locked capital and paying only for what is used.”
Simcenter Cloud HPC is accessible seamlessly from the desktop simulation tool with no additional configuration needed. It provides immediate access to near-unlimited compute capacity, avoiding the complexity and cost of accessing third-party cloud services. Organizations of any size can benefit from instant-on HPC availability.
For small and medium-sized businesses that struggle with the cost of on-premise heavy compute hardware, this solution can help these businesses be more competitive in the industry. Larger enterprises can supplement on-premise clusters with near-unlimited cloud compute when extra capacity is needed to meet deadlines. This opportunity allows for significant capital expenditure (CapEx) savings by reducing the amount of long-term investment needed for HPC.
By using the accessibility of the technology platform provided by Siemens and AWS, including Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), the engineering team at Heraeus Noblelight sees the potential to advance the accuracy and fidelity of their simulations while continuing to meet project deadlines and reducing run times for large models from days to hours. “Models are becoming more accurate, and we need to capture more physical realism. You can guarantee that we will frequently require more powerful HPC resources in the future,” said Dr Larisa von Riewel, Group Leader – CAE, Heraeus Noblelight. “Simcenter Cloud HPC offers that agility, which translates into a more competitive offering for our customers”
“We continue to expand access to AWS’s extensive HPC resources including Amazon EC2 instances that use the latest generation of processors, and Elastic Fabric Adapter (EFA) which allows customers to run applications requiring high-levels of inter-node communications at scale on AWS. Through these resources, our customers are able to meet the engineering challenges of tomorrow, and accelerate innovation,” said Ian Colle, general manager Batch Computing and HPC at AWS.
For the Most Demanding Applications: New SLC SD and microSD Cards From Swissbit
New S-600 series with true SLC-NAND provides maximum reliability and unsurpassed data retention for critical industrial applications
While many manufacturers are eliminating memory cards with SLC-NAND from their portfolios, Swissbit is introducing the S-600 series, the latest generation of SD and microSD cards based on single-level cell flash. When it comes to reliability, data integrity and data retention, the technology with only one stored bit per cell is still unrivaled. Only SLC offers 100,000 P/E cycles (Program/Erase Cycles), making it ideal for applications that require particularly robust, durable storage solutions. This is especially true for edge IoT applications in critical industrial environments, making the S-600 the first choice for devices such as PLCs, HMIs, sensors, switches, or gateways. The high-performance system architecture of the S-600 utilizes Hyperstone's new S9 controller, specifically designed for industrial flash memory cards. With sequential data rates of up to 95 MB/s, this new generation of cards is available in a wide range of sizes from 512 MB to 32 GB.
Swissbit's S-600 series is the first range to incorporate the new Hyperstone S9 NAND Flash Controller, explicitly developed for use in industrial applications. Unique firmware features guarantee an extended lifetime of safe and reliable storage of even the smallest data. Firstclass data preservation and data integrity is delivered in all situations: in high temperature conditions, through non-continuous writes, or sudden power failures.
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Robustly developed for industrial application, the S-600 series is rated for use at temperatures ranging from -40 to +85 °C, and is resistant to humidity, shock, and vibration.
All S-600 series cards are fully SD 5.0 compliant and support both the SPI mode in embedded systems and UHS-I interface mode. UHS Speed Class U3 and Speed Class 10 are achieved, as well as Video Speed Class V30. Sequential data rates are 95 MB/s read and 55 MB/s write. Typical application scenarios for the SD and microSD cards include IPCs, HMI units, POS/POI terminals, medical systems, energy metering, and transportation.
The S-600 is available from 512 MB to 32 GB, and the S-600u microSD from 512 MB to 2 GB.
A broad SLC portfolio with the reliability needed for long-term planning
With the S-600 series, Swissbit is further expanding its range of single-level cell solutions, solidifying its position as one of the few manufacturers able to offer SLC memory technology for numerous form factors and interfaces. As a specialist in industrial memory solutions, Swissbit provides the quality solutions required by customers whose applications demand exceptional flash memory service life, for systems in constant use over many years.
With SLC variants for CFast and CompactFlash cards, numerous SATA modules, and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, Swissbit ensures the reliable continued operation of customer applications both now and into the future.
For more information, visit www.swissbit.com
Thordon Bearings Prove Their Worth In Abu Dhabi Offshore Platform Pumps
Thordon Bearings’ water-lubricated elastomeric polymer bearings have been installed to well pumps aboard an undisclosed offshore oil platform operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
Five KSB three-stage mixed flow impeller-type pumps were each retrofitted with Thordon pump bearings – 13 SXL intermediate bearings, four Composite bearings and a single SXL throttle bearing – replacing the original silicon carbide bushes.
Dubai-based engineering firm Ocean Power International (OPI), Thordon’s authorized distributor in the Middle East region, received the full scope of supply direct from Thordon’s plant in Burlington, Canada, just four weeks after placing the order.
“The problem with silicon carbide bearings is that they have a long lead time, and are brittle which means there is a risk of the bearings chipping and breaking. They are simply not as robust and are very expensive to replace,” said Rafid Qureshi, Managing Director, OPI.
“By comparison, Thordon SXL and Composite bearings resolve the price and lead time issues, are very durable, and they are also more considerate to the environment as they don’t require lubricating oil or grease.”
After OPI gathered all the parameters and reviewed the pump drawings, the Thordon bearings were delivered well within the requisite time frame, allowing KSB, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), to carry out the retrofit installation work and commission the pumps in quick time, avoiding any rig downtime.
KSB Abu Dhabi has now refurbished all five pumps with the new Thordon bearings, the last of which was completed in August 2022. However, the company has been converting its pump bearings over to the Thordon polymer material over the course of the last 10 years.
Michal Belina, Mechanical Engineer, KSB Service, said: “The technical and engineering specifications of the bearings meet and exceed expectations. Compared to silicon carbide, which is typically used in these vertical pumps, Thordon’s products are not only more cost effective, but one of the biggest advantages is that they are easy to machine. They have excellent resistance to abrasion, even after a few years of operation the bearings have correct clearances. We are very satisfied with this product and our main factories in Germany are now using Thordon bearings in our new pumps.”
As the pump OEM, KSB has a contract with ADNOC Offshore to repair and overhaul the pumps, explained Anupam Paul, Application Sales Manager – Gulf Region, OPI “When the pumps are dismantled and come in for repair and refurbishment, KSB has only 10 to 14 days to do the repair. We have a good relationship with the company and a huge inventory of Thordon stock, so whatever size the customer asks us for, it’s on the shelf and ready to go.”
Given the long-term reliability of these installations since the relationship with Thordon Bearings began in 2011, Qureshi says that in future, ADNOC will continue to use Thordon’s bearings in any compatible pumps deployed on its platforms.
For more information, visit www.thordonbearings.com
UniWest announced the introduction of the new EddyView® II portable eddy current flaw detector at the ASNT Annual 2022 Conference on October 31, 2022.
The innovative EddyView II features a large 8-inch touch screen display with gesture adjustments for key parameters such as gain and rotation, ability to drive conventional probes or array probes, an independent channel that monitors probe to part coupling (liftoff), and UniWest’s industry-leading signal performance with extremely low signal-to-noise.
The EddyView II also includes multi-frequency probe drive and signal mixing, digital conductivity & non-conductive coating thickness, and compatibility with UniWest’s ECS-1S & JF-15 rotating bolt hole scanners. In addition, the EddyView II can be connected to the internet for remote diagnostics and calibration, as well as export raw eddy current data for post-processing flexibility.
While using the EddyView II in demanding and often dirty NDT environments, its rugged housing is designed to meet the standards of Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP-65.
Kurt Oldson, UniWest’s President, stated: “The EddyView II has been designed with customer feedback in mind, featuring new and innovative technological advancements, but one primary request kept standing out: Don’t lose the low-noise signal path that has helped define UniWest products. We took that customer input very seriously, and our engineering team delivered!”
Designed for use by NDT professionals, the EddyView II includes all the advanced features and functionality to allow both standard eddy current measurements and complex inspections, including use of eddy current array (ECA) probes up to 32 elements as well as large-scale automated and robotic production applications. System features include multi-frequency with mixing, split-screen for both impedance plane and O-scope/sweep modes, digital conductivity measurement, non-conductive liftoff digital measurement, rotating scanner support for high-speed bolt hole scanning, Ethernet connectivity, alarm outputs, and USB flash drive support. Ideal for field, laboratory, or production settings, the EddyView II’s fast data acquisition rate facilitates smooth system integration.
For additional information, visit www. uniwest.com/eddyview2
Walter introduces the DC118 Supreme solid carbide drill for greater stability, precision during ramping.
New generation of drills for challenging applications, the DC118 Supreme delivers accuracy, rigidity, and greater tool life.
Walter has introduced the DC118 Supreme solid carbide drill, a new performance class for challenging applications. These “180° drills” differ from standard solid carbide drills in the high rigidity they provide against deflection, superior centering accuracy, and having four margins with corner chamfers, which enable excellent guidance in challenging applications.
The 180°-point angle makes the DC118 Supreme ideal for plunging into inclined or round surfaces because the drill is guided quickly on the margins and centered accurately. At the same time, burr formation remains extremely low. The protective corner chamfer on the cutting edges protects against rapid wear, which significantly increases tool life compared to drills without a protective chamfer. The excellent rigidity of the drill is a third feature which sets it apart from the competition.
Initially designed for 180°pilot drilling of deep bores on crankshafts, the current DC118 Supreme drill versions are now suitable for universal application with all materials and components. The drill has a unique fine-grained substrate
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with toughness. Additionally, the WJ30ET coating provides universal protection against tool wear in all material classes including steel, stainless steel, cast iron, non-ferrous material and super alloys (ISO Groups P, M, K, N, and S). WJ30ET is the same coating that is used on Walter’s popular DC160 drills which are used in universal applications. Practical applications, in addition to flat bottoms, inclined entry or round surfaces, also include operations involving thin walls, counter-boring or chain drilling. In these applications, the DC118 Supreme excels with long tool life and a high degree of precision and process reliability. Walter offers the drill in the highest performance class with a diameter of 3–20 mm (including popular inch sizes) up to 2 × D as standard or as a special tool up to 5 × D via Walter Xpress.
The Walter lineup of products consists of three categories to tools. Supreme tools indicate the highest level of technology and performance available. Advance tools indicate product efficiently balanced between price and performance and Perform tools are products that provide an economical solution with focused importance on price.
For more information: www.walter-tools.com/us
New ISO N Grade WXN15 from Walter meets the needs of aerospace, automotive, and general machining
With the introduction of its WXN15 grade Walter is positioned in the rapidly growing area of aluminum machining. Walter has announced a new addition to its product line: the WXN15 coated grade for machining ISO N materials. Responding to the growing use of aluminum in the automotive and aerospace industries where it is valued for its ability to save weight, and in general metalworking where it can speed machining in a range of applications. Walter is responding with products like the WXN15 coated grade as well as other cutting tool inserts that capitalize on this growing trend.
These WXN15 grade coated inserts are all introduced with a highly positive shaped geometry, which is particularly effective in machining ISO N materials. When used in advanced cutter bodies like the new Xtra·tec® XT M5468 button insert milling cutter, with G88 geometry, this also increases productivity when performing machining operations on deep shoulders with excellent chip removal.
These WXN15 grade inserts are available in 77 varieties of insert shapes, sizes, and varying geometries, to fit all of the most popular Walter milling families. WXN15 coated grade inserts can be used for copy milling, face milling, ramping, pocket milling and circular interpolation milling.
Though engineered for excellence in aluminum machining, most inserts of this WXN15 coated grade are also effective on other non-ferrous materials as well as some steels, stainless steels, cast iron, and even materials with difficult cutting properties, including hard machining.
For more information, visit www.walter-tools.com/US
New automatic liquid separator from Witte
Emptying without interruption of vacuum circuit
With the automatic liquid separator “Ocean”, the German specialist for clamping systems Witte Barskamp presents a completely new, maintenance-friendly solution for use with vacuum clamping technology. The sophisticated two-chamber system of the separator allows emptying without interrupting the vacuum circuit.
The new, completely in-house development from Witte, integrated into the suction line of the vacuum clamping system, works entirely independently and separates all sucked-in liquids fully automatically.
Even at only atmospheric pressure, the unit impresses with a separation capacity of around 100 liters per hour. Optionally charged with compressed air, the capacity increases to approx. 250 litres/ hour. A two-chamber principle, an electric valve and a control function ensure that the cooling emulsion is drained independently and in a precisely controlled manner.
This latest Witte development demonstrates its process advantage especially with large-area vacuum clamping systems or when long periods of vacuum clamping are required due to complicated machining of parts. Automatic separation is essential here if neither the clamping process is to be interrupted nor the process reliability affected.
The separator, which will be available from spring 2023, can be integrated in just a few simple steps and consists only of connecting/attaching a maximum of two vacuum hoses and connecting to the 230-volt power supply.
With quick-release locks, easily accessible filters and smooth, dirt-resistant surfaces, the “Ocean” system is also extremely easy to maintain. High-quality materials of the filter housing and filter elements ensure maximum protection against corrosion as well as chemical and thermal influences.
