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Click here to read the
August issue.
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| Equipment | Materials | Instruments | Hardware/Software | Services |
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| Mixing Room Control Systems |
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The Advise ES inventory management system is designed to facilitate control of production storage areas for mixing rooms. The warehouse is organized into individual defined storage locations for each storage location. Each movement of material is recorded to track material stock and disposition. Storage areas can be classified to avoid the storage of non-compatible materials in close proximity. Inventory can be reviewed and/or filtered for a nearly instantaneous update of material availability. Storage jobs can be created to assign materials to bulk storage areas such as silos. These materials may then be tracked, managed or even allocated for specific jobs. When a storage job is finished, it will be stored as a storage movement in the historic database and the action which is described by the job. Material stock is calculated by using the historic data of material storage movements or disposition. The Advise ES inventory management intelligent module for the company's Advise control system is said to be the next step in mixer controls and in full material tracking and accountability.
HF Mixing Group
www.hf-mixinggroup.com
Post date: 9/2/2010 |
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| Flow Analysis/Simulation Software |
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This provider of CAD/CAM/CAE solutions for the tooling industry offers Visi Flow V. 18, said to be a substantial release with many new features for flow analysis. And now that Visi Flow is completely integrated into Visi, the analysis and simulation can be calculated and validated directly inside Visi. Visi Flow is an affordable injection molding simulation software that uses a patented hexahedral hybrid mesh technology. It is said to provide accurate results and is extremely fast. Visi Flow now has a powerful CAD capability which is said to make evaluating design changes easier and faster. Visi Flow is also integrated with Visi Mold and Visi Machining which facilitates faster transfer to manufacturing. Visi Flow Mesh Wizard, new thickness sphere algorithm, and feature recognition for runners and cooling channels, coupled with Visi Flow's high speed simulations enable users to achieve solutions faster than before. Along with gas-assist, sequential and co-injection molding simulations, Visi Flow now offers simulation of overmolding and crosslinking polymers including liquid silicone rubbers. Features to be included in the upcoming Version 18 release include product integration, a virtual resin laboratory, shell mesh, insert molding (overmolding option), composites (thermoset option) and warped model export.
Vero Software
www.veroint.com
Post date: 9/2/2010 |
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| ERP System Requirements For Manufacturers |
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An enterprise resource planning (ERP) white paper released by this producer of process manufacturing software for mid- to large-sized specialty chemical, adhesive and sealant, paint and coating, and other manufacturers provides a guide to identifying business requirements and existing process weaknesses to help batch process manufacturers shortlist suitable ERP software systems. An ERP search process within a batch process manufacturing company is said to typically involve an internal corporate assessment, followed by the addition of relevant ERP software vendors to a shortlist. The shortlisted ERP vendors then carry out discovery sessions to better acquaint themselves with the organization's unique business processes. After gaining this information, vendors are said to generally demonstrate how their software can handle the company's current needs, and often, its future needs. Based on this ERP search process, manufacturers are able to make the appropriate final ERP manufacturing software selection, according to the company.
Deacom
www.deacom.net
Post date: 9/2/2010 |
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| Real-Time Production Organizer |
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The R1.02 upgrade to the company's Real-Time Production Organizer (RPO) is a suite of manufacturing execution system (MES) platform packages that integrate the vertical production execution workflow across departments and empower decision makers to organize their work quickly and efficiently. With the R1.02 upgrade, RPO now includes Workflow Composer VP, a newly released package that supports the use of Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) and is used together with enhanced versions of Production Instructor VP and Production Supervisor VP, as well as third party packages to standardize and automate business processes. According to the company, today’s plant operations need to be flexible enough to deal with the challenges of changing feed materials and market demands; however, there are many barriers in business processes that impede the flow of information between plant areas, posing serious challenges to agile plant operations. These barriers arise for the following reasons: Poor information integrity due to insufficient MES connectivity; information resolution gaps that cause misalignment between enterprise resource planning (ERP) and MES; and lack of proper tools for closing loops in business focused manufacturing. To address these needs and achieve its vision for production excellence based on VigilantPlant and the Centum VP platform, this company developed RPO. In June 2009, the firm released Production Instructor VP for task execution management and Production Supervisor VP for key performance indicator (KPI) monitoring. Now, Workflow Composer VP has been released to support system integration with the Production Instructor VP and Production Supervisor VP packages.
Yokogawa Corporation of America
www.yokogawa.com
Post date: 9/2/2010 |
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| Laboratory Instrument Control Software |
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LabX laboratory software is recognized for its unique approach to aiding the performance of laboratory weighing applications, and managing the associated data generated. The all new LabX 2010 release supports XP and XS balances, as well as the company's new line of density meters and refractometers. The software’s variety of included One Click application solutions help users perform their routine tasks with a single touch of the instrument dynamic display for fast, easy and secure workflows, according to the company. LabX 2010 securely manages the entire application, including automatically performing all calculations, guiding users through the workflow, and report generation. It also has the capacity for secure data storage and data export/import, with full regulatory compliance, if required. The LabX software supports XP and XS balances and the new LiquiPhysics Excellence density and refractometers. LabX 2010 server edition allows the connection of up to 30 laboratory instruments, and enables smooth integration with other lab data systems such as ELN, LIMS, CDS and SAP. Routine tasks are performed by users, step-by-step, according to the established standard operating procedure (SOP) directly via the instrument display under the management of the selected method application in LabX 2010. The approach helps ensure that all instrumentation is properly tested and suitable for use, and that only correct data are generated. LabX 2010 includes a complete range of ready-to-use method templates for the most common weighing, density or refractive index applications. The new built-in OneClick application solutions include all necessary steps for fast and easy performance of common lab tasks. For example, new OneClick Standards Solution Preparation in LabX 2010 swiftly guides the user through error-free preparation of reference standard solutions, including accurate weighing of the reference compound, solvent addition, labeling, automatic calculation of all concentrations and comprehensive reporting. Even more specialized applications such as sieve analysis and loss on drying are included in LabX 2010. Using the graphical method editor, any built-in application can be easily adapted to any type of workflow without any programming knowledge required. LabX 2010 can be tailored to fit individual process requirements.
Mettler-Toledo
www.mt.com
Post date: 4/22/2010 |
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| Stress Relaxation Test Software |
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EC 05 relaxation software is user-friendly software, since many functions can be made with a click of the mouse. Simplified functions include switching between graphic presentation in absolute force in F or F/F0; switching between absolute time and relative time; easy to zero the force; and all information in the same window. New functions include evaluation points showing relaxation at different times; end conditions can be set as F/F0 or time; and the possibility to calculate the median value when testing double or triple test pieces.
Elastocon AB
www.elastocon.se
Post date: 4/22/2010 |
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| Data Acquisition And Display Station |
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The DXAdvanced R4 is said to be the newest and most capable version of the company's Daqstation data acquisition and display stations. Standard high capacity memory and a new option for stringent pharmaceutical applications are new features on the DXAdvanced R4. The advanced security option delivers full compliance with FDA regulation 21 CFR Part 11, enabling all DXAdvanced R4 models to be used in any FDA program area that must comply with the regulation. This is complimented by a multi-batch option that allows channels to be grouped and recorded to discrete batch records with independent start and stop control. Standard features include 400 MB of internal flash memory, with an optional USB interface for data retrieval using USB memory devices or configuration with a USB keyboard. All models include custom graphics that allow users to design custom display screens unique for their application. An alarm annunciator display mode using ISA sequencing is also included.
Yokogawa Corporation of America
www.yokogawa.com
Post date: 4/14/2010 |
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| Engineering Simulation Software |
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GEA Niro has selected engineering simulation software from this company to optimize equipment design and reduce development time and costs. Based in Denmark, GEA Niro is said to be a world market leader in drying technology for the dairy, food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries and is a core technology center in the GEA Process Engineering business segment in GEA Group. GEA Niro provides process equipment, process technology and know-how to those industries. The software suite enables customers to optimize designs throughout the product development process, especially in the early stages when changes can be efficiently and cost-effectively implemented. GEA Niro is applying engineering simulation as it develops equipment and processes for transforming liquids into powders, said to be a major consideration in the dairy, food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Drying plants are said to be becoming increasingly important in processing safer, “greener” and more profitable products. Optimizing the drying process requires an in-depth understanding of complex flow and thermal exchange phenomena, and this software is said to help engineers to simulate real-world conditions in performing comprehensive analysis. Simulation results can be used to minimize energy requirements without compromising product quality.
Ansys
www.ansys.com
Post date: 4/14/2010 |
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| Tensile Tester Software |
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GraphMaster analysis software provides solutions for curve analysis and test data storage for materials testing instrumentation. GraphMaster directly interfaces with the company's 84-76 tensile tester. Software displays real-time curve, menu selection of popular test results and export features for results and curve data. The software captures test curve data with results and transfers test information directly to Excel, Access or Clipboard.
TMI Group of Companies
www.testingmachines.com
Post date: 1/29/2010 |
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| Recognition and Metrology Software |
Version 4.1 of HexSight software has been released for high accuracy recognition and metrology. The V4.1 HexSight software adds further support for color image processing and hardware acceleration, and now supports Sony Intelligent Cameras. HexSight’s geometric pattern recognition technology offers flexible and reliable contour-based identification of objects unaffected by scale, orientation, lighting, occlusion, clutter, contrast reversal or even subtle color variation. After finding objects, HexSight delivers a flexible set of metrology tools to measure and confirm that the parts meet key tolerances. To maximize capabilities of the software, HexSight 4.1 incorporates a wide range of third party camera and frame grabber support. The latest release adds support for fully compliant GigE Vision cameras, adding to the current capability to work with any IEEE 1394 (Firewire) and USB camera that uses a DirectShow driver. HexSight 4.1 is said to be ideal for a vast array of machine vision challenges, including road sign detection, solar wafer inspection, shirt tag location and analysis, optical character recognition, brake pad inspection, part sorting and sizing, plus many other applications.
LMI Technologies
www.lmitechnologies.com
Post date: 1/25/2010 |
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| Elastocon |
The company's EC 05 relaxation software is said to be user-friendly, as many functions can be made with a click of the mouse. Simplified functions include switching between graphic presentation in absolute force in F or F/F0; switching between absolute time and relative time; easy to zero the force; and all information is in the same window. New functions include evaluation points showing relaxation at different times; end condition can be set as F/F0 or time; and the possibility to calculate the median value when testing double or triple test pieces.
Elastocon AB
www.elastocon.se
Post date: 1/25/2010 |
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| Contour-Based Object Recognition Software |
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The company's VC Smart Finder software library is said to have proven itself as a powerful pattern matching tool in various manufacturing applications, e.g., sorting and bulk material recognition. An enhanced version features optimized parameters, and scales objects and reliably matches them with preset patterns, irrespective of their distance from the sensor, according to the company. The software allows users to identify structures by means of preset patterns. The real-time program operates with subpixel accuracy: +/- 0.1 pixels positioning accuracy, +/- 0.3 degrees angle accuracy.
Vision Components
www.vision-components.com
Post date: 1/25/2010 |
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| Mixing Room Information Systems |
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In the field of rubber compound production, the increased demands on quality, output, efficiency, adherence to delivery dates and flexibility require fast and efficient decisions by the persons responsible in the mixing room, according to the company. Well-founded information is said to be required as a basis for decisions. This means that it is of vital significance to have the “right” information at one’s disposal for being able to make the “right” decisions. For the process of acquiring decision-relevant information, this company and its partners have developed the software product Advise. This software solution for the mixing room makes use of technologies being in use successfully for several years in the field of controlling and finances. With the so-called data warehousing, all available data in the mixing room are in principle prepared by means of special calculatory processes (data mining) and are stored into a database in multidimensional data structures. For the analytic evaluation of the so stored data, it makes use of business intelligence technologies (BI). Practically, the different analysis results are displayed in so-called dashboards in tabular and graphical form. The only thing required for the access to the dashboards is a web-browser. Predefined analyses with regard to output, cycle times, process data, material weighing data, material consumption, histograms (frequency distribution), down times, OEE and laboratory data are available. It is possible to implement special customized analyses to the system. This kind of system will become an indispensable tool for decision-makers, being responsible for controlling and ensuring a sustainable future and success in the mixing room, to justify and document decisions, according to the company.
HF Rubber Machinery
www.hfrmusa.com
Post date: 10/22/2009 |
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| Thickness/Distance Measurement Software |
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Measure Tracks is a software package that is designed to measure thickness or distance to a product. It is designed to be used with any of the company's non-contact laser displacement sensors for in-process operation. The user can measure up to six tracks across the width of a web. Real time thickness results are displayed on the PC monitor, as well as trending results. Measure Tracks provides process regulation to control the height of a skiving knife, the gap between rollers, etc.
Freedom Technologies, LLC
www.measurementtechnologygroup.com
Post date: 10/22/2009 |
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| Modular Vision Sensor Platform |
A complete modular vision sensor platform of hardware and software components has been developed under the company's FireSync brand. The system allows fast and easy integration of components into a scalable machine vision system, along with microsecond synchronization. The FireSync platform allows developing a single unified design for building vision applications ranging from smart sensors to complex web scanning systems anywhere from specification to final assembly. FireSync is said to solve the classic problem of synchronization between lighting, camera and processing components and allows developing a fully scalable design. The FireSync platform consists of a number of tightly integrated OEM hardware and software components. Components include sensor controllers, camera and embedded sensors, machine vision software, industrial computers, lighting and others. Components selected can be configured in a number of different ways, depending on the need and application. With high performance image streaming, these components are combined with
proportional/functional control of sub-components, the synchronization of image collection to within microsecond accuracy, simple cabling and impressive stitching. The FireSync platform includes a number of machine vision firsts. For example, use of high speed Serdes chipsets gives the sensor controller the capability to offer images of up to four CMOS-camera channels to stream data to the FireSync M200 sensor controller at speeds up to 320 Mbytes/s.
LMI Technologies
www.lmitechnologies.com
Post date: 10/22/2009 |
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| Instantaneous Dispense Feedback |
Two feedback processes, the AdShot and TopShot feedback systems, have been introduced to ensure proper material delivery every time. The AdShot feedback system is designed for the Advantage Dispensing Solution. The AdShot provides immediate communication feedback from the controller to the pump motors. Should the controller sense a feedback that is not consistent between the two, the dispense will immediately shut down and notify the operator. This acts as a fail-safe to ensure products are dispensed on ratio and according to the specifications set forth. The AdShot system can be retrofitted into most existing Advantage dispensing solutions, or can be integrated into new Advantage machines as they are built. The company has also introduced the TopShot feedback system, designed for the Signature Series dispensing systems. The TopShot offers continuous feedback for all aspects of metering, mixing and dispensing. The company's diagnostic components provide rapid identification of any problems within the system. Automatic continuous data logging of process conditions records data for both baseline and changing component efficiency comparisons, and potential need for shut-down or maintenance. Users can input set tolerances for alarm conditions and system shut-down in the event of off-ratio dispensing. Standard data logs include all error messages, start times, programs selected, number of shots taken and periodic pressure, voltage, current draw and air supply. A network connection is also included to allow remote access. By automatically notifying the operator if any of these symptoms occur, TopShot will not allow off ratio dispenses.
Fluid Research
www.fluidresearch.com
Post date: 10/22/2009 |
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| Global Quality Management Software |
Version 3.0 for the company's Synergy 3000 statistical process control (SPC) software is now shipping. The software release incorporates a number of new features to help users work more efficiently with production data as they strive for quality improvement and cost containment. Synergy 3000 is designed for companies that need to implement a consistent global quality management strategy across multiple manufacturing locations and their supply chain partners. The software features a Microsoft SQL Server database engine. Among the new software features in Version 3.0 are creation of SPC data banks and data tables at the same time; a tree view of data bank/data table relationships with access functionality; three additional calculator functions, including short run, net weight and custom formula; streamlined Pareto data entry window; support for Crystal Reports; print to PDF for reports and charts; enhanced "auto data export" command; e-mail command for reports and charts; and performance options for spreadsheet display. The Synergy 3000 system consists of a comprehensive series of real-time SPC software applications that run on both Windows networks and web browsers. The dual-platform architecture allows companies to customize the way they allocate the system among users. The optional Synergy 3000 web applications extend data access and SPC functionality via an internet connection and any standard web browser. They enable the manufacturer to enforce uniform quality procedures among their entire supplier community and give mobile employees the ability to log in to the database from remote locations. Two Synergy 3000 web applications are available, including the Web Operator for on-line data entry, charting, corrective action, document retrieval and e-mail and text message notification for process violations; and the Web Manager for on-line process monitoring and report generation. In addition to workstation and laptop PC connectivity, the Synergy 3000 web applications are fully compatible with the Apple iPhone 3G. The Synergy 3000 system is rounded out by the multi-function toolbox, a plug-and-play data integration program that interfaces with a variety of multi-vendor hardware platforms and manufacturing systems such as ERP, MES, LIMS, SCADA, PLCs, CMMs, OPC servers and legacy data.
Zontec
www.zontec-spc.com
Post date: 6/18/2009 |
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| Compact Control System Retrofits |
MACO Compact control system retrofits are said to enhance the performance of any injection molding machine while keeping costs low. For molders looking to avoid the high costs of total machine replacement, retrofitting outdated existing controls with the MACO Compact system is said to offer a solid return on investment through improved machine reliability, reduced downtime and better performance overall, re-energizing injection molding machines to work like new. An analysis of production levels and scrap rates after installing the cost-competitive MACO Compact control system to a 700-ton injection molding machine showed significant ROI based on increased production and reduced scrap in as little as five and one-half months. MACO Compact control system retrofits are said to offer complete machine control with long-term reliability for a fraction of the cost to replace an entire machine. In many cases, the return is high and within months the system can pay for itself through improved product quality and increased productivity, making it an extremely valuable investment, especially in today’s ultra-competitive market, according to the company. Injection molders who install MACO Compact control systems can also expect more precise temperature control, RLD diagnostics for improved troubleshooting and web-based communication capability. High performance Ethernet communications allow the MACO Compact system to interface with the HMI or other devices, while built-in diagnostics and process monitoring permit shot monitoring, shot-to-shot data storage, “reference/signature” shot and “snap shot” functions. Every MACO Compact system is available with standard process control features including Impact II injection process control. The Impact II control feature is an advanced type of closed loop process control that creates a theoretical model of the injection molding process to be used along with hundreds of rules to compensate for deviations, thus allowing the machine to control the process even better than before. Simple set-up and display-board help screens make installation easy and improve overall function. Another standard option, the iPact with Intellimold, uses the patented Intellimold melt pressure control system to bring real-time, automated closed-loop control to the molding process by actively monitoring and adjusting for a steady, evenly controlled injection throughout the process. As an add-on option, remote diagnostics software allows users to remotely access the MACO Compact machine controller for examination of set points, SPC graphs and other system information.
Eurotherm
www.eurotherm.com
Post date: 6/18/2009 |
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| Mixing, Extrusion Simulation Software |
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This company has created simulation software applied to product transformation processes, including mixing and extrusion. The software offerings share many common features. They are all dedicated to extrusion and mixing processes, and simulate the complete system. They also incorporate advanced physical phenomena models (reactive extrusion, dispersive/distributive mixing) as well as provide an inside understanding of raw material evolution. Ludovic software is dedicated to co-rotating twin screw extruders. It gives a full picture of the thermo-mechanical state of the equipment/product. Based on an intuitive graphical user interface, Ludovic is the universal software to simulate all kinds of extruders. With its “less than one minute” computation time, the main benefits of using Ludovic are include shortening the iterative trial process, decreasing the time to market of new products and securing the production line by identifying the best operating domain. This software is useful for many areas such as research and development, production, and teaching and training issues. As 3-D Software, XimeX analyzes any kind of equipment, including classic (such as single or twin screw, batch, planetary or static mixer, Buss kneader), as well as custom-built equipment. XimeX's unique features consist of providing meso-scale results correlated to the whole macro-mechanical state of the process. Its three-step approach assures fast setup time and easy use, underlined by a mesh-free innovative technology, according to the company. XimeX handles an innovative particles model which quantifies mixing efficiency and residence time, and quantifies the particles' properties evolution (size, shape, etc.). This software is designed on a fully parallel numerical layer which guarantees a high level of scalability.
Sciences Computers Consultants
www.scconsultants.com
Post date: 6/18/2009 |
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| Touch Panel Control System |
Additional temperature control features and an option for historical data collection have been added to the company's DS-eTPC touch-panel control system. The improved system, which offers processors coordinated line control, supports more customers across all product lines while maintaining pricing comparable to discrete controls. These advantages are included in the DS-eTPC, now available for elastomer extruders. The system’s temperature control has been augmented to allow control of up to eight barrel heating and cooling zones per extruder. This enables the system to be used on larger extruders, sheet extruder systems and for the majority of recycling/reclaim applications. Customers can also name the system’s temperature zones and drives for a more user-friendly operator interface. This augmented temperature control system is widely used on the company's 4-1/2-inch (114 mm), 100 mm and Super Blue extruder models. It offers coordinated drive control to an one-line drive for the same base price as other discrete devices, such as discrete temperature controllers, pressure indicators/controllers and drive operators/indicators. Features include cold start inhibit, high and high-high alarms for each pressure point, recipe creation and storage, and a provision for system networking to a supervisory computer via Ethernet LAN. The DS-eTPC “Historian” option package enables the controller to be connected to any PC running Windows Internet Explorer. Customers can capture, view and store process variables such as temperature profiles, drive conditions and pressure conditions in a report format for future analysis.
Davis-Standard
www.davis-standard.com
Post date: 5/6/2009 |
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| Sensors, Instrumentation, Control and Analysis Products |
From analyzing raw materials, to gathering pressure and temperature data, to providing integrated extruder control, to testing finished product properties, new product introductions from this company allow it to provide customers with a complete extrusion-control solution from pellet to part. This firm is a supplier of discrete pressure and temperature sensors and controls for extrusion and other plastics processes. Recently, the company has begun supplying complete, integrated process and quality control solutions. The firm has introduced several products that can help customers achieve better control over the extrusion process, reduce downtime and minimize scrap. The centerpiece of the product offerings is the affordable, modular Opt-Trol system, which integrates control of most extrusion lines. It offers adaptive, autotuned temperature, pressure and speed control, as well as differential control and process-variable trending from a user-friendly color touchscreen operator interface. The system can be used on new extruders or retrofitted to provide advanced control features on existing equipment. On the sensors and instrumentation side, the company continues to refine and expand its line of sensors and process data measurement solutions, and offers such products as SPX-L pressure sensors that employ a new technique to reduce the error brought on by conditions in and around the process. By applying a unique algorithm to a non-linear signal, the SPX-L improves linearity by 80 percent and reduces the combined error by 25 percent to +0.20 percent FSO (full scale output). The SPX-T pressure sensor has an RTD temperature sensor built in to allow for a temperature compensation function that reduces pressure-reading drift due to changes in ambient temperature by as much as 80%. These same temperature readings can be output to a controller display, giving the user the convenience of both pressure and temperature sensing in a single instrument. UPR800 temperature/pressure panel indicators are said to pack a great deal of information in a small, 1/4-DIN industry-standard package. In addition to the primary input measurement (pressure, voltage, current), an optional secondary input makes it possible for the user to display pressure and temperature simultaneously, or to display two differential pressure readings at the same time. UPR800 Series indicators are fully touch-button configurable. The ATC880 self-tuning controller is said to be ideal for managing critical process parameters such as polymer melt pressure or temperature. Software-based configuration, using touch buttons on the face of the unit, gives users almost unlimited design options in a very cost-effective device. The user can choose from simple range and alarm settings to complex security codes and update speeds, depending on the sensitive nature of the application. The SPXD is an intrinsically-safe, loop-powered digital display. The SPXD takes a 4-20 mA signal from the company's SPX pressure sensor or any 4-20 mA transmitter and displays the value on a large 1-inch LCD. Upstream from the extruder, the company offers a family of polymer analyzers including the latest addition, the VTM dynamic mechanical laboratory analyzer for polyolefins. Advanced software is used to gather a wider range of rheological data more easily and more quickly than similar systems previously available. It employs large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) testing, a new method that uses rheological techniques to measure long chain branching. The VTM analyzer measures properties in a pressurized sample chamber, instead of a more conventional open cavity. This reduces edge effects and potential contamination, and improves repeatability. The instruments gather standard data points such as dynamic viscosity, elastic modulus, viscous modulus and tangent delta. Completing the system solution, the company offers a range of end-product testing instruments, including units for evaluating physical, mechanical, thermal and flammability properties of polymers.
Dynisco Instruments
www.dynisco.com
Post date: 5/6/2009 |
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| Modular Vision Sensor Platform |
A complete modular vision sensor platform of hardware and software components has been developed under the company's FireSync brand. The system is said to allow fast and easy integration of components into a scalable machine vision system along with microsecond synchronization. The FireSync platform allows developing a single unified design for building vision applications ranging from smart sensors to complex web scanning systems anywhere from specification to final assembly. FireSync is said to solve the classic problem of synchronization between lighting, camera and processing components, and allows developing a fully scalable design. The FireSync platform consists of a number of tightly integrated OEM hardware and software components. Components include sensor controllers, camera and embedded sensors, machine vision software, industrial computers, lighting and others. Components selected can be configured in a number of different ways, depending on the need and application. With high performance image streaming, these components are combined with proportional/functional control of sub-components, the synchronization of image collection to within microsecond accuracy, simple cabling and impressive stitching. The FireSync platform includes a number of machine vision firsts. For example, use of high speed Serdes chipsets gives the sensor controller the capability to offer images of up to four CMOS-camera channels to stream data to the FireSync M200 sensor controller at speeds up to 320 Mbytes/s. Besides the four different independent camera channels, the FireSync system includes support for pre-processing, DSP algorithms and Gigabit networking. The sensor controller precisely controls the camera light and DSP functions. Once de-serialized, image data are transferred directly to host memory, compressed through processing by the DSP and transferred to PC systems over Gigabit Ethernet for further distribution and reduction. High speed CMOS cameras have from VGA to mexapixel resolution, the pulsed laser and LED sources provide for maximum lumen output at low duty cycles for long life, and the network routing control allows for flexible control of large scale and distributed topography.
LMI Technologies
www.lmitechnologies.com
Post date: 5/5/2009 |
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