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October 2008 Vol.47 No. 1

Features
The Power of Association
History Lessons from a dozen charter members that shaped the industry 75 years ago by starting the Spring Manufacturers Institute:
By Rita Kaufman CAE, Springs editor

New Possibilities in Spring Production
Learn what the latest generation of compression spring coilers can do for you
By Dr.-Ing. Thomas Blum, Wafios AG

Shot Peening Coverage – the Real Deal By John Cammett Ph.D.

Columns
Checkpoint: Business Tips From Phil Perry
Forecast 2008: Economy Slows; Housing Woes

Spotlight on the Shop Floor
Spring Essentials (for the rest of us) part XIV
Extension Spring Hook Breakage
By Randy DeFord, Mid-West Spring & Stamping

Be Aware: Safety Tips From Jim Wood
Hazard Assessment is a Mandatory Requirement

IST Spring Technology
Cautionary Tale XXXVI. Cleanness of Spring Materials
By Mark Hayes

Motivation Management
Selling Your Ideas. Whether your job is customer service or coiler setup, using this six-step sales process can boost your career and your organization
By Vince Thompson, Middleshift LLC.

Departments
President’s Message
SMI Celebrates 75 Years of Service to the Industry

Global Highlights

Inside SMI: Sharing Stories, Strengthening SMI; Credit Tips

New Products

Snapshot

HOME

New Products


Cutting Blades, Strip Steel

missing image fileBlue Blade Steel Co. has introduced precision blades made from custom-formulated heat-treated steel. Used in the manufacture of machine tools for automated scoring and cutting machinery, these blades provide product manufacturers with precision formed edge angles, uniform hardness and consistent thickness. Heat-treated steel provides the blade with performance features.

In addition, the company manufactures strip steel using its computer-automated process-control operation. The process is designed to ensure uniform hardness and coil-to-coil consistency. A choice of engineered tempering solutions, finishing options and delivery setups are available. For information, contact Blue Blade by phone at (908) 272-2620 or Web site at
www.BlueBladeSteel.com.

missing image fileSensors, Switches and Instrumentation

The IMI Sensors division of PCB Piezotronics has published a 124-page Industrial Vibration Sensors, Switches and Instrumentation product catalog. The catalog details IMI’s line of high-temperature, high-frequency, ICP and 4.20 mA accelerometers, switches, indicators/alarms and signal-conditioning equipment for machine condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, route-based measurements, permanent installations, and 24/7 online monitoring.

IMI has also introduced the Model 682A08 Vibration Transmitter, an all-encompassing signal conditioner with dual semiconductor relay alarms and 4-20 mA signal transmission for continuous monitoring of critical machinery. For information, contact PCB Piezotronics by phone at (800) 959-4464 or e-mail at imi@pcb.com.

In-Line Spring Coiling and Delivery Systems

Tak Enterprises Inc. has developed a servo-based modular feed and fabrication system, and updated the operating controls of its feed and cutoff systems. The new controls employ an Allen Bradley PLS and have optional system enhancements. The systems now operate off of touch-screen interfaces mounted on ergonomic stands. The upgraded controls are designed to provide a simple and clear method of setting up cut-to-length projects. Batch processing capabilities are standard, and the system provides an “alarm history” feature that identifies any event that may have interrupted the production run. The standard cutter can be set for a timed or sensor-controlled cycle, and an internal maintenance counter is provided.

In addition, Tak offers the Colombi in-line spring coiling and delivery systems, manufactured by Tekno-Detaljer AB. The Columbi line currently includes turnkey systems to manufacture, stress relieve, inspect and deliver a variety of coil springs directly to existing assembly lines. A standard of line detanglers/separators and delivery systems are also offered. For information, contact Tak Enterprises by phone at (860) 583-0517 or Web site at
www.takenterprises.com.

missing image fileAir Movement System

Airius LLC has developed the Airius Thermal Equalizer, an air movement system designed to reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills. Suspended near the ceiling, the most commonly used Airius model is an air turbine that quietly and aerodynamically drives a column of hot air from the ceiling directly to the cooler floor below. The hot air mixes with the cool air, and a series of currents continuously circulate the air from ceiling to floor. This process is called “thermal destratification,” or “thermal equalization.” It allows thermostats to be lowered in the winter and raised in the summer, resulting in energy savings because of a substantial reduction in energy consumption. For information, visit the Airius Web site at www.Airius.US.

Laser Alignment System

missing image filePinpoint Laser Systems has introduced the 2D Microgage Laser alignment tool for precision measuring, machine alignment, calibration and other industrial applications. Roll and web lines, CNC cutting and milling equipment, lathes, stamping presses and other production equipment is checked and aligned for improved operating efficiency and reduced downtime with the 2D Microgage Laser. It combines a compact laser transmitter with a receiver and digital display, and operates on batteries for convenience. Components are machined of solid aluminum with a hard anodized coating for wear resistance. For information, contact Pinpoint Laser Systems by phone at (800) 757-5383 or Web site at www.pinlaser.com.

Eye Protection Products

missing image fileRadians has introduced two eye protection products, the Cloak Goggle and the Dagger Safety Glass. Both meet ANSI Z87.1+ standards and are 99.9 percent UVA/UVB resistant. The Cloak Goggle features interchangeable impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses that are available in three shades: clear anti-fog, smoke anti-fog and amber anti-fog. A chemical-resistant head strap provides a comfortable, adjustable fit, while dual injected rubber insures a soft, comfortable seal around the face. The Cloak Goggles also feature a built-in ventilation channel that provides extra fog control. The Dagger safety glass comes in three polycarbonate lens options: clear anti-fog, smoke anti-fog and indoor/outdoor anti-fog. These glasses are manufactured with a closed-cell form padding that forms a seal to provide eye protection in indirect dirty environments, such as sanding, woodworking and machinery operation. For information, contact Radians by phone at (877) 723-4267 or Web site at www.radians.com.

AC Drive

Parker Hannifin Corp. SSD Drives Division has introduced the AC890PX family of modular AC drives. It is available in ratings through 600 HP, (400KW) and voltage ranges from 380 VAC to 690 VAC. The drive concept features pluggable power modules for quick replacement to eliminate downtime. Each plug-in module slides into the AC890PX power frame for ease in installation and servicing. The modules weigh less than 50 pounds and can be installed in minutes. They can also run induction motors, torque motors and permanent magnet servomotors in control modes including simple volts/Hz, open-loop flux vector and precision closed-loop vector with positioning. The AC890Px communicates with all popular industrial protocols. For information, contact Parker Hannifin by phone at (704) 588-3246 or Web site at www.parker.com.

missing image fileSynthetic Coolant

ITW Rocol has introduced Rustlick Vytron-N universal machining coolant for grinding, sawing, tapping, drilling, turning, milling and other applications. This low-foaming transparent coolant provides lubricity and rust protection. Designed for ferrous metals, it is available in one-, five- or 55-gallon containers. For information, contact ITW Rocol by phone at (800) 452-5823 or Web site at www.rocolnorthamerica.com.

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