Tools of the Trade
Digital I/O
A rugged I/O from Axiomatic Technologies Corp. offers machine control in mobile equipment. The digital, electronic I/O module can replace relay logic to drive on/off solenoid or proportional solenoid circuits, including starter motors, brakes, and hydraulic valves. Features of the I/O modules include valve drivers, safety interlocks with sequencing, isolated timed power for 12-V lamps, indicator LEDs, robust packaging, and swift connection via one connector to reduce wiring. The units interface to 9- to 16-V battery power; other voltage ranges are available.
Metalizing ceramics
Thick-film metalizing and sputtered thin-film metalized patterns are available on a complete line of beryllium oxide discs, discs with flats, washers, and standard configuration heat sinks from American Beryllia Corp. A molybdenum-manganese refractory metal composition is primarily used and must be sintered at 1400°C (2552°F) before subsequent processing. A variety of thick-film metalizing techniques including screen printing, spraying, roller coating, and hard application can be applied to the fired ceramics to provide a bonding surface for attachment of clips or metal parts such as circuit leads, flanges, heat spreaders, and seal rings. Typical thickness for fired metalizations is 100-1000 µin (2.5-25 µm).
Pipe bending kit
Parker Hannifin Corp.'s Tube Fittings Division offers its CP432 bending kit for bending 0.25 to 2 in (6 to 50 mm) tube and 0.5 to 2 in (13 to 50 mm) pipe as well as a complementing kit of metric tooling accessories to bend from 10 to 50 mm (0.4 to 2 in) tube. The tube and pipe bender is mountable in a standard bench vise. All components, including frame and hose assemblies, air/hydraulic pump and cylinder, quick couplers, pins, blocks, and angle indicator, are included in a rugged steel carrying case.
LM guides
Type SNR/SNS-H Caged Ball LM Guides from THK are suited for the machine tool industry. The compact versions of THK's Type NR standard LM guide offer improved speed and feature enhanced block, radial, reverse radial, and lateral rigidity. Load capacities were improved by matching the curvature of the rolling surface with the ball diameter and by increasing the contact surface area of the balls. In addition, elimination of the standard roller type's roller skewing prevents locking and improves movement. THK's Caged Ball technology isolates each of the load carrying, recirculating balls in their LM guides in an individual cage or pocket, preventing ball-to-ball contact and the associated friction as well as acting as a reservoir for lubricants and decreasing noise levels and sources of contamination.
Flow control valve
Source Fluid Power's FPC 16 is a three-port, pressure-compensated priority divider cartridge that expands on the company's existing line of motorized flow controls. The FPC 16 provides flow to the priority port; excess flow is bypassed to the tank or to other work functions. The bypass flow port then can be plugged so the valve functions as a two-port, pressure compensated flow control, with the priority flow unaffected by pressure changes in the bypass circuit. Valve operating pressure is a maximum 3000 psi (20,712 kPa) with a priority flow range from 1 to 30 gal/min (4 to 114 L/min). The FPC 16 is suitable for any circuit requiring pressure compensated flow control to one function.
