Tools of the Trade
Solenoid valve
The 3/2 proportional pressure-reducing valve from Thomas Magnete USA features a lightweight, compact design. The valve was designed to maintain control of multiple functions in applications and of hydraulic systems used on mobile and stationary equipment in the construction and forest equipment industries. The principal operation of the valve design is based on barometric-pressure feedback. The pressure to be controlled is applied to the face of the valve spool, thus opposing the magnetic force. With the appropriate design of the magnetic force/stroke characteristic, a proportional relationship exists between the solenoid current and the pressure to be controlled. The valves also offer standard plug connection, integration of the main pilot stage, and minimum noise.
Signal conditioner
Model 480B21 signal conditioner from the Electronics Division of PCB Piezotronics features three-channel portable operation; gain of x1, x10, and x100 for each channel; and frequency response from 0.15 Hz to 50 kHz. The ICP sensor signal conditioner is suited for use with triaxial accelerometers, but will also operate with single axis ICP accelerometers, force sensors, and pressure sensors. The unit also features a fault indicator to provide information about battery condition and potential sensor or input cable problems.
Collet closers
Low-pressure hydraulic collet closers from Lexair, Inc. are designed for repeatability in applications requiring quick part loading and unloading. The Lexair 5C low-pressure closer operates at line pressure of up to 750 psi (5170 kPa) and accepts all standard 5C collets, while the 16C model operates at up to 2000 psi (13,790 kPa) and accepts all standard 16C collets. Both models feature a double-acting design that guarantees positive opening and closing of the collet. Fixed length operation ensures that the collet and part do not move and maintains desired part height. Multiple units can be mounted on a fixture and operated simultaneously, while individual closers can be coupled on two sides using special connector bushings to eliminate excessive piping requirements.
Machining center
The V56 vertical machining center (VMC) from Makino eliminates the need to polish small- and medium-sized dies/molds. The VMC can handle payloads weighing up to 1760 lb (800 kg) on a 41.3 x 21.7 in (1050 x 550 mm) table. No overhangs along the x, y, and z-axes enable the V56 to provide stiffness and rigidity and ensure accurate machining along the entire axes. The unit maintains a relatively compact footprint of 98 x 96 x 108 in (2500 x 2450 x 2750 mm), yet can accommodate workpieces as large as 41.3 x 28.3 x 17.7 in (1050 x 720 x 450 mm) and vices that extend over the table. The V56 uses a 40-taper, 20,000-rpm spindle, and a high-performance 0.000002-in (0.00005-mm) scale feedback system is available to provide smooth machined surfaces in high-feedrate machining of 3-D shapes.
Tubular probe
In an effort to prevent costly premature lubricant changes in off-highway and agricultural equipment, Minnesota Rubber/QMR Plastics developed a disposable three-piece tubular sample probe assembly that matches up with an existing rubber septum on the vehicle to extract and analyze lubricant for viscosity and contaminants. The probe consists of a chemical and heat resistant 12-in (305-mm) clear PVC plastic tube, a 1.5-in (38-mm) flow-through stainless-steel needle, and a plastic part to join the two. The plastic component has a specially designed flange, facilitating insertion of the needle tip in the septum to the correct depth. Lubrication flow is viewable through the clear, flexible tube.
