Tools of the Trade
Rotary actuator
The Model RA54-18-000A from BEI Kimco Magnetics Div. is a rotary voice coil actuator rated at 0.8-N•m (0.6-lb•ft) continuous stall torque with a 2.1-N•m (1.5-lb•ft) 10-s peak torque capability. The device is suited for short-stroke, high-speed actuations. Applications include die or wafer positioning in semiconductor processing equipment or similar applications where immediate, accurate movements are required to assume maximum throughput and operating efficiency.
Structural adhesives
ITW Plexus has received American Bureau of Shipping certification for four of its methacrylate structural adhesives: Plexus MA555, MA556, MA550, and MA425. The two-part adhesives are designed for structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies. They are used in place of glass-tabbing for bonding stringers, liners, and bulkheads as well as for numerous secondary bonding applications in the boatbuilding industry.
Integrated motors
Animatics Corp.'s SmartMotor is an integrated servomotor system with closed-loop servomotor, amplifier, and controller that optimizes machine control and automated tasks. Multi-axis coordinated motion and G-Code software aid in CNC motion, and use of flexible, onboard I/O and additional expanded I/O allows any SmartMotor to control an entire machine. Frame sizes range from standard NEMA 17 to NEMA 56 with speeds up to 18,000 rpm. Standard features that come with the motors, depending on size, include on-the-fly variable electronic gearing, phase-offset adjust while gearing, electronic camming with relative and absolute cam modes, and 3-D coordinated motion not limited to any plane.
Gun drilling
TechniDrill Systems' Model 100 is designed to counter-rotate the tool and the work-piece. It produces concentric holes and is laser-aligned. The unit is equipped with a high-pressure coolant and filtration system, an efficient chip conveyor, work-rotating tailstock, and programmable control system. The fully programmable control system features variable feed rates, infinitely variable spindle speeds of both the tool and the workpiece, and programmable feed depths. The controls also provide complete system diagnostics.
Biaxial inclinometer
The Jewell LCI 360 inclinometer is a biaxial unit designed for high-accuracy applications with low-shock and -vibration environments. A torsion flexure suspension provides enhanced repeatability and low hysteresis at low frequencies. The unit offers ±14.5 to ±90° input range and a full-range output of ±5.00 V dc ±0.5%. Applications include geophysical movement, antenna orientation, machine tool leveling, and dam monitoring.
