Tools of the Trade (December 2002)
Spincoat system
The G3 Series of spincoat systems from Specialty Coating Systems coats materials on planar substrates, including photoresists, polyamides, metallo-organics, dopants, and silica films. Design of the G3 Series incorporates microprocessor-based, closed-loop servometer control and includes 8-, 12-, and 15-in (203-, 305-, and 381-mm) bowl models in three compact enclosure sizes. The 12- and 15-in (203-, 305-mm) models are only available as programmable units. Features include safety-interlocked covers and a provision for external control on the programmable units via a communication port. Units can store and execute 30 programs with up to 20 steps each and are controllable in 1.0 rotation increments and 0.1 sec timing increments. The coaters meet NFPA and CE standards and operate on 120/220 V ac, 50/60 Hz power.
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Waveform analyzer
The Loctite fluid waveform analyzer from Henkel Loctite Corp. is a dispense detection system that offers zero-defect manufacturing applications requiring high-quality production and data inspection. The system uses real-time data acquisition to detect broken or plugged dispense nozzles, nozzle voids, lack of dispense, undersized or oversized beads, and air bubbles. The waveform output is comparable to a standard pre-programmed waveform, and during an out-of-control condition, the system delivers an output signal. Acquired data can be locally stored or stored to a LAN. The analyzer monitors any fluid, from water-thin liquids to thick pastes.
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Servo inclinometer
Jewel Instruments, LLC's LCF-2310 Series is a rugged, biaxial, fluid damped, flexure suspension servo inclinometer. It provides full range output of ±5.0 V dc and features 3 Hz of natural frequency, 1 µm radian resolution, and an input range of ±3°. Units can operate from -40 to +80°C (-40 to +176°F) with a survival temperature of -60 to +90°C (-76 to +194°F) and can withstand shock to 1500 g. The seal of the LCF-2310 is splash proof, making it suitable for outdoor use in industrial, commercial, and aerospace applications.
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Acoustic microphones
The Vibration Division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc. offers a line of prepolarized, array, and precision condenser microphones. The prepolarized pressure and field-free microphones are available in 1/4- and 1/2-in (6.4-mm and 13-mm) sizes. Operating from ICP sensor power, the microphones are designed for use in applications including sound power testing, engine noise, outdoor noise monitoring, and acoustic chamber testing. Series 130 array microphones also function with ICP sensor power and can be assembled with a multi-channel, simultaneous sound pressure data-acquisition system with 16 or more channels to create a system. Applications include sound pressure mapping, acoustic mode analysis, near-field acoustic holography, and vibro-acoustic testing. External field-free microphones are available in 1/2-in (13-mm) size. The units have a low sensitivity to severe humidity, and a probe style unit with a 1-mm (0.04-in) probe tip is available for use in small enclosures.
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Miniature sensor
Shockwatch, a division of Media Recovery Inc., manufactures a small tubular sensor that measures 3/32 in (2.36 mm) in diameter by 11/16 in (17.4 mm) long. The sensor was designed to indicate past handling or shipping damage while mounted on board or inside avionic and military instruments and is available in nine different sensitivity or impact threshold levels. The indicator is small enough to fit within any chassis or housing without interfering with the host product and may be permanently secured with adhesives, glue, tape, or clips. A quick glance to see if the sensor is showing red indicates if a pre-set level of impact has been exceeded. The self-contained device will remain in working condition during the lifecycle of the host product.
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