Diversified Machine Systems (DMS) manufactures and distributes custom-designed routers for a slew of different cutting applications. One of DMS' main product lines is a five-axis CNC router that is available in four main styles.

Recently, DMS started searching for a new cable supplier for its five-axis routers. The cables employed on similar machines were breaking and causing downtime for end users. The company needed cables that could withstand heavy-duty applications and at the same time possess high flexibility.

DMS' search came to an end when it discovered Igus Inc.'s line of Chainflex continuous flex cables. Chainflex eliminated the cable breakage some end-users were experiencing.

DMS employs three different types of Chainflex cable in its routers. Chainflex CF11, a data encoder cable, is used to transmit data signals to different parts of the router. Chainflex CF31 is used to supply power to the motor, while Chainflex CF140US is used for power on larger motors.

Mike Grover, a field engineer with DMS, vouched for the performance of Chainflex cables. "We needed a flexible and heavy-duty cable. Chainflex was by far the best when looking at quality versus price," said Grover. "We have reduced maintenance and downtime for our customers because of the flexibility of igus cables."

Grover also noted the benefits of Chainflex extend to both DMS and the end user. "As of yet, we haven't been in the field to replace Chainflex and our customers are enjoying the worry-free operation of our machines."

Diversified Machine Systems (DMS) uses three different types of
Chainflex continuous-flex cables on its five-axis routers.

Igus, Inc.

The 35000 series (Size 14) double stack hybrid linear actuators occupy a minimal 35mm square space and include numerous patented innovations that provide high performance, and endurance and new linear motion design opportunities in a small package. The 35000 series actuators are available in three designs -- captive, non-captive and external linear versions. They are available in a wide variety of resolutions ranging from .0158mm to .127mm per step and deliver thrust voluntarily limited to 222 N to avoid compromising long life. These models can also be microstepped for even finer resolution.

Haydon Switch & Instrument, Inc.

The new X5 UltraFlex AC Drive is easy to setup and maintain. It offers horsepower range up to 200 HP and features a real-time clock, support for most popular communication protocols, encoder feedback capabilities and a USB port.

TB Wood's Incorporated

The new series of NKE single row cylindrical roller bearings are used in pumps and compressors, mechanical presses, electric motors, gearboxes, traction motors and axle bearings for railway vehicles, in steelworks and many other industrial applications. They are available in 164 sizes in design variants NU, NJ and NUP. The bearing cages are available in roller-guided and outer ring-guided versions and are made from brass and polyamide, with pressed steel versions available soon. In addition to radial clearance group CN (C0) as standard, C3 and C4 groups are also available.

Global Bear Inc.

The Quicklub® System reduces downtime and provides an effective method of centralizing and/or automating the lubrication of critical machine bearings. FLO provides Custom Kits to cover virtually any quantity of points desired or pre-assembled kits to service up to 12 points from a single grease fitting. The basic Quicklub® kit is a centralized system dispensing lubricant manually from a lever gun. The heart of the system is a positive displacement metering valve dispensing metered amounts of lubricants to each point covered by the system. Quicklub® systems can be fully automated using one of a wide range of 12VDC, 24VDC or 120VDC electric or pneumatic pumps.

FLO Components Ltd.

Iglide® H370 plastic bearings are specially designed for wet environments and high-temperature applications. Iglide H370 is unaffected by elements such as moisture, dirt and dust and is maintenance-free, corrosion resistant, UV-resistant and requires no lubrication. In continuous motion, iglide H370 operates within a temperature range of ­40 to 392°F. With a moisture absorption rating of 0.0%, iglide H370 remains impervious to factors such as humidity or constant submersion in water. It is ideal for underwater applications, bottle-filling equipment, marine applications, dishwaters and applications requiring frequent washdowns.

Igus, Inc.

One way clutches are stainless steel with oil-impregnated bronze bearings. These over running spring wrapped type clutches are available for clockwise or counterclockwise direction with shaft sizes from 1/8 to 5/8. Typical applications include unidirectional stepping, automatic flywheel decoupling and backstopping. A variety of slip clutches are available including spring wrapped -- a continuous duty clutch for use in tension control and transmission overload protection; adjustable -- an intermittent duty clutch for light duty only, not continuous duty; miniature -- adjustable continuous duty clutches available in clamp or pin hub types.

Nordex Incorporated

These newly updated CD® couplings feature zero backlash precision and high torsional stiffness required in demanding servo motor applications with high reverse loads and positioning requirements. Manufactured of RoHS compliant materials containing no banned substances, these newly improved CD couplings are designed with new clamp style hubs for increased torque capacity on shafts without using keyways. The CD coupling is both torsionally stiff and very durable.

Zero-Max

The model KGF-P 2040 belt curve conveyor is designed for smooth product turns and transfer of small and delicate parts. It is also useful where production lines require space saving conveyor configurations. The frame features 10mm T-slotted aluminum construction that has excellent load bearing capacities which allows for the direct mounting of side rails, sensors and other accessories. The compact designed conveyor features a 20mm rolling knife edge, permitting efficient and gentle parts transfer from in-feed to out-feed. The compact center drive is located below the conveyor eliminating external interference.

mk Automation, Inc.

Helical offers miniature couplings, u-joints, and machined springs with integrated attachment components. Included are couplings with an unlimited variety of customized ends. All products utilize the HELI-CAL® Flexure. Flexured couplings and u-joints are backlash free and provide constant velocity rotation regardless of misalignment.

Helical Products Company, Inc.

The U-Clip shaft collar is a one-piece shaft collar that slides on easily and locks in place when released. In machinery or for static applications, quick release U-Clip shaft collars hold reels and tools in place whether on hardened or non-hardened shafts. U-Clip collars are hand installed. A spring loaded release plate permits easy slide on/off action. The device locks in place when released and with a light pull on the release plate the U-Clip slides off. Six sizes are available for metric shaft diameters: 10, 12, 15, 16, 20 and 22. English sizes are available only in large quantities.

Amacoil, Inc.

Sprint offers four quadrant DC drives that use little space and are very energy efficient. The 340XRi, 680XRi and 1220XRi DC drives are designed to regenerate energy back into the mains supply under braking without the need for complex intermediate storage, resistive dumping or additional power bridges. A four quadrant regenerative DC drive is fully controllable in both motoring and braking modes, and conserves the maximum amount of energy. The DC drive package offers other energy efficient improvements.

Sprint Electric

The 3800 Series roller is designed for use in conveyor systems that transport containers and boxes with individual weights of up to 300 lbs. The roller operates with the drive components located away from the conveyor area, reducing the risk of contamination that may have adverse effects on the drive performance. The 3800 Series' steel tube has a diameter of 1.9" and features standard O-rings and standard multi-rib belts. Sealed precision bearings can easily handle speeds of up to 360 feet per minute.

Interroll Corp.

The EZO-SPB bearing has an inside shaft diameter of just .06mm or .0236 in. and an outside diameter of just 2.5mm and a width of 1.0mm. Each ball, and there are five in each race, is smaller than those found in a ball point pen and each is precision ground to an exacting specification to ensure long life at operating speeds of between 142,000 and 160,000 rpm. The bearings are ideal for any miniature motion control product such as medical and dental instruments or any product requiring miniaturization with smooth, quiet operating motion.

SPB-USA

Valco's new 360 um high pressure fitting design permits direct connection to 360 micron OD fused silica, PEEK, stainless, or electroformed nickel tubing without having to use troublesome liners. Because of the fitting's compact size and fine 2-56 threads, a lead-free connection that seals at pressures well in excess of 20,000 psi can easily be formed with the available manual tool. The fittings are available with a PEEK or stainless nut; the PEEK nut is supplied with a glass-filled PEEK ferrule, while the stainless nut uses a 316 SS ferrule. The ferrule snaps into the nut so that the fitting is "one-piece", but the ferrule is free to rotate and does not twist the tube as the nut is tightened. A wide range of micron bore sizes are available.

Valco Instruments Co., Inc.

Canadian Industrial Equipment News November 2007

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