Mechanical Components

Easy automation is the focus of the R. A. Rodriguez stand at Total 2010. The company is the UK arm of a global company that specialises in linear and rotary bearings and the supply of other precision components. At the show however, R. A. Rodriguez will feature two stand-alone systems both of which are recent additions to its range. They are a simple and highly economical robotic arm and a small item palletising system.

New from Elesa - the RE.F8 castor for light duty at low cost

A new, fully automated, fine art infrared scanning system isn’t just a prime example of what modern technology can achieve. It also shows how a scientific tool with micron positioning accuracy can be created from standard industrial automation components. The system is the brainchild of motion control specialist, SmartDrive®. Working in league with the linear motion company, HepcoMotion®, it has optimised the process of infrared scanning, greatly extending the scope of the technology. And the benefits of the system aren’t confined to infrared. The system control and specifically developed image stitching software also enables distortion-free digital photographs of large works to be taken for further study and record. For the art conservation world this system represents a significant imaging breakthrough.

High performance seals specialist, Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE) has announced a new explosive decompression resistant perfluoroelastomer for seals used in ultra-aggressive, oil and gas processing applications.

Steinmeyer, Inc. announced a new precision, multi- axis air bearing gantry system. This motion system consists of an XY stage utilizing air bearings plus a conventional ball screw driven Z table. It is ideal wherever there is a need for ultra high precision and outstanding dynamic performance.

The pioneer of all-electric tube bending machinery, Unison, has announced a new series of tours of engineering companies in the UK that will demonstrate how manufacturers can reap productivity benefits from the precision and flexibility of servomotor-controlled tube bending technology. Four tours are scheduled for February, March, May and July in 2010. Each event will include visits to two advanced tube bending users, plus a tour of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), and a technical tube bending workshop at Unison's facility.

Ruland Manufacturing Co., Inc. offers bellows couplings for highly accurate performance in motion control applications.

In February 2010, SKF, the knowledge engineering company, will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in the UK. With a sales office initially established in London, the company’s manufacturing facility began production in Luton in 1911. SKF has subsequently grown to become one of the UK’s major industrial players, with manufacturing, sales and customer service centres around the country.

Parker Hannifin, has launched three new hydraulic hoses, developed to minimise maintenance and increase profitability across a wide range of industrial applications. These are the PowerLift 477, the ideal hose for crane and lifting equipment, the RemoFlex 412, a pilot line hose with an increased working pressure of 12.0 MPa, and the Push-Lok Plus 801, the new low pressure hose with a higher working pressure and an extended colour range.