Around the Industry

Five publications using ALPAO deformable mirrors have been presented during the international workshop Adaptive Optics for Extremely Large Telescopes. Building adaptive optics for such very large telescopes (up to 42 meters) is very challenging and numberous techniques must be validated before going on sky. Reliable, linear and cost-effective products from ALPAO help astronomers to reach this goal.

Owners of the Z Corporation ZPrinter® 310 Plus and Spectrum Z™510 3D printers can now produce 3D physical models that are stronger and more colorful, with brilliant whites, thanks to the company’s new zp®150 premium composite build material. zp150 also enables users of all current-generation ZPrinters to use water as the curing agent for finishing multicolor models.

Sixnet, announces its new EL228 industrial managed Ethernet switch platform. As the newest addition to Sixnet’s full line of industrial switches, the EL228 is the only product in its class that combines the reliability, redundancy and ruggedness required for demanding industrial environments, with true enterprise-class networking capabilities.

Sixnet, LLC, a market-leading supplier of innovative machine-to-machine (M2M) and both wired and wireless industrial networking solutions, today announced their products and solutions are now available through TESSCO Technologies Incorporated distribution channels. TESSCO is a value-added provider of the product and supply chain solutions needed to design, build, run, maintain and use wireless systems.

Sixnet recently announced that they have reached an agreement to acquire JBM Electronics Co. a leading provider of reliable networking connectivity solutions. This acquisition solidifies Sixnet’s position as a leading provider of wireless networking solutions across a broad range of mobile operators and geographies. Sixnet currently markets a comprehensive line of rugged industrial and commercial products under the BlueTree Wireless brand. JBM products will dovetail with BlueTree solutions to create the broadest range of industrial and commercial wireless networking solutions available in the market today.

Schunk has developed new adapter plates for its quick-change system for the SWS series. These have up to 14 valves integrated in them, depending on the size. The adapter plates are mounted between the quick-change head and robot flange, establishing the connection between these two components. The new adapter plates contain all the valves that are needed for actuating the SWS, and are supplied with compressed air via a central connection. The valves are actuated by a central electrical connection which also allows interrogation of the locking and unlocking status of the SWS as well as the proximity switches of the grippers used. The adapter plates will in future be supplied in the complete package matching the particular adapter head. Future quick-change heads, however, will only be supplied in one new variant that is already prepared for connection to the new adapter plate. Nevertheless, the previous quick-change heads can be used together with the new adapter plate with only a little

Parvalux has revealed that it has acquired midlands distribution partner Parks GB Limited for an undisclosed sum. The business, trading until now as Parvalux Midlands, has moved to a new facility in central Birmingham.

Parker Hannifin Corporation today announced the retirement of Marwan M. Kashkoush, Executive Vice President – Sales, Marketing and Operations Support. Kashkoush, age 55, will remain in his current role through September 30, 2010 to allow for a structured transition of his responsibilities. During this transition, he will remain an integral member of the Parker Management Committee, and the Office of the Chief Executive.

Parker Hannifin Corporation announces commercial commitment for its new hydraulic hybrid technology system, which dramatically increases fuel efficiency for Class 8 refuse trucks even as it improves drivability and performance.

A carousel turntable from Movetech UK was at the centre of the Skillsmart Retail awards at the recent In Store Show, when Devon womenswear retailers, mARmaLaDe took the SkillVM silver award in the professional category for their innovative window display, ‘Window to your World’. Demonstrating the impact of the media on the evolution of fashion in the 20th century, the display featured a revolving mannequin dressed in red and covered in newsprint for maximum impact.