Mechanical Components

SKF has developed a total fan shaft solution that can optimise the performance and increase the service life of industrial fan applications. The solution comprises SKF’s unique self aligning bearing arrangement as well as sealing, lubrication and condition monitoring technology, enabling end users to optimise productivity levels and minimise maintenance costs.

Festo has developed a unique self-adjusting pneumatic cushioning system, which is now available as a build to order option for the company’s popular DSNU series round cylinder pneumatic actuators. The new system employs innovative, patented air channel geometry to provide phased venting of the cushioning air. The system automatically adapts its characteristics to suit the cylinder’s prevailing load and speed conditions, to provide optimum end-position cushioning.

One of the latest additions to the Item aluminium profile machine construction kit, is the Positioning Set 8 40. At its simplest, this consists of an M6 left-hand stainless steel screw of up to 1m long, which may be located in any Item 8mm T-slot.

Thomson BSA is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of lead screws and ball screws. Its expertise in the design and application of these positioning components is unmatched and now its wealth of knowledge and extensive product programme are available from Huco Dynatork.

In the continuous flow manufacture of its lighting products Whitecroft Lighting Ltd employs many automated systems one of which is a robot for automatic direct wiring of standard components. Installed twelve years ago, this robot received a new wiring head and software in 2006. And last year it was fitted with a new rotary table, supplied by HepcoMotion®, the benefit of which has been connection accuracy of 99%.

The IEF Werner easyLINE linear motion system from R. A. Rodriguez has the quality of its materials and manufacture to thank for its clean room classification. This however is a standard product not a special and as such carries no price premium. Consequently easyLINE has become the product of choice for many involved in automated production in the medical, pharmaceutical and electronics sectors.

To ensure optimum operating efficiency, the Howden Donkin integrally geared turbo compressors come with a choice of control systems to provide infinitely variable air flow in combination with a simple constant speed motor. All rely on the effective actuation of two sets of vanes that influence the air flow into the compressor according to process performance. This is an operation that requires high forces at slow speeds and for this reason the Mini range of actuators, from Framo Morat were selected for the job.

Plain bearings from LM76 employ advanced PTFE polymers, ceramic, and specialty composites for linear and rotary applications to meet motion system designers’ demanding requirements. These quiet, low cost bearings, in many applications, prove a superior alternative to traditional linear bearings. Chemically resistant, these plain bearings thrive in high load, harsh environments, high speed linear/rotary, rapid oscillation, high impact, and shock. They are FDA/USDA compliant, and can be washed down with water, high pressure steam, strong disinfectants, and caustic foaming agents, and they are approved for direct food contact. These bearings are ideal for use in: Food processing and packaging, medical products, and pharmaceuticals manufacturing, robotics, assembly equipment, construction equipment, and marine applications.

Linear Rail Systems that are designed for high temperature applications that require performance at temperatures up to 250 o C. The linear rail bearing components are made from bearing grade steel with all other internal components made from high temperature metals. There are no plastic components.

Parker Hannifin has launched new ATEX certified 37 mm electrical coils for use on its Lucifer range of stainless steel solenoid valves as well as the brass and aluminum X valves. These coils broaden even further the usability of these valves especially in the oil and gas, chemical and pharmaceutical markets, in which environmental working conditions can be very severe.