Tennis the first priority for London park transformation

The redevelopment of tennis courts in a London borough park are the first priority in a 15-year masterplan.

The London Borough of Hounslow’s planning committee approved Gunnersbury 2026 in January 2016 to unlock the potential of sports facilities at Gunnersbury Park – with tennis courts the first priority and a new indoor community sports hub.

Essex-based ETC Sports Surfaces has completed the eight outdoor tennis courts with floodlights, while the sports hub is scheduled to open in summer 2019.

ETC worked alongside Zaun Ltd, who manufactured and supplied 414m of 3m high Duo6 Advantage tennis sports fencing with six single leaf gates and two divider fences with a central 3.5 m wide walkway between courts.

Zaun’s Advantage tennis court fencing system can withstand heavy use with a 42.85mm x 200mm twin wire mesh pattern that won’t let balls through yet allows a great view of on-court action.

It offers better whole-life value than chain-link fencing, which is easily cut with pliers for unauthorised use, and deforms quickly when people lean against it.

Ten grass football and rugby pitches, four cricket pitches and two full-size 3G artificial grass pitches with floodlights are also planned.

Gunnersbury Park, jointly owned by Hounslow and Ealing councils, features one Grade I listed and one Grade II listed Georgian mansions, as well as many historical buildings all set within the stunning community park.

The site is undergoing major transformation since the councils secured two grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2014 to overhaul the museum and make major improvements to the park landscape.

The aim of the project is to transform Gunnersbury Park into a sustainable, high quality public space that serves the local community.  The plans include the creation of a diverse mix of culture, heritage, events, sports and recreational activity to add to a rich history that the councils want to preserve.

Cost effective, narrow width 120W and 240W DIN rail power supplies are 93% efficient

TDK Corporation announces the introduction of two additional DRB DIN rail mount AC-DC power supplies, rated at 120W and 240W (144W/288W peak for 10 seconds).  The products have a very narrow width, providing additional space for other DIN rail mount modules.  Having efficiencies of 93%, less internal heat is generated resulting in cooler electrolytic capacitors a field life of greater than 7 years at 75% load, 230Vac input.  These models complete the cost effective 15W to 480W DRB series, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications including factory automation, process control and test and measurement.

The DRB120 and DRB240 models are housed in a robust metal enclosure, measuring 124mm in height, 125mm deep and widths of 35mm and 41mm respectively.  The power supplies can operate from a wide range 85 – 264Vac input and withstand a surge of 300Vac for 5 seconds.  Both have a 24V output and feature an isolated DC OK opto-coupler signal in addition to an LED indicator.  The outputs can be adjusted from 24 - 28V to compensate for series blocking diodes or FETs in redundant configurations.

Input to output isolation is 3,000Vac, input to ground 1500Vac and the output to ground is 500Vac.  The DRBs are convection cooled and rated for operation in -25 to +70^oC ambient temperatures (cold start at -40 ^oC), derating linearly above 55 ^oC to 50% load at 70^oC.

The units are safety certified to IEC/EN/UL/CSA 60950-1, IEC/EN/UL 62368-1, UL 508, IEC/EN 62477-1 (OVC III), and are CE marked for the Low Voltage, EMC and RoHS2 Directives.  Both meet EN55011-B, EN55032-B, CISPR11-B, CISPR22-B, EN61204-3 (Class A) radiated and conducted emissions, and comply with the EN61000-4 immunity standards.

For more information about the full range of TDK-Lambda DRB series of DIN rail mount power supplies, please call TDK-Lambda directly on +44 (0)1271 856600 or visit the TDK-Lambda website at: www.uk.tdk-lambda.com/drb

EMKA Aluminium PROflex window kits for quicker self-assembly

The EMKA PROflex aluminium window system enables users to fabricate what they want, when they want it, off the shelf for use as windows or mounting panels with or without depth frame for clearance of door mounted instrumentation.

The DIY approach enables panels to be outsourced in non-standard materials to non-standard sizes. It also allows for standard sizes to be adapted or modified to suit custom requirements at short notice.

The PROflex window system can be configured as a low profile window or as a protection for indicators/buttons/switches that protrude from the door panel. The system incorporates an integral cylinder lock mechanism or multiple locks on longer sizes.

Further information on EMKA PROflex window kits can be found at www.emka.com/uk_en/industry-aluminium-windows/emka-proflex-42/. Readers can find the latest information and news on the EMKA blog – www.emkablog.co.uk or follow them on twitter - http://twitter.com/emkauk.

Elesa electrical machine safety products

The recently introduced CFSW hinges with built-in safety switch and the RH-FG16 series of tubular handles, also with built-in safety switch, highlight a significant development for standard component manufacturers Elesa. These products reflect the increasing need for electrical machine protection devices in association with safety screens and cages or control enclosures and cabinets. In this situation they ensure that dangerous machinery or other equipment is neutralized when the access door is opened – so providing a vital safety aspect for operator and service personnel.

Elesa gives customers a choice – to install the safety cut-off as part of a door hinge or integrated with a standard handle installation.

No longer do installers of machines, conveyors or other industrial equipment need to add an extra push button with mounting box and extra wiring. Now installers can make use of a safety cut-off built in to the guard or housing with corresponding savings in equipment and fitting costs.

Ashtead expands environmental monitoring instrument fleet

Ashtead Technology has significantly increased its fleet of equipment for environmental and occupational safety monitoring with the addition of the TSI QUEST range of instruments. As a TSI Gold Channel Distributor, Ashtead will offer these advanced instruments for both hire and sale; providing customers with both instrumental and financial flexibility. 

“This is a major boost to our instrument fleet, commented Senior Sales Manager Josh Thomas. “With a comprehensive range of options for toxic gases, dust, noise and heat stress, the QUEST instruments will help us to ensure that customers employ the best possible monitoring equipment for every application.”

Ashtead Technology has already invested heavily on the resources and training necessary to provide a high level of customer support for TSI products, so Josh says: “There will be a smooth transition into our range and we are delighted to be able to offer customers even greater choice.”

The new range includes key products such as the TSI QUEST EVM-7 for monitoring toxic gases and dust, the SE-400 sound level meters and the TSI QUEST Heat Stress Monitor. Explaining the main advantages of these instruments, Josh says: “By monitoring dust as well as toxic gases, the EVM-7 will enable some customers to use one instrument where previously two were necessary, and the sound level meters have an option for ATEX certification when working in potentially explosive atmospheres.”

The TSI QUEST EVM-7 monitors Temperature, Relative Humidity, Air Velocity, Particulates (PM_2.5, PM₄, PM₁₀ or TSP) Carbon Dioxide and VOCs. A separate toxic gas sensor provides the option of Carbon Monoxide, Chlorine, Ethylene Oxide, Hydrogen Cyanide, Hydrogen Sulphide, Nitric Oxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Oxygen or Sulphur Dioxide.

The TSI QUEST SE-400 range of Sound Detectors display and log noise levels with type 1 or 2 accuracy for easy comparison with workplace exposure limits. Heat stress can affect staff productivity and can be dangerous to health; occurring when the body’s means of controlling its internal temperature starts to fail. The TSI QUEST Heat Stress Monitor therefore helps to protect staff in potentially dangerous environments by monitoring temperature, relative humidity and wet bulb global temperature.

For more information, visit the Environment, Health & Safety section of www.ashtead-technology.com.

ArmaWeave achieves steepest rake yet

This photo shows the incredible raking ability of Zaun’s ArmaWeave fencing system.

Accredited ArmaWeave installer Crime and Fire Defence Systems carried out the installation at a high security site, where the fence climbed a 50m-long 25° slope using full width panels.

Zaun owner and co-founder Alastair Henman said: “The raking powers are such a big benefit over 358 and could help protect so many high security sites.”

Manufacturer Zaun developed the raking installation method to make best use of the properties of the high security fabric, which is the most intruder resistant fence on the high security market.

The ArmaWeave fencing – which is unique to Zaun, as is the ability to rake it – is produced on the world’s largest mesh weaving machine at the company’s West Midlands manufacturing base.

Henman added: "We had to invest in the weaving machine ahead of the sales in the belief we could produce an innovative product installers, specifiers and high security facility managers would want."

It limits the need for stepping panels on slopes and reduces installation costs significantly compared with standard welded mesh systems, while still conforming to the highest rated standards for fencing products defending against forcible attack.

ArmaWeave’s unique properties add substantial resistance to cutting attacks with hand, powered and non-contact tools.  The tight mesh pattern provides no climbing aids, again limiting the potential for intrusion.

ArmaWeave is tested to the very highest standards and can be combined with other intruder systems, electronics and access control to create the optimum integrated fencing solution.

Tens of thousands of metres have been installed at water, gas, electricity and nuclear sites around the UK by Crime & Fire and the three other accredited ArmaWeave installers: specialist fencing installers Allen Fencing Limited and JB Corrie and premier prison fencing installer Binns Fencing, a Zaun subsidiary.

Combined humidity calibration ranges from Michell and Rotronic at IMEKO 2018

Michell and Rotronic have been working together as part of the Process Sensing Technologies Group for little over a year and already their shared industry experience and combined product range are benefiting customers. Together, Michell and Rotronic offer the most comprehensive range of humidity and dew-point calibration equipment on the market today.

A package such as the Rotronic HygroGen2 humidity generator with the Michell S8000 Remote chilled mirror reference hygrometer delivers a simple and affordable method to carry out traceable & accredited calibrations on any brand of humidity probe in-house and on-site.

The Rotronic HygroGen2 has defined the standard for portable and laboratory humidity and temperature calibrations. It rapidly generates stable temperature and humidity conditions for calibrating up to 6 probes simultaneously. The larger HygroGen2 XL version features a 17-litre working volume allowing for the calibration of multiple instruments including larger devices.

With the Michell S8000 Remote chilled mirror hygrometer as an external reference, the HygroGen2 is able to provide calibrations traceable to national standards and accredited calibrations within ISO17025 laboratories. The upgraded hygrometer gives virtually drift-free measurements of humidity down to -40 °C dew point, with an accuracy of ±0.1 °C dp. It is also small and easily transportable. 

Delegates at IMEKO 2018 in September will be able to find out more about the Michell and Rotronic humidity calibration offering by visiting us at Stand 1.

Download Humidity and Temperature Calibration Products to find out more about the range.

Advancing excellence in gas analysis

Cambridge Sensotec are experts in gas analysis, producing the Rapidox range of gas analysers for over 17 years. Dynamic and flexible, the company initially specialised in oxygen analysis, however expanded into multiple gases to suit customer requirements and application demands.

The Rapidox 1100 and Rapidox 2100 range of oxygen analysers are particularly suitable for applications such as inert gas blanketing, additive manufacturing, glove boxes, metal heat treatment and research and development projects.

There are two types of oxygen sensors used in the Rapidox gas analyse range, these include zirconia and electrochemical, although the majority of the Rapidox gas analysers use a zirconia-based sensor.

What's the difference between electrochemical and zirconia sensors?

A zirconia oxygen sensor is ideal for the analysis of oxygen within high temperature applications or metal heat treatment. Zirconia sensors can also be used to detect vacuum leaks within chambers or glove boxes. The sensor has a very fast response time combined with extremely accurate readings at low oxygen levels, which is suitable for low ppm to 100% gas analysis.

An electrochemical sensor is best suited to applications where explosive gases are present such as hydrocarbons, or where there is a presence of volatile organic gases compounds (VOCs). They also perform well in helium and hydrogen and are suited for use in hazardous areas. Electrochemical sensors are available for oxygen analysis on a scale of either 0.1ppm to 1% or 0-100%.

Raise a Glass to the G-Awards with Compliments of Thermoseal Group!

Thermoseal Group is sponsoring the Glass and Glazing Industry’s G18 Awards Champagne Reception, hosted at London’s prestigious Park Lane Hotel.  The Champagne reception precedes the highly acclaimed G-Awards Gala Dinner presentation evening which, this year falls on 30^th November 2018.

The G-Awards celebrates the industry’s brightest stars, with companies from across the UK meeting to celebrate a year of business achievement. As the UK’s leading manufacturer of warm edge spacer systems – Thermobar and Thermoflex - and leading supplier to the insulated glass (IG) industry, Thermoseal Group’s representatives will, for the 9^th year in a row, welcome attendees and keep the champagne flowing.

Managing Director, Gwain Paterson tells us: “The G-Awards is always a grand occasion and one that we look forward to joining many of the Industry’s leading professionals in raising a glass to all those shortlisted for an award.

“The champagne reception is buzzing with anticipation and we are delighted to be the ones putting the champagne on free-flow. The event itself is spectacular and a great opportunity for us to relax and enjoy the time with our colleagues and friends in the glass and glazing industry.

“I’d like to wish all those entering the G18 Awards all the best and say thank you to all of our customers, suppliers and the multitude of people across the glass and glazing industry who have supported Thermoseal Group over the years.  Here’s wishing everyone success in the years to come and I look forward to raising a glass with you on the evening.”

Contact Thermoseal Group on 0845 331 3950 or Intl: +44 (0) 121 331 3950 or speak to your area sales manager. Alternatively, e-mail your order requests to: sales@thermosealgroup.com.

Ex-stock specialist nuts from tech fastening experts at Challenge Europe

While many machine screws or bolts fit into a tapped thread within a larger component the versatility of these threaded fasteners is often exploited by using a nut which Challenge Europe stock in many variations and materials. Their wide ex-stock offering supports manufacturing supply chains – including nylon insert nuts – the most used anti-vibration self-locking nuts often fitted where previously a full nut and jam nut were utilised, thus saving an extra operation, also reducing weight and height of the assembly; a situation where half nuts could also be used to allow for lack of space.

Specialist nuts are often called for and are stocked to locate into various substrates e.g. flange nuts which help with load spreading and anti-vibration capability. Similarly, square nuts which slide into channels and are often used for roofing because of their self-locating square format.

Dome nuts are a frequent solution where aesthetics and safety are uppermost e.g. on prams and fairground equipment etc.  Other standard nut forms include cage nuts for captive use e.g. on 19” racks, computer panels etc. often in M6 sizes for electronics, they provide location with space for the nut to float and allow for adjustment. Combi nuts on the other hand have an integral washer retained within the nut assembly for load spreading and anti-vibration purposes, whereas their barb nut variant incorporates paint cutting edges for earthing continuity purposes while saving fiddly assembly, loss of washer etc.

Traditional wing nuts facilitate hand operation for quick release without tools and the convenient U nut design is used on sheet material to provide an instant thread with load spreading action.

Further information on nut products available from Challenge Europe can be found on their website – www.challenge-europe.co.uk/nut-products/

Compact Electronic Pipette Filler Perfect for Fumehood Use

Compact in size, the UltraJet electronic pipette filler from Porvair Sciences is perfect for use even in confined spaces such as safety cabinets and fume hoods. The UltraJet pipette filler is quick and simple to operate. Its lightweight, ergonomic design ensures you can use it for extended periods of time without discomfort.

The UltraJet has a disposable syringe filter inside to protect it from over-filling and a snug neoprene collar to firmly grip the pipette and ensure good directional control. It has been designed to work with all sizes of pipettes from 1 to 25ml and will fill the largest in just 6 seconds.

Large buttons on the hand grip enable precise fine control of aspiration and dispensing of liquids. An integral LCD display displays selected aspiration speed which can be simply set with a button under the display. The UltraJet uses a rechargeable lithium battery, so there are no unsightly cables trailing from it and it comes complete with a self-adhesive bench holder for storage. EC compliant each UltraJet controller is supplied with an appropriate mains charger.

For further information on the UltraJet electronic pipette filler please visit https://www.porvair-sciences.com/pipette-controller/ or contact Porvair Sciences Ltd on +44-1978-666222 / +1-800-552-3696 / int.sales@porvair-sciences.com.

Established in 1992, Porvair Sciences is one of the largest global manufacturers of ultra-clean microplates for life science, synthetic chemistry and many other applications. Porvair Sciences Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Porvair plc.

Safety alert regarding Ladder Guards!

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a new safety alert emphasising the importance of ensuring suitable measures are in place to prevent members of the public, especially children, from climbing scaffold ladders. The safety bulletin states that where a ladder guard is used:

•  It should cover at least 6 rungs of ladder i.e. preventing foot being placed on at least 5 rungs

•  Must make each rung unusable - no more than 50 mm of rung should be exposed when guard is pushed as far sideways as possible

•  Must not be able to slide over the ladder stile thereby exposing the rungs

•  Must be locked or padlocked in place when not in use – Rope lashing is not acceptable

To meet the requirements of the HSE Safety Alert, George Roberts (NW) Ltd have designed, specified and now have in stock a new ladder guard that not only complies but exceeds the stated minimum requirements.

New Ladder Guard Features

•  1,860mm high – Covers 7 rungs, one more than required by HSE Guidance

•  Only 45mm of rung exposed (when used with a Tuff Steel ladder) – 5mm less than required by HSE Guidance

•  315mm wide – Can be used on other suitable ladders dependent on width of rungs

•  Heavy duty padlock and chain included

•  Light weight sturdy construction – only 4.4kg including padlock and chain

Our new, compliant ladder guard is 315mm wide and 1,860mm tall while the old guard is 270mm wide and 116mm tall. The lower rung is completely covered on the new guard and leaves very little rung exposed when pushed sideways.

Geotech’s First Asia Pacific Distributor Conference with QED Takes Place in Thailand

Geotech, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of gas analysis technology has successfully completed a two-day distributor conference together with QED Environmental Systems in Bangkok this August. 

The conference brought together key Geotech and QED distributors, dealers and partners from the Asia Pacific region including Entech, Onuee, C&H, EN Instrument, Enviroequip Asia, Sankyo, Beijing Greensward, PT Tridinamika and Startech Instruments. 

It was a huge success and an opportunity for Geotech to educate its distributor network on its re-branding to a QED Environmental Systems company. Distributors were made aware that Geotech’s trading would henceforward be a part of the QED group and part of the US public company Graco Inc, which has a turnover of circa $1.8 billion and 4,000 employees worldwide. 

Attending the event was Geotech’s Senior Vice President, David Kaminski and Managing Director, Dean Kavanagh. Also in attendance was Geotech’s Territory Manager for the Asia Pacific region, Jesse Yu, Territory Manager for UK, Ireland, Oceania, Africa, Mike White, Sales & Marketing Director, Paul Gooch, Product Manager, Dave Simpson and Technical Support Engineer, Anthony Li.  

The schedule included two days of product training, discussions and master classes on key developments within the industry and insights into the future of both the biomethane and land remediation sectors. Guests were given an exclusive insight into QED and Geotech’s new product road-map into 2021. 

Representatives from the brands Japan distributor, Sankyo and Thailand distributor, Entech also presented some of their key project highlights and the strategic sales approach behind winning bids over the last year. 

The company’s Senior Vice President and hydrogeologist, David Kaminski, who has been a key driving force in the industry for over 34 years conducted a master class on groundwater sampling and gas analyser technical support tips and tricks. Attendees were also given the opportunity to engage with David one-to-one throughout the day. 

Dean Kavanagh, said: “The main theme of our conference this year was to introduce Geotech as a QED Environmental Systems company, which is an incredibly important part of our strategic growth for the future. It was a delight to engage with our wide global network of distributors together with QED this week. I continue to be impressed by the vision of our network and have no doubt that they will contribute towards our strategic vision over the next few years.”

A panel discussion with key Geotech and QED employees saw conversations on the future of landfill, opportunities for biomethane, insights into the competitive landscape and driving changes in the industry. Showcasing its commitment to strengthening business practices in line with customer requirements, Geotech also discussed its strategic plans for the next year stemming from the customer and distributor survey feedback carried out earlier this year. 

The conference was hosted at the Ramen Gardens in Bangkok on 8th and 9th August and attendees were treated to a relaxing cruise along the Chao Phraya River and dinner.  

For more information please visit www.geotechuk.com or speak to a member of our sales team call +44(0)1926 338111.

What has the concealed hinge evolved into?

Meet the Olympia hinge from Sugatsune, the most evolved concealed hinge available today. It looks familiar because it uses a tried and tested format but it brings a new level of sophistication that adds value to your customers and aids in the manufacturing and installation process.

The most obvious new feature is the integral adjustable hydraulic damper. Not just any damper either but a Lapcon rotary hydraulic damper, the best in the business and so small it does not compromise the hinge in any way.

The problem with a standard damped hinge is that they have a fixed level of damping, fine if you have a fixed size of door but what happens if you have different sizes and weights? Well, the doors all close at different speeds which doesn't feel right in use. Some flexibility can be introduced by using a damped hinge and an un-damped hinge in the same door but this is only ever going to be a fudge. 

By contrast the Olympia hinge has an adjustable damper with five levels of damping. When used in pairs the damping gives up to 18 speeds, more than is required to balance doors of different sizes. 

Another point of difference is the mode of installation. Sugatsune has made the hinge so that it can be installed by snapping on from the top instead of the front edge first approach of similar hinges. This is quite a big deal if you have more than two hinges on a door. It's just a question of lining up the hinges and pushing from the top. Easy.

It is three way adjustable of course but Sugatsune has rationalised this aspect of the design too. Horizontal, vertical and depth adjustments are all made from the top using a standard cross-head screwdriver which makes the job far easier. 

If you know anything about Sugatsune you'll know that they are obsessive about quality control and reliability and won't be surprised to hear that the Olympia hinge has passed a 200,000 cycle test, five times as many as required by Japanese regulations. If your customer opened the cupboard ten times a day that gives a reliable service life of over fifty years, a long time in the life of a kitchen and quite amazing for a damper. 

The Olympia hinge represents a major evolution of the concealed hinge. Variable damping, easy installation and adjustment with supreme reliability all in the familiar format with a 35mm cutout. This is something that Sugatsune are proud of, if you'd like to hear our customer services wax lyrical about the hinge, give them a ring and see how it will enhance your latest project.

NEMA 4X Approved Flow Computer

The Metra-Smart from Titan Enterprises is designed for computing and displaying flow rates and totals as well as giving an analogue output proportional to flow. 

Weatherproof to IP66 / IP67 (NEMA 4X) standards, and UV resistant, the Metra-Smart flow computer is suitable for operation (-20C to 80C) with flowmeters used in harsh industrial and marine environments.

As well as computing flow rates and totals, this small, intrinsically safe device can also give two pre-set flow alarms and calculate differential rates from two input sensors.

The battery powered Metra-Smart displays re-settable total, accumulated total and flow rate in engineering units as programmed by the user. Simple pin-protected flow chart programming with prompts are used to guide users through the entire programming routine. The battery life of the Metra-Smart is 10 years + to provide you with long peace of mind.

The pulse output of the Metra-Smart can be selected to act as an input pulse repeater serving as a signal conditioner module or may be programmed as a scaled pulse output for remote metering.

For further information about the Metra-Smart flow computer or to discuss your application please contact Titan Enterprises on +44-1935-812790 / sales@flowmeters.com.

Drawing upon over 40-years of flowmeter innovation - Titan Enterprises Ltd are a manufacturer of high performance solutions including the Atrato ultrasonic flowmeter, Oval Gear flowmeters, low flow turbine flowmeters and a flow instrument range. Titan’s company philosophy of “pushing the envelope by trying to do things a little different and better” has resulted in sales of over 500,000 products into 50 countries worldwide and a repeat purchase percentage of 95%. All flow meters produced by Titan Enterprises are designed and manufactured to ISO9001 and calibrated to an uncertainty of ±0.25%. 

Functional and Robust Smoking Shelter

Functional and robust in its design, the AUTOPA open spaces Smoking Shelter provides smokers with protection from the elements whilst complying with both UK & Irish regulations. The frame is manufactured from high-quality aluminium, the roof and side panels are manufactured from UV stable PETG sheet.

Powder coated grey as standard, the shelter can be coated in any BS or RAL colour (colour codes must be specified at time of order - optional colour coating as shown above)

Automation Friendly Cell Growth Microplates

Porvair Science has extended its BactiGrowth range of specially packaged plates designed to enable high yield growth of bacteria, yeast, mammalian or insect cell lines. 

Precisely manufactured to conform to the automation-friendly ANSI/SBS format, BactiGrowth plates are available in plate formats from 24- through to 384-well and well volumes from 300 µl to 10 ml per well to suit most cellular growth applications. Produced under class 10,000 clean room conditions from ultra-pure grade polypropylene, every batch of BactiGrowth plates is rigorously tested to validate their contamination-free status ensuring reproducibility and maintaining customer confidence in the cells you grow.

BactiGrowth plates are supplied in packs of 5 plates with tight fitting lids sealed in a sterile polymer bag. For further information on BactiGrowth plates please visit https://www.porvair-sciences.com/bacti-growth-plates/ or contact Porvair Sciences Ltd on +44-1978-666222 / +1-800-552-3696 / int.sales@porvair-sciences.com.

Established in 1992, Porvair Sciences is one of the largest global manufacturers of ultra-clean microplates for life science, synthetic chemistry and many other applications. Porvair Sciences Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiaries of Porvair plc.

Elesa – speedy snap locks – where light weight and speed matter

The Elesa GN 315 series of flush and extended format push button snap latches offer light weight and quick slam shut closure, with fingertip opening, of doors and drawers.

Typically these snap lock hardware latches are suitable for use in specialist vehicles, aircraft, railway rolling stock and mobile work areas, as well as storage areas in workstations or on trollies or disability equipment where their compact size and lightweight positive operation are appreciated.

Their simple push button unlock design means that the extended version can be readily opened with two or three fingers while the flush version can work easily with a light force opening spring or two handed operation, coupled with a bridge/pull handle or pull knob.

Further information on Elesa GN 315 series snap locks may be found at: www.elesa.com/en/elesab2bstoreuk/Latches--Snap-locks--GN315 or follow them on twitter: www.twitter.com/ElesaUK.

Smooth and worry-free production

mayr^® power transmission presents backlash-free servo couplings for all drive constellations and reliable braking systems for vertical axes at the AMB 2018 in Stuttgart.  

Precision, productivity, availability – machine tools must fulfil high expectations. Cycle rates and working speeds are increasing, tolerances are decreasing. Even the smallest programming and operating errors or operating malfunctions have serious effects, right up to damages on the machine and downtimes across the entire production process. Therefore, every single component plays a role in ensuring that the production runs smoothly and worry-free. With its clutches, couplings and brakes, mayr^® power transmission offers complete solutions from a single source – for the reliable protection of machine tools and machining centres. For example, a wide spectrum of backlash-free, high-performance servo couplings provides a secure connection between the shafts. These couplings are subject to very different requirements depending on the application case. That is why mayr^® power transmission features steel bellows, elastomer and disk pack couplings in its range. The company has just supplemented its standard module range with numerous new hub designs and intermediate sleeves. “With the large diversity of versions, we create a high level of flexibility for the various applications”, explains Ralf Epple, Product Manager at mayr^® power transmission. “And so we are now able to offer solutions for all drive constellations in servo technology, rapidly and easily.” The intelligent modular system also ensures high availability, short lead times for standard components and favourable prices.

No compromises on safety

mayr^® power transmission has developed an extensive portfolio of reliable safety brakes especially for the safeguarding of gravity-loaded axes, as suspended loads represent a substantial hazard potential in machines and systems – in particular if people are standing under them. If inadvertent lowering or crashes occur, the load must be brought to a standstill within the shortest possible time in order to protect people and material against damage. The different brake concepts by mayr^® power transmission have been tailored to different machine requirements and offer the right solution for every application. The technologically-leading friction system and consistently considered safety principles stand for high performance density and above all safe and reliable brakes – as no compromises can be made on safety. 

mayr^® power transmission at the AMB 2018 in Stuttgart: Hall EO, Stand 211.

EMKA toggle and hook latches – quick and convenient spring closure

Toggle latches, over-centre catches, wire toggles, spring catches and so on are a common quick action method of closure for packing of equipment or temporary fitting of masks/jigs etc. So we are pleased to find that market leader in enclosure hardware EMKA UK has a comprehensive range for specialist OEMs, installers, manufacturers and assemblers who are already familiar with their range of locks, hinges, swinghandles and gasket profiles.

The EMKA Program 6000 covers both zinc plated, steel and stainless steel in wire loop, rigid wire and solid link designs. Spring loaded latches are especially vibration compliant enabling a conforming tension where abnormal movement is encountered such as in transit, while others are adjustable or have special locking mechanisms. 6000 series toggle latches may be installed with in-line or right angled hook/catch plates to suit the orientation of the housing.

Further information on EMKA toggle and hook latches can be found at www.emka.com/uk_en/industry-toggle-latches/. Readers can find the latest information and news on the EMKA blog – www.emkablog.co.uk or follow them on twitter - http://twitter.com/emkauk.

Ex-stock socket screws and bolts from Challenge Europe

Specialist threaded fasteners available ex-stock from Challenge Europe in high grades of material include socket screws for production, incorporating milled sides (cap heads) so they may be easily spun up by hand and of course with a recessed hex drive which enable machine feed and torqueing on the assembly line.

Other specialist socket screws include button head/dome head designs which give improved appearance, lower profile and a smooth finish. They also offer more clearance with less vulnerability to interference, either to clothing or to other equipment passing over and are ideal for floor fixings as they present less of a trip hazard.

Socket head cap screws are generally more considered for engineering use at the elite end of the fastener range, by virtue of their more precise production tolerances - and historically being more commonly of 12.9 grade they are engineered for use at the top end of the precision spectrum.

In particular the socket head shoulder screw variant features a plain shank with a ground surface for location – “a dowel with a thread”, especially useful for tooling applications where a lower clearance is desirable, e.g. for locating with precise fit, but it can also be used to provide a bearing surface.

Further information on Challenge Europe products can be found on their website – www.challenge-europe.co.uk.