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The Engineeringtalk Newsletter Archive: 30 June 2005 issue

Soft starters, servos and setup software

To: All Engineeringtalk Readers
From: Chris Rand, Editor, Engineeringtalk
Date: 30 June 2005

ENGINEERINGTALK
The Independent Weekly Product Information Guide
for Product Design and Automation Engineers
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ISSN 1470-627X - Free subscription
Last week's delivered circulation: 50,624
Published every Thursday from the UK.
Issue 272: 30 June 2005
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31198 product announcements and technical articles on our
website http://www.engineeringtalk.com/ - all fully searchable
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In this issue:
* Editor's Message
* Our Top new products selection
[1] Vision system shows its true colours
[2] Modular brakes add machine tool safety
[3] Low-fire-hazard cables cut size and weight
[4] Soft starter steps in to upgrade star/delta units
[5] Low-cost servo drive handles resolver feedback
[6] Epoxy resin bonds, seals and impregnates
[7] Innovative single-axis electrical positioning system
[8] Software simplifies temperature controller setup
[9] Meter monitors hydraulic oil systems
[10] Compact outline for low-range force sensor
* Other industry news
* New technical articles and case studies
* Other featured product news
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Chris Rand, Editor, writes:

Last week I wrote about the underexploited development resource which
every manufacturer has in the form of its customers. Many development
projects which might have been a success never actually become real
products because of flawed research or simply bad management calls.
However, another approach is to just throw everything out there, not
worry about failures, and see what sticks. It's expensive, but will
uncover the unexpected gems.

This seems to be whats going on at Google, which is producing
astonishing stuff at an even more astonishing rate. I've looked at
some of its recent ideas and thought "that's clever, but perhaps not
for me", but others have been jaw-droppingly useful as far as I'm
concerned. The point is, the company is giving them all a go in the
real world.

Take the GMail email service, for example. It brings together the
best bits of different approaches to email, adds search and storage
facilities never offered before, and has instantly become
indispensable to the way I work. Google Desktop Search is another
free application which I've quickly become dependent on; in fact, I
can't imagine now not having results from my own hard drive
integrated into standard Google search results pages.

Google Maps is a really nice implementation of online street mapping
on its own, but combined with the Google database it's a really
powerful and useful tool ("show me a map of pneumatics distributors
in Bedford" - instant results). But it's Google Earth which has
really blown me away. Some people might look at it and say "great
technology, but how useful is it?" I'd suggest it's exactly the sort
of application which the public will find unthought-of uses for. You
have to see it for yourselves, but the ability to fly around the
entire planet, photographically, instantly, is just the coolest thing
you'll see on your PC screen this year. Or probably any other year,
to be honest. And the more I think about it, the more I can think of
engineering and scientific applications for it too.
http://mail.google.com
http://desktop.google.com/
http://maps.google.co.uk/
http://earth.google.com/

I hope you find this issue of our weekly newsletter useful. In
addition to the new products, news and ideas featured here, there are
hundreds more on our website and dozens more being added daily, so do
take a look if you can.

Alternatively, the full stories behind all the summaries and
headlines in this newsletter can be retrieved by email alone: see
details below.

In the meantime, if you have any suggestions as to how we might make
the site or the newsletter better, email me directly.

Best wishes
Chris Rand, Editor
mailto:ne[-email removed-]ringtalk.com
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OUR TOP NEW PRODUCT SELECTION
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[1] VISION SYSTEM SHOWS ITS TRUE COLOURS
(Digital Inspection Systems, 30 Jun 2005)

Scorpion is a new machine vision technology that exploits Windows
based PCs, and scores in that very low cost components can be
integrated using standard USB, FireWire or other interface drivers.
It has a highly accurate colour matching system within the basic
toolset which offers considerable power for identifying and matching
colours. The capability has already been exploited in the production
of colour matching cards for the paint industry, measurement and
analyses of fruit in the field before harvest and in the processing
of potatoes on a food production line.

Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/dct/108/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/dct/dct108.html
or send a blank email to mailto:dct1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

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[2] MODULAR BRAKES ADD MACHINE TOOL SAFETY
(Mayr Transmissions, 30 Jun 2005)

Mayr has introduced an innovative series of modular safety brakes
for use on machine tool applications. The Roba-topstop modular units
are suitable for vertical axis drives and are available in three
basic sizes up to 200Nm brake torque, complete with input and output
flanges to suit all standard servo motors.

Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/myr/118/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/myr/myr118.html
or send a blank email to mailto:myr1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

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[3] LOW-FIRE-HAZARD CABLES CUT SIZE AND WEIGHT
(Tyco Electronics UK, 24 Jun 2005)

Tyco Electronics has a new range of lightweight, small-diameter,
low-fire-hazard C-Lite cables offering up to 30% weight and up to 50%
space savings compared with standard commercial cables from other
manufacturers. Using a reduced amount of combustible materials and
offering low smoke generation, C-Lite cables are constructed from
flame retarded, halogen-free cores and Raychem brand Zerohal outer
cable sheath, meeting the requirements of SHF2 to IEC60092-350 and
IEC60332-3 Category A.

Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/toe/117/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/toe/toe117.html
or send a blank email to mailto:toe1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

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[4] SOFT STARTER STEPS IN TO UPGRADE STAR/DELTA UNITS
(Fairford Electronics, 24 Jun 2005)

Fairford is making it quick, easy and cost effective for companies to
overcome the problem of transients associated with star/delta
starting. The company has developed the low cost SDF soft starter, a
unit with simplified wiring that fits in the same space as a
conventional star/delta starter, and provides motor protection by
offering the key benefits of both soft starting and soft stopping.
Launched at the recent Hanover Fair, the SDF offers a new form of
soft starting which overcomes the problems of star delta current
surges by ramping up to an initial voltage, holding the voltage, and
then ramping up to full volts without disconnecting the motor from
the mains supply. This eliminates the high current that can occur at
the transition from star to delta.

Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/frf/120/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/frf/frf120.html
or send a blank email to mailto:frf1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

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[5] LOW-COST SERVO DRIVE HANDLES RESOLVER FEEDBACK
(Baldor UK, 30 Jun 2005)

Baldor has extended its MicroFlex family of low-cost digital servo
drives with the launch of a new model for use with brushless rotary
AC servomotors using resolver feedback. It is likely to prove popular
with OEMs and machine builders designing servo-based systems for use
in challenging environments, as resolvers are generally considered
more mechanically and electrically robust than encoders, especially
at elevated temperatures.

Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/bal/193/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/bal/bal193.html
or send a blank email to mailto:bal1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

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[6] EPOXY RESIN BONDS, SEALS AND IMPREGNATES
(Master Bond, 30 Jun 2005)

Master Bond has developed a new single component, no-mix epoxy resin
system called EP19HTFL for high performance bonding, sealing and
impregnation applications. EP19HTFL is designed to have "unlimited"
working life at room temperature as it cures readily at elevated
temperatures to a tough, strong and chemically resistant thermoset
plastic. Recommended cure is at 1-2h at 150C, but the higher the
temperature, the faster the cure speed.

Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/mrb/114/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/mrb/mrb114.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mrb1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

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[7] INNOVATIVE SINGLE-AXIS ELECTRICAL POSITIONING SYSTEM
(Festo, 28 Jun 2005)

Festo is about to launch an innovative single-axis electrical
positioning system into the UK automation market. Primarily intended
for handling applications, the system comprises a guide assembly with
a fully integrated linear servomotor and displacement encoder,
together with a programmable positioning controller incorporating all
the power electronics. The motor technology is patented and is
capable of very high positioning speeds and accuracy. The system is
easy to integrate - it is mechanically fully compatible with the
complete range of Festo Plug and Work handling and positioning system
components - and provides a highly cost-effective, ready-to-run
solution for precision positioning applications.

Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/fes/196/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/fes/fes196.html
or send a blank email to mailto:fes1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

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[8] SOFTWARE SIMPLIFIES TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER SETUP
(Omron Corp, 30 Jun 2005)

Omron's CX-Thermo support software has been specially developed for
use with the company's E5CN, E5EN, E5AN, E5ZN, E5AR and E5ER
temperature controllers. Running on a standard Windows PC, CX-Thermo
enables faster parameter setup, easier device adjustment and simpler
maintenance. It also provides graphical online monitoring of set
point, process value and manipulated value, and can monitor up to 31
temperature controllers at a time.

Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/oro/115/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/oro/oro115.html
or send a blank email to mailto:oro1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

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[9] METER MONITORS HYDRAULIC OIL SYSTEMS
(PVL, 24 Jun 2005)

PVL has expanded its innovative Clima range with the launch of the
ClimaOil - a flowmeter and datalogger for monitoring hydraulic oil
systems. Providing accurate calculation of oil flows from 6 to 600
litre/min, the ClimaOil also delivers a cost-effective method for
measuring pressure, temperature and volume complete with full,
in-built datalogging capability. The ClimaOil package is built around
a highly accurate precision, laser cut turbine, mounted on sapphire
bearings - with three versions to monitor flows from 6-60, 15-300 and
60-600 litre/min in oils with a range of viscosities. The turbine
also incorporates a 0-600bar pressure transducer and a 0-120C
temperature sensor, and comes built into a section of pipe offering
0.5, 1 or 1.5in BSP connections.

Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/pvl/112/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/pvl/pvl112.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pvl1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

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[10] COMPACT OUTLINE FOR LOW-RANGE FORCE SENSOR
(Kistler Instruments, 27 Jun 2005)

With a front, external diameter of only 5mm, the new Kistler Type
9215 piezoelectric force sensor is the smallest sensor in its class.
It's very robust, and offers extremely high rigidly against lateral
forces and a measuring range from -20 to +200N with two calibrated
measuring ranges (100 and 10%). The size makes the sensor ideal for
product testing of switches, pushbuttons, connectors and springs and
for highly sensitive force measurement in research and development,
for example in micromanipulators.

Request free details from the supplier:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/kis/134/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/kis/kis134.html
or send a blank email to mailto:kis1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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CUSTOMISED MOTORS AID PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION
(PennEngineering Motion Technologies - Europe, 30 Jun 2005)
John McKay, European Sales Director for PennEngineering Motion
Technologies, looks at some of the customisation options on offer
with Pittman and MAE branded DC brushed, brushless and stepper
motors.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/pit/pit138.html
or send a blank email to mailto:pit1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

SOFTWARE HELPS MAINTAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE
(Radan Computational, 29 Jun 2005)
Henderson Fabrication serves the sheet metalwork requirements of
customers throughout the electronics, data and communication, finance
and music sectors using software from Radan Computational.
Request free details from the supplier on CAD/CAM software:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/rda/110/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/rda/rda110.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rda1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

SOFTWARE HELPS MAXIMISE MACHINE INVESTMENT
(Delcam, 28 Jun 2005)
PowerMill CAM software has helped electronics company Magneton
maximise the return on its investment in two high-speed machining
centres at its St Petersburg site.
Request free details from the supplier on PowerMill:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/dea/264/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/dea/dea264.html
or send a blank email to mailto:dea2[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

SELF-DRIVING PLATFORMS GET CANBUS CONTROL
(Sensor-Technik UK, 28 Jun 2005)
CANbus control is allowing fire fighting vehicles to get into
position more quickly and to be used more safely.
Request free details from the supplier on CANbus control:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/stm/129/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/stm/stm129.html
or send a blank email to mailto:stm1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

CNC ADDS A NEW DIMENSION TO CONTROL
(Heidenhain (GB), 24 Jun 2005)
One of the first companies in the UK to take advantage of the new
analogue version of Heidenhain's popular iTNC 530 CNC unit is Peak
Precision Engineering.
Request free details from the supplier on ITNC 530:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/hei/142/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/hei/hei142.html
or send a blank email to mailto:hei1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

GRAPHICAL DEVELOPMENT AIDS F1 BRAKE TESTING
(National Instruments, 27 Jun 2005)
Engineers at Computer Controlled Solutions have used LabView to build
a dynamometer designed specifically for testing callipers and brakes
on Formula 1 racing cars.
Request free details from the supplier on LabView:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/nat/186/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/nat/nat186.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nat1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

VIDEO SYSTEM CHECKS OUT DELICATE COMPONENTS
(Nikon UK, 30 Jun 2005)
The precise position of delicate components at the heart of laser
modules are now being more accurately measured than ever before by
Intense using a newly installed video measuring system.
Request free details from the supplier on Nexiv VMR 3020:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/nik/116/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/nik/nik116.html
or send a blank email to mailto:nik1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

LUBRICATION-FREE CHAIN SAVES DOUGH
(Renold Chain, 28 Jun 2005)
Australia's largest bread manufacturer has replaced the chain on all
the machinery in one of its bakeries with Renold's nickel plated and
dry-to-touch Syno chain.
Request free details from the supplier on Syno chain:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/reb/141/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/reb/reb141.html
or send a blank email to mailto:reb1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

COMPACT VALVES MAINTAIN CONTROL DOWN THE HOLE
(Lee Products, 24 Jun 2005)
When Aberdeen based Red Spider needed design compact valves into its
Red Plug intervention set barrier it turned miniature component
specialist Lee Products.
Request free details from the supplier on Jeva Jet and zero leak
check valves:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/leb/124/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/leb/leb124.html
or send a blank email to mailto:leb1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

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Other featured new product news
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MACHINE BED CLAMPS EXPLAINED
(WDS, 30 Jun 2005)
WDS has now made it quicker and easier for engineers to source manual
and hydraulic actuated Microloc machine bed clamps by producing a
comprehensive new brochure and support website.
Request free details from the supplier on Microloc machine bed
clamps:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/wds/136/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/wds/wds136.html
or send a blank email to mailto:wds1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

FAST CONSTRUCTION FOR MODULAR ASSEMBLY SYSTEM
(Bosch Rexroth - Linear Motion and Assembly, 27 Jun 2005)
New components in the Manual Production System from Rexroth provide
more added value thanks to its transparency and high flexibility.
Request free details from the supplier on Manual Production System:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/mad/126/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/mad/mad126.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mad1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

PIEZO STAGES PROVIDE PRECISION POSITIONING
(Lambda Photometrics, 24 Jun 2005)
New piezo stages with dimensions as small as 30 x 30 x 12mm provide
linear travel ranges up to 1mm with subnanometre resolution.
Request free details from the supplier on P-620 series:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/lam/159/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/lam/lam159.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lam1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

LASER TARGETS ULTRAFAST APPLICATIONS
(Newport Group, 28 Jun 2005)
An enhanced version of the industry-leading Mai Tai laser delivers
more than 2.5W of average power and is now available with a
700-1020nm tuning range.
Request free details from the supplier on Mai Tai HP:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/mcr/147/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/mcr/mcr147.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mcr1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

THRESHOLDING COMMAND PROVIDES CLEANER CAD DATA
(Softcover International, 30 Jun 2005)
Softcover have added thresholding technology to Scan2CAD v7.3, the
latest release of their low cost raster to vector converter.
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/sof/sof113.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sof1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

FREE TRIAL FOR ONLINE CAD DATA TRANSLATION
(Delcam, 29 Jun 2005)
On 7th July 2005 Delcam will offer unlimited use of its PS-Exchange
online CAD data translation service completely free of charge.
Request free details from the supplier on PS-Exchange:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/dea/265/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/dea/dea265.html
or send a blank email to mailto:dea2[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

OSCILLATING MOTOR HAS ONLY ONE STATOR PHASE
(Servotechnic, 24 Jun 2005)
Haydon Switch has constructed an economical patented oscillating
motor which has relatively few parts and only one stator phase.
Request free details from the supplier on Haydon oscillating
motors:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/sjm/144/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/sjm/sjm144.html
or send a blank email to mailto:sjm1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

CASTORS PUT THE BRAKES ON HEAVY LOADS
(Machine Building Systems, 29 Jun 2005)
Item has added a new heavy duty braked swivel castor to the MB
building kit system.
Request free details from the supplier on Heavy duty braked swivel
castors:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/mbs/135/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/mbs/mbs135.html
or send a blank email to mailto:mbs1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

OEM MODULE MASTERS AS-INTERFACE COMMUNICATIONS
(LC Automation, 30 Jun 2005)
The AS-interface Master Board Module is latest addition to the Bihl
and Wiedemann range for the OEM market.
Request free details from the supplier on AS-interface Master Board
Module:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/lca/132/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/lca/lca132.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lca1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

VIDEO INSPECTION EQUIPMENT COMES TO THE UK
(Orbimatic, 27 Jun 2005)
Orbimatic UK has formed a partnership with Vizaar of Germany to
supply high-quality reasonably priced video inspection equipment in
the UK.
Request free details from the supplier on Vizaar video inspection
equipment:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/orb/184/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/orb/orb184.html
or send a blank email to mailto:orb1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

RHEOMETER ADAPTS TO CUSTOMER DEMANDS
(Celsum Technologies, 29 Jun 2005)
The T2SR time and temperature scanning rheometer is an extremely
versatile instrument with a range of options that allow users to
select the configuration best suited to their application.
Request free details from the supplier on T2SR:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/csu/128/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/csu/csu128.html
or send a blank email to mailto:csu1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

MEASUREMENT SYSTEM HELPS IMPROVE WATER PURITY
(Emerson Process Management - Rosemount Analytical, 27 Jun 2005)
The Rosemount Analytical FCLi measurement system helps preserve and
improve water purity through the determination of free chlorine in
fresh water without reagents and without pH correction.
Request free details from the supplier on FCLi free chlorine
system:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/fib/130/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/fib/fib130.html
or send a blank email to mailto:fib1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

UV ANALYSER PROVIDES ONLINE AUTOMATIC MONITORING
(ABB Automation Tech (Instrumentation + Automation) , 27 Jun 2005)
ABB's new AV400 UV analyser will be just one of the many products on
display at the Water, Sewerage and Waste exhibition at the Glasgow
Moat House Hotel.
Request free details from the supplier on AV400 UV analyser:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/apr/170/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/apr/apr170.html
or send a blank email to mailto:apr1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

INDUSTRIAL PCS ARE GEARED UP FOR AUTOMATION
(LC Automation, 30 Jun 2005)
Following the very successful launch of the E1000 Series of HMIs, the
Mitsubishi IPC1000 range of industrial PCs are now available from LC
Automation.
Request free details from the supplier on Mitsubishi IPC1000:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/lca/133/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/lca/lca133.html
or send a blank email to mailto:lca1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

WINDOWS CE TERMINAL IS POWERED BY XSCALE CHIP
(DLoG (UK), 30 Jun 2005)
DLoG (UK) has added a half screen VGA Windows CE terminal, the DNeT
X7, to its rapidly expanding range of hardware for industrial and
mobile applications.
Request free details from the supplier on DNeT X7:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/dlo/117/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/dlo/dlo117.html
or send a blank email to mailto:dlo1[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

INDUSTRIAL CHILLERS HANDLE UP TO 400KW
(Rittal, 29 Jun 2005)
Rittal's comprehensive range of industrial chillers for process
cooling can now be tailored to suit customer requirements.
Request free details from the supplier on Industrial chillers for
process cooling:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/rdx/ml/rit/227/4
* Read more: http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/rit/rit227.html
or send a blank email to mailto:rit2[-email removed-]ngineeringtalk.com

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