Assembly/Fastening Tools and Services

Linear Spring

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:18:52 GMT

Smalley Steel Ring Company announces the release of the new Linear Spring Series. The new Linear Springs offer a selection of spring loads that react along a straight line, as opposed to a conventional spring that fits in a circular cavity. This means a linear spring may be located in an axial direction but providing a radial force.

Smalley Linear Springs are a continuous wave formed wire length produced from spring tempered materials. Linear Springs act as a load bearing device having approximately the same load/deflection characteristics as a wave spring. Axial pressure is obtained by laying the linear spring flat in a straight line. Linear Springs are now available as a standard part from Smalley. Over 200 standard sizes are available from stock in both carbon and stainless steel.

Smalley offers No-Tooling-Charges™ on special Linear Spring designs. Exotic alloys are available upon request. Smalley engineers are readily available to assist with your spring design.

Spring Bolts

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:23:42 GMT

J.W. Winco, Inc. announces it now offers GN 313 Spring Bolts, in metric sizes. Versions with or without pull knob are available, as well as with or without internal thread in the plunger pin. The plunger pin in these RoHS-complaint spring bolts does not protrude in the inoperative position. It can be operated manually via the Push/Pull Knob, or in the case of the types without a Push/Pull knob, it can be operated mechanically (via a pneumatic cylinder, cam plate, etc.), where the plunger pin will protrude only as long as it is in the operation mode.

An application example for the types with internal threads would be using the internal thread on the pressure side, for operation of special pressure bolts or a rod arrangement. The threaded body of the plunger is steel, with black oxide finish. Plunger pin is stainless steel, European Standard No. 1.4305 (American Standard Series 303), chemically nickel plated. Knob is matte black plastic (Polyamide PA), not removable. Lock nut is steel, black oxide finish, DIN 439/ISO 4035.

Constant Torque Position Control Hinge

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:57:08 GMT

Southco, Inc., has introduced the E6-600 Constant Torque Position Control Hinge, which features increased torque and lightweight aluminum construction. The E6-600 Constant Torque Position Control Hinge allows the user to hold a door or panel securely at any desired angle, and delivers twice as much torque to support larger, heavier items. Southco’s E6 class positioning hinges provide constant resistance throughout the entire range of motion and deliver reliable positioning and consistent operating efforts. Southco’s positioning hinges are preset during the manufacturing process and are guaranteed performance without adjustment for the lifetime of the application. Available in multiple sizes, materials and torque ranges, Southco’s positioning hinges provide the options to satisfy a wide range of application needs.

Product Manager Jim Ford adds, “Southco’s E6-600 Constant Torque Position Control Hinge delivers reliable positioning with consistent operating efforts in applications where larger and heavier items must be held securely.” Southco is the leading and trusted global source for engineered access hardware solutions, including a variety of latches, locks, captive fasteners, quick access fasteners, hinges, handles, inserts, electronic access solutions, and other accessories for applications in the networking, telecommunications, computer, automotive, aerospace, medical, mass transit, off-highway/construction, RV/caravan, industrial machinery, marine and HVAC industries.

Silicone Potting Compound

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:46:02 GMT

Henkel Corporation has introduced Loctite SI 5640, a two-part, self-leveling silicone potting compound designed for electrical and electronic potting applications that require UL 94 VO compliance. Designed to ensure the integrity of electrical components by sealing against corrosion and outdoor contaminants, this low viscosity silicone offers strong adhesion to plastics and resists 85 C/85% RH aging conditions.

Loctite SI 5640 Silicone Potting Compound is flame retardant when applied in thicknesses as low as 6 mm. Gelling in just 5 minutes, the potting compound delivers high throughput in automated processes that require fast cure times. This material is designed for use on outdoor electrical devices such as electrical meters, signage/displays, speakers, HVAC components, appliances, solar panels/wiring, wind turbines and LED lighting. The adhesive can also be used on marine vessels and VRM components, and can pot and seal internal electrical components including batteries and wires. Loctite SI 5640 Silicone Potting Compound offers 30 shore A hardness and elongation greater than 100%. The two parts of the adhesive appear grey once mixed and cured.

The silicone is available in a 490 ml dual cartridge package or in 5 gallon and 55 gallon drums for high volume production environments. The components must be combined in a 10:1 mix ration to ensure proper cure.

Quarter-Turn Fastener

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:54:45 GMT

Southco, Inc. introduces the stainless steel DZUS® D8 PANEX Quarter-Turn Fastener – the newest line extension to the already successful DZUS® D8 PANEX range of quarter-turn fasteners. The stainless steel version delivers the same quick access and fast installation as the standard D8, but enables dependable, vibration-resistant fastening in harsh environments where heat and corrosion may affect operation.

The durable, formed stainless steel construction of the DZUS® D8 provides aesthetic appeal as well as increased total material thickness (TMT) tolerance for robust fastening. Available in size 6 with slotted, hex and Phillips recessed head styles, and complementary mini clip-on and rivet-on receptacle options. The stainless steel DZUS® D8 is compatible with variety of installation needs.

Concept Workstations

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:26:12 GMT

Concept workstations, which are available in manual, hand crank, and motorized height adjustment options, are designed for the needs of the high-tech, electronics, and laboratory business sectors, where ergonomic qualities are an important requirement. There are many possible adjustments, all components fit together seamlessly, and each detail is designed for real world functionality. The workstation adapts to the work process and the needs of the user. As a result all movements of the user can be optimized, which in turn increases performance and productivity and decreases work-related stress. Modular design provides total integration with the existing system and the potential to flexibly adapt to changes in the environment. Concept workstations are typically used in work such as assembly, quality control, research and repair. Concept worktables are height adjustable in manual, motorized and hand crank versions.

All Concept frames can be equipped with casters to create mobile workstation solutions. The Concept table frame is powder coated with a special ESD paint, and may be assembled with any standard or custom top. Quality design and materials yield load capacitites in excess of 1100 lbs. Concept tables are available in five widths, from 40-80 inches, and in three depths: 24", 30", and 36". Custom sizing is also available. The two legs of the Concept table allow ample room for the operator’s legs. The stability of the table is optimized due to the wide cross section of the leg’s foot pair. Each foot is depth adjustable so the table can be installed flush to the wall, or the foot lengthened to provide stability in cases of uneven loading, as with heavy measuring equipment. The back panel provides strength and leveling glides aid in adjustment on uneven surfaces.

Ergonomic Center Pull Tabs

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:11:37 GMT

Caplugs Ergonomic Center-Pull Tab Plug, ECP Series, offers the convenience of a center-pull tab in a soft, flexible material for easy installation and removal. Depending upon the port size and choice of plug size, these parts are able to seal against residual oil leakage during shipment.

Since the tab is fully molded into the end and sidewalls, it will not break off. The ECP Series is available in six sizes and six colors to correspond with coding parameters.

Precision Angular Gripper

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:36:21 GMT

April 2013 PHD, Inc. introduces the new Series GRV Compact Precision Angular Pneumatic Gripper. Modeled after the highly successful Series GRA Parallel Gripper, the Series GRV is a compact, rugged precision gripper available in four sizes that can support large moment capacities and long tooling lengths. The combination of design and features makes the GRV a superior choice for a wide variety of automation applications. A slim design allows ample space for “stacking” grippers in a confined area. The Series GRV Gripper’s robust construction ensures long operating life.

Precision dowel pin holes ensure the accurate alignment of tooling and gripper mounting. Internal flow control is standard, therefore no external flow control is required. The units are supplied “switch-ready” for easy integration of optional magnetic position sensing switches. A teachable two-position switch allows multiple positions on small grippers within the profile of the gripper. Other benefits include cleanroom fluoro-elastomer seals and lube options, manifold porting, multiple mounting locations, and PHD’s superior delivery.

Self-Clinching Flush-Head Studs

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:36:50 GMT

PEM® Type FHP™ self-clinching flush-head studs install permanently into thin stainless steel sheets to provide ideal solutions for attachment applications requiring superior corrosion resistance. They will install easier and at less cost than weld studs and additionally can contribute to thinner and lighter designs for component assemblies in the medical, foodservice, and marine industries, among many others.

PEM Type FHP flush-head studs mount flush and permanently in stainless steel sheets as thin as .040” / 1mm (and greater) and become integral parts of an assembly with only a mating nut required for final component attachment. Their manufacture from A286 stainless steel imparts high hardness and the studs can be specified reliably for use in stainless sheets with hardness of 92 or less on the Rockwell “B” scale. PEM Type FHP flush-head clinch studs can be supplied in thread sizes #4-40 through #10-32 and M3 through M5 and in a range of 10 standard lengths.

Positioning Hinges

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:10:57 GMT

New Reell “PH35” positioning hinges uniquely incorporate patent-pending “One-Way” torque technology to achieve high holding force in the downward direction while allowing for easy upward adjustment with virtually no resistance. The technology effectively reduces required lifting force for components without compromising holding force to provide an ideal hinge solution for heavy-duty vertical mounting applications, such as industrial enclosures, test chambers with large or heavy access panels, office equipment, medical devices, and large flat-panel monitors and computer peripherals, among many others.

The hinges offer more practical and cost-effective alternatives to complicated prop rods, gas struts, or spring lifts. These hinges additionally benefit from patented ReellTorq® clip technology for a premium quality feel and smooth and precise position control without requiring adjustment during installation. Their qualified service life of more than 20,000 cycles provides reliable and consistent functionality over time. Reell PH35 positioning hinges provide constant torque throughout their full 270º range of motion and can be specified with one-direction torques from 50 lb-in to 100 lb-in / 5.65 N-m to 11.3 N-m (torque in the opposite direction remains constant at 4.42 lb-in / 0.5 N-m). Hinges can be supplied with either a plain zinc or matte black finish and are designed to mount easily using 1/4 “ / M6 socket head cap screw or equivalent.