Quality Assurance

LT-10 Lamp Tester

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:23:28 GMT

Amprobe introduces the LT-10 Lamp Tester, a pocket-sized, lightweight, tool that takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting fluorescent light fixtures. The one-button LT-10 can verify in seconds whether fluorescent bulbs are operational prior to installation or removal making it ideal for facility and property maintenance teams with a large number of fixtures to maintain. Troubleshooting fluorescent bulbs without a lamp tester typically takes 20-30 minutes and requires removing the bulb and often climbing ladders.

With the Amprobe LT-10 Lamp Tester, technicians can test T2, T4, T5, T8, T9, T10, T12 and fluorescent energy saving bulbs in seconds to determine whether a fluorescent light is close to the end of its lifecycle, cutting down on wasteful bulb replacement. With its lightweight, ultra-compact design, the LT-10 Lamp Tester truly goes from your pocket to answers in seconds. Featuring a highly responsive 48-inch retractable and removable antenna, it extends the reach of technicians and reduces the amount of time spent climbing up and down ladders. The non-conductive antenna sleeve allows for safe testing while its two-inch plate delivers better readings and is removable so you're able to troubleshoot bulbs through architectural grids.The LT-10 also features VolTect™ non-contact voltage detection to provide both visual and audible alerts to identify the source of voltage without the need for an extra tool. With the Amprobe LT-10 Lamp Tester you can now perform three jobs – test the lamp, pins and voltage with a single pocket-sized tool.

Modular DC Electronic Load

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:21:26 GMT

B&K Precision today announced its new MDL Series, a modular programmable DC electronic load system. The MDL Series comprises six unique modules ranging in power from 200 W to 600 W. Any combination of these modules can be installed for multi-channel operation in the 4-slot MDL Series mainframe, which supports up to 2400 W and up to 4800 W with a mainframe extension connected. Suitable for use in industries such as automotive, solar, and electronics manufacturing, this high performance DC electronic load system is designed for characterizing a wide range of DC power sources, including multi-output AC/DC power supplies, batteries, fuel cells, and photovoltaic arrays. All DC load modules in the MDL Series can operate in constant current (CC), constant voltage (CV), constant resistance (CR), constant power (CW), and constant impedance (CZ) mode, which uses DSP technology to simulate realistic non-linear loading behavior.

Depending on the module, users can select from operating voltage and current ranges up to 500 V and 120 A. A 250 W dual-channel module supporting flexible power allocation up to 300 W is also offered. Load modules in the MDL Series mainframe can be synchronized and connected in parallel for increased current and its high resolution 16-bit measurement system, the MDL Series system supports many useful features such as adjustable current slew rates in CC mode, transient mode operation up to 25 kHz, and list mode programming for generating complex sequences of input changes.

Up to 101 groups of settings parameters can also be saved for executing multiple test sequences in automatic production testing.For remote PC control, the MDL Series mainframe offers standard GPIB, Ethernet, USB, and RS232 interfaces supporting USBTMC and SCPI communication protocols. The mainframe also offers a built-in 8-pin control terminal for external triggering and synchronous load On/Off functions. Each module includes an analog current control and monitoring terminal for external analog programming.Additionally, the MDL Series provides all necessary protection functions for various testing conditions: overvoltage (OVP), overcurrent (OCP), overpower (OPP), overtemperature (OTP), and local and remote reverse voltage (LRV/RRV) protection.

Universal Tension Meter

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:38:02 GMT

New Generation SM5 Universal Tension Meter is designed to measure the frequency (Hz) of all belt types, regardless of the belting and tension member material. The New Generation SM5 Tension Meter provides a belt-frequency reading of 7Hz to 450 Hz +/-5 Hz. The function of the pre-tensioning a belt is to maintain tension at all times in order to achieve maximum belt performance by eliminating belt under-tensioning or over-tensioning. The New Generation SM5 Universal Belt Tension Meter ensures correct belt tensioning which results in:

Accurate measurement results of optimal belt performance and life
Saving production and down time with quick readings
Fulfilling quality system requirements with traceable certification

Updated Tempstik Test Kit

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:12:44 GMT

LA-CO Industries has updated its Tempil brand of Tempstik Test Kits to include 5” Tempilstiks® in place of the 2-1/2” sticks in the present test kits. The range of temperatures in the test kit continues to be 125ºF, 150º F, 175ºF, 200ºF, 225ºF, 250ºF, 275ºF, 300ºF, 325ºF, 350ºF, 375ºF, 400ºF, 425ºF, 450ºF, 475ºF, 500ºF, 550ºF, 600ºF, 700ºF, and 800ºF. A recently designed state-of-the-art package will accommodate the larger 5” Tempilstiks.

A basic guide to ferrous metallurgy and handy pre-heat charts will be included in the test kit. Tempilstik indicators can be stroked on a workpiece from time to time during a heating operation. When its rating is reached it leaves a liquid smear.

Wireless Rotary Axis Calibrator

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:25:51 GMT

The new Renishaw XR20-W calibration system measures the angular position of rotary axes to within ±1 arc second, wirelessly, for testing the accuracy of lathes, multi-axis machine tools, mill-turn machines, trunnion tables and spindles. The XR20-W works in conjunction with XL-80 or ML10 laser interferometers, as the system combines the readings of the rotary calibrator and laser to determine positioning errors in axes under test.

The rotary axis calibrator is generating positive feedback from the field with its advanced, compact design allowing easier set-up and use. Application flexibility is extended by the addition of new off-axis rotary software that allows the XR20-W to be used even when it cannot be positioned directly on the rotary axis under test. The software calculates true position and records axis performance and errors when compared to the intended target. The test takes about ten minutes and results are sent to a PC via Bluetooth® connection. Users say they can now test more and different machine tools than previously possible, giving a better return on investment and offering a more attractive service to their customers.

“The new Renishaw XR20-W rotary axis calibrator has transformed the way we calibrate rotary axes on machine tools,” said Tony Morley, president Morley Machine Tool Alignment – a service and maintenance provider in Milton, WA. “Before XR20-W, our technicians relied on the old Renishaw RX10 and our in-house designed “Morleyometer” for applications where the calibrator could not be mounted on the center of rotation. While these devices got the job done, they were heavy, cumbersome and slow. Set-up could be challenging, and the associated cables and fixturing meant that great care had to be taken to ensure the test proceeded smoothly. Set-up is now quick and easy and the new RotaryXL software is a pleasure to use.

“The XR20-W can even be used in ‘off center’ applications such as trunnions and head type 5-axis machines,” added Morley. “The new methodology allows mechanical set-ups to be done quickly with just a simple generic mounting fixture, allowing a fully automatic test routine to proceed without delay. This tool has enabled us to offer our customers (typically high end aerospace component manufacturers) an exceptionally high standard of service and helped our company grow from just four employees a few years ago to the 20 strong team we have today.”

The XR20-W’s lightweight – just over two pounds – and wireless operation allow fast setup and eliminate safety hazards created by cables. It attaches to a rotary axis via a flexible mounting ring assembly, and is centered within ±1 mm (0.04") using a visual aid. Flexible mounting options include an adapter plate for rotary tables with unsuitable center recesses and a chuck adapter for lathes. The various mounting options ensure faster set-up and minimize alignment errors that can lead to measurement errors.

Stereo 3D Camera

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 18:30:14 GMT

IDS Imaging Development Systems has introduced a new stereo 3D camera: the Ensenso™ N10. The Ensenso™ N10 is fitted with two global shutter CMOS sensors and a pattern projector that projects a static, high-contrast texture onto the object being captured, adding structures that are not visible or are only faintly visible to the human eye. Combined with a "semi-global matching" image comparison algorithm, the result is that nearly all surfaces within the field of vision are captured. This technology also works in multi-camera operations, as well as for capturing unstructured surfaces.

Because of its ease of installation and flexible USB 2.0 interface, the Ensenso N10 camera is suitable for a wide range of vision applications where 2D is not enough. However, medical engineering, robotics and gripping technology, logistics, completeness checking, rapid volume measurement, as well as measurement technology and safety engineering benefit particularly from the innovative camera. With a refresh rate of 30 frames per second, the Ensenso N10 can be used completely in-line, plus is an excellent solution in 100% inspections. It is optimized for working distances of 280 mm to 1400 mm and available in configurations for variable fields of view. Unlike other 3D recording procedures, the camera can capture both static or moving objects at up to 30 frames per second. Image resolution is 752 x 480 pixel (WVGA). Featuring a sturdy aluminum housing that measures only 150 x 45 x 45 mm, the Ensenso N10 is qualified for space-sensitive industrial environments, including mounting on mobile robot heads. Its rugged design is underscored by a lockable 3-pin M8 sensor/actuator connector with GPIOs for 12-24 V hardware trigger input and output as well as a lockable USB cable. The comprehensive software package, which is included free of charge, has an MVTec HALCON interface and an object-oriented API (C++), thus allowing optimum integration into existing systems.

Multi-Channel Eddy Current Inspection Instrument

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:19:00 GMT

United Western Technologies Corporation (UniWest) has introduced the US-525M, a single- or multi-channel eddy current instrument designed for detecting surface defects in metals. With an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, the 525M enables detection of smaller flaws that other instruments may miss. The instrument is ideal for quality assurance in the automotive, aerospace, and metal production industries.

This rugged, rack-mounted eddy current instrument can be integrated into a semi- or fully automatic inspection system to provide reliable non-destructive testing in an inline production environment. UniWest's 525M is ideal for bar, tube, wire and specialty component testing needs. It offers up to eight channels, with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 10 Mz, a bright 12-inch diagonal color LCD flat-panel screen, 32-gigabyte data storage, input/output (I/O) capability, three discrete alarm gates with independent outputs per channel, an integral digital strip chart, as well as USB and Ethernet control and data transfer to meet a wide range of production testing requirements. Most important, the 525M provides the kind of quality, reliability and durability UniWest instruments are known for.

Extended Height Gaging System

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:32:44 GMT

Renishaw extends the product line, and the height, of its revolutionary Equator gaging system with the new Equator 300 Extended Height comparative gage. The new system doubles the space below the measuring volume of the original model, providing a 300-mm height to accept tall parts or those attached to machining fixtures. The additional space also facilitates automated part handling with robots and conveyors. The system can inspect features on parts up to 300 mm tall, with rapid changeover to smaller parts using an extended fixture plate spacer.

Equator is a radical alternative to traditional dedicated gaging, filling a gap in the market never before addressed. The patented low-cost design, unique in construction and method of operation, is capable of high-speed comparative gaging for inspection of high-volume manufactured parts. Equator is a lightweight, fast and highly repeatable gage that operators can use with push-button simplicity, and the system can switch between parts in seconds, making it ideal for flexible manufacturing processes or accepting parts from multiple machines.

Equator systems have been installed in multiple automotive, aerospace, medical and electronic plants across the world, and users cite advantages of reduced maintenance and fixture costs, plus the ability to gage multiple parts and re-program for design changes. By using fixturing that positions parts to within 1 mm of where the master was measured, there is no significant effect on system repeatability, and the need for expensive precision fixtures is removed. The Equator fixture plate can be easily exchanged for other plates, each mounted to the Equator base using highly repeatable three-point kinematic seats. The plates can also be exchanged for fixture plate spacers, allowing smaller parts to be gaged in the same measuring volume. Equator’s innovative and highly repeatable gaging technology is based on the traditional comparison of production parts to a reference master part. Re-mastering is as swift as measuring a production part and immediately compensates for any change in the thermal conditions of a shop-floor environment. The calibrated absolute accuracy of CMMs, which are often located in remote temperature controlled rooms to ensure accuracy, can be extended to the shop floor to provide calibrated traceability to Equator measurements. With the calibration file loaded into the Equator software, measurements made in the Equator system can be referred back to the CAD or drawing nominals. An Equator-specific stylus changing rack, included with the system, adds versatility and allows automated in-cycle changing of SH25 stylus holders. The SH25 holders couple to Renishaw’s SP25 probe, allowing Equator users to swap the stylus configurations without re-qualifying each time. Up to six stylus combinations can be loaded into the rack at any time and they can be used on a single complex part or with multiple parts of varying geometries.

Universal PCB Test System

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:24:41 GMT

Saelig Company, Inc. has introduced the ABI BoardMaster 8000 PLUS - a unique, versatile, self-contained, and easy-to-use PCB test system. The BoardMaster 8000 Plus is a comprehensive set of test instruments, complete with built-in PC, for testing and fault-finding on almost any kind of PCB. Incorporating a full range of test instruments in one compact box and offering a variety of available test methods, the BoardMaster 8000 PLUS provides a cost-effective standalone solution for electronics faultfinding across a wide range of industries. BoardMaster 8000 PLUS is an integrated package of high specification instrumentation controlled by sophisticated but easy to use software. The hardware is installed in a rugged transportable case that also contains a high-specification, Windows PC. The BoardMaster 8000 PLUS is based on a modular system which can be customized for specific applications, and its software can be configured to guide users step-by-step through a test procedure, with custom-annotated picture images, instructions, and attached datasheets to give quick Pass/Fail results. This is much faster and more economical than using traditional oscilloscope and metering and other bench test methods.

A typical BoardMaster 8000 PLUS configuration offers:

Two Board Fault Locator modules, with 128 test channels for multiple test methods for fault diagnosis and functional testing of digital ICs (in-circuit / out-of-circuit), IC connections status, and voltage acquisition, V-I Curve testing of components on unpowered boards.
An Analog IC Tester for in-circuit functional testing of analog ICs and discrete components (no programming or circuit diagrams needed). Fully configurable V-I Tester for detection of faults on unpowered boards.
A Multiple Instrument Station with 8 high specification test and measurement instruments in one compact module (Frequency Counter, Digital Storage Oscilloscope, Function Generator, Digital Floating Multimeter, Auxiliary PSU, and Universal I/O).
A Triple Output Variable Power Supply provides required supply voltages to the unit under test.

Many repair centers around the world are equipped with BoardMaster 8000 PLUS units, offering optimal fault coverage and maintenance capabilities to a wide range of customers. The BoardMaster 8000 PLUS is frequently the test instrument of choice in the areas of telecommunications, transportation, and automotive manufacturing. Many land, air and naval forces around the globe use BoardMaster 8000 PLUS to provide on-site test and repair, avoiding time-consuming returns to distant repair sites. For less complex or cost-sensitive needs, System8 Modules may be selected and mounted in a PC-driven housing. Applications include: PCB testing and troubleshooting, digital/analog IC test, digital/analog V-I test, visual short identification with audible/visual indication of probe distance to short, live board comparison, manufacturing defects analysis, power-on/power-off testing, QA reporting, embedded real-time control, calculation and logging, component and board level testing, digital and analog functional tests , automated test sequences, etc

Process Calibrators

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:02:05 GMT

Extech Instruments announces the introduction of the new PRC line of process calibrators to test transmitters, transducers, indicators, sensors and other industrial process components. The four new meters -- PRC10, 15, 20 and 30 -- offer plant and electrical technicians simplified controls to monitor and calibrate process systems easily for optimized operation. Extech PRC calibrators feature an ergonomic, compact design with a durable housing made for long service life. Large, illuminated dot-matrix dual displays ensure easy viewing of both source readings and measured values like loop current, temperature, voltage, etc. Up to five configurations can be programmed by the user for expedited testing. Available AC power makes it easy to perform continuous or extended testing in the field or on the bench.

The PRC Series includes the following models:

PRC10 Current Calibrator: Source: 0-24mA; measure 0-50mA; 24VDC loop power
PRC15 Current & Voltage Calibrator: Source: 0-24mA and 0-20V; measure 0-50mA and 0-20V PRC20
Thermocouple Calibrator: Source and measure 8 thermocouple types: C, E, J, K, N, R, S and T; -10-60mV
PRC30 Multifunction Process Calibrator: all features of PRC10, 15, and 20 combined

The PRC10, PRC15, PRC20 and PRC30 each come complete with a hard carrying case, universal AC adaptor, test leads, alligator clips and/or thermocouple calibration cables, plus six 1.5V AA batteries.