machine building & automation - Industrial Technology Magazine

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTEnclosures, Cabinets & FansCasting a logo within a logoThe pin-point detail of rigid polyurethane enablesone company to inset the outline of a lizard intojust one letter of its logo, 20mm acrossThe outstanding properties of rigidpolyurethane, of fluidity atmoulding, strength when set andvariety of finishes, are provinginvaluable in enclosures for scientific,medical and laboratory instrumentation.Add to these parameters the economicproduction of small quantities, evenprototypes and one offs, and the materialpresents a very attractive package tomarkets where ergonomics and style areimportant but modest quantities are thenorm.Triton Technology, working through itsdesign specialist company, employedNorse Precision Castings for the enclosureof its identiPol QA which assesses thequality of thermoplastic materials. Theproduct is based on a wider range ofanalysing apparatus and gives injectionmoulding companies the ability to rapidlyassess the quality of polymers andplastics batch to batch without theservices of a skilled material scientist.Critical precisionThe rigid polyurethane is cold poured,presenting a high degree of precision,critical throughout. The quality of detailin the incorporated Triton logo isexceptional, the fluidity of the materialenabling the Triton lizard to be cut intoone edge the recessed ‘O’. Rigidpolyurethane also maintains a lowtolerance on warp and overall fit, allowingthe parts to fit together neatly withoutpost moulding machining. The property ofpreserving the characteristics ofembedded components is illustrated inthe smaller part which has brassthreaded inserts for ease of assembly.The textured finish, painted incomplementary colours adds a littleelegance. Norse Precision, withsubstantial in-house capabilities, has anenviable record of ‘right first time’.MORE INFORMATION:Enter K245 on the enquiry card, or visit ‘latest issuestories’ at www.industrialtechnology.co.uk forfurther details from Norse Precision CastingsHeaterefficiencyincreasedRittal has increased theefficiency and thermaloutput of its enclosureheaters by incorporating the latesttechnology and optimising thedesign.Available with outputs from 10to 800W, the heaters prevent thetemperature inside the enclosurefrom dropping below operationallevel and facilitate in the reductionof condensation. A new ‘heat flowdesign cover’ that uses thechimney effect ensures a moreefficient and even distribution ofheat output.The heaters are easily installedby either using snap-fasteningonto 35mm support rails orsimply screw fastening directlyonto the mounting plate.Spelsberg brings Bimedcable glands to the UKCustom casesdesigned quicklySurtech Distribution can now offercustomers the facility to designtheir own enclosures or modifystandard Surtech products usingspecialist CAD software. This is the firsttime that a distributor has offered such aservice. Customers get exactly what theyrequire, resulting in tremendous benefitsincluding a reduction in time to market.The CAD system’s 3D imaging capabilityalso allows customers to see and approvetheir designs before placing an order.Customers work alongside Surtech’stechnical team to decide on the mostcost-effective design, then view it in 3D,obtaining a visual check that they havespecified exactly what they require.Once the design is agreed, the model fileis transferred directly to themanufacturing plant. The service is idealfor batch production.MORE INFORMATION:Enter K246 on the enquiry card, or visit ‘latest issuestories’ at www.industrialtechnology.co.uk forfurther details from Surtech DistributionSpelsberg, best known for supplyinga range of electrical enclosuresand junction boxes, hasannounced that it will now offer theentire range of Bimed cable glands in theUK. Spelsberg’s enclosures are wellknown for their built in high qualitypush-fit entry seals, whereas the Bimedrange has been introduced to offer moremechanical cable retention and higher IPratings where required.Graham Fox, Spelsberg UK MD, says:“Spelsberg selected Bimed cable glandsas they are well respected around theworld, with a varied range that will meetthe demands of UK customers. Thecable glands offer ingress protection upto IP68 and are supplied in a range ofsizes and materials. The designs arequick and easy to install and provideusers with a secure entry seal and highcable retention.”It is easy to overlook the importanceof choosing a good quality cable gland, itis often forgotten that a poor gland willcompromise the integrity of the wholeapplication. To ensure that Spelsberg’senclosures are as secure as possible theywill now be supplied with the option ofBimed cable glands. Bimed is a worldleader in its field; its products are sold toover 30 countries worldwide.Durable materials are used to ensureall the glands produced are high techand high quality. The glands areavailable in either tough plasticpolyamide form or brass nickel plated.Both constructions are highly durable inharsh environments. Each provides IP68ingress protection with a range ofopening sizes between 13mm and59mm.Variations include spiral topped strainrelief glands, and the ‘Conus’ pressurescrew type cable glands (as the top isscrewed down the sealing ring isclamped against the cable which createsa strong and water tight grip). Brassnickel plated glands are also available ina number of styles including the DSglands, featuring a double silicone seal,which provides temperature resistanceup to +300°C.MORE INFORMATION:Enter K244 on the enquiry card, or visit ‘latestissue stories’ at www.industrialtechnology.co.ukfor more info from SpelsbergMORE INFORMATION:Enter K248 on the enquiry card, or visitwww.industrialtechnology.co.uk forfurther details from RittalProtectionfrom waterIf your installation has to bepositioned underwater or in anenvironment where sea spray,moisture, soil or dust areprevalent, you’d normally have toopt for the highest IP ratingavailable. But there is analternative: the Magic Box 100from GH Lucas.The system comprises astandard box, complete withmulti-choice knock-outs, ready topour gel, glands and stoppingplugs that offer contractors a trulyuniversal, multi-purpose IP68 boxavailable as a ready to use kit.MORE INFORMATION:Enter K247 on the enquiry card, or visitwww.industrialtechnology.co.uk forfurther details from GH Lucas24INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY • November 2008