AP Corp is Pleased to Announce Our Appointment as Hi-Technique’s Exclusive Authorized New England Representative

Hi-Techniques has been an industry pioneer in High-Performance DAQ Systems for four decades. The company specializes in transient recorders, data acquisition systems, and high-resolution digital oscilloscope equipment for various applications in various industries, including Military & Aerospace, Transportation, High Voltage, and Power & Energy. Hi-Techniques is laser-focused, supplying their clients with items of the finest quality and most up-to-date technology at affordable prices.

AP Corp. is the premier manufacturers' representative company in New England and Upstate New York, providing their clients with cutting-edge measurement and control solutions. AP Corporation, established in 1959, supports customers in many industries and marketplaces through superior application support by knowledgeable and well-trained Sales Engineers.

AP Corp.

https://a-pcorp.com

(508) 351-6200

Supply Chain Reliability for Pressure Sensors

Massive disruptions to global supply networks began with the global pandemic in March 2020. The troubles swiftly expanded to worldwide manufacturing, particularly those products requiring silicon chips, semiconductors, and other digital and electronic components. Pressure sensor producers, for example, are experiencing extraordinarily long lead times on all sensors due to the supply chain issue. 

Despite global chip scarcity and the impact of supply chain restrictions, Druck has continuously expanded its production capacity to satisfy explosive demand for its pressure sensors.

The UNIK 5000 is a high-performance configurable solution to pressure measurement employing modular design and lean manufacturing techniques. Based on micro-machined silicon technology and analog circuitry, the combination enables best-in-class performance for stability, low power, and frequency response. The UNIK 5000 platform allows you to quickly build up your sensor to match your precise needs and configure a specific solution to your pressure measurement requirements. Lead times for the UNIK 5000 are still maintained at 3-4 weeks! 

For more information about Druck products in New England, contact AP Corp.

https://a-pcorp.com

(508) 351-6200

The surfaceCONTROL 3D 2500 Snapshot Sensor for Surface Inspection of Large Objects

The Micro-Epsilon surfaceCONTROL 3D sensor is ideally suited to the automated inline inspection of geometry, shapes, and surfaces on diffuse reflecting surfaces. The 3D snapshot sensors work according to the fringe projection principle, which allows direct 3D measurement of components. The sensor includes a large measuring field and a high measuring range depth with z-axis repeatability of up to 3.0 μm. Three models cover different measuring areas. 

Captured images transfer to the external SC2500 controller and are processed quickly into 3D data via the Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. The 2D/3D Gateway II supports EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT connections. 3DInspect, DefMap3D, and Inspection Tools are powerful software tools that enable precise 3D measurements and surface inspection. GigE Vision compatibility also allows easy integration into third-party image processing software. The comprehensive SDK for customer software integration rounds off the software package.

surfaceCONTROL 3D Sensor Features:

• Large objects max. 650 x 495 mm
• High measuring range depth up to 300 mm
• Acquisition time from 0.5 s
• Highest precision up to 3.0 μm
• Digital interfaces (via controller 2500): GigE Vision/GenICam
• Digital interfaces (via 2D/3D gateway): Gigabit Ethernet (GigE Vision / GenICam) / USB2.0 / PROFINET / EtherCAT / EtherNet/IP 

surfaceCONTROL 3D Sensor Application Examples:

• 3D inspection of geometry, shape detection and surface inspection
• Automation, production and process monitoring as well as quality control
• Non-contact measurement of diffuse reflective surfaces in the Stop&Go process
• Shape, position and surface inspection

For more information about Micro-Epsilon Products in New England contact:

AP Corp.

https://a-pcorp.com

(508) 351-6200

Understanding Load Cell Overload

When you're talking about load cells in process weighing, what does safe and ultimate overload mean, and how strong are load cells?

The ultimate strength relates to the function as a load cell and not the mechanical strength. The mechanical strength of the load cell is even higher. 

For a load cell, there is generally three capacity limits:  

The nominal capacity of one 100%: Let's say we have a 100-pound load cell. This is the limit or capacity of the load cell. Note the load cell should not be subjected to higher forces under regular use. If the application needs to measure higher loads, then a larger load cell should be used.

The safe load usually is 200 percent of the rated capacity: Let's say with the 100-pound load cell this would be 200 pounds. If the load cell is occasionally subjected to more than 100 percent but less than 200 percent, nothing happens to it, and it will work. If repeatedly subjected to more than 100%, the load cell can be damaged due to fatigue.

The ultimate load is usually 300 percent of rated capacity or 300 pounds for a 100-pound load cell. If the load cell is occasionally subjected to a load greater than 200 percent but less than 300 percent, the load cell will be subjected to a zero shift. However, in most cases, the load cell can be recalibrated and repaired. If subjected to more than 300 percent, the bonding of the strain gauges will most likely be damaged beyond repair. The function of the load cell is damaged, and it should be scrapped. 

As a reminder, this refers to the function as a load cell and not the mechanical part. The mechanical strength of a load cell varies but is often in the range of 400 to 1 000 percent. It should also be noted that there's a fatigue limit for a load cell that generally is 133 of capacity. 

Choose Druck for Supply Chain Confidence

Since the pandemic, supply chain disruptions have posed a significant threat to the global economy. Factory closures and lockdowns in China and several other nations, labor shortages, strong demand for commodities, logistics network disruptions, and capacity limits have resulted in significant delivery times. Manufacturers have had to make tough choices, even relinquishing agency approvals on whole product lines.

Druck maintains regular lead times on pressure instruments and has shortened lead times from 4 weeks down to 3 to meet manufacturers' demands, particularly those facing supply chain disruptions. 

According to a poll done by the National Association of Manufacturers, 36% of companies suffer supply chain disruptions, with items arriving late or not at all. Druck works closely with its supply chain to maintain a 3-4 week delivery on the UNIK 5000 series. 

As firms look for alternative suppliers, Druck demonstrates their dependability as a domestic pressure instrument supplier, serving critical industries.

For more information about Druck products in New England, contact AP Corp.

https://a-pcorp.com

(508) 351-6200

The Druck PACE CM3 Pressure Controller

AP Corp presents the Druck PACE CM3, a new custom-built system where the fastest pressure controller, PACE, and Druck's most accurate reference control module, CM3, are combined into one powerful, high-precision pressure measurement and control solution. PACE CM3 is part of a new generation of high precision pressure controllers from Druck. Using TERPS technology at the core, delivers an unprecedented level of performance and accuracy.

For more information about Druck products in New England, contact AP Corp.

https://a-pcorp.com

(508) 351-6200

The Dynisco LMI5500 Series Melt Flow Indexer

Of all the tests used by the plastics industry, melt flow rate testing (or melt flow index) is the most widely used. It is traditionally associated with testing polyethylene materials to determine the lot-to-lot consistency of resin lots or batches for quality control purposes. It is, however, also used for other purposes such as testing new materials, determination of material stability versus residence time within plastics processing equipment, or the assessment of regrind content within materials or moldings. It is generally a low shear rate test; however, larger weights can increase the shear rate.

A flow rate test measures a polymer’s mass flow rate (grams extruded in 10 minutes) using an orifice under specified conditions of temperature and load. Machines that determine flow rate are generally called Melt Indexers or Extrusion Plastometers. Test methods by ISO, DIN, ASTM, and others specify heat chamber and piston tip diameter such that the shear stress on the polymer is the same in all machines for a given load. In addition, material specification guidelines (by ISO, DIN, ASTM, GM, etc.) may exist, providing further constraints on how a particular material processes.

Specifically designed for the thermoplastics resin industry, the Dynisco LMI5500 Series Melt Flow Indexer has an array of features and benefits that range from ground-breaking accuracy to a unified software platform between all laboratory and online production equipment.

AP Corp.
https://a-pcorp.com

(508) 351-6200

Summary of Features for Ambrell's EKOHEAT® with VPA Technology™

The EKOHEAT product family integrates Ambrell’s exclusive Versatile Performance Architecture (VPA). This technology breakthrough in design architecture, which includes an all-new innovative feature set, provides more versatility than any other induction heating system available today — all while delivering exceptional product performance.

Auto-Scan Capability

While an Ambrell Applications Laboratory will test your application and determine the necessary frequency, you may decide to take on additional applications later. If so, Auto-Scan will scan your application, auto-set the starting frequency and recommend RF setup parameters. If your application is outside of your EKOHEAT VPA model’s capabilities it will even offer recommendations.

High Resolution RF Output

The EKOHEAT VPA displayed RF output is the power actually delivered to the workhead. Resolution is better than 0.05% of full scale.

Universal Printed Circuit Boards

Regardless of system size and frequency, all EKOHEAT VPA products use common printed circuit boards (PCBs). A single board set addresses multiple EKOHEAT VPA systems, minimizing your inventory and eliminating model specific versions.

Industrial Ethernet Communication Compatibility

Industrial and Automation environment networking is fully supported using our chosen gateway that include CIPs (Common Industrial Protocols) such as EthernetIP, Modbus/TCP, and PROFINET protocols.

Easy-to-Use Touch Panel

The front touch panel display will allow you to easily adjust key operating parameters, change languages and read system diagnostics.

Soft Start Circuitry

AC power will not be disrupted when switching on the power to your EKOHEAT VPA power supply thanks to this feature. It eliminates the risk of tripping up other equipment when a power supply is turned on.

Universal Application Setup

The EKOHEAT VPA RF transformer accommodates worldwide voltages and provides the same output voltage. An application conducted in Europe uses the same application setup in the United States.

Two Remote Inputs

Added versatility is provided using a second remote input. Additional process variables, such as temperature can be measured, displayed, recorded and played back with the associated generator parameters.

Application Record and Playback

This feature enables you to record your heat cycle – for up to five weeks – and play it back. The benefit is that you can optimize your application and run it in the most efficient manner.

Ability to Add Power

All EKOHEAT VPA systems have the ability to work together. If you install a 250 kW system and realize later that you need 375 kW, just add a 125 kW system and they will work together seamlessly to deliver 375 KW.

RoHs Compliant

EKOHEAT VPA systems are RoHs compliant, meaning they are free of hazardous materials.

For more information about Ambrell products in New England, contact AP Corp. Call (508) 351-6200 or visit https://a-pcorp.com.

Cost Effective, Speedy Force Calibration System from BLH Nobel

A BLH Nobel customer's manufacturing process included multiple critical tanks that required regular weight calibration. The largest, a reactor, weighs 60 tons. Traditionally, they calibrated the vessels by filling them with water, a laborious and expensive process. It took a week for each tank.  Aside from filling the tanks, each must be emptied and rinsed. Finally, calibration required thorough drying before resuming production. 

BLH Nobel developed a method to elevate the vessels and read the weight change at various stages of the process. This video demonstrates that method.

BLH Nobel's solution allows the calibration of a weighing vessel, silo, or tank in a fraction of the time compared to using flowmeter or weighbridge calibration. BLH Nobel jacks the tank using hydraulics instead of loading with weights or flowmeter. Typically they measure the result in several points and verify the weighing result. BLH Nobel's method is often carried out without modifying the existing frame or structure, as most already have a suitable jacking point at each load cell.

For more information about this weighing calibration process or any BLH Nobel products in New England, contact AP Corp. Call (508) 351-6200 or visit https://a-pcorp.com.

The Micro-Measurments Model 700B Next Generation Welder

The Micro-Measurements Model 700B Welder is the next generation of the Model 700 Welder, which has been used for decades to install tens of thousands of strain gages worldwide. This experience and customer input and support provide more capability and flexibility while remaining in a smaller, more portable package. 

This new welder combines a high-speed spot welding rate with the enhanced safety and portability features that you have come to expect from Micro-Measurements. It is designed for spot welding the Micro-Measurements line of CEA, LWK, LEA, LZN, and LZE weldable strain gages. In all types of adverse field conditions, the 7rugged 00B performs efficiently and dependably.

The 700B's use of commercially available Lithium-ion batteries, which are easily replaced in the field and can handle 1500 welds (@30 joules) on a single charge, is a significant improvement (equivalent to welding around 30 linear weldable gage). The lightweight unit weighs approximately 8.3 lb. (3.77 kg) and is ideal for field use, overcoming the main limitations of other portable spot welders on the market. The unit also welds small thermocouples and light-gauge metal  

The Model 700B enhances Micro-Measurements' broad portfolio of weldable gages suitable for all types of applications and environments. Encapsulated, sealed, and high-temperature versions of Micro-Measurements' CEA, LWK, LEA, LZN, and LZE product families are included. Weldable sensors can be easily installed in field applications under a wide range of weather conditions because they are spot-welded rather than adhesively bonded." 

The Model 700B's welding energy can be easily adjusted by the user from 10 to 60 Joules, with a weld rate of up to 60 welds per minute, making it one of the fastest tools of its kind. The 700B is simple to clip onto a harness or carry around remote job sites, whether working suspended under a structure or in a manufacturing plant. It is particularly well-suited for working from rope access, aerial lifts, or in a laboratory setting. ​

For more information in New England, contact AP Corp. Call (508) 351-6200 or visit https://a-pcorp.com.

The Druck DPI705E Series Handheld Pressure Indicators

The Druck DPI 705E Series of handheld pressure and optional temperature indicators combine tough and rugged design with accurate and reliable measurements.

Compact and robust, the DPI 705E Series is designed for single handed operation and provides many essential features required for routine maintenance and system troubleshooting.

DPI705E Series Handheld Pressure Indicator Features

• 48 pressure ranges from ±25 mbar to 1,400 bar (±1.69 psi to 20,000 psi / 2.5 KPa to 140 MPa)
• Total 1 year uncertainty down to 0.05% full scale (FS) over temperature range of -10°C to +50°C
• Integral calibration record with calibration due count-down display
• Rugged, handheld design with backlit high-contrast display
• Leak test, tare, maximum/minimum and filter
• Hazardous Area (Intrinsically safe) version available
• Optional remote plug and play pressure and Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) sensors
• Optional pneumatic and hydraulic hand pumps

For more information in New England, contact AP Corp. Call (508) 351-6200 or visit https://a-pcorp.com.

White Paper: Introduction to Fiber Optic Sensing

Fiber optic sensing is becoming increasingly common in various industries, including manufacturing, medical, aerospace, automotive, civil, and energy. There are dozens of different types of technology on the market, each with its own set of capabilities. Because of the variety of technologies, navigating the fiber optic sensing landscape can be difficult.

This white paper, courtesy of Sensuron, intends to provide a framework for understanding multiple fiber optic sensing technologies and insights into market trends.

GET THE WHITE PAPER HERE

For decades, point sensing solutions such as strain gauges and thermocouples were  "good enough," but this mindset frequently stifles innovation. Today, many Sensuron clients have innovated beyond their ability to test with legacy technologies. New, robust sensing technologies, such as Sensuron fiber optic solutions that can monitor beyond the scope of point sensors, are required to enable the next generation of innovations.

For more information in New England and Upstate New York, contact AP Corp by calling (508) 351-6200 or visiting https://a-pcorp.com.

In-Line Color Measurement in the Molten Polymer

Color measurement is a widely used technology for ensuring the quality of color values during the manufacturing process. Typically, these measurements happen offline. The time it takes between sampling and receiving results from the laboratory can be lengthy. A significant disadvantage is that only one measurement occurs during this period, and the color quality during, before, and after the sampling point is unknown. A complete analysis is possible because inline color measurements are performed directly in the melt, but when color variations occur, immediate intervention is possible.

Inline color measurement will provide product-quality indicators for immediate and automatic adjustment of process parameters. The outcome is to maintain the highest possible product quality without waiting for sample analysis from the plant's laboratory.

Equitech International Corp. has been in business since 1995, supplying fiber-optic spectroscopic instruments for process analysis to pharmaceutical, chemical, and food manufacturers. In 2005 they entered the plastics market and began extending their technology into inline color monitoring and real-time closed-loop process control. They published a helpful Technical Paper titled In-Line Color Measurement in the Molten Polymer. You can download that paper here.

Special Offer - Up To 35% Off a Druck DPI620PC or DPI620SPC Package

The Druck DPI 620 is a sophisticated multi-function calibrator and HART/Foundation Fieldbus communicator combined to provide a world-class pressure measurement and generation. For usage in hazardous places, ATEX and IECEx approved intrinsically safe versions are available. 

Druck is offering a special promotion. Get 35% off when you purchase a DPI620PC or DPI620SPC package.

A DPI620PC package is defined as one of the following:

• Safe Area - PN DPI620PC-2barg, DPI620PC-7barg, DPI620PC-20barg
• Hazardous Area - PN DPI620SPC-2barg, DPI620SPC-7barg, DPI620SPC-20barg
• HART capability, Safe Area - PN DPI620PC- H-2barg, DPI620PC-H-7barg, DPI620PC-H-20barg
• HART Hazardous Area - PN DPI620SPC-H-2barg, DPI620SPC-H-7barg, DPI620SPC-H-20barg

All include Druck’s latest 4Sight2 software for up to 35% off the combined list price of the individual products.

For more information in New England, contact AP Corp. Call (508) 351-6200 or visit https://a-pcorp.com.

Webinar: Components of a Successful Noise Monitoring Program - June 16, 2021

AP Corp. is pleased to provide details for an upcoming webinar presented by OHD (Occupational Health Dynamics) and SVANTEK on implementing and operating a successful sound monitoring program.

In this 1-hour webinar, OHD's Certified Industrial Hygienist, Dr. Stephanie Lynch, will go over regulations, best practices, common downfalls, and much more when successfully building and enhancing your companies noise monitoring program. 

Stephanie Lynch is a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist and has over 15 years of Occupational Safety and Industrial Hygiene experience. Her doctoral dissertation research involved the collection of personal noise dosimetry and whole-body vibration measurements. Her research carries into the real world in manufacturing and military applications.

SVANTEK is the leading brand of sound and vibration meters for occupational health and safety, environmental noise, human vibration, and building vibration.

To register, visit this link (https://info.ohdusa.com/noisemonitoringwebinar). 

Dynisco Polyclean Fluidized Baths

Cost-Effective, Fast, and Safe Way to Clean Various Plastic Processing Components

The Dynisco PolyClean Fluidized Temperature Baths come in three models and offer a cost-effective, fast, and safe way to clean various plastic processing components. PolyClean Fluidized Temperature Baths are applied in any polymer manufacturing or laboratory facility that needs minimal operator interaction and a low risk of harm to essential design requirements of a part during the cleaning process. 

The PolyClean 6L Fluidized Temperature Bath is ideal for cleaning small tooling from laboratory extruders or injection molding machines. 

The PolyClean 12L cleans extrusion tooling and other forms of hardware, forms parts, calibrates and tests various sensors and systems, heat treats metals and heats reactors, coils, flasks, and containers. 

The  26L PolyClean has similar functions and benefits to the PolyClean 12L, but its 26" deep basket allows it to clean larger components than the PolyClean 12L

For more information in New England and Upstate New York, contact AP Corp by calling (508) 351-6200 or visiting https://a-pcorp.com.

Now Representing Sensuron - Ultrafine Distributed and Continuous Strain & Temperature Sensing

AP Corp is pleased to announce its selection as Sensuron's New England and Upstate New York Authorized Representative.

ABOUT SENSURON
Starting as an informal partnership with NASA and a formal licensing agreement in 2011, Sensuron began developing off-the-shelf fiber optic sensing systems and then designing cutting-edge fiber optic sensing platforms that allowed companies to consolidate their testing and measurement solutions. Sensuron is now a leading global provider of distributed strain and temperature sensing platforms for applications across industries and is now expanding to liquid-level and 2D deflection.

Sensuron's fiber optic sensing technology enables engineers to perform structural testing, design optimization, structural health monitoring, thermal mapping, and shape sensing with an efficient, robust, and simple-to-use tool.

AP Corp is proud to be representing Sensuron in all of New England and Upstate New York. For more information call (508) 351-6200 or visit this web page.

AP Corp.
One Tara Boulevard
Suite 200
Nashua, NH 03062
www.a-pcorp.com
508-351-6200 (office)

Combat the Hazards of Plastics Screw and Barrel Wear

This post is abstracted from an excellent article from Plastics Technology Online
written by Jim Callari. Read the full text here.

Industrial-grade screw and barrel wear cuts throughput speeds, producing scrap before shutting down. For the first time, technology is making progress in unraveling the mystery of screw and barrel wear. 

There has been a lot of injection molding machine innovation in the past year. And now, Glycon Corp. has the technology to test wear within the plasticating device. Glycon is in the first phase of rolling this technology out in the industry. It will concentrate on extrusion and blow molding. 

With this capability, they have developed the technology to calculate the rate of wear and predict future wear. This data determines the most cost-effective time to replace these components.

Glycon has been working on measuring wear since 1986 gained their first patent as Great Lakes Feedscrews. The company expanded the invention to include measuring barrel wear and was awarded additional patents in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2019. 

Wear and tear challenges are well documented over the years, and plastic processors know the symptoms. Many machine operators compensate by making changes to the screw speed or temperature settings. The problem is, both of these changes would ultimately result in lower efficiency and higher scrap rates. 

The new system called EMT (short for Electronic Measurement and Tracking), includes Glycon's flite-scan eddy-current sensors mounted in one or more positions within a SmartBarrel. These barrels also have SmartPorts, another innovative technology offered by Glycon. 

Measurements will be conducted routinely at the processor's plant by field technicians using a Flite-Scan sensor. Several eddy-current sensors were tried over the years. Multiple sensor manufacturers were collaborated with, but all ran into failure at high temperatures in the plasticating units. 

Micro-Epsilon, a leading manufacturer of sensors that measure displacement, distance, position, vibration, dimension and thickness, was the eventual choice because their sensors proved much more robust and provided reliable readings up to 600 F. 

The EMT system is not only to analyze the data to determine the optimum time to replace or repair worn screws or barrels to optimize productivity but also to relate the wear to:

• Materials of screw/barrel construction.
• Screw/barrel alignment. 
• Polymers being processed.
• Impact of abrasive fillers.
• Performance related to wear, including production rates, cycle times, energy consumption, melting rates, head pressures and melt temperatures.

The Glycon EMT system's advantages are that it provides precise measurement of the wear on the OD of the feedscrew and the barrel's ID and its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It allows maintenance personnel to plan to measure intervals and to schedule changeouts at convenient times based upon wear-rate data rather than 'running to failure' and having to run inefficiently or not at all.

For more information about the new Glycon technology in New England and Upstate New York, contact AP Corp. Call them at (508) 351-6200 or visit their website at https://a-pcorp.com.

AP Corp. Selected Druck New England Representative

AP Corp. is delighted to announce that they are now the New England Sales and  Engineering Representative for Druck piezo-resistive pressure sensors and test/calibration instruments.

Druck, a Baker Hughes business, manufactures the high-reliability piezo-resistive pressure sensors and test and calibration instruments known for performing in the most challenging environments. Their products provide customers with the highest performance, stability, quality, accuracy, and quickest response in any environment.

Druck's product line includes pressure sensors,  OEM custom sensors, PACE Pressure Controllers, handheld process calibrators, pressure indicators, test tool instrumentation, and  4Sight2 Calibration Management Software.

The addition of Druck extends AP's offering of high quality, best-in-class, engineered sensor solutions. AP Corp's application expertise and long-standing customer relationships in New England are vital to providing Druck with accelerated sales growth in this territory.

For more information, contact:

AP Corp.
One Tara Boulevard
Suite 200
Nashua, NH 03062
www.a-pcorp.com
508-351-6200 (office)

Distance Measurement for Reflecting Surfaces with Universal Laser Sensor

Plastics, mirrored glass, or metals have highly reflective surfaces and require special laser sensors to measure displacement and distance. Displacement and distance measurements on strongly reflecting surfaces challenge conventional, diffuse reflection laser sensors. 

Laser sensors such as the Micro-Epsilon optoNCDT 1750DR provide a real-time surface compensation feature that controls exposure time that produces stable signals. This type of laser sensor operates on the principle of direct reflection, aligned so that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. Proprietary algorithms compensate for the back-scattered, high-intensity light—all of this in a compact design, including an integrated controller (no external control unit is required).

Mounting and wiring are easy. A mounting template enables the user to align the sensor correctly. The laser class 1 rating on which the optoNCDT 1750DR operates is another advantage. Additional safety precautions are not necessary since the emitted laser power does not exceed 390 µW. Users have the choice of an intuitive web interface which can operate the laser sensor from a browser.

For more information in New England, contact AP Corp.

AP Corp.

https://a-pcorp.com

508-351-6200