A blog discussing sensors and instrumentation. New products, new technologies, and interesting applications. Types of sensors and instruments discussed include: Analyzers, Color Sensors, Displacement Sensors, Flow Sensors, Industrial Weighing, Instrumentation (Data Acquisition), Load Cells & Instrument Hardware. Machine Controls, Pressure Gauges, Pressure Sensors, Sanitary Sensors, Strain Gages, and Temperature Sensors. Courtesy of AP Corp.
Ambrell's Applications Laboratory, known in the industry as THE LAB, will solve your most challenging heating applications. They will provide recommendations for precision induction heating solutions for parts of every size, shape, and material composition.
THE LAB will apply their state-of-art testing facility, fully equipped with Ambrell induction heating systems and hundreds of proven coils. You can also interface with their engineers and see first-hand how they design prototype coils and develop innovative, practical solutions to maximize your heating process's efficiency.
The process is easy. Just follow these three steps:
Send THE LAB your parts and process requirements.
Their engineers will analyze your process and heat your parts to develop the right solution for your specific application.
You will receive your parts back for inspection, as well as a video of the heating process and a laboratory report with a system recommendation.
You have the option to observe testing through Ambrell's Remote Lab Service from the convenience of your office.
If you have old systems that need upgrading, why not find out if using a smaller, more efficient Ambrell induction heating system is the right solution for your process? There are measurable savings in less downtime, higher production throughput, improved energy efficiency, and more.
To learn more 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.
BLH Nobel is a leading supplier of specialized pulp and paper measuring devices. Over the years, they've built a strong understanding of pulp and paper manufacturers' process problems. Be assured that BLH Nobel has the best solutions to maximize productivity and performance.
Explore Micro-Measurements complete catalog of data acquisition instruments.
Micro-Measurements offers a comprehensive range of specialty instruments for data acquisition. With Micro-Measurements instruments, you can capture fully corrected, accurate engineering-unit data with minimal effort. Their special-purpose equipment, backed by highly skilled engineers' expertise and knowledge, complements strain gage installation integrity and instrument calibration.
A better quick shut-off non-return valve for the Plastics Industry.
Injection molding applications require two important criteria from a non-return valve:
Rapid material shut off for part weight consistency
A smooth, high-flow profile to prevent material degradation.
The Glycon QSO® valve is the only valve that provides you both. The result is higher quality parts, fewer rejects, improved yield, and a better return on every pound of material you run.
Compared to traditional ball and ring check valves, only the QSO® Quick Shut-off Valve delivers both high flow and raid shut-off. Plastics molders prefer the QSO® because:
The QSO® ends short shots!
The QSO® reduces scrap rates
The QSO® optimize part weight consistency
The QSO® prevents material degradation
The QSO®is perfect for filled materials
The QSO® eliminates need for decompression or “suck back”
A sensor is defined through the following specifications:
Pressure Range
Process connection
Electrical output and connection
Capillary configuration (rigid/flexible)
There are more variables come into play, but let's focus on these four since they are the most critical.
Melt Pressure Sensor Pressure Range
The pressure inside a plastics processing machine can usually be estimated well enough to determine a sensor's good pressure range. The typical working pressure should be within 20%-80% of the sensor's pressure range to balance accuracy and lifetime.
Melt Pressure Sensor Process Connection
For threaded connections in plastics processing, a standard has developed over time, which is the ½"-20UNF thread with a conical sealing face. There might be situations where different thread sizes or a flange connection is required. There are numerous options available from manufacturers, such as Dynisco, to satisfy customer needs regarding the process connection.
Melt Pressure Sensor Electrical Output
A pressure sensor is an electro-mechanical device that converts a mechanical effect (pressure deflects a thin piece of metal) into an electrical signal through a strain gauge. The strain gauge changes its resistance by following the deflection of the metal piece. In the simplest case, the strain gauge signal can be used directly to feed a read-out device to display the pressure. In order to accommodate industry-standard equipment, such as process control equipment, manufacturers like Dynisco supplies sensors with different amplified output options such as 4-20mA or 0-10V.
Melt Pressure Sensor Capillary Configuration
A typical pressure sensor has a liquid-filled capillary that connects the process-connection diaphragm (which is deflected by the process pressure) and the measuring diaphragm (where the strain gauge is bonded). This capillary is necessary to create a heat barrier, as the strain gauge cannot withstand the typical process temperatures at plastics processing. Also, the sensor's electronics need to be kept away from heat sources as well as possible. To find a suitable mounting location for the electronics, countless combinations of the rigid stem and flexible connection lengths are available.
Other Considerations in choosing a Melt Pressure Sensor:
Diaphragm materials
Diaphragm coatings
Approvals and certifications
For assistance in selecting or applying any plastics molding equipment, contact AP Corp. by calling (508) 351-6200 or visit their website at https://a-pcorp.com.
BLH Nobel web tension systems comprise off-the-shelf standard modules and electronics, as well as customized systems. BLH Nobel designs force measurement modules according to the customers’ mechanical requirements and forces, ranging in size from just a few Newtons to mega-Newtons. The combination of digital signal amplifiers and stable force transducers means that BLH Nobel systems can handle anything from applications with a low tare and large forces, to those with a large tare and small forces.
EASYHEAT advanced induction heating systems by Ambrell Corporation provide a flameless, non-contact, reliable, compact solution for heating your parts with a quick, clean source of heat. Available in models from 500 Watt to 10 kW, all are ideal for repeatable, energy-focused heating of your parts.
Flameless, non-contact induction heating minimizes energy waste by focusing energy only on the part and zone to be heated. Select and monitor power levels from the front panel LCD and sealed touch pad. Remote power control is available for employing contact inputs, analog inputs or optional serial data port. Easily control the length of the heating cycle with a built-in programmable digital timer.
The BT Series shakers from Sentek Dynamics are designed for demanding vibration test applications. Typical applications included structural analysis, calibration and testing of smaller assemblies. The BT-100 through BT-400 shakers utilize light weight rare earth magnets in lieu of traditional Alnico magnets. The use of these magnets decreases the total shaker mass to a third of similar size system, making these shakers easy to handle and portable.
The systems range in size from 100 N (70 lbf) to 1000 N (224 lbf). Systems 400 N (99 lbf) and smaller are permanent magnet shakers and use lightweight rare earth magnets, making these systems easy to handle and portable. There are three versions of the BT Series of shakers: the BT, BT-M and BT-MTH.
The BT Series is recommended for vibration testing of small assemblies and components. These shakers have armature diameters from 60 mm (2.36 in.) to 120 mm (4.72 in.). The BT-1000 is equipped as standard with Automatic Armature Centering (AAC) and Air-Isolation Feet (AIF).
The BT-M and BT-MTH Series are our modal shakers lines. BT-M will use standard stingers while the BT-MTH is our through-hole version. On the 100 N and 200 N system the BT-MTH offers over double the displacement. The BT-MTH Series allow you to use piano-wire stingers. The BT-1000-M is ideal for the structural and modal analysis of high-mass structures. The addition of ZPR (electronic zero-point regulation and adjustable suspension stiffness) allows the user to pre-load the structure prior to applying a dynamic load.
The new Sentek Dynamics Bench Top and modal exciters are based upon years of practical experience. These systems all exhibit a high lateral stiffness and high force-to-weight ratio. They are specifically designed to help ensure the best possible performance with minimum setup time.
The scanCONTROL LLT3000 laser profile scanners impress in 2D/3D measurement tasks with high precision and dynamics. With a high resolution sensor matrix and high profile frequency, the scanners are designed for precise profile measurements in dynamic processes.
Micro-Epsilon scanCONTROL 2500
The scanCONTROL 2500 laser scanners are specially designed for industrial measurement tasks. Compact design, versatility and high signal stability result in an excellent price/performance ratio especially for measurement tasks involving large quantities.
Laser profile scanners from Micro-Epsilon are among the highest performing profile sensors with respect to accuracy and measuring rate. Equipped with powerful processors and highly sensitive optical components, these scanners ensure precise profile measurements on nearly any type of surface. While they can be integrated in various environments, the scanners also impress with a compact design which includes an integrated controller.
For more information about Micro-Epsilon products in New England, contact AP Corp. Call them at (508) 351-6200 or visit their website at https://a-pcorp.com.
The BLH Nobel KIS load cell provides unmatched efficiency, is simple to mount, and is highly accurate, even under complex process forces and extreme environmental conditions. Unlike other load cells, KIS works as defined in real-world applications, not just under laboratory conditions.
KIS Beam technology integrates SR-4 ® strain gages connected as a full Wheatstone bridge that is temperature-compensated and optimized for precision and reliability. And since all KIS Beams are factory-calibrated, installation and set-up are simple and easy without the need for on-site calibration (unless mechanical obstructions prohibit a vessel being "freestanding").
The above four-minute video does an excellent job illustrating how the KIS load cell works and what distinguishes KIS from other load cells
For more information about BLH Nobel products in New England, contact AP Corp. Call them at (508) 351-6200 or visit their website at https://a-pcorp.com.
Induction heating is a fast, efficient, precise, repeatable, non-contact method for heating metals or other electrically-conductive materials . An induction heating system includes an induction power supply which converts line power to an alternating current, delivers it to a workhead and work coil creating an electromagnetic field within the coil. The work piece is placed in the coil where this field induces a current in the work piece, which generates heat in the work piece. The coil, which is water-cooled and cool to the touch, is placed around or adjacent to the work piece. It does not touch the work piece, and the heat is only generated by the induced current flowing in the work piece.
Induction heating is used in processes where temperatures are as low as 100 oC (212 °F) and as high as 3000 °C (5432 °F). It can be used in brief heating processes that are on for less than half a second and in heating processes that are on for months.
Induction heating is used in domestic and commercial cooking, and in many applications such as melting, heat treating, preheating for welding, brazing, soldering, curing, sealing, shrink fitting in industry, and in research and development.
Load cells, the heart of weighing systems, are mechanical devices that use strain gages to provide a measurable electrical output which is proportional to the force applied. The electrical output can be either an analog voltage or current output, or a digital on/off output.
Used for tension, compression, and or shear measurement, load cells are packaged and oriented to perform in testing equipment, electronic scales, and monitoring systems. Tension load cells are used for measuring forces that are in-line and "pull apart". Compression load cells are used to measure forces that are in-line and "push together". Shear load cells are used to measure tension or compression forces that are offset (not in-line). When selecting load cells, there are many form factors or packages to choose from to insure their physical size is compatible with space available for the application, such as inside an electronic weighing scale.
The strain gage is a resistive sensor whose resistance changes based upon the applied strain. A strain gage is attached to some structure, and when that structure is deformed (tension, compression, shear), the resistive strands in the strain gage follow the structure deformation, causing an electrical resistance change. This change in resistance is converted to units of strain or stress.
Strain gages are used in transducers that measure force, pressure, and tension, and are often used providing stress analysis in structures such as airplanes, cars, machines, and bridges.
When specifying strain gages one must consider the application variables, such as operating temperature, the state of the strain (including gradient, direction, magnitude, and time dependence), and the stability required by the application.
For more information about strain gages and load cells, contact AP Corp. Call them at 508-351-6200 or visit their web site at https://a-pcorp.com.
Most load cells are designed to handle vertical force and cannot discern errors introduced from side loading and/or torque loading. In real world conditions, though, load cells see much more than vertical loading, and unfortunately, can output erroneous values. While they are excellent for static weighing situations, such as scales, load cells typically can’t handle the rigors of process vessel applications.
A case in point is a chemical manufacturer with several, existing three cubic meter batching tanks. It was decided the tanks needed modifications to provide more accurate weighing of the individual ingredients. The existing load cells were experiencing errors due to thermal expansion of the vessel, and the resultant side loads from expansion. Additionally there was a problem with vibration in the plant. A better solution was needed, and whatever the solution would be, the customer made it clear the new weighing system must provide system accuracy in the range of ±0.1%.
An approach to deal mechanically with the thermal cycling while using the same type of load cell was discussed. It involved several mechanical modifications that required significant and costly structural changes.
BLH KIS
Another suggestion was to evaluate a unique load cell design that was particularly tolerant against thermal expansion, vibration, and high lateral forces - the BLH Nobel KIS series. The KIS load cell offered some obvious advantages over rebuilding the tanks supports and frame, namely time and expense. Beyond the short installation time and easy modification, the KIS also offers excellent reliability and accuracy.
BLH Controller
The customer decided to “take the easy way out” and just replace the old, error-prone load cells with KIS load cells. Installation and start-up was very easy, taking very little time. After installation, the customer was pleasantly surprised by the high accuracy of the new KIS load cells, despite the thermal expansion of the vessel and the inherent vibration.
For more information on BLH Nobel products in New England and Upstate New York contact A-P Corp. Call them at (816) 353-6550 or visit them at https://a-pcorp.com.
The feed screw is used in plastics extrusion to force melting plastic resin through a die into a mold to form a desired shape. As screw designs have evolved through the years, there are several generic categories.
Glycon Corporation, the industry leader manufacturer of high performance and innovative feed screws, has put together this white paper describing the classifications of feed screws used in the plastics industry.
The Cox EC80 Flow Processor is a programmable electronic processor, providing total compensation to enhance flow meter accuracy, while extending the linear flow range. Packaging is provided for remote, direct or embedded mounting to support most installation or application requirements.
The compact design includes both single and dual frequency inputs from 4 or 10 ohm pickups, as well an RTD input and an additional analog input for other temperature inputs. The EC80 processor tracks all variables to compensate for viscous and inertial effects, using proven Strouhal-Roshko algorithms. Enhanced DSP technology allows for exceptional signal characterization using a 32-bit floating point processor at 150 MHz, capable of producing a 100 microsecond speed of response.
When bonding Micro-MeasurementsAdvanced Sensors Technology strain gage sensors (CEA, C4A, C5K) you want to ensure an excellent bond. The key element in bonding strain gages is surface preparation.
The video above demonstrates specific procedures and techniques with proven advantages. By precisely following these carefully developed instructions (along with the requisite procedures for gage and adhesive handling), the result will be strong and stable bonds. This video presents a procedure that is simple to learn, easy to perform, and reproducible. Keep in mind, it is very important to pay attention to detail and follow the instructions precisely. The importance of surface preparation for strain gage bonding cannot be understated.
1) Degreasing
Rigorously degrease the gaging area with a good solvent, such as CSM Degreaser or GC-6 Isopropyl Alcohol. Be aware though that some materials (e.g., titanium and many plastics) react with strong solvents. Make sure your solvents do not contain any contaminants
2) Abrading
Preliminary dry abrading with 220 or 320-grit silicon-carbide paper is generally required if there is any surface scale or oxide. Final abrading is done by using 320-grit silicon-carbide paper on surfaces thoroughly wetted with M-Prep Conditioner A; this is followed by wiping dry with a gauze sponge. Repeat this wet abrading process with 400-grit silicon-carbide paper, then dry by slowly wiping through with a gauze sponge. Finish with 320 grit on most steels and 400 grit on aluminum alloys.
3) Burnishing of Layout Lines
Using a 4H pencil (on aluminum) or a ballpoint pen (on steel), burnish (do not scribe) whatever alignment marks are needed on the specimen.
4) Conditioning
Repeatedly apply M-Prep Conditioner A and scrub with cotton-tipped applicators until a clean tip is no longer discolored. Remove all residue and Conditioner by again slowly wiping through with a gauze sponge. Never allow any solution to dry on the surface because this invariably leaves a contaminating film and reduces chances of a good bond.
5) Neutralizing
Now apply a liberal amount of M-Prep Neutralizer 5A and scrub with a cotton-tipped applicator. With a single, slow wiping motion of a gauze sponge starting within the clean area and wiping outward in one direction. Repeat the wiping step with a clean gauze pad, again, start in the clean area, wipe though the gage location moving outward in a single stroke to fully dry this surface. Do not wipe back and forth because this may allow contaminants to be redeposited.
For proper outcomes, the procedures and techniques presented here should be used with qualified installation accessory products from Micro-Measurements, namely:
CSM Degreaser or GC-6 Isopropyl Alcohol
Silicon Carbide Paper
M-Prep Conditioner A
M-Prep Neutralizer 5A
GSP-1 Gauze Sponges
CSP-1 Cotton Applicators
PCT Gage Installation Tape
For more infomration, contact AP Corp. Call them at 508-351-6200 or visit their web site at https://a-pcorp.com.
The SV 200A is a Class 1 sound level meter integrated with a wireless communication via 3G, LAN, Wireless LAN and Bluetooth®. The list of add-ons also includes a built-in electrostatic actuator, GPS module and e-compass. The waterproof power supply is also provided.
The SVANTEK SV 200A is the top-of-the range noise monitoring station with built-in microphones for noise directivity detection. This innovative, new product enables the identification of dominant noise sources providing information about their location both vertically and horizontally. In practice, measuring directionality gives the opportunity to indicate the dominant source of noise in the measurement area or exclude unwanted events.
Four additional microphones located on the sides of the housing use the sound intensity technique to recognize both the vertical and the horizontal direction of a dominant noise source. Leq distribution in angle sectors is saved as time-history and can be used to filter and report data.
The SVANTEK SV 200A can perform a 1/1 and 1/3 octave frequency analysis in real-time and store it as time-history data. It can also record the audio signal for the recognition of noise sources and recalculation of the data.
The advanced alarm function can send email and SMS notifications caused by threshold levels and time events. Status alarms of the SVANTEK SV 200A are also available.
The 3G modem, Wi-Fi and LAN features provide fast Internet transfer to PC with standard internet connectivity. SvanNET enables Internet plug & play and easy management of measurement projects. Irrespective of the type of a public or private sim card, SvanNET will make a connection to allow full access to your data via Web browser. The Bluetooth ® and Wireless LAN features provide a point of access for easy SvanNET application configuration.
The selection of the proper screw for a given injection molding or extrusion application can be critical to its success.
Screw geometry — length-to-diameter ratio, profile, channel depth, compression ratio, helix angle and a host of special design features — has everything to do with how well the screw performs in a given application.
There are documented applications where customers have improved production rates or reduced cycle times by 30 or 40% simply by switching to an improved screw design. Similarly, reject rates have been lowered from more than 4-6% to less than 1% by incorporating a custom designed mixing screw.
And experience shows that the amount of color concentrate required to achieve optimum color mix can be typically reduced from 4% (of the total blend) to 2%, just by using an optimized screw design. When considering resin and concentrate costs, payback for an optimized screw and non-return valve design can be almost immediate.
Crystal Instruments designs, produces, sells, and services hardware and software for machine vibration monitoring, dynamic measurement and environmental testing. The CoCo and Spider instruments have been widely used in machine condition monitoring and diagnostics by taking and analyzing the vibration signals. In the testing lab, professionals use Crystal Instruments products to conduct the measurement and control for vibration, shock, acoustic, pressure, temperature, humidity and other physical quantities.
AP Corp. applies, specifies, and supports the sales of Crystal Instruments products in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine.
