The ‘self-retaining’ cage also simplifies bearing mounting because the rolling elements are retained even when the ring is removed. Most current planetary stages of wind turbine gearboxes use full-complement cylindrical roller bearings. These bearings have no cage, the function of which is to guide the rolling elements and to maintain a set distance between them. These full-complement bearings have the highest load ratings, since more rolling elements are fitted to bearings that have no cage. However, full-complement roller bearings have relatively high friction because the rolling elements are in direct contact with each other.

These kinematic conditions cause higher friction losses. In contrast, cylindrical roller bearings with conventional solid brass cages have lower friction, but often do not achieve the required load ratings due to the reduced number of rolling elements. Schaeffler’s new FAG high-capacity cylindrical roller bearings incorporate a sheet steel cage, which ensures low friction and provides sufficient space for an additional roller element in the bearing (due to very narrow crosspieces). The cage comprises two cage rings lying one inside the other and joined together. The crosspieces of the inner cage guide the roller elements. At the same time, these retain the roller elements in the bearing, even when the bearing ring is removed.

This means that the bearing is much easier to mount, as no separate device is required to help prevent the roller elements from falling out. In addition, the special geometrical shape of the cage pockets improves lubricant flow, which reduces friction and prevents damage to the bearing. The basic static (C) and dynamic (Co) load ratings of the high-capacity cylindrical roller bearing are six per cent higher than those of a conventional cylindrical roller bearing with a solid brass cage. This means that the rating life is increased by more than 20 per cent. The new bearings are currently undergoing trials in various customer applications. Schaeffler plans to commence volume production of the bearings in 2011.

Hoffman Filter Fans Provide Electronics Cooling

Pentair Technical Products introduces more than 175 models of Hoffman brand filter fans for cooling critical electronics in applications such as automotive assembly and material handling equipment. The filter fans are engineered with rugged UV-resistant plastic and foam-in-place gaskets, providing a tight seal with the cabinet and a clean and attractive design. Models provide airflow from 16 CFM (28m3/hr) to 571 CFM (970m3/hr), cooling a wide range of heat loads. A click-fit design facilitates fast and easy installation, while a snap-open grille allows simple filter replacement.

Filter fan models available include side-wall and roof-mount options with AC and DC power input options. Reverse-flow models push/pull air through higher static pressure systems and compact, shallow design models allow installation into tight spaces. IP55 filter fans deliver dual-protection against water infiltration through a corrosion-resistant metal grille positioned in front of a high-density Z-filter. The miniscule louvers in the metal grille open in the opposite direction of the louvers in the filter fan’s plastic grille and creating the extra physical path in front of the Z-filter further protects against water ingress.

An optional stainless-steel shroud partners the IP55 filter fan for maximum washdown protection. ‘With more than 175 new models, there are multiple choices available for every application,’ said Heidi Hung, Pentair Technical Products product manager. ‘To help customers select from the options – including airflow capacity, types of protection, power input options, size and more – free online selection software is available. ‘All models feature UV-resistant plastic and tight seals to provide reliable, long-lasting operation,’ she added. Hoffman filter fans can be used to cool electronics in a wide range of applications including industrial drives, food and beverage, process controls and wind energy systems.

Fluke Reduces Price Of Process Tool Kits

Fluke, a developer of portable electronic test and measurement technology, is offering discounts on two process tool kits until the end of 2010, while stocks last. The packages, offering a 15 per cent discount, contain either a Fluke 719 electric pressure calibrator or a Fluke 789 Processmeter, together with a Fluke 771 milliamp process clamp meter and a free Fluke C1600 tool box. The Fluke 719 with a built-in electric pump can save time, while the Fluke 789 combines a precision digital multimeter (DMM) with a loop calibrator and loop power supply in one tool.

The Fluke 771 is used for rapid testing of PLC and control system analogue I/Os without breaking the loop. The lightweight Fluke 719 electric pressure calibrator features a built-in electric pressure pump enabling rapid calibration and testing of pressure devices with one hand. The electric pump can be programmed to set target pressures or limit pressure to eliminate over pressure. The Fluke 719 pressure calibrator offers pressure measurement uncertainty of 0.025 per cent. The device will measure and source mA with 0.015 per cent accuracy. It can simultaneously measure pressure and source mA to test valves and I/P transducers.

The Fluke 719 can also simulate mA signals to troubleshoot 4-20mA control loops. The Fluke 789 Processmeter combines a large, backlit, dual-display, true-rms DMM with a loop calibrator and a loop power supply in a single handheld tool, reducing the need to carry multiple instruments. The 24V loop power supply reduces the need to take a separate power supply when doing offline transmitter testing. The Fluke 789 can drive up to 20mA into loop instruments with a high input impedance up to 1,200, offers a Hart mode setting with a built-in 250 resistor, as well as 0 per cent and 100 per cent buttons to toggle between 4mA and 20mA sourcing for quick span checks.

It also enables data logging to optional Flukeview software running on a PC via an infrared I/O serial port. As a DMM, it measures up to 1,000V and 440mA, with a CAT III safety rating, frequencies up to 20kHz, with min/max/average/hold/relative modes, diode test and a continuity beeper. The Fluke 771 milliamp process clamp meter delivers 0.2 per cent accuracy with resolution and sensitivity to 0.01mA for testing and troubleshooting PLC and control system analogue I/Os.

Avoiding the need to shut down processes, or put systems into ‘safe’ mode, it offers increased productivity. It features a detachable clamp that can be used docked or detached via its extension cable to facilitate measurement in tight spaces, as well as a measurement spotlight to illuminate wires in dark enclosures. The Fluke 771 has a dual backlit display that shows both mA measurement and percentage of 4-20mA span and a ‘hold’ function to capture and display changing measurements for convenient viewing. Users can also measure 10-50mA signals in older control systems using the 99.9mA range.

The Tflex XS400 series is the latest thermal pad in the Tflex thermal gap filler line, offering a compliant elastomer gap filler specifically designed to provide moderate thermal performance with a thermal conductivity of 2.0W/mK. This soft interface pad conforms with minimal pressure, resulting in minimal thermal resistance even at low pressure with little or no stress on mating parts.

Available in thicknesses from 0.020in (0.50mm) through 0.200in (5.0mm) in 0.010in increments, the Tflex XS400 thermal material is naturally tacky for easy assembly and no adhesive coating is required. Due to its TG (Tgard) liner on the other side, it is electrically insulating, stable from -40C to 160C, and is certified to UL 94V0 flammability rating, complying with the limits of RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC and its subsequent amendments.

Sensors Measure Position Of Quarter-Turn Valves

Macro Sensors’ RSE 1500 series of rotary position sensors are ideal for measuring the position of quarter-turn valves, flue dampers, weir gates and dancer arm tensioners. Providing absolute output proportional to shaft rotation over a total range of up 120deg, the sensors are suitable for a range of applications involving fractional-turn shaft movements. These DC-operated rotary position sensors are also said to be useful for high-reliability applications such as pedal, throttle-lever, or actuator position sensing in aircraft, marine, construction and agricultural vehicles.

Although their shafts can rotate a full 360deg, the RSE 1500 Series Rotary RVDT Position Sensors measure shaft angle position over a nominal range of 120deg. Sensors can operate in 0 to 30, 60, 90 or 120deg rotation ranges. Contactless inductive technology enables these rotary position positions to offer high accuracy, repeatability and reliability. Units exhibit a linearity error of less than 0.1 per cent of full range output while operating over temperatures from 0 to 185F (-20 to 85C). The RSE 1500 Series Rotary RVDT Position Sensors utilise built-in electronics to offer a DC input/output configuration.

Operating from a nominal 24V DC power supply, units supply a true 0-to-10V DC output. According to the company, the absolute output characteristic makes the RSE 1500 Series superior to incremental output sensors such as optical encoders that lose their position information in the event of a power failure. Built for long life, units are enclosed in a 1-1/2in-diameter anodised aluminum shell and have a 0.250in stainless-steel shaft running in high-performance ball bearings. The aluminum-mounting flange has a 0.750in diameter centre pilot for locating centrally in a fixture. Units are also environmentally sealed to IEC IP-66.

Northwest Rapid Manufacturing, part of Northwest UAV, manufactures production parts and prototypes for NWUAV using its EOSINT P 390 and P 730 equipment. Together, the companies provide parts and assemblies, including engine and cooling components for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) made by Insitu and others. These components are stable in hot environments and are tough, pliable and robust in harsh conditions, such as exposure to fuel.

Other EOS customers at the show are Paramount PDS, who will exhibit plastic UAV parts created with an EOSINT P 730; Morris Technologies, who will display titanium aerospace components and prototypes created with direct metal laser-sintering (DMLS); and Solid Concepts, who is featuring SLS-manufactured flight structures for Aerotonomy’s new Cruise-Efficient ESTOL research aircraft. In addition to the aircraft’s form-fitted seven-gallon fuel tank, all of the primary structures that enable the advanced high-lift technologies such as leading-edge blowing, circulation-control flaps, and airflow plenums were manufactured with EOS laser-sintering equipment.

All versions feature integral pneumatic cushioning and external shock absorbers can be added for extreme conditions. The weight-saving aluminium profile has universal mounting grooves for proprietary machine-building systems, allowing direct integration into machines. The polyurethane seals and precision extruded aluminium profile mean that the Lintra Plus offers long operational lifetimes, combined with a new wiper seal and cover strip to prevent the ingress of dirt. The Lintra Plus also has a dedicated resource centre where customers can download the latest CAD models and data sheets. The centre features Lintra Pneucalc, an online software tool that allows customers to size their applications.

Terminal-Block Connectors Save Manufacturing Costs

Wieland Electric has introduced a range of Through Hole Reflow (THR) connector solutions for use with two-piece connectors and single-piece terminal blocks. Savings of up to 30 per cent in manufacturing costs can be achieved using Wieland’s THR printed circuit-board connectors, which are available in 3.5, 3.81, 5 and 5.08mm. The temperature resistance required for the reflow process is achieved through the use of a new insulating material.

Using this technology THR and SMD can be processed simultaneously using the same equipment. On the solder templates the holes for the THR-compatible connectors can be placed next to the SMD components. During the board-printing process the lead-free solder paste is pressed into the holes and during the mounting of components onto the board the solder pins are placed through the paste and into the holes.

During the reflow stage a capillary effect puts the solder back into the holes, producing high-quality solder joints. Wieland’s THR PCB connectors are supplied ready for assembly on tray packaging or tape on reel, which allows full integration with existing pick-and-place processes. The use of THR technology also negates the need for the wave-solder process which, in turn, is said to offer even greater cost savings.

2010 Catalog Displays Moss Express Components

The new 2010 Moss Express Product Catalogue features more than 12,500 components suitable for a variety of applications and markets. The 368-page catalogue includes more than 1,400 new products, featuring hundreds of new hydraulic and pneumatic protection parts, an expansion of hardware products and a section dedicated to adhesive tapes and pads.

The catalogue includes more than 160 metal castors with nylon, rubber or polyurethane wheels, braked or unbraked, and with swivel or fixed plates. The Hardware range includes new locks, latches, catches and hinges. The company’s collection of handles and knobs is expanded even further in the 2010 catalogue. Also available is a range of new plastic and metal parts, increasing the volume of hydraulic and pneumatic protection products. The catalogue showcases plastic caps and plugs, hose wrap and sleeves, steel hose clamps and a line of o-rings.

In addition, a new section – Adhesive Tapes and Pads – has been added. Existing ranges have been extended and new lines added for adhesive foam pads, removable and high-bond adhesive tapes and hook-and-loop products. The catalogue contains technical product information and is indexed and colour coded by product type. The coloured sections detail solutions to satisfy a range of industries, with all products featured delivered from stock within 24 hours.