AutomationDirect’s line of Stratus enclosure vortex coolers provide compressed air cooling where conventional enclosure cooling by air conditioners or heat exchangers is not possible. The all stainless steel vortex coolers have cooling capacities from 500 to 2,500 BTUH. If cooling capacity needs to change, you do not need to replace the entire unit; available replacement…
Turning to captive panel screws
by Leon M. Attarian, Director of Global Marketing, PennEngineering Panel fastener assemblies, like captive panel screws, allow for repeated access to equipment while minimizing loose hardware. Panel fastener assemblies, which integrate captivated screws and mount permanently to an assembly, can securely attach equipment panels, covers, drawers, racks and similar components, while allowing for subsequent and…
The best springs you haven’t tried yet
by Elmar Kampmann, Mechanical Engineer and David Marvuglio, Design Engineer, Rotor Clip Flat-wire wave springs offer a great balance of size and spring force. Here’s what you need to know to design with these alternatives to traditional springs. Even if you routinely use spring elements in your designs, chances are you haven’t tried wave springs…
How to test self-clinching fasteners for reliability
By Ron Dise, Corporate Senior Technology Specialist, PennEngineering Self-clinching fasteners are a good way to attach thin metal assemblies. Here are tips on how to ensure proper installation. Self-clinching fasteners deliver time-tested solutions for attaching thin metal assemblies. Regardless of type, these fasteners install permanently in thin ductile metal sheets when pressed into place in…
Compression Spring Helps Standardize Tennis Net Tension
For many years as a locally competitive tennis player, David Glass carried an adjustable wrench in his tennis bag, to bring the net cord tension into a more playable range without knowing exactly how tight the net should be. After attending a college tournament, and noticing the variability of the net tensions, Glass approached the…
Epoxies: The “Go To” Materials for Oil and Gas Instrumentation
By Robert Michaels, Vice President Technical Sales, Master Bond Oil and gas are a primary source of energy. In the exploration and extraction of oil and gas, epoxies can be found in most of the equipment used to search, assess, and extract these sources of energy. In the last 200 years or so, oil and…
Clamping Knobs with Indexing Plunger from J.W. Winco
J.W. Winco, Inc. now offers series GN 7336.7 Clamping Knobs with Indexing Plunger as well as GN 7366.8, a version with safety function. These RoHS-compliant knobs are used for positioning, securing and clamping adjusting elements simultaneously. The axial movement of the handle (pulling) pulls the indexing plunger from the engaged position against the spring force,…
Vertical PCB Launch Configuration For The High-Speed Digital Testing Industry
Molex Incorporated introduced the Precision 2.4mm Compression-Mount Test Connectors, the industry’s only high-speed vertical PCB launch configuration operating to 50 GHz. The unique vertical PCB launch configuration gives the Precision 2.4 mm Compression-Mount Test Connectors key advantages over more traditional end-launch connectors. They have a smaller footprint and can be mounted anywhere on the PCB…
T-Nuts with Guide Step in Metric Sizes from J.W. Winco
J.W. Winco, Inc. announced it now offers series GN 506 T-Nuts with Guide Step in metric sizes. These T-nuts can be turned into position, i.e., they can be inserted at any point along a slot. The spring-loaded ball prevents unwanted movement of the nut in the slot, which is highly desirable with the T-slots in…
Expanded Line of ZONEX™ Enclosure Models
ZONEX™ IECEX- and ATEX-Certified* Enclosures are hinge and screw-cover enclosures for more safety protection. To safely house electrical components, these enclosures are not intended for use in explosion-proof or flameproof applications. The expansion of Type 316 stainless steel platform includes new inch-based offerings in an extended range of sizes. All ZONEX models have custom options…