Dow Console Uses Synergistic Engineering

CEL Instruments Challenge Noise Testing

The new 400 Series of sound level meters, says CEL Instruments, will challenge three traditional views of noise measurement. Those views are instrumentation for product noise evaluation and noise emission compliance testing (noise meters are difficult to use); the need for handwritten records; and that a different instrument is often needed for each task. By using an icon-based keypad, plus a large screen that displays information on the selectable criteria, the measurement results in a clear and legible format. The clarity of the format leads the user through simple, logical set-ups and operation. To eliminate the need for handwritten records, the 400 series has on-board memory with data download capabilities. It is possible to store measurements in a predetermined fashion or on operator demand and print data in a preset report format, to any standard printer.

Ward's Info No. 201

Analog Devices For General Applications

Analog Devices Inc. introduces what it claims is the industry's smallest, lowest power 8-and 10-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADCs). Available in SOIC, micro-SOIC and TSSOP packages, the AD781x family offers two 8-bit and four 10-bit ADCs. Each member operates from 2.7 to 5.5 V, consumes only 1.5mW@100 kSPS (typical) and comes with an optional automatic power-down mode. Because of their small size, low power and high speeds (350 kSPS), Analog Devices says this family is well suited for high-volume applications such as portable and battery-operated devices, automotive and general purpose designs. These parts are specified over a temperature range of -40 degrees F to +125 degrees F (-40 degrees C to 105 degrees C) in plastic packages, making them the industry's widest temperature range ADCs in these packages, says the company.

Ward's Info No. 204

Boothroyd Dewhurst Adds Metalworking Software

Sheet Metalworking 2.0, new design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA) software from Boothroyd Dewhurst Inc., operates in Microsoft Windows and offers increased ease of use, says the company. Users can obtain detailed cost information for the manufacture of stamped sheet-metal parts at any point in the product-development process, beginning at the earliest concept stages of design. Designers and manufacturing engineers can see the cost impact of part dimension, material choice, life volume produced, and type of press used, among other report outputs.

Ward's Info No. 205

SMI Provides Competitive Edge

The Identification Solutions Division of Brady USA Inc. unveils Brady Traxx SMI (supplier managed inventory), an inventory management system designed for suppliers wishing to automate their customers' inventory stocking and reorder process. Brady Traxx SMI is a value-added service that can assist suppliers in establishing strategic partnerships with customers by providing efficient stock management, thereby reducing the cost of doing business, says Brady. The program automatically compares on-hand quantities with pre-programmed stock levels to optimize inventory levels, including seasonal products, thus ensuring that the supply of critical products does not result in out-of-stock or overstock conditions. In this way, purchasing errors are reduced, lead times are shortened and inefficient paperwork methods are eliminated. In addition to automatically generating stock reorders, Brady Traxx SMI can create more than 30 different customer reports including current inventory orders, inventory history and usage, along with pending and in-transit order status. The Action Menu features easy-to-read graphical icons, making Brady Traxx SMI software simple to navigate. Minimum system requirements are 166MHz Windows95 or NT operating system with 64RAM, 28.8-Baud modem and 100M disk space.

Ward's Info No. 206

General Electric Introduces GEPAX Sheet

General Electric Co.'s Structured Products introduces GEPAX sheet as the "latest" member of its family of thermoplastic sheets, which it says is characterized by high-impact resistance and exceptional stiffness. GEPAX sheet directly replaces the sheet products previously known under the trademark IMPAX. All material and processing properties of IMPAX sheet are carried over into GEPAX sheet, which also identically retains the opaque polycarbonate composition of IMPAX sheet. GEPAX sheet currently is specified in low-unit-build automotive applications because of its stiffness and predictable impact-resistance at both high and low temperatures. In Europe, trays made from GEPAX sheet are being used to transport crankshafts and gearboxes on an auto assembly line.

Ward's Info No. 207