Phillips Resin Isolates Brush Assembly

Multicraft Technology has perfected a complex three-mold process to produce a dependable commutator brush assembly for the ITT Automotive MK20 four-wheel antilock brake system (ABS). The multi-layer-molding job relies on Ryton polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin from Phillips Chemical Co. to isolate the brush assembly from the harsh under-car environment and to maintain electrical integrity of the vital braking mechanism. ITT Automotive engineers selected Ryton R-4 02 PPS, a 40% glass fiber-reinforced grade, for its heat stability, ability to hold dimensional tolerances and its electrical insulating capabilities. The engineering resin can withstand the heat of multiple molding processes, and high temperatures when the assembled unit is operating.

Kuss Filtration's StrataPore Used on Mercedes SUV

Kuss Filtration, a developer of depth filtration media for use in its production of filtration products, announces production of the first filter to take advantage of its StrataPore Gradient Density (GD) filtration media. Mercedes Benz has approved the use of StrataPore GD for the in-tank fuel filter of its U.S.-produced sport/utility vehicle. The StrataPore GD media is the latest in the evolution of depth media filtration. Improvements were made by utilizing a new outer layer and refining the composition of the layered depth media to achieve three distinct layers of increasing efficiency. These improved performance characteristics will translate to increased fuel system protection, says Kuss.

Collision Engineering Software Studies Crashes

Collision Engineering Associates, Inc. has introduced the graphical articulated total body program, a software tool used to study how people are injured in car crashes. GATB is an HVE-compatible version of the widely used ATB computer program. Human-Vehicle-Environment (HVE) is a 3-D computer environment for executing dynamic simulation programs. GATB uses the HVE environment to simulate and visualize the complex motion of a human body during a crash. Using GATB, a human model can be placed "inside" a car during a crash to predict how the human would move and what they would hit inside the car.

Universal Offers Improved Injection Molding

The Universal series of toggle clamp injection molding machines from HPM Corp. combines an array of "packaged options" at prices lower than competitively priced packages. This series, ranging from 50 to 560 tons, features the HPM Command 4000 control system. The system offers: closed-loop injection process control, Impact PID autotune for process control parameters, Auto-Tune PID barrel and nozzle temperature control, on-board machine and system diagnostics and internal storage of up to 16 molds, among others. Other standard features include a heavy-duty, 5-point toggle clamp design, adjustable moving platen supports, A, B or C screw/barrel configurations to achieve high, mid-range or low injection pressure, and a choice of screw options: the HPM Double Wave, CPM 9V and PVC, among others.

Virtual Prototyping from I-Logix Design Tool

I-Logix Statement Magnum is helping Chrysler Corp. designers with its Statemate - a modeling, simulation and automatic code generation software tool. Statemate Magnum is being used to design and specify controller functionality for overhead console, audio and remote keyless entry systems on the Jeep platform. Embedded systems developers use the generated code in desktop virtual prototypes, or in physical prototypes running on target hardware platforms using real-time operating systems such as Wind River Systems' VxWorks. The Statemate Magnum family includes software tools that automate design chores such as requirement traceability, debugging and documentation.

Control Power-Reliance Tests Automotive Brake Drums

Control Power-Reliance, a designer and manufacturer of testing equipment and systems, has delivered a sophisticated eddy current testing system for cast iron brake drums to Asama of Coldwater, OH, for use on the production line supplying Honda's Marysville, OH, plant. The system detects microscopic cracks in the finish-machined drums that can lead to drum failure if undetected. The test station is completely self-contained, making it easy to integrate with the existing production system at Asama. System throughput is four parts per minute.