EMKA have developed an extensive range
of hinge types under the 1030 series umbrella

Use of a traditional lay-on protruding door has a number of advantages in electrical or electronic control enclosures since it ensures the greatest usable door area almost to the width of the frame and can often open to 180º even when cabinets are mounted side by side. EMKA have therefore developed an extensive range of hinge types under the 1030 series umbrella, so as to ensure that builders of custom and standard panels can easily find a suitable item for flange returns within the 16mm to 25mm range, or greater.

EMKA 1030 series hinges feature types which fit externally and versions which are concealed internally. Installation methods include screws, welding or stud fixing. All the 1030 series may be demounted with the door open to improve access to the interior or to door mounted equipment during maintenance or build/installation. This has been achieved by use of a lift-off design or removable pins.

Picture shows the EMKA 1030 series hinges featuring types which fit externally and versions which are concealed internally. Installation methods include screws, welding or stud fixing.

This type of cabinet comes in many different types and sizes and are used in environments from offices/factories to oil rigs - so EMKA 1030 hinges are supplied in a range of appropriate materials and finishes. These include: mild steel in ready for weld and paint, or zinc plated; zinc die cast finished in chrome or black powder coat; or stainless steel, for the best in strength and corrosion resistance.

Up to 2m plus height door units are catered for using multiples of 2, 3 or 4 hinges per door, in order to accommodate the weight of the door itself and its indicators, controls etc.

For further information on EMKA products and services, view website: www.emka.co.uk where it is also possible to download any part or the entire EMKA product catalogue.  Refer to page 167

Circular Hybrid Technology from Molex
integrates power and data lines in one connector

Molex Incorporated (NASDAQ: MOLX and MOLXA) has introduced an innovative Circular Hybrid Technology (CHT) connector that combines Cat 5e data speed and power supply for high signal integrity and excellent performance. By combining both the power and data lines in one M12 connector, the CHT reduces both installation and cabling costs in process and automation control applications as well as in HVAC control systems, telecoms infrastructure and base stations.

Based on the robust circular M12 push/pull design, the CHT connector comprises four Cat 5e data lines and two power lines carrying 10A. It is overmoulded to ensure complete sealing and provide strain relief. The fully-shielded 4-pin array with wrap around metal tube (patent pending) allows for perfect signal integrity and performance - the two overlapping tubes channel the signal through without affecting crosstalk and EMI.

Circular Hybrid Technology from Molex integrates power and data lines in one connector.

The CHT 4+2 configuration is already in production in the M12 form factor. "As the Molex shielding concept of the Circular Hybrid Technology connector is not limited to the M12 format," says Gerd Klaiber, European Product Manager for Automation and Electrical Products, "Molex is able to adapt the technology to meet specific customer needs and requirements." Plans to further extend the Molex CHT connector line-up, to include M16 and M23 formats, are in development.

For further information ,view website: www.molex.com/product/io/hyperjack.html  Refer to page 119

Versatile Y-Junction Chip is suitable for
investigations into fluid interface with laminar flow

Dolomite, a world leader in microfluidic design and manufacture, has introduced the glass microfluidic Y-Junction Chip. Enabling liquid-liquid contact of immiscible fluid streams, as well as investigations into the diffusion of molecules between parallel laminar flow streams, the chip has extremely smooth channel surfaces for an uninterrupted flow.

Picture shows the Y-Junction chip which is available with hydrophilic, hydrophobic, platinum, or gold coatings.

With a compact size of 22.5 x 15 mm, the Y-Junction Chip is compatible with the Mitos Chip Holder H and the Mitos Edge Connector, facilitating ease of use. A wide temperature and pressure range in combination with excellent chemical compatibility enable a broad range of fluids to be used.  Furthermore, excellent spectral transmission facilitates high visibility, making access with microscopy systems quick and easy.

A range of customised options enable the chip to be tailored to fulfil individual user specifications. As such, it can be etched to a range of different depths, and custom channel layouts can be specified. As the surface of the channel walls has an effect on the fluid, the Y-Junction chip is available with hydrophilic, hydrophobic, platinum, or gold coatings.

For further information on the Y-Junction Chip, as well as the complete range of microfluidic products available from Dolomite, including chips, connectors/interconnects, pumps, valves and flow sensors, view website: www.dolomite-microfluidics.com   Refer to page 227

Halogen free materials for the white goods industry

DSM Engineering Plastics has announced that the company is now able to offer a full range of halogen free engineering plastics for the production of RAST connectors in the white goods industry.

The development of these products is in line with latest market trends and requirements for halogen free flame retardant insulation materials able to meet the highest safety standards.

Yannick Chardebas, Segment Manager E&E for DSM Engineering Plastics, says: "The development of this portfolio demonstrates our strong commitment to our OEM and Tier1 customers in the white goods industry. At the same time, it also opens the path towards halogen free electronics outside the traditional ICT industry."

Patrick Duis, Application Development Engineer Connectors for DSM Engineering Plastics adds: "As the first company to offer such a full portfolio, DSM is now able to support customers in the white goods industry as a one stop shop, offering solutions for standard pin through hole and the latest development of SMT (Surface Mount Technology) connectors."

Recently DSM Engineering Plastics was recognized as one of seven leading solutions providers who have engineered environmental solutions that negate the need for most - or in some cases all - uses of brominated and chlorinated chemicals in a report issued by the International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) and US based environmental organization Clean Production Action (CPA).

Full portfolio of HF materials
DSM is now able to offer a complete portfolio of halogen free products specifically for the White Goods market. This portfolio already includes Arnite® T XG510 (PBT); and Stanyl® ForTii™ (PA4T) F11 for SMT applications, and it is now completed with the addition of Akulon® (PA6) K225-KV.

The unique properties of all these grades allow OEMs and Tier1s to produce high performance and safer connectors for white goods applications and to meet the most stringent specifications while being halogen free.

All these materials are designed for connectors in unattended appliances, meeting the requirements as specified in IEC 60335-1. This standard describes the test procedures required for unattended household appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers, which operate under high currents (> 0,2A). They include the GWFI 850°C (IEC 60695-2-12), the GWIT 775 °C (IEC 60695-2-13) and the glow wire end product test of 750°C (IEC 60695-2-11 GWT). The GWT of 750°C has an extinguishing time of less then 2 seconds on assembled parts.

Akulon K225-KV is an engineering Polyamide 6 able to meet the demand from the white good market with respect to the IEC 60335-1: passing the glow wire test on end products at 750°C. Akulon K225-KV is Halogen free V-2. The material has excellent hinge properties and very good GWIT and GWFI values, High CTI (575V) and is specifically designed for the production of RAST connectors.

Arnite T XG510 PBT has received VDE Approval for electrical insulating materials. This new grade is particularly suited for components like connectors in white goods applications, such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers. Arnite T XG510 is revolutionary because it is the first unfilled PBT which has tested positively according to GWFI & GWIT on end products. The lower density of halogeen free PBT, compared with halogen containing PBTs, saves material, cost and weight. This results in safe and high quality end products and contributes to a better environment. Moreover, PBT has a better dimensional stability compared to polyamides.

Stanyl ForTii is an entirely new high performance polymer family. It offers a unique balance of properties including excellent dimensional stability, high stiffness and mechanical strength at elevated temperatures, high melting and glass transition point as well as excellent processability in terms of flow and processing window. Unique properties of Stanyl ForTii include its excellent reflow soldering ability, which is better than PPA, very high pin retention values which are better than LCPs, stable and fast processing, very good electrical properties (CTI 600V), low moisture uptake and proven lower corrosion on molding equipment compared with competitive products. The ForTii F11 grade has received VDE Approval for electrical insulating materials.

For further information, view website: www.dsm.com  Refer to page 143