New range of direct part marking solutions

Technifor has brought out a new generation of its DPM (Direct Part Marking) machines. This method involves marking the surface of a product directly, without the need for any stickers, inks or other additives. The micro-percussion and scribing technologies used offer significant advantages in terms of durability and speed of marking.

The micro-impacts produced on the materials surface using a carbide tipped stylus create a permanent mark, without creating stress or burrs.

Image: Versatile, high-precision electrmagnetic micro-percussion, using electrical energy alone.

With scribing, information can be marked directly on the material itself. The stylus (carbide or diamond tipped) is driven into the material just once, and then moved along the X and Y axes to scribe the material and create the mark. These technologies physically change the surface of the material, which means that texts, logos or 2D codes applied to parts will still be 100 per cent legible throughout the whole production process, even when a part is subjected to a number of different treatments.

Images left to right: 1) The XF510p: compact, high-speed pneumatic micro-percussion designed for intensive use. 2) The XF510r: scribing for deep marking and aesthetically pleasing results.

The Technifor range comprises three different solutions: electromagnetic micro-percussion, pneumatic micro-percussion and scribing. They are all compact, fast and robust, and each one has its own particular advantages.

The XF510m offers the precision and quality that electromagnetic micro-percussion can bring. The force of the impact can be adjusted in hundredths via the precision control unit. This means it can be used on even the most delicate materials. This technology simply requires an electrical supply. This range is particularly suited to the marking of 2D codes (Data MatrixTM ECC200, UID etc.).

The XF510p offers the compactness, speed and lightness that pneumatic micro-percussion can bring. Technifor has optimised its performance, with a speed of 10 characters per second - double the rate of other solutions on the market. The marking head assembly has also been slimmed down to a unit measuring just 136.4 x 86.7 x 113.7 mm and weighing in at just 2.3 kg.

The XF510r is a scribing solution combining depth of marking with aesthetically pleasing results. In fact, the marking of texts and logos is extremely clear. In addition, the process is silent, which meets the most stringent noise control standards (< 72 dBA).

Within this product range, every integrator will find the ideal solution, whatever their requirements and whatever the operating environment.

No other product range is so easy to integrate
The control unit will interface with Ethernet, USB and RS232, and there is an interface card with 8 inputs and 4 outputs. It can work on its own or can be controlled via a PC or PLC. This remote control unit (from up to 15 metres away) meets all the requirements of machine manufacturers: it has an 18-language interface, can handle 14 different keyboard types and is provided with a universal 90 - 250 V power supply. It is the only model on the market with a large backlit screen, with user friendly icons and contextual help, enabling programming of all types of marking: text, logos, variables, time-stamping, counters, 2D codes etc..

Unbeatably light, fast and compact, the marking heads are easily integrated into all production line layouts (revolving tables, robot arms etc.). Reliability has been perfected through 20 years of experience and 5 generations of the range. Suitable for use in the toughest environments and in any position, they can be mounted on column frames and fitted with protective shutters.

Various sizes are available (marking areas up to 200 x 80 mm), giving a full range of 11 machines, enhanced by further options such as a motorised Z axis with surface sensing, a height setting device (± 22 mm), DMC part rotation or column frame accessories.

Integrators can access our information portal, where they will find guides to help them integrate our machines into their systems. Part of the GravoTech Group, Techn for is the world leader in industrial marking machines for permanent part identification, and can guarantee you ongoing sales presence and technical assistance wherever you need it, through its 23 branches worldwide.

For further information, view website: www.technifor.com or e-mail: sales@ltd.technifor.com  Refer to page 172

Pickering Interfaces has continued
in 2011 to regularly release a steady flow of
new products in both the LXI and the PXI platform

Pickering Interfaces has continued in 2011 to regularly release a steady flow of new products in both the LXI and the PXI platforms. According to Nick Hickford, Sales Manager UK and Ireland , "LXI enquiries have been particularly strong in the last 6 months as more and more users are realizing the benefits of this platform. These enquiries are leading to a steadily increasing number of switching solutions being made available by Pickering Interfaces and LXI is becoming an increasingly important part of our business model. But PXI is as usual an important part of our business and we are committed to continuing to expand our range of switching solutions using this platform, we consider PXI and LXI to be complimentary platforms that we will pursue in parallel, selecting the most appropriate platform for each application".

Amongst a variety of products, these latest models deserve attention and will be shown  at European Microwave Manchester in October:

First models in a new range of 6GHz switch solutions, these compact switch modules offer an alternative to mechanical microwave switches for applications up to 6GHz. Their excellent isolation and crosstalk performance combined with fast operation and long life makes them ideal for both production and development testing.

Brand new 40-880 Series PXI Solid State RF Switching: 1) Wide Frequency Range 10 MHz to 6 GHz. 2) High Performance Solid State Switch. 3) SPDT, SP4T and SP6T versions. 4) Automatic Termination of Unused Ports. 5) High Isolation. 6) SMA Coaxial Connectors.

New 41-182  PXI 6GHz Triple Solid State Attenuator: 10MHz To 6GHz Programmable Attenuator; 0 to 31.75dB in 0.25dB Steps; Single, Dual and Triple Versions in One PXI Slot; Solid State Switching For Long Service Life; Robust SMA Connectors; Fast Operating Speed.

New 40-754  PXI 17off SPDT 50Ω RF Switches: 17off SPDT 50Ω RF Switches; One Slot 500MHz Version with MS-M Connector; Two Slot 1.2GHz Version with SMB Connectors; Low Insertion Loss and VSWR; High Performance, Low Cost; 9off SPDT Versions Available.

These products are available now and pricing can be found on website: www.pickeringtest.com  Refer to page 340

Multitest expands test capacities for fully assembled load boards

Multitest, a designer and manufacturer of final test handlers, contactors and load boards used by integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and final test subcontractors worldwide, has expanded its post assembly, flying probe test capacity to meet the growing demands of PCB assembly. As ATE assemblies become more complex, the probability of costly delays increases.

Multitest's post-assembly testing assures customers receive a load board with validated functionality of active components and measured values of passive components. This test eliminates the need for time consuming de-bugging at customer sites and allows a direct shipment of the PCB to the production site for immediate deployment.

The post-assembly test service from Multitest allows the most complex load boards to be thoroughly tested by applying power to switching components such as relays. Customers benefit from the newly expanded line-up of Acculogic, Scorpion flying probe testers with the highest test coverage available, on-time delivery and less debug time.

For more information, view website: www.multitest.com/pcb  Refer to page 129

Supremely ergonomic high-quality laser engraving on metal

Gravograph has completed its range of LS100Ex laser engraving solutions with a new version, fitted with a pulsed 20 W fibre laser source. With this model you can engrave metals, producing contrast of the highest quality. Its ergonomic design is unique on the market, and it can be used just as easily for part marking applications or in the personalised product industry.

LS100Ex Fibre has been developed to enhance the quality and appearance of black engraving on metal parts (steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, metal carbide, silver or brass). Now you can also engrave near-perfect copies of photos, logos and images at a speed of 1.5 m/s.

The ergonomic features of the LS100Ex Fibre are unique: this is the only laser marking machine on the market where parts can be changed via the front panel. This concept, also called »Front Loading» was invented by Gravograph and has now been adopted by some of its competitors. However, their openings are still narrower, with a restricted view of the process under way. This concept has many advantages: it is easier, faster and safer to use. In addition, the operator can remain seated. The working area is 610 x 305 mm, which meets the highest standards on the market, but extra space has been provided to assist in handling parts (740 x 330). This is quite an achievement, because LS100EX Fibre is more compact than other equivalent machines on the market

Information about the process currently under way is available at a glance from the LCD screen. A built-in working area lighting system provides full illumination of the process under way, and a red laser pointer ensures quick, error-free positioning.

Items can be marked individually where dimensions vary, or in series if the objects to be engraved are placed on a die. The machine´s motorised platform can position objects over a 145 mm range. Cylindrical objects can easily be engraved with the corresponding optional attachment.

It is worth noting that the LS100Ex Fibre has a CDRH Class 1 safety rating. In other words, it can be used in public areas without the slightest risk. GravoGraph users will find it has the usual control software - GravoStyle - remarkable for its ease of use and the fact that the same application is used to control the whole range of machines, regardless of the marking technology used.

Optional accessories available for the LS100EX Fibre include a cylinder rotator, cutting tables, focussing lenses and a built-in extractor-filter unit. This ventilation is d signed for applications where is high emission of particles and fumes. The fully integrated extractor-filter is a basic part of the laser, ensuring the system is compact. Clean air ventilation extends the service life of the machine´s essential working parts.

For further information, e-mail: lindsey.quinn@gravograph.co.uk or view website: www.gravotech.com