Dolomite launches new microfluidic
system enabling Nanoparticle Synthesis

Microfluidics expert Dolomite has extended its range of System Solutions to include an innovative Syringe-based Nanoparticle System allowing users to generate polymeric, metal and semi-conductor nanoparticles from 1nm to 100nm in diameter which benefit a wide range of applications including biochemistry, drug delivery, biomolecular sensing and fibre-optics. Pictures: Microscopic images of nanoparticles.

Built around Dolomite's industry leading microfluidic pumps, connectors and chips, this easy-to-use system enables rapid and effective mixing of up to 2 reagents of 25μl to 10ml. Using extra smooth pumps to deliver the reagents into the mixing region, the Syringe-based Nanoparticle System ensures precipitates of uniformly sized particles occur consistently throughout the sample offering significant advantages over traditional techniques.

Operating over a wide flow range from 0.1μl/min to 10ml/min, the system features a Sample Injection Valve reducing reagent consumption. An additional thermal control module ensures that constant temperatures are maintained throughout the experiment ideal for targeted heating in biomedical applications.

Dolomite's range of System Solutions also includes Micro Droplet Systems that allow users to produce more than 10,000 highly monodispersed micro droplets per second ranging from 5μm up to 250μm in diameter.

For further information on Dolomite's range of System Solutions and the complete portfolio of microfluidic products, including connectors/interconnects, pumps, valves and pressure/flow rate sensors and custom devices, view website: www.dolomite-microfluidics.com

Unsurpassed cut quality for semiconductor
products now available at a lower initial investment

Semiconductor products manufacturers seeking best-in-class laser cutting machine technology to use both with flexo overruns and in-line or off-line with digital presses can now get the same superior software engineering and integration that is included in higher-priced Spartanics Finecut Laser Cutting Machines at highly competitive prices. View website: http://www.spartanics.com/products_detail.cgi?id_num=49&styleid=2.

Unlike similarly-priced laser cutters sold in the world market, Spartanics L-350 High Speed Laser Cutting Machine's single laser head design enables highest quality cuts with a 210 micron spot size in a 350 mm cutting field at speeds as fast as 80 meters/minute. Like every Spartanics laser cutting machine model, the L-350 automates optimization of web speed, eliminates quality issues in many applications that require stitching cuts from two laser sources, enables job changeovers on-the-fly and is widely recognized as the most operator-friendly technology due to its intuitive operator interface and "behind-the-scenes" sophisticated control engineering software.

Spartanics L-350 High Speed Laser Cutting Machine includes UV coating stations, lamination, slitting and sheeting options. Superior cut quality is achieved with polyester, polycarbonate, polypropylene, metalized and paper among a wide range of other materials. Like other Spartanics Laser Cutting Machines, only sealed CO2 supplies are used to power lasers, both to minimize costs for CO2 and to avoid the inherent quality issues of open CO2 delivery systems. A full list of product features and options can be found at: http://www.spartanics.com/products_detail.cgi?id_num=49&styleid=2. or you can use the following link which is Spartanics new options page: http://www.spartanics.com/products_detail.cgi?id_num=50&styleid=2

Mike Bacon, Spartanics VP, comments, "Through the years we've talked to many companies that wanted to use the superior cutting technology that Spartanics provided but they just could not afford the higher end technology that we offered.  The L-350 has not cut any corners on the software engineering or any other product features that impact cut quality,  speed or system durability.  We expect it to quickly become our top-selling laser cutting machine model because when you look at the combination of price and quality it can't be beat.   We also know that there will continue to be many companies that need the extra bells and whistles of our higher -priced systems because they are handling unique applications.  Now, with the addition of the Spartanics L-350 High Speed Laser Cutting Machine, there is no gap in our product offerings for laser cutting.  For any company that needs a laser cutting machine, we have the best option for their price range--period."

To arrange for a demonstration of the Spartanics L-350 High Speed Laser Cutting Machine or for other product information please contact:  Mike Bacon, Spartanics VP, +847-394-5700 or e-mail: mbacon@spartanics.com

Spartanics in profile
Rolling Meadows, Illinois, USA-headquartered Spartanics specializes in tightly integrating advanced software engineering with sophisticated handling systems to manufacture best-in-class  die cutting machinery ,  laser cutting machine technology as well as screen printing systems and other equipment for fabricating products made from flat stock materials.  Its worldwide service organization uses state-of-the-art virtual service technician technology and also maintains offices and spare parts in Europe. 

For further information, view website: www.spartanics.com 

Professional printing in a tabletop format:
Essemtec debuts Fino rogrammable precision printer

The new Fino screen/stencil printer from Essemtec offers professional print process control paired with the flexibility of a semiautomatic tabletop printer.  Picture: Tthe Essemtec's semiautomatic printer Fino.

Compact, precise and exceptionally easy to use: These are the characteristics of Fino, the new printer from Essemtec. The programmable precision printer can be placed on a table, making it is ideally suited for smaller, flexible production. Optionally, the printer is available mounted on a robust steel stand.

The following features make Fino different than other table-top printers: A touch screen programming terminal, laser-guided vision alignment, and a pneumatic fast-fixation for screen and stencil tension frames. Furthermore, all motions of the squeegee and the print table are motorized and, therefore, are both programmable and reproducible. Because of these features, Fino's setup and changeover is much quicker than other machines and the print quality is better.

The two-color vision cameras enable secure fine-pitch printing. The cameras look through the stencil to the substrate and printing takes place directly after alignment control, eliminating additional motion.

Fino prints on single- and double-sided PCBs, ceramics and, foils -- through the use of the vacuum table. A specialty of the Fino is its capability to provide borderless printing on substrates up to 450 x 500 mm. Screen and stencil tension frames up to 23" can be mounted.

Essemtec in profile
The Swiss machine manufacturer Essemtec is a market leader in manufacturing flexible production systems for industrial users. Essemtec has been developing, manufacturing and marketing equipment and machines for all processes in the electronics industry since 1991: printers, dispensers, pick-and-place and soldering systems. Manual, semiautomatic and fully automatic systems are available. The range of products also includes transportation and storage systems, as well as software solutions for planning, simulation optimization and documentation of manufacturing. All Essemtec systems are optimized for maximum flexibility. Users can switch from one product to another quickly, making maximum use of available production capacity.
Essemtec - Be more flexible.

For further information, e-mail: info@essemtec.com  or view website: www.essemtec.com

Compact, rugged and reliable EN 50155 approved industrial Ethernet switches simplify onboard communications applications

To meet the growing demand for reliable onboard railway communications networks, Westermo has introduced a new generation of industrial Ethernet switches that provide highly robust networks and long term field operation. Specifically designed for onboard applications around the "Westermo IP train concept", the new Viper-212, Viper-112 and Viper 012 twelve-port switches, deliver a complete solution for onboard control systems, including improved levels of reliability and simplified network design, installation and maintenance.

The Westermo IP train concept provides a complete EN50155 Ethernet switch and routing solution providing an ultra-reliable network backbone for the creation of intelligent trains. This concept has been developed in answer to the many unique requirements of the rail industry which can be solved using a suite of IP protocols delivered by the Westermo Operating System - WeOS.

Onboard rolling stock applications present one of the toughest environments for any electronic device. The Viper series exceeds the EN 50155 onboard railway standard for electronic equipment, which encompasses not only EMC requirements, but also shock, vibration, extended temperature range and humidity. The switches have also been designed to achieve the highest mean time between failures of up to 900,000 hours, ensuring the extremely long-term and reliable field operation that is expected within the railway industry.

The Viper 212 is a managed layer 3 routing switch, The Viper 112 offers managed layer 2 switching functionality and the Viper 012 is an unmanaged solution. These different levels of software functionality allow users to select the most appropriate level of functionality for their network whilst still having hardware that meets the toughest environmental challenges.

To meet the growing demand for reliable onboard railway communications networks, Westermo has introduced a new generation of industrial Ethernet switches that provide highly robust networks and long term field operation.

The new Viper series incorporates M12 connectors that are integrated into the housing to reduce size and further protect against vibration. With an ultra-robust design, sealed to IP65 and vibration resistant to military standards, these units are ideal for situations where mechanical stress, moisture, condensation; dirt or continuous vibrations (such as those produced by engine) could adversely affect the function of standard Ethernet switches. A unique Gore-Tex membrane is used to prevent condensation build up by normal climatic day/night cycling. The Viper-212 is also very compact and ultra-thin, enabling installation within the confined spaces of railcar panels.

The WeOS operating system of the Viper and RedFox switches is able to balance data traffic on the network to maintain maximum throughout and stability. The introduction of increased traffic from new cameras or video stream will therefore not affect the stability of the entire network. In the event of any link or hardware failure Westermo´s unique FRNT technology is able to re-configure a large network in 20ms.

For easy configuration, the Ethernet switches can be safely accessed from anywhere in the network, or directly via a console port on the Viper switch or an Ethernet or USB port on the RedFox switch. The configuration can be backed up and restored in seconds using a using a special M12 USB memory stick. An easy to use, secure web configuration interface simplifies the setting up of a redundant ring network.

Westermo in profile
Westermo provides a full range of industrial data communications solutions for demanding applications in the transport, water and energy markets among others. For more than 35 years Westermo has been at the forefront of technological development and often pushed the limits of what is technically possible. In order to provide the best possible support, we have local presence in more than 35 countries through our authorized distributors and own offices. Since 2008 Westermo has been part of the Beijer Electronics Group, a fast growing technology company with extensive experience of industrial automation, developing and marketing competitive products and solutions with focus on the user.

For further information, e-mail: magnus.jansson@westermo.se or view website: www.westermo.com  Refer to page 398