Wired for precision

Precision Micro, the Midlands based manufacturer of high precision metal components has witnessed an increase in the number of customer requests to incorporate fine, high aspect ratio features in the components it manufactures.

To meet this need, the Company has installed a new high precision CNC driven Wire EDM machine capable of producing precision, high aspect ratio apertures with surface finish down to Ra 0.1µm, which for many applications eliminates the need for subsequent polishing.

To further increase the productivity of an already very efficient machine, Precision Micro has also invested in a low profile, universal, work holding tooling system," said Mick Taylor, Market Development Manager. "By presetting the work piece away from the machine we are able to minimise machine set-up times, improve flexibility and increase our machine utilisation; all of which helps us to be more competitive in the market."

In a recent request for a component incorporating high aspect ratio features, a major opto-electronics customer needed some multi-aperture plates from a 0.50mm thick special stainless material. The item could be manufactured economically using precision etching techniques but the design included a fine radial slot only 0.2mm wide, an aspect ratio outside the capabilities of the etching process. The design also asked for a very high quality cut surface finish and dimensional accuracy of +/-4 microns.

Picture shows, the new high precision CNC driven Wire EDM machine capable of producing precision, high aspect ratio apertures with surface finish down to Ra 0.1µm, which for many applications eliminates the need for subsequent polishing.

By combining its precision etching and wire EDM processes, Precision Micro was able to meet the demands economically without the need for custom tooling.

For further information, e-mail: westonl@precisionmicro.com    Refer to page 68

Diba's Torque Right fittings-fluid tight, every time

Hand tightening single use fittings is typically a guessing game; most specify "finger tight," a subjective measurement that varies by person and finger strength. Diba Industries' patent pending Torque Right™ fittings eliminate this process variable, assuring the torque required for a proper seal by providing objective feedback that desired torque has been achieved.  Accurately torqued fittings ensure tight fluid connections and consistent, leak-free processing.

The pre-assembled Torque Right fittings are designed with tabs on either side, scored to fold in when the fitting is seated with the right amount of torque. This visual indicator allows installers to hand tighten fittings without tools, torque specification, or guesswork. The ergonomic design results in less strain on installers and facilitates training.

When paired with Diba's Flared Tubing Assemblies, Torque Right fittings produce a continuous, fully swept Fluoropolymer fluid path with a consistent internal tubing diameter in sample, reagent, wash, waste and other types of lines. The tight connections provided greatly reduce or eliminate dead volumes and carryover problems. 

Torque Right fittings are available with a standard ¼-28 thread size in nine distinct colors for easy connection coding and identification. Custom configurations with Diba's Flared Tubing Assemblies are also available; customers may specify tubing material, inside diameter (I.D.) and outside diameter (O.D.) of up to 1/8".

Diba's DP3 probe polishing improves performance

Diba Industries has introduced a new service that delivers a highly polished inside diameter for stainless steel and other metallic probes used in IVD and scientific instruments. The proprietary DP3 technology leaves a highly passivated inside surface that ensures consistent fluid handling, with no degradation over time.

The process can polish the inside surface of a probe down to a 6 micron inch roughness. The resulting mirror-like surface reduces the microscopic pits where process fluids can build up in unpolished probes, minimizing the possibility of unwanted chemical interaction with potentially reactive materials. Applying DP3 to a probe reduces carryover by up to 75%, and increases throughput, while retaining the necessary flow characteristics for efficient system performance.

Highly polished probes save cycle time and reduce washing fluid costs. They can also expand testing capabilities by facilitating more sensitive testing and the ability to work with a wider range of chemicals. Because the DP3 process smoothes the existing metal surface, rather than adding a coating (such as fluoropolymer) which can flake over time, it is much more durable.

DP3 can be applied to Diba's complete line of aspirate/dispense, piercing, level sensing, and vented reagent and sample transfer probes.  Stainless steel or other metals can be selected to custom fit to any instrument manufacturer's specification. DP3 is available for probes with inside diameters as small as .016" in flush, or angle cut tip designs. Diba's technical staff is available to assist in specifying configurations suited to any application. 

Diba in profile
Diba, part of the multinational Halma technology group, provides custom engineered critical fluid handling components and services. Diba technology includes flared tubing assemblies, lined or coated aspirate dispense probes with level sensing, in-line heaters, and custom caps for reagent and waste bottles. Diba services include fluid system development, prototypes, preventive maintenance kits, and custom extrusion.

For further information view website: www.torque-right.com  or for further information on the probes, view website: www.dibaind.com

Dolomite offer high-quality microfluidic flow rate sensors

Dolomite, a world leader in microfluidic design and manufacture, has entered a partnership with Sensirion, a leading sensor manufacturer to offer a range of Microfluidic Flow Meters to measure ultra-low liquid flow rates in the laboratory. This technology allows for sensor-actuator integration in Dolomite's range of microfluidic products and therefore precise flow rate control. The compact and lightweight devices operate with total media isolation in combination with low internal volume and no moving parts for an extremely fast and accurate performance. Incorporating the innovative CMOSens® technology, stable and precise results are obtained with every measurement.

With the ability to accurately measure flow rates from 0.05 to 4000 µl/min, and minimal energy consumption this technology provides a highly cost-effective measurement method. The low flow sensors are capable of operation at high pressures with high resolution within a large dynamic range, to achieve excellent accuracy as well as highly repeatable results and offset stability.

The unsurpassed CMOSens sensor technology from Sensirion combines a highly precise thermal sensor element for exact temperature control with an A/D converter circuit and digital signal processing to ensure an extremely sensitive response is obtained. All measured data is fully-calibrated via an internal microcontroller. Such outstanding results are obtained due to the integration of highly sensitive thermo piles into an extremely fast, miniaturised thermal microsensor element. With all of the precise signal-conditioning of a single CMOS chip, mass flow measurements of the liquid flows on the µl and nl scale are made possible. Furthermore, excellent chemical resistance and bio-compatibility make this compact sensor ideal for a wide range of microfluidic applications.

These Microfluidic Flow Rate Sensors are available as part of a laboratory kit, which includes all of the software and fittings required for immediate use. The easy-to-use software enables simple capture, visualisation and exporting of any measurement data. For high volume solutions highly efficient microsensors based on the same technology are available.

For further information on the complete range of Microfluidic Flow Rate Sensors, as well as the full portfolio of microfluidic capabilities available from Dolomite such as pumps, interconnects, chips and valves, view website: www.dolomite-microfluidics.com    Refer to page 56

Extended range of fast fit T pieces for cable installation and inspection

Flexible conduit manufacturer Flexicon has extended its range of fast fit T pieces to make cable installation and inspection simpler.

The removable inspection lid helps cable pull through, allows the addition of circuits and also makes future inspection simpler.  Internal corners are rounded to protect the cable insulation during installation and use.

The new range is now available in standard sizes for use with conduits between 16mm to 42mm. There are two versions, the FPA range has an IP66 rating and the FPAX range, which comes supplied with elastomeric seals and is IP66, IP67 and IP68 (2 bar) rated. A range of reducer options makes it very flexible to configure a system.

Refer to picture above: Flexible conduit manufacturer Flexicon has extended its range of fast fit T pieces to make cable installation and inspection simpler.

Manufactured from nylon (PA66), the moulded fittings are available in black as standard or grey on request.

For further information, e-mail: sales@flexicon.uk.com or view website: www.flexicon.uk.com   Refer to page 58