Universal bus fibre optic cable from igus

Energy and data supply expert igus has developed a new optical fibre cable, called Chainflex CFLG.2LB, which is suitable for all bus systems. This dual-core optical fibre bus cable is designed specifically for energy chain applications, where extremely small bending radii and high cycle life are expected without loss of data.

The fibres are designed to reduce the minimum bend radius from the traditional 10x the outside diameter of the jacketed cable to 5x, or only 40mm. Because of the matched length of the fibre optic cores and the aramid strain and torsion relief, more than 8.5 million double strokes have been proved for energy chains in a 38mm test set-up.

"This Chainflex optical fibre cable reduces the bending radii by more than 50% on standard bus cables and by more than 65% in comparison to the previous dual-core cables," said Justin Leonard of igus UK. "Copper bus cables are traditionally used in energy chain application; in contrast, Chainflex CFLG.2LB cables are lighter, allow higher data rates, smaller bend radii, longer cable lengths, better EMC safety and show lower damping. In addition, optical fibre cabling is system independent and future-proof - in case of a change of bus system, no new cable installation is necessary."

Refer to the picture above: The new igus fibre optic cable, called Chainflex CFLG.2LB, allows high cycle numbers at a minimum bending radius of 5xd in an energy chain.

The highly abrasion resistant TPE outer jacket compound protects against mechanical damage and is oil and chemical resistant as well. The environmentally-friendly cable is PVC- and halogen-free and, when dynamically moved, suitable for a temperatures ranging between -40 and 60°C. This makes the new generation of optical fibre cables applicable across all industries, covering applications from machine tools and pick and place equipment, to stone- and woodworking.

For further information about the new Chainflex CFLG.2LB, view website: www.igus.co.uk   Refer to page 53

ThreeBond's light cure instant adhesive sticks
to the parts others find difficult; and sticks even faster!

Cyanoacrylates - "instant" adhesives are brilliant assembly products - general purpose, quick setting, simple to apply. But that general formula can be significantly improved, as the introduction of 1770 series light curing "instants" by market leaders ThreeBond has demonstrated. Light curing not only accelerates the final cure time to approximately 10 seconds ( can be up to 24 hours for full cure without light activation ) but also deals with issues such as bleaching/blooming and slow curing excess. It also aids curing in wide gaps, and by using both moisture and light cure ensures a quick thorough cure where light cure alone would be affected by obscuring non-transparent material.

This makes the ThreeBond 1770 series (1771E, 1773E and 1776E) ideal for electronics and wider industrial assemblies including optics, medical, electro/mechanical assembly e.g. motor shafts, ornamental products, angling accessories, toys, musical instruments, sporting equipment, jewellery and woodwork. These are all areas where non-jig placement, followed by quick and complete cure are major production benefits.

For example, advancing component miniaturization has resulted in single components having extremely fine structures, such that conventional irradiation with sufficient light may often cause problems. In these cases, the use of an instant adhesive that combines both light and moisture curing is an effective way of providing reliable curing and bonding.

With this increasing miniaturization, printed circuit boards also use less solder. But since bonding strength must be maintained, light-curing instant adhesives can be used to reinforce solder. Similarly, for metal plated plastic components, conventional light-curing or anaerobic resins sometimes fail to bond. In these cases, light-curing instant adhesives are often used, due to their bonding capabilities for an even broader range of materials.

The 1770 series adhesives are traditional cyanoacrylates with the benefit of photo-anion- polymerization to enable curing by ultraviolet or visible light. This ensures a tack free surface on curing. In the case of medical components such as hypodermic needles and syringes of course completely reliable bonding and curing is critical in their assembly - light-curing instant adhesives help to achieve these high standards. They are also used for assembly of Braille characters and graphics where other adhesives may suffer incomplete curing of excess material due to oxygen inhibition- such that touching incompletely cured portions may result in skin irritations. Light-curing instant adhesives are not affected by curing inhibition with oxygen and so eliminate the problem.

The benefits of this dual-cure system extend to its substrate suitability, where for example non-polar or highly crystalline resins, generally regarded as difficult to bond, can bond strongly. Instant adhesives generally function also as reactive "solvents" capable of dissolving the surfaces of certain plastic materials, including acrylic, polycarbonate and ABS. However the setting times for acrylic and polycarbonate are known to be relatively slow. This is due to the mutual solution of instant adhesive and the plastic in the bonding area. Since they cure instantly, light-curing instant adhesives can prevent the dissolution of plastic surfaces in such cases.

For further information and application video demonstration view website: www.threebond.co.uk or e-mail: enquiries@threebond.co.uk   Refer to page 98

Motor manufacturer wins prestigious Queen's Award

A Yorkshire based world-leading designer and manufacturer of large electrical machines, ATB Morley, has been awarded with the esteemed Queen's Award for International Trade, recognising their growth in overseas revenue.

The Award's, which are divided into three categories: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development, are the most noteworthy awards for business performance.

The company is winning this award for the first time for doubling its direct overseas exports from £4.1m to £8.2m in 2007.

"We are absolutely delighted to receive this highly prestigious award. This award recognises our long standing success in exports which are a routine way of life for engineer-to-order businesses like ourselves. This is a very significant achievement for everyone at Morley." said Ian Lomax, managing director of ATB Morley.

To be considered for the award ATB Morley had to meet tough entry criteria and competition. They were required to demonstrate substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success to levels that were outstanding for the goods or services concerned and for the size of the operations.

ATB Morley has 190 employees and has a long history of supplying large AC induction motors, with factories in Leeds and Bradford. In December 2008, the firm welcomed a visit from HRH the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, after they produced the largest motor to be used for underground coal mining.

The company has grown significantly in recent years from a turnover of £9m in 2005 to a total of £16.7m in 2008. Although the award recognises direct exports, a total of 80% of the turnover is ultimately destined for overseas, typically China, Australia, Russia and USA. The company designs and manufacturers motors primarily for the worlds underground coal mining industry and it is developing in defence, water and power industries.

The Queen's Award highlights the presence of niche market manufacturing businesses producing high value, high technology products for export markets.

ATB Morley is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Austrian company ATB Antriebstechnik AG, Headquartered in Vienna, ATB Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of electrical drive systems for industrial applications and appliances. Its UK subsidiaries include ATB Laurence Scott Ltd.

ATB itself is a sub-group of Vienna listed and domiciled A-TEC Industries AG, which is an international industrial group with flourishing drive systems, plant engineering, machine tools and metallurgy divisions.

ATB Morley in profile
ATB Morley was founded in 1897 as the Morley Electrical Engineering Company in the Yorkshire town of Morley. Now based in Stanningley, Leeds and owned by Austrian ATB Antriebstechnik AG group. Headquartered in Vienna, ATB is itself a division of the Vienna listed ATEC Industries. The company is committed to UK design and manufacture and employ 190 people at Leeds, Bradford and Stockport.

Originally deeply involved with the mining industry, the company developed a comprehensive range of robust heavy duty motors that now embraces all commonly used enclosure, cooling and mounting configurations. Outputs are available up to 2000 kW for supplies up to 11 kV and frequencies of 50 to 60Hz, including the ability to be inverter driven.

For further information, view website: www.atb-motors.com

New source for soldering fluxes

Two traditional soldering fluxes, Fluxite Paste and Bakers' No 3 Soldering Fluid, are now being supplied and manufactured under license by the Solder Connection of Chepstow. Both formulae have proved popular for industrial soldering and have each gathered a loyal following over the years.

Available in 125ml, 250ml and 10l packs, Bakers Fluid is probably the UK's favourite flux. It is a water based fluid, ideal for soldering copper, brass, bronze and pre-tinned materials and is easy to apply by brush, spray or immersion. Post soldering residues are easily removed using water.

Fluxite is an effective and reliable flux paste which simplifies soldering and lead jointing. A traditional grease-based active flux, it is suitable for use on most common metals, except aluminium and stainless steel. Available in 100g and 450g sizes, Fluxite complies with Water Research Council requirements, is listed in the UK Water Fittings and Material Directory and is approved by British Gas.

Both products are suitable for use with lead-free and lead containing alloys and detail on use techniques is available at www.solderconnection.com or contact Martyn Penfold, e-mail: martyn@solderconnection.co.uk