Electronic Rotary Latch
A compact electronic rotary latch is available from Southco, Inc., Concordville, PA. The R4-EM-05 electronic rotary latch provides concealed electronic latching and increased security without sacrificing strength or functionality, making it ideal for applications with significant space limitations. The lightweight latch is designed with integrated latch and door status sensors that provide reliable security and remote monitoring for equipment such as mobile medical equipment. Wireless connectivity makes it easy to connect the latch to existing software for indisputable status reporting. It is designed to run on batteries and is available with an optional mechanical override.
Visit Here
High-Performance PCB Materials
Isola Group, Chandler, AZ, offers high-performance circuit materials that are manufacturing friendly. The durable circuit materials share processing compatibility with general-purpose circuit materials such as FR-4 for ease of fabricating multilayer circuit solutions with a combination of circuit material types. The temperature-stable circuit materials enable the fabrication of high-speed digital circuits and high-frequency RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave (mmWave) signals beyond 110 GHz on the same circuit board. Halogen-free materials are also available.
Visit Here
Ultra Black Laser Marking
FOBA Laser Marking + Engraving, Selmsdorf, Germany, has launched an ultra black laser marking series for medical technology. The ultra black creates a particularly strong and long-lasting contrast with the laser marking. The M-Series consists of advanced manually loaded laser marking workstations for the precise and economic processing of small, large, and geometrically complex workpieces as well as small and large batches of parts. The M-Series is available in two sizes (M2000 and M3000) and three model options each (B: with worktable, R: with turntable, P: with axes X/Y/Z).
Visit Here
Hybrid Hexapod
ALIO, Arvada, CO, offers a hybrid hexapod for accurate motion control in the manufacture of medical and clinical devices such as diagnostic imaging machines and video endoscopes. The Angulares hybrid hexapod accommodates large XY movement to shift the instrument from process step to process step (six axis movements at every process step) without the need of manually moving the instrument or using an additional robot to handle components. The hexapod exhibits low friction and low particle generation. It is designed to be easy to access and clean. Highly flexible programming enables 4K (and beyond) image quality even using the tiniest and angled endoscopes.
Visit Here
Gearboxes
KHK USA Inc., Mineola, NY, has launched a line of right-angle metric gearboxes. The gearboxes are quiet, provide smooth transmission of power, and are suitable for a very wide range of applications where speed reduction and a change in orientation is required. The gearboxes are available with either an aluminum housing for medium-duty application, and cast-iron housing for heavy-duty applications. Reduction ratios include 1:1 and 1:2 with either a single output or dual output shafts. All contain KHK stock bevel gears. Right angle gearboxes transmit motion between two shafts at 90°.
Visit Here
MEMS Developer Kit
Millar, Houston, TX, offers a fully customizable microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) developer kit to test integration of its MEMS pressure sensors with existing medical devices. This initial testing and analysis step is designed to help identify potential issues early in the development process, eliminating unnecessary costs and delays, and gaining insight into project scope and future manufacturing requirements. The kit includes MEMS Connect (1F, 2F, or 3F), PCU-2000, a PowerLab data acquisition system, and interface cables.
Visit Here
Fiber-Optic Sensors
High-performance fiber-optic sensors from Micro-Epsilon, Ortenburg, Germany, precisely measure position, distance, and size in automated production processes. The optoCONTROL CLS1000 measuring system is available in five different versions, enabling the fiber-optic sensors to be adapted to different application requirements. Commissioning is handled via the control panel, OLED display, and numerous teach-in modes. Five different models are available for different requirements and adaptation to the measurement task. Each of these models is available in NPN, PNP, or push-pull versions. All controllers are available with triggers.
Visit Here
Modular Suspension Arms
ROLEC, Bridgeville, PA, has added more components to its range of modular suspension arms. Users can now configure their taraSMART (IP 54) support arm from a choice of 22 different components. Available profiles include either round (Ø 48 and 70 mm) or rectangular (40 × 60 mm). The range now features four couplings and two adapters (VESA and Siemens); five joints, two elbows, and a base; and eight support profiles in lengths of 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 mm (four round and four rectangular cross section).
Visit Here
EMI Filter Guide
Schaffner, Luterbach, Switzerland, has released a guide to EMI filter selection. “A Visual Guide to EMI Filters” provides practical, graphic examples of how EMI filters can be incorporated into common use cases. The free downloadable guide shows typical filter placements and explains how various suppression filters can improve performance and aid in compliance in applications, including medical equipment. It also offers product recommendations.
Visit Here
Potting Compound
EpoxySet, Woonsocket, RI, offers a 1:1 mix, epoxy potting compound designed for potting and encapsulating electronics as well as motors, coils, transformers, pumps, amplifiers, switches, and many other small components. EC-1031M-2, a high dielectric system, provides electronic insulation and protection to safeguard even the most sensitive high-tech circuitry. Formulated to be machinable with standard cutting tools, it is a medium viscosity compound that cures to a strong, tough polymer. With a 3–4 hour work time that can be cured overnight or faster with mild heat, this epoxy is capable of potting to thickness up to about 1 in. It provides low stress and is good for temperature cycling applications from –55 to 125 °C.
Visit Here
Measurement Sensors
EBE sensors + motion, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany, has released a sensor system for measuring fill levels. Even media that are difficult to recognize, such as foam, can be detected or masked out by the sensor where required. The CorTEC® sensor technology is capable of particularly precise measurements of a wide range of substances, including powders and other solids, oils, conductive liquids, cleaning agents, and even highly viscous media such as honey or pastes. adapted to diverse output signals such as IO-Link, Bluetooth, UART, or PWM.
Visit Here
Motion Controllers
Faulhaber, Clearwater, FL, has added a compact motion controller without housing to its product range. The MC3603 motion controller is ideal for integration into medical technology applications. With 36 V and 3 A (peak current 9 A), it covers the power range up to approx. 100 W and is suitable for DC motors with encoder, brushless drives, or linear motors. The I/O options and encoder interfaces are the same as the rest of the product family. USB, RS232, CANopen, and EtherCAT are available for communication.
Visit Here
Bluetooth Data Loggers
CAS Data Loggers, Chesterland, OH, has released a family of compact, Bluetooth wireless data loggers. The TR4A series adds support for Bluetooth low energy (BLE) 4.2 wireless communication with a mobile device along with the new TR43A temperature humidity model to go along with the other temperature-only models. Features include 15 user-selectable recording intervals from once a second to once an hour, internal storage for 16,000 readings, and endless or one-time recording modes. The data loggers include a user-replaceable Li battery.
Visit Here
Low-Temperature Alloy
Indium Corp., Clinton, NY, has released a bismuth-based alloy developed for low-temperature reflow processes that require enhanced thermal cycling reliability. Indalloy®303, also known as Bi+, retains the low reflow temperatures required for temperature-sensitive processes while enhancing the lifetime reliability of the solder joint beyond that of traditional low-temperature solders. The Pb-free solution offers a reflow temperature as low as 170 °C, excellent thermal cycling performance, resistance to hot tearing, compatibility with SAC in hybrid BGA joints, and low voiding.
Visit Here
Micro Scanners
Micro scanners from Fraunhofer IPMS, Dresden, Germany, feature large scanning angles and high scanning frequencies, as well as excellent long-term stability. The scanners’ small size, low weight, and high energy efficiency make them ideal for medical applications, including include image acquisition for medical endoscopes, confocal microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, spectroscopy, and ophthalmology. Evaluation kits are available. The company also provides development of specific module setups and electronic solutions for controlled, high-precision actuation.
Visit Here
Ultraprecision Micromolding
Diversified Plastics, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, now offers ultraprecision microinjection molding and digital manufacturing of extremely small plastic parts for a range of markets, including medical devices. The company specializes in producing highly engineered micromolded parts with intricate geometries and features that are difficult and expensive to manufacture by other methods. Parts can be created with wall thicknesses as low as 0.007 in. (0.18 mm) and holes as small as .004 in. (0.10 mm). Micro-part manufacturing can maintain dimensional tolerances of ± 0.0002 in. (±0.005 mm). Additional services include assembly and packaging.
Visit Here
