LITERATURE Hardware/Software.

In-mold impedance sensor

An in-mold impedance sensor, the IMS400, is rated for use up to 500 [degrees] F and 30,000 psi and is designed to be used for the injection molding of thermoplastics and rubber compounds, and for compression molding of reinforced thermoset plastics, according to company literature. Used in conjunction with SCS SmartCure expert system software, the sensor is said to allow for the intelligent control and optimization of the molding process and will be used to optimize cycle times, improve product uniformity and reduce scrap rates, and automatically adjust to raw material and other process variations, according to the literature. (Signature Control Systems, 4071 S. Eliot St., Englewood, CO 80110)

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Manufacturing software

Literature is available on the PowerMill 2440, a new version of the company's PowerMill computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software which now includes rest roughing capabilities, as well as many other improved functions. PowerMill is said to be a powerful 3D CAM program designed to optimize the productivity of CNC tools and ensure the highest quality machining, according to the literature. In addition to all the conventional CAM functions, it is said to handle high speed and NURBS-based machining. The most important feature of the PowerMill 2440, according to the literature, is rest roughing, which is said to generate extremely consistent toolpaths. Complex products such as molds, tools and dies are often said to include small areas that conventional toolpath generation software finds difficult to handle. The rest roughing capability within PowerMill 2440 uses the initial roughing calculation as its reference and generates a second, associated toolpath for machining the residual areas, usually with a second, finer tool. The software is said to avoid areas from which material has already been removed, and optimizes the cutter path within and between each of the small areas to be machined, according to the literature. (Delcam plc, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham, BIO OHJ, U.K.)

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Automation computer

Combining the rack mounting options of a smaller module and multi-slot features of a larger one, the company has developed the D745 open automation computer. Literature explains how the D745 computer is designed for mission critical control applications and is built for serviceability, simplicity and maximum uptime. Manufacturers who need flexible expansion can insert new cards into one of the ISA or PCI slots. (Cutler-Hammer, 173 Heatherdown Dr., Westerville, OH 43086)

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Secure data archiving

Designed for chromatography laboratories where data security is required, VP Archive software is said to provide a fast, reliable and secure method for archiving and retrieving data, according to company literature. Ideal for compliance purposes, it enables the organization, management, as well as archiving data by user defined, context sensitive keys such as batch numbers. (Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, 7102 Riverwood Dr., Columbia, MD 21046-2502)

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Data acquisition software

Measure software for direct data acquisition and instrument control is described in company literature. With Measure 2.0, users can configure and control data acquisition hardware, as well as serial or GPIB instruments, and drop acquisition results directly into spreadsheet cells for analysis and graphing. Measure 2.0 also adds support for data acquisition simplification. (National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point Pkwy., Austin, TX 78730-5039)

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FEA monitoring update

Enhancements to the company's Monitor program that provide even more viewing features during actual analysis processing are featured in company literature. Monitor Version 1.02 is said to offer a new Fast Fourier Transform feature, reaction force and maximum stress functions and improved display options. Monitor is available with Accupak/VE Mechanical Event Simulation software. (Algor, 150 Beta Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2932)

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