PRODUCT REVIEWS
Reflector technology for surfaces
Alanod , a leading manufacturer of specialised coated metal surfaces , has announced the launch of an innovative reflector technology that ‘ will make UV equipment even more efficient and longlasting ’.
“ MIRO ® UV is a unique material that has a spectral light reflectivity of 90 percent and an impressive operating life of at least 1,000 hours . It is available in two versions , for use with either UV-C or UV-A / B . MIRO ® UV is ideal for use in UV chambers , helping businesses in their battle against COVID-19 and the transmission of other viruses and bacteria , offering safe , chemical-free sterilisation and disinfection ,” it told ISMR .
UV light is becoming increasingly popular as a way of disinfecting shared and frequently touched devices in healthcare , industrial and retail applications . With the introduction of MIRO ® UV , a new reflector material is now available for those looking to improve the operation , longevity and efficiency of ultraviolet disinfection and sterilisation lamps and systems .
Anodised aluminium reflects more than 80- per cent of incident light at UV wavelength . Using a precisely controlled silicon oxide layer , MIRO ® UV ’ s spectral light reflectivity is considerably greater . This layer is around 100nm thick and is deposited onto the surface of the metal using a ‘ plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition ’ ( PECVD ) method developed by Alanod .
The performance of the material can be fine-tuned to suit specific UV wavelengths . MIRO ® UV A / B offers UV reflectivity of more than 90 per cent at wavelengths of 300 to 350nm , while MIRO ® UV C is designed to deliver a peak of well over 90 per cent at the 250nm wavelength ( used most commonly in UVC applications such as disinfection and sterilisation equipment ).
“ MIRO ® UV has also greatly enhanced durability . This is due to its low porosity that creates an effective barrier against oxygen ions . In tests , the surface demonstrated only a 1 % degradation in performance throughout its 1,000-hour operating life , showing that the MIRO ® UV material range has a lifetime at least double that of conventional aluminium reflectors ,” said Alanod .
Stuart Tranter , General Manager , Alanod UK added : “ UV disinfection technologies are playing a key role in the response to the coronavirus pandemic as healthcare providers , institutions and individuals seek safe , effective ways to reduce the risk of virus transmission . With MIRO ® UV , it is now possible to deliver UV equipment that is even more effective , reliable and long-lasting .”
Samples of MIRO ® UV are available on request . Alanod is a specialist in the design , development and manufacture of specialised coated metals and in the supply of standard and customised aluminium materials . Its anodised aluminium and advanced coated metals are used in applications from decorative interior and exterior architectural finishes and anti-microbial surface coverings to automotive and appliance trim plates and badges . n
. alanod . co . uk
New Robotmaster software
Hypertherm , a manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software , has announced the release of its Robotmaster Version 7.4 . The newly released offline robot programming software version contains several enhancements designed to further simplify robotic programming , including :
■ Major enhancements to Remote Tool Centre Point ( RTCP ) for an improved end-user experience and to exploit the full capabilities of any robotic cell . n Additions to the surface paths with added strategies and advanced tools for applications such as polishing , grinding , deburring and more . The surface paths are designed to tie-in with the enhancements to RTCP or traditional configurations for robotic finishing . n Faster processing times when saving , loading and calculating jobs , plus
improved real-time feedback during simulation for faster part programming times . n Enhancements to the Robotmaster Interactive Simulation Environment ( RISE ), delivering a more realistic simulation for external axes , along with tools to better control motion between the robot and external axes .
“ With Robotmaster V7.4 , we ’ ve responded to our customer base with features and enhancements that we believe take a big step forward ,” explained Garen Cakmak , leader of Hypertherm ’ s Robotic Software team . “ Take the RTCP improvements as an example . These will allow users to gain more value from their robotic cell investment .”
Building upon the redesigned V7 architecture , first introduced in 2018 , Robotmaster uses integrated CAD / CAM functionality to make robotic programming ‘ easy and intuitive for everyone , even first-time users ’. The software is used by a wide range of industries to program robots for tasks that include surfacing , 3D milling , additive manufacturing , welding , painting and more .
Founded in 1968 , Hypertherm is a 100 percent Associate-owned company , employing more than 1,800 Associates , with operations and partner representation worldwide . n
. hypertherm . com
54 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR May 2021