PRODUCT REVIEWS
Stainless-steel hinge designs
WDS Components Ltd has expanded its range of leaf hinges , adding robust anticorrosion designs . The UK manufacturer and supplier of standard parts and components has also released new lift-off detachable hinges , enabling rapid and simple door removal . Both the new hinge types are manufactured from 316 stainless steel .
“ Our 316 stainless-steel leaf hinge design ( part number WDS 8605 ) has been developed for use on doors in hygienic applications , as well as marine environments , providing strong resistance to salt-water corrosion . The durable hinges are also well suited to machinery and industrial cabinets , and their construction also means they can be used long-term in any outdoor environment ,” said the manufacturer . The hinges can be used in environments subject to regular washdown with aggressive detergents . The design provides long-term resistance to corrosion , and rounded edges prevent accumulation of bacteria for easier and more effective wash-down .
The new hinges are also available in a stud fitting that can be inserted directly into a door or panel and secured with a nut . This metricsize stud design removes the need for fitting with screws and doesn ’ t leave the hinge exposed . This creates smooth edges without any crevices , adding to its hygienic credentials . This design also protects the hinge from removal , making it “ tamper-proof and suitable for protecting factory machinery or outdoor cabinets .” Traditional countersunk designs that can accommodate screws or bolts are also now available in 316 stainless steel . The new leaf hinges are part of WDS ’ stock guarantee programme that guarantees the availability of a specified order quantity , in return for a 10 % discount on any unavailable units .
“ The hinges feature a high-quality , polished mirror finish , ideal for luxury and premium environments , as well as a matt style , which is more forgiving and suitable for concealing blemishes and hand-prints . Hinge lengths are available in 30mm and 48mm , and the new range joins our existing line-up of hinges that are available in a variety of materials , designs and sizes ,” added WDS Components .
WDS ’ new lift-off , detachable hinges ( WDS 8620 ), also made from 316 stainless steel , are designed for fast , simple access when door removal is required ( for example , to aid installation or for maintenance procedures ).
The design features two different leaves that can be removed with a simple lift-off action , while firmly securing together when the top plate is positioned over the hinge pin . As the hinges include countersunk holes on both sides , it is a reversable design that can be used on left- or right-hand hinges . This saves time in design and adds ease and flexibility in ordering and on-site installation .
“ The detachable hinges have a high-quality mirror finish and are durable for long-life use . They ’ re also rust-free and can be used in aggressive environments . The hinges are 50mm long and are available in a wide range of countersunk hole position layouts . They can support a maximum weight of 50kg ,” added WDS .
Full details of both hinge designs , including free CAD images , can be found on the WDS website :
www . wdscomponents . com
New-generation fibre lasers
The TruFiber S ’ s beam delivery system .
Two , new-generation fibre lasers designed to offer solutions for both integrators and users have just been introduced by TRUMPF .
“ The TruFiber S and TruFiber P series are remarkably versatile tools for welding and cutting thick , thin and particularly challenging materials and even additive manufacturing . They are robust , reliable and provide longterm , high-process stability . With up to six kilowatts of power output and a sophisticated array of optics , sensors and software , they can be easily integrated to meet a wide range of manufacturing needs ,” the German laser specialist explained .
The TruFiber S pairs a powerful beam source with advanced features such as BrightLine Weld , a technology that is designed to boost process quality and productivity and can distribute the full laser power between the core and the surrounding ring into a two-in-one laser light cable . The beam delivery system has one or two outputs , with the latter delivering laser light to two systems .
The TruFiber P offers an output with a spliced laser light cable and the VariMode option , which allows the laser ’ s beam characteristics to be adapted to suit varying manufacturing requirements . It can therefore be used to process thin steel and aluminium at high speeds as well as copper , brass and other reflective materials .
“ It takes less than 40 milliseconds for VariMode to change the beam profile to achieve the best surface quality for the application . The feature also allows users to increase production speed and reduce costs while enhancing process quality . TruControl provides convenient laser start-up , definition and the storage of up to 1000 different laser programs . This flexibility is enhanced by the inclusion of all relevant interface buses . TruFiber P is expected be to particularly beneficial to the e-mobility , automotive or medical technology sectors ,” added TRUMPF .
Both the new TruFiber series feature Active Power Control to keep output power constant and eliminate the effect of diode aging . At microsecond intervals , a power sensor compares the value pre-set on the laser with the actual reading and automatically adjusts the output in the event of a discrepancy . Robust processing optics and programmable focusing optics ( PFO ) facilitate remote welding and drilling .
“ VisionLine image processing ensures
accuracy during welding by automatically pinpointing the target position for the weld on the components . Another feature , CalibrationLine Focus , checks and corrects the focus position of the part . CalibrationLine Power does the same for the laser power level ; this check-and-correction routine takes place at user-definable intervals ,” concluded TRUMPF .
Smart View Services is a real-time surveillance tool with clearly arranged dashboards and straightforward displays for customers to monitor key data . It also sends this data to TRUMPF to check and verify the validity of key parameters and draw on machine learning to determine if maintenance is needed . This remote monitoring is designed to help boost machine availability and efficiency . n
. trumpf . com