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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Mid-Atlantic Manufacturing Sector Heats Up in June




Manufacturing


The Philadelphia Fed’s gauge of manufacturing activity in the mid-Atlantic region rose to 17.8 in June from 15.4 in May, surpassing Wall Street expectations for a fall to 14. The reading was the highest since September.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Mitutoyo New Moticam Series Accessory Cameras



















Mitutoyo New Moticam Series Accessory Cameras



Mitutoyo New Moticam Series Accessory Cameras

Features

  • These new cameras are more compact and less expensive than previously offered models.
  • The Moticam 2 and Moticam 3 cameras (64AAB429/64AAB430) offer high resolution (up to 3 Mega-Pixels) live imaging.
  • The Moticam 5 (64AAB431) offers high resolution (5MP) live and capture imaging allowing 300dpi image creation.
  • The Moticam 580 camera (64AAB432) offers 5MP resolution and includes the ability to display a live HDMI signal at 1080p resolution on a monitor without the need for a PC and can capture images directly onto an SD card.
  • All of the cameras use a USB 2.0 interface and include the Motic Images Plus standard software.
  • The Image Plus software offers image capture, geometric measurement and reporting capabilities.
  • The Moticam cameras include a connection kit with eyepiece couplers, a focusable macro lens and a selection of connection adapters.
The following camera mount couplers are also recommended to ensure simple integration of Moticam cameras with Mitutoyo microscopes:

176 Series MF and MF-U Microscopes
970441 1X C-Mount Pass-Through Adapter
375-054 0.5X Reducing Relay Lens C-Mount Adapter
Ensures correct distance between camera and lens for proper imaging

TM 500 Series Microscopes
64PMI237 Moticam Eyetube Adaptor
Used in place of the TM 500 microscope eyepiece and cross hair reticle

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Digital Level PRO 360 and PRO 3600 on Sale

SPI TRONIC Digital Level PRO 3600 with 0.01° Resolution and SPC Output

 

 

 

  • Made in U.S.A.
  • The SPI TRONIC PRO 360 is a revolutionary angle measuring tool.
  • Multi-functional. Digital Level, 360° Protractor and Inclinometer.
  • Instant LCD display of level, tilt, true vertical or any angle in between to highest accuracy, one tenth of a degree reading.
  • Use upside down, display reverses to right side up.
  • Deviation from the true plane is measurable through full 360° (4x90°).
  • Floating zero! Provides zero selection anywhere within its 360° range.
  • Hold button freeze! Displays reading for convenient out of sight measurements.
  • Reset plus Superset self-calibration modes.
  • High-impact machined aluminum frame houses a rugged electronic sensor, custom circuitry and the liquid crystal display.
  • Baseplate has V-groove for accurate registration on curved or cylindrical surfaces.
  • Tapped #6-32 holes in baseplate for special mountings.
  • Operates on standard 9V Alkaline battery for up to 250 hours of operation. Battery included.
  • Low battery indicator. Automatic shutoff. 
  • SPECIFICATIONS



    Measuring Range: 360° (4x90°)
    Resolution: 0.1°
    Accuracy: 0-10° ±0.1°

    11-79° ±0.2°

    80-90°±0.1
    Repeatability: Same as accuracy
    Cross Axis Error: <.02° up to 20°
    Operating Temperature Range: -5° to +50° C
    Storage Temperature Range: -20° to +65°C
    Size: 6.0 x 1.2 x 1.9 high
    Weight: 10.2 oz.
     
  • PRO 3600
  • Multi functional level, protractor and inclinometer.







  • Measures full 360º, 0º to 90º in each quadrant, with standard counter clockwise rotation.







  • Large clear LCD display instantly shows level, true vertical and any angle between.







  • Additional features include a hold button freeze for convient out of sight measurements, a v-groove on the top plate for accurate registration on curved or cylindrical surfaces and tapped No, 6 -32 holes in base for plate for special mountings.







  • reset plus Superset self calibration modes.







  • Uses standard 9V alkaline battery (included).







  • Plastic case included.

    Note: *Foot switch (31-041-7) - Connects to a computer for statistical process control and allows reading to be sent when foot switch is depressed. Includes foot switch, 9 pin female connector with a 4' cable and 8' cable that connects to the level. Please inquire for custom cable lengths.


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    Tuesday, May 20, 2014

    DRO Packages Warranty Increased to 5 Years

    Order Mitutoyo DRO's at http://www.lighttoolsupply.com/Mitutoyo


    Mitutoyo is pleased to announce that the warranty for all of its Digital Readout System packages has been increased to 5 years. This warranty includes all Milling, Grinding, and Turning/Lathe packages Mitutoyo offers and covers all parts and repair for a full 60 months, making this one of the best warranties on DRO systems you can find.







    http://www.lighttoolsupply.com/catalog/Manufacturers/Mitutoyo?sortBy=product&page=2

    Monday, May 19, 2014

    Gaging Tips





    Order at  http://www.lighttoolsupply.com/


    Calibrating Gages: Your Place Or Mine?
    George Schuetz, Mahr Federal Inc.

      All gaging equipment must be calibrated periodically to ensure that it's capable of performing the job for which it's intended: i.e., measuring parts accurately.  This has always been necessary for the purpose of maintaining quality, but there are now additional, external reasons to establish and maintain a regular program of gage calibration: customers' requirements.  More and more OEMs demand that suppliers document their quality efforts from start to finish.  ISO 9000 is one more manifestation of this trend, and it is forcing companies to examine their calibration programs, identify their weaknesses, and improve them wherever possible.

      Some large companies with thousands of gages can cost-justify hiring or training specialists in gage calibration methods and supplying them with equipment and resources to perform virtually all calibration duties in-house.  For most machine shops, however, the economical approach is to hire a calibration service.

      ISO 9002, which applies to all manufacturing operations, requires suppliers to calibrate "all inspection, measuring and test equipment and devices that can affect product quality at prescribed intervals, or prior to use, against certified equipment having a known valid relationship to nationally recognized standards -- where no such standards exist, the basis used for calibration shall be documented."  (ISO9002.4.10.b)  Let's elaborate on some of these points:

      "(P)rescribed intervals" usually translates into a minimum of once per year.  Where annual calibration is inadequate to ensure accuracy, a shorter interval must be established.

      "(C)ertified equipment having a known, valid relationship" means that the calibration house must have its own equipment certified.  In the U.S., "nationally recognized standards" implies the National Institute of Standards and Testing (NIST), although other standards, such as DIN, may be used to satisfy overseas customers.  "(W)here no such standards exist," usually refers to highly specific industries or products, where the manufacturer must develop his own standards and test methods -- (say, a foam pad of known density, used to master a chocolate-pudding-consistency gage). Calibration houses issue a certificate of calibration for every gage tested.  These certificates are essential for users to document their calibration programs.  At minimum, they must include:               
      • The serial number and description of the gage tested.
      • The serial number of the gage(s) used to perform the testing.
      • The level of uncertainty of the calibration -- in other words, the tolerances of the data.
      • A statement of traceability to NIST (or other standard).
      • A serial number identifying the NIST test upon which the calibration house's own standard is based.
      • Reference temperature under which the calibration was performed.
      • Name of the customer; name and address of calibration service.
      • Date of calibration and signature of the technician.
      • Test results: i.e., error in the gage, measured at appropriate intervals across its entire range.
      • If the gage is adjusted subsequent to testing, it must be recalibrated, with results as above.

      Some providers automatically remind their clients which gages need to be calibrated, and when.  Most gages can simply be boxed and shipped to the calibration house, although in the case of large, elaborate gages (e.g., circular geometry gages, CMMs) the mountain must come to Mohammed.  The calibration service will come prepared with NIST-traceable gage blocks, precision balls, a thermometer, and any other standards needed to perform the job.

      How can a machine shop without expertise in calibration intelligently select a provider?  Naturally, cost and turnaround time are important, but don't sacrifice quality for convenience.  Above all, ISO 9000 requires that consistent procedures be applied, and any professional calibration house should be able to document its methods in a procedures manual.  Ask to see it, and if it's unavailable, look elsewhere.

      Surprisingly, there are no certification standards for calibration labs themselves, so a supplier's reputation is important.  Don't be afraid to ask questions -- lots of them.  What are his areas of expertise?  How are his technicians trained, and what is their level of experience?  What test equipment is used, and to what standards can test methods be certified (e.g., MIL, GGG, ANSI)?  What quality control methods are in place?  What is the physical design of the facility, what are the control tolerances on temperature and humidity, and how is the equipment protected from the effects of outside vibration?   A visit may be well worthwhile.

    Wednesday, April 30, 2014

    Midwestern Manufacturing Activity Picks Up in April


    The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago reports its PMI gauge rose in April, from the month prior, topping Wall Street expectations.


     Manufacturing


    The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago reports its PMI gauge rose to 63 in April, from 55.9 the month prior, topping Wall Street expectations of 56.7. Readings above 50 point to expansion, while those below indicate contraction for the Midwest manufacturing sector.

    Friday, April 18, 2014

    #HUOT WeldScoot

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    HUOT WeldScoot 
     
     
    HUOT WeldScoot

    Features:

    • The Huot WeldScoot facilitates storage and organization for all of your welding accessories in a portable design. This handy product allows you to bring everything you need to weld, regardless of where it is in your shop.
    • Surface area for welder is 17.75″ x 27″
    • Hose winder handle keeps hose neat and secure.
    • Multiple trays included for securely mounting several different tank sizes. No flimsy loose chains here!
    • Built in cups hold welding rods in upright and ready-to-use position.
    • Center shelf with columns and dividers for storing tips, o-rings nozzles, clamps and more.
    • Open area in center shelf for regulators, clamps, strikers and more.
    • Large area for welding hood, goggles and accessories.
    • Locking casters for stability.
    • The Welder Scoot cart dimensions are:35″ H x 37″ W x 18″ D with a shipping weight of 77 lbs
    • *Welder, tank and accessories not included