November 8, 2018 - Committed to developing layout and measurement solutions that provide trusted accuracy from project planning through project finish, Empire Level is proud to introduce the next generation of its industry-leading TRUE BLUE® Rafter, Framing, and Combination squares. The new squares are designed with an array of best-in-class enhancements, such as permanent laser etched markings and advanced scribing features, for maximum life and accuracy.

“The launch of these next generation squares demonstrates our commitment to innovation and user-driven product designs that improve the overall layout experience. Each square includes thoughtful new feature improvements and durable construction in a highly precise design,” said Rick Gray, Senior VP and GM for Empire Level. “As we move into our 100th year as a company, we’re proud to build upon our rich history of product innovation with these newest solutions, all of which are designed and manufactured in the United States.”

TRUE BLUE® Hi-Vis Laser Etched Rafter Squares

The next generation 7 in. and 12 in. High-Visibility Laser Etched Rafter Squares feature SCRIBE-GUIDE™, a uniquely designed scribe notch pattern for marking at ½ and ¼ in. increments. Permanent laser etched markings provide superior readability in any light condition, and a 15% wider heel than other rafter squares on the market which allows for better hold and stability on materials during marking and cutting applications. The Rafter Squares are produced using an extruded aluminum design which provides superior durability when compared to other rafter squares available today.

TRUE BLUE ® Hi-Vis Laser Etched Framing Square

The next generation Laser Etched Framing Square features ARC-SCRIBE™, a new-to-world feature that provides common radiuses for marking window and door arches. The square is also designed with permanent laser etched markings for superior readability in any light condition, graduation marks at 1/8 in., 1/10 in., 1/12 in., and 1/16 in., and convenient conversion tables for common rafter and brace cuts. In addition, the square is made of lightweight anodized aluminum which will not rust.

TRUE BLUE® Combination Squares

The next generation 6 in., 12 in., and 16 in. TRUE BLUE® Combination Squares are redesigned with an improved Blade-Lock™ for faster adjustments and a more secure hold, a Dual-Pitch™ vial for checking 1 and 2-degree slope, and rational head dimensions for quick checks of common dimensions; this combination of features makes them the most versatile and easy-to-use combinations squares on the market. They also feature an etched stainless-steel blade and onboard storage for a hardened scriber. 

The Empire® Next Generation Rafter, Framing, and Combination Squares join an array of high-performing next generation product upgrades Empire has recently launched to expand its range of advanced layout solutions. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, these squares confirm Empire’s commitment to quality and innovation for users on the jobsite and in the shop.

Empire Level
Brookfield, Wisconsin
800/558-0722

November 8, 2018 - Beryllium copper non-sparking double open-end wrenches are essential for environments with explosive hazards, such as oil rigs, coal mines, and grain elevators. Beryllium copper tools are extremely durable due to the alloy’s tensile strength and high hardness. These wrenches come in a range of sizes, from 92mm-335mm (3.6in-13.18in) long.

Aven Safety Tools
Ann Arbor, Michigan
734/973-0099

November 6, 2018 - Industrial Innovations', Grandville, Michigan, Spra-Rite Roll Coating system features a solid roll in sizes from 12-in. to 80., enabling the roller to be changed within minutes while the external roller lubricant application feature helps to ease maintenance. The Roll Coaters are designed to provide precise and uniform lubricant coverage on parts prior to the stamping operation, helping to improve quality and minimize waste.

Roll coaters provide an environmentally friendly approach to lubricant application by transferring lubricant from the surface of the roller directly to the surface of a part.  The systems feature programmable independent fluid control for adjusting the thickness of the lubricant transferred to the part.

Whereas most roll coaters are comprised of 6-in. to 12-in. rollers, which are connected to achieve the final roll size, the Spra-Rite systems feature a solid, one-piece, quick release roller. This can reduce changeover time from over an hour to minutes.

Additionally, these roll coaters offer simple coil feed installation with coil or power feed capability, automatic press control communication and 200-part recipe capability.  These roll coaters can also accommodate Spra-Rite manifolds, an added benefit for existing Industrial Innovations’ customers.

Industrial Innovations
Grandville, Michigan
616/249-1525

November 1, 2018 - PEM® self-clinching SH™ nuts and HFLH™ studs from PennEngineering® can successfully install in high-strength thin steel sheets to provide permanent threads for mating hardware in automotive component attachment applications. These hard panel nuts and studs manufactured from hardened alloy steel ultimately exhibit stronger thread strength compared with conventional fasteners. The fasteners additionally eliminate the environmental-related issues typically associated with alternative thin-sheet fastening devices.

Due to a lightweight design and reduced need for loose hardware such as washers, these fasteners can contribute to overall weight reductions in vehicle assemblies. Lower installed cost can be gained from the elimination of embossing operations and the capability to install automatically using a standard press or in-die technology. Small outer diameters of the fasteners enable close-to-edge mounting without risking sheet buckling and, upon installation, the reverse side of the host sheet will remain flush and unmarred for a clean appearance.

PEM SH nuts are engineered to install into high-strength steel sheets at 975MPa maximum ultimate tensile and as hard as HRC 30 or less on the Rockwell “C” scale. Host panels can be as thin as 1.4 mm / .056 in. Standard thread sizes are M6, M8, and M10 for metric nuts and ¼-20, 5/16-18, and 3/8-16 for unified versions.

PEM HFLH studs will install successfully into high-strength steel sheets at 700MPa maximum ultimate tensile and as hard as HRB 91 or less on the Brinell scale. Host panels can be as thin as 1mm / .040 in. Standard thread sizes are M5, M6, and M8 for metric studs and #10-32, ¼-20, and 5/16-18 for unified versions.

October 30, 2018 - Banner Engineering, Minneapolis, announced the release of the TL30 Basic Series, compact tower lights for use on small machines and in work areas with limited space.

TL30 Basic tower lights have a slim 30 mm cylindrical body that fits in space-constrained areas. Their compact form factor is well suited to smaller machines. In addition, the comfortable light output is ideally suited for applications where staff regularly work in close proximity to the tower light. These multicolor indicators support two to five color segments and an optional audible segment for a total of up to six segments in each tower light.

The release of the TL30 Basic expands the offering of tower lights available from Banner Engineering to include 30 mm models, in addition to the 50 mm TL50 Series and the 70 mm TL70 Series. Like these tower lights, TL30 Basic tower lights utilize LED lights for a long operational life and have a segmented design with translucent windows that appear gray when off to prevent false indication caused by ambient light.

TL30 Basic tower lights are completely self-contained, requiring no controller for operation and come fully assembled for rapid deployment in small- or large-scale applications. They are the most cost-effective tower light available.

TL30 Basic tower lights are designed to provide clear, easy-to-see status indication and operator guidance on wire bonders, printing machines, bench tops, tabletop scales, collaborative robots, inspection and testing machines, lab equipment, HMIs, and similar small machines and equipment.

Banner Engineering
Minneapolis
763/544-3164

October 24, 2018 -  Weldcote Metals Inc., Kings Mountain, North Carolina, a division of Zika Group, announces the availability of two lines of auto darkening welding helmets: Ultraview™ and Klearview™ in both standard and programmable styles.

The two welding helmet lines both have four arc sensors, a near instant (0.1 to 0.9 second) switching time, a solar cell with battery backup and true color filter optics. Both also feature an industry-leading, three-year warranty.

Weldcote’s Ultraview helmet line features an improved viewing area of 3.94 in. by 3.28 in., a light shade of three for grinding mode and dark shade setting of 5-9 as well as 9-13. The Klearview helmet line offers a 3.94 in. by 2.36 in. view area, a light shade of four for grinding mode, and a 9-13 dark shade setting.

Both lines come in a standard model and “Plus” programmable model. The programmable upgrade provides welders with three memory settings, allowing for better customization and personalization. Weldcote also offers replacement headgear, programmable and standard lens cartridges, lithium batteries and interchangeable inside or outside lens covers.

“With this line expansion, we can now offer welders a full line of choices, from entry level for new welders coming into the career, to experienced welders who know their preferred work settings and want a safety helmet that they can make their own,” said Joe O’Mera, CEO of Weldcote Metals. “This product launch is one of several initiatives that positions Weldcote as a high-quality, one-stop shop solution that helps manufacturers do their jobs better, easier and faster.”

Weldcote Metals was founded by Bill Roland, founding CEO and current president, and John Pandorf, co-founder and CFO, in 2006. Earlier this year, the company announced Zika Group and O’Mera as additional ownership, along with O’Mera being named CEO.

Weldcote Metals Inc.
Kings Mountain, North Carolina
704/739-4115

ATTC's PHDX and PHD series of plasma torches offer solutions for automated plasma-cutting systems up to 400 amps. The PHD line of torches and consumables provide clean cut profiles and high pierce counts. Design reduces consumable changeouts. Unintended bevel less than 2 degrees. Cut surfaces are ready to weld or paint with minimal cleanup, resulting in superior quality and lower costs.

American Torch Tip Co.
Bradenton, Florida
941/753-7562

October 18, 2018 -  Aven Safety Tools Non-Sparking Bolt Cutters are quintessential for applications that require non-magnetic properties. These cutters are ideal for cutting chains, padlocks, bolts and wire mesh. Die forged, elongated handles and short blades with compound hinges maximize leverage and cutting force.

These Bolt Cutters are made from beryllium copper, a non-sparking metal ideal for environments with explosive hazards such as oil rigs, coal mines, and grain elevators. 

Fields where beryllium copper safety tools would be necessary would be: oil drilling, petrochemical plants, oil refineries, natural gas installations, paint/varnish factories, sugar refineries, grain silos, or mining operations.

Aven Safety Tools Non-Sparking Bolt Cutters come in two different sizes to fit your needs:

Aven Safety Tools
Ann Arbor, Michigan
734/973-0099

October 18, 2018 - Beryllium copper insulated injection wrenches are essential for environments with explosive hazards, such as oil rigs, coal mines, and grain elevators. Beryllium copper tools are extremely durable due to the alloy’s tensile strength and high hardness. The wrenches come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 8mm-32mm.

Aven Safety Tools
Ann Arbor, Michigan
734/973-0099

October 18, 2018 -  Milwaukee Tool is proud to announce that it’s taking the performance of its new M18 FUEL™* Hammer Drill, Drill/Driver, and Impact Driver to the next level with the addition of ONE-KEY™. Through a ground-up redesign of the motor, mechanical, and electrical components of these core tools, these drilling and fastening solutions achieve 60 percent more power, are up to 2X faster, and are the most compact-sized solutions on the market. These newest additions include ONE-KEY™** functionality so users can also easily customize, track, and manage the tools through the app on their mobile device. Accessible within the app are a range of new features such as Anti-Kickback technology and a self-tapping screw mode that automatically shuts the tool off once a screw is seated.

* M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivaled performance, all M18 FUEL™ products feature three Milwaukee®-exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run-time and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class.

**ONE-KEY™ is the first digital platform for tools and equipment. By integrating industry-leading tool electronics with a custom-built cloud-based program, ONE-KEY™ provides a new level of control and access to information that revolutionizes the way work gets done. The ability to customize, track, and manage through ONE-KEY™ fundamentally changes the way users interact with their tools.