October 18, 2018 - New PEM® PreTect™ thread masking plugs from PennEngineering® will protect internal threads of self-clinching nuts and standoffs during paint and powder coating processes. The pre-installed silicone masking plugs – supplied already in place – have been designed for self-clinching blind standoffs, thru-hole standoffs, and nuts in thread sizes #4-40 to ¼-20 and M3 to M6. Plugs can be augmented for thru-hole fastener types with a specially engineered stretched polyester film offering thread protection on the side opposite the plug. Plugs and film can be removed easily using a fine tip tool when processes are completed.

All self-clinching fasteners provide permanent and reusable load-bearing threads in metal sheets too thin to be tapped or where extruded or stamped threads would be impractical. Usually installed during the fabrication process – before an assembly would undergo painting or powder coating – self-clinching fasteners become integral components. The new plugs and film ensure that paints or powder coatings will not impact the thread integrity of installed fasteners as assemblies move through production.

The plugs and film can reduce labor requirements by eliminating any need to manually mask fastener threads in advance of coating processes or subsequently clean contaminated threads. They have been engineered to withstand temperatures up to 482ºF and 250ºC and fasteners with the feature can be installed automatically to achieve additional production economies.

October 3, 2018 - The L.S. Starrett Co., Athol, Massachusetts, has introduced its DFC and DFG Series of Digital Handheld Force Gages. Depending on the series, advanced automatic testing can be attained with the DFC Force Gage controlling a Starrett FMM Digital Force Tester, or basic testing can be performed using the DFG gage.

The Starrett DFC and DFG Digital Force Gages are part of the new Starrett L1 line of entry level digital force measurement solutions. Optimized for production and quality control testing, the versatile, innovative architecture of the Starrett L1 system is designed for fast, easy-to-use, reliable and repeatable operation. Click here to view a video and request a brochure.

Starrett DFC and DFG Digital Force Gages feature an easy-to-view high-resolution OLED color backlit display and auto-off function. A primary and secondary window shows test results, and out-of-tolerance results display in red. A simple multi-function keypad has softkeys that are programmable to the users’ most repetitive functions.

Adjustable sampling rates help capture peak loads, and filters can be applied to peak and display values. The Starrett L1 Digital Force Gages' battery life provides over 30 hours of continuous operation and have a USB port for transmitting data to a computer. The gages have a cast aluminum housing with a comfortable grip design for handheld testing, and a metric threaded top post enables screw-on attachments and clevis adapters that fit hundreds of Starrett test fixtures.

“Whether for simple, basic economical testing via handheld gaging, or more advanced testing when mounted on our L1 stands, our innovative Digital Gages provide the ultimate solution in force measurement versatility,” said Mr. Emerson Leme, Head of Metrology Division at Starrett.

DFC Digital Force Gages

The DFC Series is a revolutionary concept for force measurement via a handheld force gage. The DFC may be used as an advanced digital force gage and controller with Starrett FMM Force Testers, or as an advanced digital force gage with Starrett MTL and MTH Manual Force Testers. The DFC Gage can serve as a universal interface where the user tests and can configure load limits, distance limits, break limits, crosshead travel direction, crosshead speed and more. The DFC features a precise measurement accuracy of 0.1 percent full scale with internal data sampling at 25KHz. Display resolution is 10,000:1 and the DFC features Bluetooth®, USB and RS-232 communications plus digital I/O.

DFG Digital Force Gages

The DFG Series is a basic force gage that measures force at an accuracy of better than 0.2 percent full scale. It is ideal for basic handheld tensile and compression testing. Test setup and operation is fast, efficient and easy. The DFG display shows the test direction and dynamic load during testing. Results are displayed at the completion of testing, including “Pass-Fail” when tolerance is applied,. The gage will display statistics when results are saved to the gage’s internal memory and it can store up to 50 test results in local memory.

Both the DFC and DFG Digital Force Gages are supplied with a complete accessory kit and carrying case that includes hook, notch, chisel and flat attachments, a chisel and point adapter, a 6 in. extension rod and a NIST-traceable certificate of calibration.

When more sophisticated and complex testing is required, Starrett also offers a range of force solutions via its L2, S2, L2 Plus and L3 Systems. Starrett force measuring equipment is manufactured in the U.S.A. and is available to order now in several configurations including Handheld Force Gages and Digital and Manual Force Testing stands.

October 2, 2018 - EHWA USA – General Tool, Inc., Irvine, California, offers PCD tipped round cutting tools, drills, end mills, boring bars, reamers, thread tools and thread whirling tools. Applicable work materials include aluminum, CFRP, ceramic, copper, alloys, and non-metallics. 

PCD features and advantages:

• Good surface finish
• 50x over conventional carbide tooling
• Faster material removal rates
• Faster cutting speeds
• Reduced cost per part
• Lower inventory levels

EHWA USA – General Tool, Inc.
Irvine, California
844/349-2872

With headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, GCE is a leader in European gas equipment, offering full solutions for general industrial, healthcare, high-purity and science and research applications. GCE employs more than 900 people.

October 2, 2018 -  Banner Engineering announced the release of the S22 Pro Series, bright multicolor touch buttons and indicators for use on machine panels, cabinets, and other industrial control applications.

S22 Pro Series indicators and touch buttons feature a bright, illuminated flat surface and utilize RGB technology to produce multiple color options in each device with no programming required. Color options include green, red, yellow, blue, white, cyan, magenta, orange, amber, lime green, spring green, sky blue, violet, and rose. 

Products in the S22 Pro Series are fully compatible with Banner’s Pro Editor software. This free software extends the color and animation capabilities of the S22 Series beyond those available out of the box. Users can customize indication on each device to match their processes and reprogram devices to meet changing requirements. This versatility makes it possible to standardize on the S22 Pro Series and program models as needed.

S22 Pro touch buttons resist false triggering caused by the buildup of detergents, oils, and other materials, as well as direct water spray. They require no physical pressure to operate and are easily activated by a bare or gloved hand.

All products in the S22 Pro Series have a water resistant IP69K build for use in wet and washdown environments. Models made of FDA-grade material are also available for use in the food and beverage industry.

Banner Engineering
Minneapolis
763/544-3164

September 20, 2018 -  Metabo Corp., West Chester, Pennsylvania, manufacturer of professional grade cordless and corded hand-held power tools and accessories announces their new “World’s First” large angle grinders with safety brake. They offer a 7 in. version (WEPB 24-180 MVT) and a 9 in. version (WEPB 24-230 MVT), both made in Germany. 

“Safety is an integral part of Metabo’s philosophy, so introducing these two new large grinders with safety brakes was just a natural progression. They complete our lineup of 4-1/2 in., 5 in. and 6 in. safety grinders, corded and cordless” said Terry Tuerk, Metabo’s Senior Product Manager.

The new safety brake grinders stop the wheel in 2.5 seconds of releasing the paddle switch, significantly reducing the risk of injury in the event the operator loses control of the tool. Keeping the end user's safety in mind, other safety features of these tools include: a non-locking paddle switch and an electronic clutch, which helps protect the user against kick-back if the wheel binds. Both grinders also include electronic overload protection to keep the motor from overheating, prolonging the tools life, and restart protection, which prevents the tool from restarting on its own in the event of a power interruption. They are also equipped with an advanced anti-vibration side handle.

The WEPB 24-180 MVT and WEPB 24-230MVT both have high torque LongLife 15.0 Amp motors. The WEPB 24-180 MVT has a 7 in. wheel diameter and no-load speed of 8,500 - ideal for weld seam prep and beveling work.  The WEPB 24-230 has a 9 in. wheel diameter and no-load speed of 6,600 - for covering a larger surface area when grinding and adding extra depth capacity for cutting. Additional features of the tools include; 3 position anti-vibration side handle and a 3-position vibration dampened back handle for cutting or grinding applications.

September 18, 2018 - Ideal for tapping, drilling, milling, reaming, turning and broaching Crazy Larry’s Lube can be sprayed or brushed on. It is high in lubricity and allows tools to function with a negligible amount of friction, creating less heat and prolonged tool life.

Use on steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper and brass.

Crazy Larry Lube is a safe vegetable base cutting oil that is 100% biodegradable.

Heck Industries
Howell, Michigan
800/886-5418

September 14, 2018 - Walter Surface Technologies, Windsor, Connecticut, has introduced a new, innovative, and powerful abrasive for aluminum blending and finishing, the Enduro-Flex ALU™ flap disc.

The Enduro-Flex ALU™ flap disc was developed to overcome the challenges that come with working with heat-sensitive metals such as aluminum and other non-ferrous alloys. Aluminum’s high strength-to-weight ratio has long made it a smart choice due to the alloy’s lightweight properties, corrosion-resistance and other practical benefits. Yet, when it comes to blending and finishing, there’s a different story for metalworkers on the shop floor.

Enduro-Flex ALU™ flap discs are specially formulated to maximize performance and drive productivity. Iron-free, sulfur-free and chlorine-free, Enduro-Flex ALU™’s superior zirconia alumina grain blend optimizes blending and finishing performance on virtually any aluminum surface. Backed by the highest removal rate in the industry and superior performance on non-ferrous alloys and heat-sensitive metals, Enduro-Flex ALU™ will deliver a consistent finish without discoloration every time.

Enduro-Flex ALU™’s special coating prevents load-up and glazing – key features that extend disc life and help cut shop-floor costs. Metalworkers will also appreciate Walter’s proprietary Eco-Trim™ trimmable backing, which can triple disc life for even greater savings.

“The science and deep industry knowledge behind Enduro-Flex ALU™ flap discs is exceptional, and has all of the key features as the industry-leading Enduro-Flex™ flap disc,” explains Jonathan Douville, Senior Product Manager - Surfox, Finishing & Tooling. “Outstanding removal rates, longevity and resistance to glaze build-up make Enduro-Flex ALU™ the optimal choice for enhanced quality, safety and productivity when working with aluminum.”

Industry-optimized, Enduro-Flex ALU™ flap discs offer versatility and outstanding performance in automotive, aerospace, naval and other sector-specific applications.

“Enduro-Flex ALU™ is simply a high-performance, long-lasting and productivity-enhancing flap disc,” says Douville. “It’s the ultimate blending and finishing tool that helps our customers work better.”

Enduro-Flex ALU™ discs are available in 4 1/2”, 5”, 6” and 7” diameter sizes with grit values of 40, 60 and 80. RPM ratings range from 8,600 to 13,300. Spend more time getting the job done and less time making trips to the tool crib with Enduro-Flex ALU™ – the longest lasting flap disc in the industry that removes more material than any competitive flap disc.

Walter Surface Technologies
Windsor, Connecticut
860/298-1100

Osborn, an industry leader in surface treatment and finishing tools, has been named the official abrasive of Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.

September 12, 2018 - Get the most demanding jobs done right and done fast with abrasives designed with your biggest challenges in mind. Whether you’re looking for serious stock removal on hard to grind metals, working with aluminum, or performing precise cuts on thin metal, Tiger Ceramic, Aluminum, and UltraCut wheels will get it done for you.

• Tiger Aluminum wheels are specifically designed for high performance cutting and grinding on aluminum. These wheels blend abrasive grains with Weiler’s non-loading formula, resulting in a fast and consistent cut rate on aluminum.
• Tiger Ceramic wheels leverage a self-sharpening Ceramic Alumina grain that delivers a superior combination of life and cut rate.  Ideal for stainless steel and other hard-to-grind metals.
• UltraCut 1mm cutting wheels deliver lightning fast, super smooth, clean cuts on sheet metal, tubes, profiles, and small cross-section rods.

Weiler Corp.
Cresco, Pennsylvania
570/595-7495