So where are NASCAR's cops when we really need them? They're out there busting Rusty Wallace for speeding on pit road when they should be helping owners protect the trade secrets that make the cars go fast in the first place.

Money does buy speed, and technological innovations that give one team an edge over another are priceless.

Owners never want information to leave the shop, whether it's in notes in someone's pocket or in the brain of a departing employee. Crew chiefs and drivers share that sentiment. Just ask Jimmie Johnson.

When car chief Jason Burdett left Johnson's team recently to take the same job with Dale Jarrett's team at Robert Yates Racing, Johnson wasn't worried about filling the vacancy. What concerned Johnson was the knowledge that left with Burdett.

After winning the Coca-Cola 600, Johnson is fifth in the Winston Cup standings and was a contender for the title in 2002. It's understandable that Yates Racing would want Burdett and the Hendrick Motorsports playbook. Any of the powerhouse organizations would pay handsomely for them. This is industrial espionage, NASCAR style. The secret agents are the crew members, and the prize is the knowledge that can improve performance.

There's not much an owner can do to safeguard his secrets. It's standard practice for contract employees to sign noncompete provisions that include nondisclosure clauses, but it's difficult to enforce such provisions. Owner Richard Childress, though, has sued--and won.

"There's certain things you can't take out of a guy's mind," Childress says. "But if something is developed that is strictly RCR's and if they take it and give it to someone else and we can prove it, then we have the right to take action. If they take something to another team and just build a car that's similar, you can't beat it"

While the teams scramble to protect themselves, NASCAR does nothing to police the problem.

"NASCAR loves it because it keeps the competition close," says Chad Khaus, Johnson's crew chief. "If I hire you, I'm buying whatever you know and taking your secrets."

Knaus has been on both sides of the equation. When he was a fabricator and tire changer for Jeff Gordon's team during the Rainbow Warrior days, Dale Earnhardt Inc. hired him to be car chief for Steve Park. Knaus knows he was hired for the knowledge he had gained working on Chevrolets at Hendrick Motorsports, but it also was an opportunity to climb the career ladder. Knaus became a Winston Cup crew chief at age 28.

Tony Furr, crew chief for Jack Sprague, has been a dedicated General Motors man for most of his career, but in 2002 he needed a job. Working for Jim Smith's Dodge team last season, Furr used the aero savvy he gained working on Monte Carlos to help Dodge engineers develop the grill configuration on the new nose.

The Dodge people picked Furr's brain, then let him go after the 2002 season. In working for Sprague, he has returned to Chevrolet.

Furr has learned to protect himself in contracts by including a clause that voids noncompete provisions if he's fired. In 30 years of racing, he also has learned the hard way not to share his entire playbook with any of his employees. In 1996, when Felix Sabates offered Furr's top assistant a crew chief job, the employee thought he could leave with the team notes. Before the exit interview, Furr made the assistant empty his briefcase, revealing the notes.

Knaus agrees with Furr, adding that the crew chief should limit the information he shares with an employee to just what is necessary, so anyone who leaves won't have a complete picture.

"Everybody knows their specific area, but that's all they know," Knaus says. "I'm the only one who knows how all the pieces fit together. If Jason (Burdett) was leaving and taking Jimmie with him, yeah, that would be an advantage. But different drivers like different setups, and what works for Jimmie may not work for D.J."

Daniel Caclin: Equant is a company that provides data service solutions to customers worldwide. What is important is to provide solutions that become the basis of their information systems and that they support mission critical applications. Hence, what we have been doing is to provide what our customers want and they want reliable solutions and leading-edge technologies. Hence, we have launched a few important products, the last one being VoIP. It is one of the most significant products in the last 12 months.

In the Asia Pacific, we have been very successful in Australia. One of our largest customers has been [Australian-based mining conglomerate] BHP Billiton. We have provided leading edge IP-VPN and it has been one of the most successful implementations. We have also worked with customers like Samsung Integration to support the whole chaebol.

What is the strategy for Asia?

The strategy for Asia is really part of the worldwide strategy. There is no such thing as American multinationals, no European multinationals, no Asian multinationals. There are only worldwide multinationals. We provide global connectivity. Clearly, Equant provides data center services and solutions around the world. It is important for Equant to provide that seamless connectivity to these corporations.

The execution in Asia is no different than anywhere. We are addressing large corporations and we speak the language of these corporations. We speak the language of the banking industry. We speak the language of the mining industry. The execution is not region-specific but customer-specific.

How much does Asia account for Equant's global business?

10% of Equant's invoicing worldwide comes from Asia. Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand and Australia have enjoyed significant growth. We service 2,000 multinationals in the region and 800 of them are headquartered in the region.

Industry analysts expect the growth rate for the managed services business to be twice the rate of the US and Europe in the next ten years. Equant is expected to follow that trend.

We continue to invest in Asia what is necessary. We are investing in global capacity between cities, in data equipment and in backend systems. We are buying a lot of information systems in Asia. It is important to note that when we buy a system like a sales information system, it is to support the global business and not just the Asia Pacific business. What is significant with Equant is that we provide the same service, same level of support reliability to customers around the world.

Since striking a deal with Equant, China Network Communications (CNC) has acquired Asia Global Crossing [now Asia Netcom]. What are the implications of this?

Asia Global Crossing is a capacity provider [sic]. It is a company that provides capacity between two network centers. Equant provides data services to corporate customers.

[CNC's purchase of Asia Global Crossing] is a good move for cost effectiveness in the region. Our partner is able to provide the network capacity. There is no direct competition. Equant does not provide fixed line services to any customer.

CNC is managing Equant's project portfolio. We have more than 100 customers in China and connect to more than 800 sites.

FlexCenter FC350, FC450, and FC630 feature respective work cubes of 14, 18, and 25 in. and can be supplied with horizontal or vertical spindle and turret or basic platen. Model FC350 can be configured with 40-taper or HSK63 tool interface; FC450 with 40- or 50-taper, HSK50, or 63- or 100-tool interface; and FC630 with 50-taper, HSK63, or HSK100 tool interface. Machines feature centralized maintenance, vertical axis counterbalance with air recovery system, and CNC options.

FlexCenter FC350, FC450, and FC630 feature respective work cubes of 14, 18, and 25 in. and can be supplied with horizontal or vertical spindle and turret or basic platen. Model FC350 can be configured with 40-taper or HSK63 tool interface; FC450 with 40- or 50-taper, HSK50, or 63- or 100-tool interface; and FC630 with 50-taper, HSK63, or HSK100 tool interface. Machines feature centralized maintenance, vertical axis counterbalance with air recovery system, and CNC options.

SETCO wants to be your partner in building special machines with our standard Multi-Axis FlexCenter modules. Available in 3 sizes, FC350, FC450 and FC630, the FlexCenter is the perfect solution for applications looking for a reliable high-performance multi-axis module that can be easily integrated with a variety of dial, transfer line, and cell applications. Built from a standard building block design, the FlexCenter is offered in three sizes and can be provided in a variety of horizontal and vertical configurations.

FlexCenter modules are available with work cubes from 14" to 25", and offered with a horizontal or vertical spindle, horizontal or vertical turret, or a basic platen (flat mounting surface). As a standard module, these machines are not equipped with integrated CNC, but CNC options are offered.

The FlexCenter FC350 is the smallest model, featuring a 14" work cube and can be configured with a 40-taper or HSK63 tool interface. The FC450 has an 18" work cube and can be configured with 40 or 50-taper, HSK50, 63 or 100 tool interface. The largest standard FlexCenter features a 25" work cube and can be configured with 50-taper or HSK63 or HSK100 tool interface.

The FlexCenter is equipped with many standard features that competitors consider extra-cost options or do not offer at all. These include centralized maintenance, hardened ways with Trabon auto-lube, steel way covers, way and valley wipers, steel tubing for lube and air lines, vertical axis counterbalance with air recovery system, waterproof electrical enclosures, and more.

As options, to meet special application needs, the FlexCenter can be configured with linear bearing ways, extended travels, a choice of CNC control with standard control interface packages, a portable hand-held setup controller, and more. When the FlexCenter is equipped with an AirShield spindle seal system, SETCO provides a standard 3-year warranty against spindle bearing contamination.

For many suppliers, customization requires extensive special engineering and long lead times, which increase the price, but that's not the case with the MASTER/ SETCO FlexCenter, which is designed as a standard modular product.

Designed on Pro/Engineer, rapid modeling and prototyping has reduced the time to make parts from months to weeks, and weeks to days. Building a machine from a standard platform with pre-engineered modules lowers costs, enables custom configuration and extended travels with less custom engineering, and shortens lead-time to ship product.

All models of the FlexCenter can be configured with a variety of spindle and slide arrangements to meet horizontal and vertical machining applications. The FlexCenter's modular design allows components to be mixed and matched to provide the perfect amount of processing capacity for any application - making the FlexCenter competitive with other processing solutions.

SETCO Sales Company is a world leader in the design, manufacturing, and service of SETCO brand spindles, POPE brand spindles, WHITNON brand spindles, and MASTER/SETCO brand precision slides and multi-axis modules used in automotive, aerospace, construction, die/mold, cabling and winding, plastics, woodworking and general metalworking industries.CINCINNATI, OH (July 15, 2005) - SETCO wants to be your partner in building special machines with our standard Multi-Axis FlexCenter modules. Available in 3 sizes, FC350, FC450 and FC630, the FlexCenter is the perfect solution for applications looking for a reliable high-performance multi-axis module that can be easily integrated with a variety of dial, transfer line, and cell applications. Built from a standard building block design, the FlexCenter is offered in three sizes and can be provided in a variety of horizontal and vertical configurations.

FlexCenter modules are available with work cubes from 14" to 25", and offered with a horizontal or vertical spindle, horizontal or vertical turret, or a basic platen (flat mounting surface). As a standard module, these machines are not equipped with integrated CNC, but CNC options are offered.

The FlexCenter FC350 is the smallest model, featuring a 14" work cube and can be configured with a 40-taper or HSK63 tool interface. The FC450 has an 18" work cube and can be configured with 40 or 50-taper, HSK50, 63 or 100 tool interface. The largest standard FlexCenter features a 25" work cube and can be configured with 50-taper or HSK63 or HSK100 tool interface.

The FlexCenter is equipped with many standard features that competitors consider extra-cost options or do not offer at all. These include centralized maintenance, hardened ways with Trabon auto-lube, steel way covers, way and valley wipers, steel tubing for lube and air lines, vertical axis counterbalance with air recovery system, waterproof electrical enclosures, and more.

As options, to meet special application needs, the FlexCenter can be configured with linear bearing ways, extended travels, a choice of CNC control with standard control interface packages, a portable hand-held setup controller, and more. When the FlexCenter is equipped with an AirShield spindle seal system, SETCO provides a standard 3-year warranty against spindle bearing contamination.

For many suppliers, customization requires extensive special engineering and long lead times, which increase the price, but that's not the case with the MASTER/ SETCO FlexCenter, which is designed as a standard modular product.

Designed on Pro/Engineer, rapid modeling and prototyping has reduced the time to make parts from months to weeks, and weeks to days. Building a machine from a standard platform with pre-engineered modules lowers costs, enables custom configuration and extended travels with less custom engineering, and shortens lead-time to ship product.

All models of the FlexCenter can be configured with a variety of spindle and slide arrangements to meet horizontal and vertical machining applications. The FlexCenter's modular design allows components to be mixed and matched to provide the perfect amount of processing capacity for any application - making the FlexCenter competitive with other processing solutions.

SETCO Sales Company is a world leader in the design, manufacturing, and service of SETCO brand spindles, POPE brand spindles, WHITNON brand spindles, and MASTER/SETCO brand precision slides and multi-axis modules used in automotive, aerospace, construction, die/mold, cabling and winding, plastics, woodworking and general metalworking industries.

Designed for integration into all types of OEM system configurations, CO2 lasers are available with air or water cooling options. Products include 75 W laser as well as Class IV versions, all with built-in RF power supplies and multiple mounting provisions. Manufactured with Free Space Gas Slab Laser Technology(TM) for optimal beam quality in near and far fields, lasers fit into manufacturing lines, robotics systems, and CNC machines.

Universal Laser Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce the introduction of a new line of CO2 lasers for the OEM market. Unveiled to an international audience at Laser 2005 in Munich, the new lasers are optimized for easy and convenient integration into all types of OEM system configurations.

Covering a wide range of power levels, including a new 75-watt laser, the new CO2 lasers have air cooling or water cooling options. Class IV versions are available for research facilities and universities. Like Universal's other lasers, the new lasers have built-in RF power supplies and are manufactured with patented Free Space Gas Slab Laser Technology(TM) for excellent beam quality in both the near and far fields. Since 1997, Universal has been awarded multiple patents for laser innovation by the U.S. Patent Office.

According to Kurt Kaashoek, OEM Sales Manager at Universal, "Feedback from customers indicated that versatility was important, so we designed these new lasers to be flexible for integration into every kind of OEM system configuration." Kaashoek continues, "With multiple mounting provisions, our new lasers will fit into most manufacturing lines, robotics systems, CNC machines, etc. We kept the form factor similar to the existing product line for compatibility with current OEM systems and designs."

Single-slot E118 chassis enclosures provide environmental protection for 6U VMEbus or CompactPCI (CPCI) SBCs against altitude, temperature, humidity, shock, vibration, EMI/RFI, and chemical exposure. Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, each enclosure accommodates one ANSI/IEEE 1101.2 VMEbus or ANSI/VITA 30.1 conduction-cooled card. Products come with built-in power supply, dc-dc converters, and fully isolated I/O and are protected against disruptive power conditions.

Chatsworth, CA, April 2005 - Comprehensive environmental protection for 6U VMEbus or CompactPCI single board computers is now available in the rugged, single-slot E118 chassis enclosures from Aitech Defense Systems, Inc., a world leader in the development and manufacture of board and subsystem level products for harsh environment defense, aerospace and space applications. Designed to meet the mechanical, electronic, and thermal demands of mobile military applications, these environmentally-sealed units are capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions of altitude, temperature, humidity, shock, vibration, EMI/RFI, and chemical exposure.

The compact, lightweight enclosures, machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, are available with captive fasteners, as well as optional helical wire-rope-type shock and vibration isolators in bottom assembly or side assembly configurations. They are also available with mounting brackets for hard-mounted configurations suitable for cold-plate applications. For additional environmental protection in a variety of mobile applications, all enclosure finishes are treated for corrosion and fungus resistance.

The enclosures use a fully sealed Faraday cage and complete EMI/RFI power line filtering to protect the electronic integrity of an installed VME or CompactPCI board, and to meet the EMI/RFI emanation and susceptibility limits of MIL-STD-461. The E118 chassis feature metal-to-metal clamping with conductive surfaces and fasteners, conductive O-ring seals, and line feed-through filters on the inner surface of the I/O panel.

The built-in power supply for each enclosure is engineered to provide continuous high current, high efficiency operation even in adverse conditions. Major features include: DC-DC converters designed to operate even with irregular or noisy power sources; fully isolated inputs and outputs to eliminate the possibility of ground loops; plus additional protection against short circuits, over-voltage, reverse polarity, and other disruptive power conditions.

Each enclosure accommodates one standard ANSI/IEEE 1101.2 VMEbus or ANSI/VITA 30.1 conduction-cooled card. Heat is conducted through the CNC machined aluminum sidewalls of the unit and is radiated/convected to the surrounding air by means of external fins on the sides and top walls of the enclosure. Forced-air cooling is not required. Optional base mounting of the enclosure to a cold-plate further enhances the thermal path with external conduction cooling. The specified operating temperature range extends from -46[degrees]C to 71[degrees]C (-50[degrees]F to 160[degrees]F), at 5% to 95% relative humidity with condensation.

Mil-standard connectors, one for input power and up to four circular connectors for I/O, are all located on one side of the enclosure for easy access. A card access panel provides for easy insertion and extraction of VME cards, with an optional hinged and sealed door for convenient access to PCMCIA cards without disassembling the main chassis panels.

The worldwide CAM software and related services market turned around after having declined or having been flat for 4 consecutive years (it experienced solid growth in 2004). The market, as measured by enduser payments, is estimated by CIMdata to have grown 7.2 percent from $1.11 billion in 2003 to $1.19 billion in 2004. This follows declines of 1.6 percent in 2000, 7.5 percent in 2001 and 0.4 percent in 2002, with a small growth of 0.5 percent in 2003. Purchases reached a peak in 1999 at $1.22 billion prior to the period of decline.

CIMdata projects that 2005 will also be a strong year, and that end-user payments for NC software and related services will increase by 7.4 percent to reach a level of $1.28 billion. If so, this would set a new high for the CAM software market. This information and other statistics are contained in the upcoming annual "NC Software and Related Services Market Assessment Report." The report consists of more than 200 pages, and it can be obtained from CIMdata. The annual end-user payments for CAM software for 1996 through a projected 2005 are shown in the chart below.

The global CAM market is dependent on the global economy; the strength of the manufacturing sector; the extent of technology spending by companies; and the value, number and type of machine tools purchased. All four factors were generally positive in 2004. Most areas of the world, particularly in Asia and North America, experienced strong economies and growing manufacturing sectors. The Federal Reserve reported that the industrial production index grew by more than 4 percent in the United States in 2004, and some Asian countries saw industrial production grow by double that amount. Most of Europe was sluggish, but it still experienced growth in GDP and manufacturing.

Worldwide PLM spending grew nearly 10 percent in 2004, which is directly related to technology spending. Additionally, machine tool consumption in the United States in 2004 was up by more than 30 percent compared to 2003. This is particularly positive after several years of decline. All of these indicators boded well for purchases and use of NC software.

CIMdata is cautiously optimistic with regard to CAM software purchases in 2005. It can be inferred from the chart on page 121 that the company is forecasting another good year in CAM software, with a growth rate of 7.4 percent, essentially the same increase that was achieved in 2004. A number of NC software suppliers have indicated to CIMdata that they experienced particularly strong sales in the first quarter of 2005, so these firms are off to a good start.

Many articles have dealt with the subject of shops remaining competitive in a difficult and highly competitive global manufacturing environment. Among other things, this requires a high capital-to-labor ratio and full use of current and advanced numerically controlled machine tools and appropriate software. As one example, CIMdata recently visited a mold shop in Germany in which 40 percent of the CNC machines were simultaneous five-axis machine tools. One machinist is routinely able to operate three machine tools, and the company operates three shifts. This family-owned shop focuses on large and complex molds that others might find difficult to build. As a result, it is able to meet the international competition and steadily grow its business. It is firms like this that are currently fueling the growth in both machine tool consumption and CAM software purchases.

Utilizing electrostatic precipitation, Mini M.E. cleans and recirculates indoor air with up to 95% efficiency rate on 0.3 micron particles. Unit integrates into pre-existing machine tool systems and can be mounted on platform, on ceiling, or onto machine itself. Helping to comply with OSHA standards, Mini ME is suited for screw machines, surface and centerless grinders, CNC machining centers, turning lathes, and parts cleaning systems.

Sanford, N.C. - March 2005 - Trion Inc., a division of Fedders Corporation, introduces the electronic Mini Mist Eliminator (Mini M.E.), a high efficiency electrostatic air purification system.

The Mini M.E. is ideal for screw machines, surface and centerless grinders, CNC machining centers, turning lathes, and parts cleaning systems. By cleaning and re-circulating indoor air with up to a 95% efficiency rate on 0.3 micron particles, the Mini M.E. aids in compliance with OSHA standards, reduces plant maintenance costs, protects equipment, plant fixtures, current work in progress, and the health and safety of employees.

"One of the primary advantages of the Mini M.E. is that it integrates seamlessly into pre-existing machine tool systems. The mist eliminator can be mounted on a platform, on the ceiling, or onto the machine itself, saving the trouble and cost of elaborate duct work that other mist eliminating systems may require," said Trion's Director of Representative Sales, Dave Bubb. "This allows the capture of contaminants such as water-soluble, synthetic and petroleum-based coolants and smoke at the source. For added convenience, the Mini M.E. can be wired directly to the machine tool control, so that it only operates while the machine tool operates, adding to the efficiency of the unit."

The Trion[R] electronic Mini M.E. utilizes electostatic precipitation in the task of air purification. In the first stage, a blower draws the air through metal mesh filters that trap large particles. Remaining particles as small as 0.01 microns in diameter pass into a strong electrical field where they receive a positive electric charge. The charged particles then pass through a section of equally spaced parallel plates that are alternately grounded and positively charged. The ionized particles are repelled by the charged plates and attracted to the interleaving plates which collect smoke and oil/coolant mist. Clean air is then returned to the atmosphere.

With split-cabin, sliding pallet design, RAPIDO 3D laser cutting system offers continuous part cutting without any idle time during unloading/reloading process. Machine structure, laser, CNC, and electro mechanics are integrated into cantilevered, compact architecture. Operating with Cenit Software's v5/LaserCUT technology, machine also employs automatic Focal Position Control, Safe Impact Protection System, and Laser Piercing Monitor.

CHICOPEE, MA (February 7, 2005) - PRIMA LASER TOOLS new RAPIDO 3-D laser cutting system features a versatile, compact, unique design for increased cutting speed, work accessibility, automation and safety.

RAPIDO has many advanced features designed to automate the production process. For example, RAPIDO's Focal Position Control (FPC) provides the greatest degree of quality, control and flexibility. It automatically manages the laser's focal position according to the specific application and controls the head position throughout the entire production process. This special FPC functionality delivers high and uniform cutting quality, and no production setup changes are necessary when alternating material types and thicknesses.

An exclusive split-cabin, sliding pallet design allows RAPIDO to continuously cut parts without any idle time during the unloading/reloading process. While the laser is cutting in one cabin, the operator can easily unload the finished part and reload in the other, saving production time. A sliding pallet solution maximizes the usable cabin space, allowing larger parts to be cut. In addition, a highly accessible structure supports RAPIDO's easy integration with a variety of robotic solutions, from the simplest to the most complex, according to the application.

Operating with Cenit Software's powerful, easy to use v5/LaserCUT technology, RAPIDO provides many progressive capabilities, including automated functions such as math data cleanup and 3D fixture builder for holding fixtures with unfold/nesting and 2-D tool path creation. The Windows/PC-compatible software has automated programming/simulation tools that provide full control over machine motions to create smooth, collision-free tool paths. Fast, simple tool path manipulation features overcome machine tool or process-specific constraints, such as travel limits or variance between actual part and math data. In addition, the software's reverse engineering features enable uploading of G-Code or RML-Code back into CAD/CAM software for further manipulation or to provide feedback to engineering.

RAPIDO's machine structure, laser, CNC and electro mechanics are integrated into a cantilevered, compact architecture. The cabin fully encloses the work area, ceiling included, for maximum safety and the most efficient dust and fume exhaustion. The automatic door slides into the roof area, providing complete accessibility to the part from three sides.

"The new RAPIDO design is highly versatile. Its ability to cut, weld and treat part surfaces with a Cartesian, unitized, cantilevered structure and fully retractable arm make it the ideal machine for a diverse number of industrial applications," comments Mr. Thomas Burdel, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at PRIMA LASER TOOLS.

Featuring a patented Safe Impact Protection System (SIPS), RAPIDO's cutting head is protected from the possibility of damage to the head, nozzle or sensor due to any errors that may cause interference between the head and the work piece. Laser heads can be reattached and operational within minutes after interference.

The quick Join-It(TM) system allows the 5" standard cutting head to be easily reconfigured from cutting to welding applications with a 7.5" cutting kit, B-axes for welding with 8.7" and 11.2" parabolic mirrors and B-axis for surface treatment. RAPIDO can also be equipped with a family of CO2 lasers with different power levels: fast axial flow lasers (2500W -3500W -4000W).

The system's Laser Piercing Monitor provides a significant reduction in cycle time. It analyzes the reflected radiation and automatically calculates the best parameters to be used for the piercing process, immediately stopping the piercing when the material has been perforated. In addition, RAPIDO features an innovative rotary axis that enables tubes to be processed.

PRIMA LASER TOOLS, a division of PRIMA North America Inc., has been an innovator of state-of-the-art systems for laser cutting of 2D and 3D parts, used in a broad range of industries worldwide since 1977. Lasers, machines, software and material handling systems are all designed, developed, made and serviced by PRIMA with the latest technology, providing users a single-source solution for quality laser cutting. PRIMA North America is headquarted in a new 68,000 square-foot facility, located in Chicopee, MA USA. The new facility with its design, manufacturing, application, training and demo capabilities is designed to support the company's commitment to the North American Market.

Available in fabricated foam, laminated composite, and conductive/anti-static materials, case inserts and tote liners feature PNP (Part No. in the Pocket) labeling technology, which ensures positive component identification and protection. PNP labeling technology, located in bottom of tool or component silhouette pocket/cavity, is protected by clear, plastic laminate and aids in inventory control, component accountability, organization, and security.

PNP Technology With Case Inserts, Totes Provide Ultimate Protection, Organization

GEORGETOWN, MA-UFP Technologies, Inc., a leading manufacturer of custom engineered packaging materials, introduces its new PNP (Part # in the Pocket; US Patent #08034462) technology for positive component identification. UFP's Case Inserts and Totes, when used with PNP Technology ensure positive component identification and protection for the industrial, medical, military, automotive, EMS and shipping/packaging industries. Applications include military, medical/surgical instruments and kits, assembly, production, manufacturing, material handling, distribution fulfillment kits, electronic components, production tools, field maintenance tools, sales samples and many other industrial applications.

The Part Numbers in the Pocket are located in the bottom of a tool or component silhouette pocket/cavity and are protected by a clear, plastic laminate. PNP are ideal for reordering components or specialty tools and allow the user to know the exact part number when requesting a replacement.

Available in a wide variety of materials such as fabricated foams, laminated composites and conductive/anti-static materials, UFP's case inserts and tote liners with PNP labeling technology enhance inventory control, component accountability, organization, security and aesthetics. Case inserts or tote liners can be water jet cut or CNC routed, which make them easily revised without tooling, providing a cost effective solution for low to medium volume applications. Offered in a variety of colors to enhance product appearance and accessibility, UFP's case inserts can be designed to meet individual customer specifications and budgets, as well as more stringent applications such as use in a clean room environment.

UFP provides both single and multiple material/process turnkey solutions, from durable functional case inserts and totes for applications ranging from rough duty uses such as field maintenance and emergency response kits, to high aesthetics sales sample kits featuring one or more attractive colors. UFP's engineering also team delivers turnaround design and prototyping services. For applications demanding organization, asset management and/or increased productivity, two color shadow box foam organizers are designed for the storage and protection of tools and instruments.

About UFP Technologies, Inc.

UFP Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ-UFPT) is a converter and fabricator of foams, plastics and natural fiber materials. The company serves the medical, consumer, automotive, industrial, electronics and military markets from its 10 North American manufacturing facilities. UFP specializes in custom solutions using foam fabrication, foam molding, laminating, plastic thermoforming and molded fiber/pulp.

Able to control 1/2-600 hp motors, A700 uses adaptive auto-tuning to compensate for changes in load inertia. Encoder feedback enables unit to operate in flux-vector mode to generate torque at zero speed while also allowing positioning control. With speed response time of 300 radians/sec, drive may be used without encoder and can control torque as well as speed. Product uses Real Sensorless Vector (RSV) algorithm to provide 200:1 speed range.

Intelligent Drive Controls Motors from 1/2 to 600 Horsepower

Vernon Hills, Ill.-September 6, 2005-Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc., a global supplier of automation products to all major industries, has introduced its A700 high performance variable frequency drive (VFD) for controlling motors ranging from 1/2 to 600 horsepower. It will replace the company's highly successful A500 and A500L drives, which have been available since 1997.

The A700 is the first drive from Mitsubishi to feature a built-in programmable logic controller (PLC) and features many of the special technologies originally developed for Mitsubishi Electric servo drive products, such as adaptive auto-tuning which automatically compensates for changes in load inertia. The result is smoother operation, less downtime and ultimately, lower operating costs.

"The A700 is faster, smarter and more powerful than any standard VFD we've ever produced," said Chris Cusick, marketing manager for Mitsubishi Electric Automation. "And with its built-in programmable logic controller, users can customize the drive to their unique application."

Exceptionally versatile, the A700 achieves class-leading motor performance using encoder feedback to operate in "flux-vector" mode to generate torque at zero speed and allowing positioning control. With a speed response time of 300 radians per second-10 times faster than the A500-the A700 reacts quickly to sudden load changes with utmost efficiency.

Used without an encoder, the A700 uses the newly-developed "Real Sensorless Vector" (RSV) algorithm to provide a 200:1 speed range. Its ability to control torque as well as speed makes it ideal for applications where constant tension must be maintained, such as wind/unwind control.

Communications to the A700 are supported with most popular protocols, including Profibus DP, CC-Link, DeviceNET, LonWorks, ControlNET, Modbus RTU, Metasys N2, EtherNET IP and Modbus TCP/IP, as well as Mitsubishi Electric's proprietary RS485 network. In addition, SSC Net III, Mitsubishi's high performance, fiber-optic motion network is also supported, allowing the A700 to operate in conjunction with Mitsubishi Electric's new J3 servo drives and complete line of motion control products.

About Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan, supplies factory automation solutions such as programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces (HMI), programming and control software, variable frequency drives, motion products including computer numerical controllers (CNC) and servo controls. Mitsubishi Electric has sales and service facilities throughout North America that support pre-sale application support and post-sale service requirements. In addition, Mitsubishi provides solutions for power protection applications with its lines of three phase, single phase and single-phase line interactive uninterruptible power systems. Mitsubishi Electric serves a broad range of industrial markets, applications and customers including the automotive, wood, machine tool, semiconductor, textile and commercial markets, and applications such as material handling, packaging, printing and specialty machinery.

Featuring modular design, Studer Model S120 offers solution for parts and components with external diameter of 50 mm or less. Center height is 125 mm, while swing diameter is 130 mm. Wheelhead arrangement presents 1 or 2 grinding spindles for rough and finish grinding in same set-up. Digital direct-drive, 3-phase servomotors with prestressed, precision ballscrews power X- and Z-axes. Fanuc 300i digital CNC control and axis drive components.

MIAMISBURG, OH - United Grinding Technologies, Inc. (UGT) announces the introduction of a new addition to its Studer line of high-performance internal production cylindrical grinders, the S120.

Modular design for quick setup and changeover, state-of-the-art digital control and drive systems and user-friendly step-by-step programming make the S120 a highly flexible solution to a wide variety of small diameter parts and components, typically with an external diameter of 50 mm or less. Center height is 125 mm, while swing diameter is 130 mm.

According to Hans Ueltschi, national sales manager, Cylindrical Products Group, one of the design achievements in the S120 has been keeping the machine footprint small, conserving valuable plant floor real estate, while accommodating the predictable- automation.

"Parts of this small size and at these very high volumes are obvious candidates for automated part-feeding," he says. "The problem with this in the past has been buying automation from a third party, invariably with its own control, and then trying to integrate that into our machine. Often you find you've doubled the footprint - or more. Then, you still have productivity and maintenance issues to say nothing about programming and control issues."

This is not the case with the S120. "The S120 uses its own Studer automated feed system that's entirely integrated," Ueltschi says, "so that we don't increase the machine's footprint, and since it's a new Studer automation system, it will be controlled right from the machine control, keeping everything very simple and straightforward."

Ueltschi says that the S120 is a "global" machine, in that it's market is very board based. It complements the Studer lineup and doesn't replace a current offering. Typical part candidates include small automotive parts, components for hydraulic control systems and control valves, injector components and control parts for steering systems or ABS systems

The wheelhead arrangement presents one or two grinding spindles for rough and finish grinding in the same set-up. The two spindles have independent, programmable drive systems to fully optimize the grinding process. Single spindle configuration permits grinding of a single bore, keeping the S120 as a very simple bore grinder. The addition of the second spindle permits more universal applications, allowing for OD and ID grinding in one set-up, roughing with one spindle and finishing with the other, or finishing the bore on part with one spindle while grinding and subsequently grinding the part face with the other spindle.

S120 overview

Digital direct-drive, three-phase servomotors with prestressed, precision ballscrews power the X- and Z-axes. Cross slide X-axis travel is 300 mm at speeds ranging to 15 m/min. Linear resolution is 0.0001 mm. Z-axis slide travel is 180 mm. Speed and linear resolution are respectively 30 m/min and 0.0001 mm.

The S120 is extremely fast and can be equipped with conventional linear axis guideways to reduce costs or can be equipped with hydrostatic guideways to maximized the machine's speed. Patented pre-loaded precision roller bearing guideway provides wear-free, stick-free movement and high-precision accuracy.

The S103 Granitan mineral-cast machine base delivers outstanding vibration dampening, rigidity and strength, as well as excellent chemical stability and thermal compensation.

Dressing

The S120 uses vitrified CBN, and high-tech rotary dressing tools and touch-dressing capabilities. Wheel dressing intervals may be made by the operator following these simple methods: by pressing a pushbutton at any time during any grinding cycle; after a programmed number of specific machined parts or grinding operations; at programmed switchover points; at the programmed nominal size; after a specific number of strokes - or a combination of these, permitting the optimum solution for the specific grinding application.

Control & programming

The S120 features state-of-the-art Fanuc 300i digital CNC control and axis drive components. The 300i is part of the new Fanuc 30i Series and is a high performance Open System CNC that supports Windows 2000 or XP. Machine operation, setup, changeover, peripheral operations, dressing and programming of even complex parts are easily accomplished through the innovative, step-by-step Studer Pictogramming which allows operators simply to connect grinding cycles to one another and add necessary numerical values. The control then generates the machine program automatically. Advanced manual programming in G code is of course also possible. Programming is done directly at the machine or off-line and then downloaded to the machine control. Process parameters can be changed on the fly, while the machine runs, without affecting the workpiece program.

Comprised of staircad and staircam modules, alphastair v6 provides everything needed for staircase design, costing, and manufacture. Both modules utilize GUI that lets users add or delete toolbars and tailor screen layouts to preference. They also share integrated database with single point data entry. Along with built-in checking routines for regulatory compliance, software features 3D CAD drawings, materials lists, and ability to produce ready-to-sign quotations.

Leading joinery software developer, alphacam, has launched alphastair V6, the latest release of its high capability design-to-manufacturing application for staircase production.

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Close integration between staircad and staircam provides automatic generation of CNC machine code directly from the system's common database, using either pre-configured or user specified tools, speeds and feeds. Staircam also supports manual nesting of components on the machine tool bed, for maximum raw material and enhanced tool utilisation. Similarly, the system will provide board assembly lists and glue-up schedules on demand, for optimum manufacturing efficiency.

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Like other alphacam CAD/CAM software releases, alphastair V6 will be available world-wide in all major languages. It will also be backed by local customer helpdesks, advanced on-site or remote system support, comprehensive product training programmes and the company's networking, installation and IT consultancy services.