Rockwell Paper Highlights Arc-Flash Dangers

A new white paper from Rockwell Automation highlights the dangers of arc flash. The paper discusses the standards guiding arc-flash safety and details the role that arc-resistant motor-control centres (MCCs) play in helping to contain arc energy and reduce hazards.

'Advances in low-voltage MCC technology help reduce arc-flash hazards and minimise risks' discusses how changing industry standards are putting more focus on arc-flash risks and highlights the key features and components of an effective arc-resistant MCC design. The paper stresses the importance of understanding the performance criteria that must be met before an MCC can be classified as an arc-resistant design.

According to the paper, an arc-resistant MCC is designed and built to provide a complete structural solution in accordance with defined industry standards. Arc-resistant equipment is designed to minimise arc-flash exposure by extinguishing the arc, controlling the spread of the arc or channelling the arc pressure and energy away from personnel.

Mazak Event Highlights CNC Machine Tools And More

Mazak has showcased its CNC machine tools, turning centres and control systems at an open day at its European Technology Centre in Worcester. The centre houses 16 machine tools, which were all in action providing live cutting demonstrations. The Megaturn Nexus 900 and Slant Turn Nexus turning centres made their UK debut, as did the VTC-800 30/SR machining centre. Visitors to the open day also saw live demonstrations of the Mazatrol Matrix and Mazatrol Smart control systems.

Technical Brochure Highlights New Polymer Grades

A technical brochure from Victrex highlights how Victrex Peek polymer is displacing metals, traditional composites and other plastics in a growing number of aerospace applications. Because the strong, inert and flame retardant Victrex Peek polymer can be fabricated into tight tolerance parts, it has been officially qualified by many aircraft manufacturers and can be supplied to meet military specification MIL-P-46183. The brochure uses a variety of charts and graphs showcasing the polymer's stability at elevated temperatures, high-temperature resistance, flammability, toxic gas emissions, co-efficient of thermal expansion, strength-to-weight ratio and chemical resistance.

A full range of property data of typical aerospace grades is also included. The brochure highlights several new grades of Victrex Peek polymer, including high flow grades that permit higher levels of reinforcing fibres to be incorporated, and wear grades for improved lubrication at elevated temperatures. Included in the new products section are three Victrex Peek-based products: Aptiv films, which provide all of the properties of Victrex Peek polymer in a flexible format; Vicote Coatings, which offer enhanced wear, scratch, abrasion, high heat, and chemical resistance and composites prepregs where Victrex Peek resin matrix delivers high fracture toughness, fatigue strength, and long-term stability in hot/wet, chemical aggressive environments.

The brochure details a number of interior and exterior aerospace applications, each serving as a mini case history. Interior applications include electric-wire bundle and tubing clamps, impeller blades, aircraft door handles and insulation cover films. Exterior applications include landing-gear hubcaps, manhole covers, radomes, and pylon fairings. Complementary system examples are also covered including: fasteners, cable ties and harnesses, pipes, and convoluted tubing.