EMKA Releases Fire-Resistant Self-Adhesive Gaskets

EMKA has announced that its 1016 self-adhesive gasket is available in fire-resistant versions to UL94 VO and 94HB ratings, and in EMC formats to address electrical and magnetic interference. The expanded closed-cell neoprene comes in stock strips from 3 to 80mm thick and in standard widths from 10 up to 80mm, with complete custom capability - for example for sheets and punched shapes.

EMC versions of the 1016 program have a conductive external skin to attenuate the transmission of electromagnetic interference across the sealed junction. Expected applications for 1016 gasket include gap sealing, noise reduction - for example from internal equipment - as well as vibration damping and impact cushioning on cabinets, furniture and machinery.

1016 series gaskets are produced in neoprene and EPDM and are are self adhesive to clean, non-porous surfaces such as painted/unpainted metal and plastics, or to seal natural materials such as varnished timber. Neoprene utilised in the 1016 program tolerates working temperatures of 70 to -30C, with fire-resistant versions capable within 85 to -40C. They offer substantial resistance to a range of typical commercial and industrial chemicals and gases.

Bulte Launches Self-Locking Nylon Nuts

Bulte Plastics has launched a series of plastic self-locking nuts. The lock nuts are suitable for applications that require extra security as they eliminate backlash without sacrificing efficiency. The company said this type of nut is more effective than standard hex nuts because it includes a no-threaded part that closes around the thread, creating a lock between the two threads.

Self-locking nuts are being used as a secure fastening nut for joining many kinds of parts. They are manufactured from natural Polyamide 6.6 that, when combined with steel screws, provides low drag torque and smooth operation throughout the life of the assembly (preferably not reusable). They also save weight over the conventional steel/nylon lock nuts.

The cost-effective plastic nuts are used in a variety of industrial applications, including: electronic and electrical equipment; construction; furniture; and medical industries; which require properties such as strength, corrosion resistance, oil resistance, low weight alternatives and low thermal conductivity. The working temperature range is -30C to +100C. Metric sizes include M5, M6, M8, M10 and M12. The self-locking nuts can also be supplied in PP, PE and PVDF (these materials are recommended for their food and medical qualities) and in a range of colours.

Self-Launch Glider Uses Li-Ion Battery System

The Antares 20E, an electric self-launching glider developed by Lange Aviation and powered by a Saft custom-designed, rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery system, is back in series production. For takeoff and powered flight the electric motor with propeller is extended above the fuselage centre section. For soaring, the pilot simply pulls a lever and the complete unit retracts into the fuselage to ensure optimum aerodynamic efficiency.

Axel Lange, chief executive of Lange Aviation, said: 'The Antares demonstrator LF-20E flew on Ni-MH batteries and performed well. 'But the extra power available when we switched to the Saft Li-ion batteries has enabled us to more than double the launch height, using a battery system that weighs 26 per cent less.' The Antares 20E is equipped with a custom-designed modular battery system, using Saft VL 41 M Li-ion cells, that pack as much power as possible into a lightweight and space-efficient package.

The battery system weighs 80kg, which is around 12 per cent of the glider's typical launch weight (with pilot and ballast) of 660kg. The battery system is split into two packs, positioned in the leading edges of both inner wings. Each pack consists of 36 cells in series, divided into 12 three-cell modules. Together, both battery packs provide an operating voltage of 212V to 288V, depending on the state of charge (SOC).

The dedicated battery management system ensures each cell is carefully and redundantly monitored and controlled, to ensure that it delivers maximum performance while remaining within its safe operational parameters. A full nine-hour charge from the onboard charger will deliver the Antares 20E approximately 3000m above its launch point. It is also possible to use the available battery power for one or more takeoffs and powered climbs. Each extra takeoff costs approximately 100m in final climb altitude.

Partial charges and discharges have no adverse impact on battery life. In common with all batteries, the performance of the Li-ion battery system is affected by the battery temperature. To counter this, the Antares 20E battery packs are equipped with electrical battery heating to maintain them at optimum temperature. If the battery charger is connected, it provides the power required to heat the batteries. While in the air, the battery modules use their own power.

This process happens automatically. It is possible to turn the heating off and on in flight in order to conserve energy during very long flights. Even with the battery heating turned off, the good insulating properties of the wing ensure that it takes a long time for the batteries to cool down to a temperature where their performance is affected. The capacity of a battery diminishes according to the number of charge-discharge cycles it undergoes, as well as its calendar life. Saft anticipates that the Antares 20E batteries will have an operational lifetime of up to 20 years, during which they will deliver several thousands of launches.