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OCTOBER 2005 INDUSTRY NEWS

 


New Web Community for T&M Tool Users

Users of test & measurement tools have a new destination on the Web to exchange information, ideas and opinions, access resources on products and safety issues, and get expert support on a wide range of tools and applications. Sponsored by Fluke Corporation, the world's leading supplier of test and measurement equipment, Test Tool Talk, the Test Tool Users Online Community site is designed as a peer-to-peer, one-stop information source for test tool users. It includes tips, best practices, information on new technologies and products.

The Test & Measurement Tool Users Community site at www.fluke.com/community offers forums on safety, applications including power quality and harmonics, maintenance and troubleshooting, motors and drives, HVAC/indoor air quality, power distribution systems, and predictive maintenance. There are also product forums including digital multimeters, clamp meters and testers, thermography, process instrument calibration, insulation resistance test, portable oscilloscopes and infrared and contact thermometers. Site visitors can view these forums, find links to Fluke resources such as application notes, white papers and FAQ documents, or use the site's searchable knowledge base. Registration is required to post comments or questions or respond to existing posts in any of the forums.

 

ITW Signs Agreement with Kirtland Capital Partners to Acquire Instron Corporation

Illinois Tool Works Inc. announced that it had signed an agreement with Kirtland Capital Partners to purchase Instron Corporation, a leading worldwide supplier of instruments, software and services for the testing of materials and structures. Terms of the pending transaction were not disclosed.

Based in Norwood, Massachusetts, Instron has manufacturing facilities and technical centers in 13 countries throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The company's products are grouped in three major categories: material testing; structural testing; and service. In total, the company's revenues are projected to be approximately $240 million in 2005.

"With an installed base of more than 70,000 instruments worldwide, Instron's brand name is highly valued and recognized as a leader in material testing", said David B. Speer, ITW's President and CEO. "We also are excited about the company's long-term growth potential and geographic span, with revenues almost evenly spread across the Americas, Europe and Asia." Instron was founded in 1946 and was taken private through a sale to Kirtland Capital Partners in 1999. The transaction, which has received U.S. regulatory approval but still requires European regulatory approval, is expected to close by the end of October.

Information about Instron’s Force Calibration Laboratory can be found at: http://www.instron.us/wa/services/calibration/cal_force.aspx. Instron has in-house and field calibration capabilities.

 

Building Solid Foundations for Science at PITTCON ®2006 - Message from the President

It’s right at the heart of virtually everything we do in the laboratory: Identifying, quantifying, analyzing and testing the chemical or biological properties of compounds or molecules. In fact, analytical chemistry—in all its many permutations—is central to solving today’s most pressing scientific problems, as well as enabling new applications and products for the next generation of discovery.

There’s no better place to explore the latest developments in laboratory science than PITTCON ®2006. Whatever your industry or scientific discipline, you’ll discover a wealth of learning opportunities.  And you’re sure to return home with practical technical information and valuable new knowledge you can apply directly to your work.

Our extensive technical program and numerous short courses offer both specificity and diversity.  In a relaxed, collegial setting, you can learn new skills and get up-to-date on cutting edge techniques and applications.  And on the exhibit floor—the most comprehensive lab products show anywhere—our exhibitor partners will unveil exciting new technologies, as well as recent advances in software and instrumentation, and improved application solutions.  It’s a great chance to get a hands-on look at “the latest and greatest,” and to interact face-to-face with technical and customer support people.

Of course, with more than 12,000 conferees, speakers and presenters, PITTCON is also the ideal networking environment, whether you’re looking for the next career position, or just a stimulating conversation with colleagues who share similar scientific interests.

So, mark your calendars and plan to build on your “Foundations for Science” at PITTCON ®2006—March 12-17, 2006 in the West Building of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

 

Luxtron Announces NIST-Traceable Temperature Calibration Service

Luxtron Corporation, a leading provider of fiber optic and optical temperature measurement solutions to industrial, medical, semiconductor, optoelectronics, and electric power industries, announces the availability of annual National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable temperature calibration service for their Fluoroptic® temperature measurement products.

Due to the inherent stability of its patented sensing technology, Luxtron instruments do not require temperature recalibration under normal use. However, there is marketplace demand for periodic, NIST-traceable calibration and certified system checks where users’ ISO and quality procedures mandate the requirement. For this purpose, Luxtron now offers convenient calibration and service contracts.

Luxtron, as the leader in fiber optic temperature measurement solutions, maintains a world-class calibration laboratory with temperature dry baths that are traceable to the NIST standards in Gaithersburg, Maryland. These NIST-traceable dry baths, along with their strict ISO9001:2000 procedures, allow Luxtron to perform extremely accurate calibration of Fluoroptic® temperature systems. Additional information on Luxtron’s calibration services can be found on the web at http://www.luxtron.com/product/fot_calibration.htm.

Luxtron Corporation is a leading supplier of fiber optic and optical thermometry solutions for the industrial, medical, semiconductor, optoelectronics, and electrical power industries. Its products give users the ability to monitor processes and measure temperature in harsh environments with extraordinary accuracy. Luxtron headquarters, featuring ISO9001:2000 certified manufacturing facilities, are located in Santa Clara, California. More information about Luxtron Corporation may be obtained by visiting www.luxtron.com.

 

AMETEK Posts Strong Third Quarter Results

AMETEK Inc. announced third quarter results, posting strong year-over-year increases in sales, operating income, net income and diluted earnings per share.

AMETEK's third quarter 2005 sales of $344.5 million were up 11% from the $310.7 million recorded in the third quarter of 2004. Operating income for the third quarter of 2005 was $58.7 million, up 16% from the third quarter of 2004. Net income of $35.4 million was up 22% from last year's third quarter and diluted earnings per share were $.50 per share, up 19% over the same quarter of last year.

"AMETEK had a very good third quarter. Sales and earnings grew at double-digit rates driven by the combined benefits of core growth, acquisitions and our focus on operational excellence," commented Frank S. Hermance, AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"Our markets remain strong. The internal order growth for AMETEK was 6% in the quarter. Each group contributed to this strong performance with the Electronic Instruments Group up 7% and the Electromechanical Group up 5%. We had particularly strong order performance in our aerospace and power businesses," added Mr. Hermance.

 

Renishaw Launches Dutch Language Website

The site contains details on the full range of Renishaw products, including CMM probe systems, touch probes and laser tool setters for CNC machine tools, linear and rotary encoders for position feedback, calibration systems for machine performance analysis, styli for touch probes, Raman spectroscopy systems for spectral analysis and 3D digitising products for reverse engineering.

Visitors to the site will also be able to download a range of Dutch language brochures, data sheets, news articles and technical articles. Visit the Renishaw Dutch language site at: www.renishaw.nl.

Renishaw opened its first office in The Netherlands in 2001, which also supports Belgium and Luxembourg. Located in Prinsenbeek, Renishaw Benelux BV is run by General Manager Philippe Reinders-Folmer, who is delighted with the new web site, “There are few international suppliers in the metalworking industry with Dutch websites, serving to highlight Renishaw’s commitment to educate and support its global customer base”.

There are now Renishaw web sites in nineteen different languages. As well as the major European languages, sites are also available in Korean, Traditional Mandarin, Simplified Mandarin, Czech, Russian, Swedish, Polish and Slovenian.

 

NIST/JILA Fellow Jan Hall Shares 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics

John L. (Jan) Hall of the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado at Boulder and Theodor W. Hänsch of the Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics, Garching and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany, were named winners of the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics, sharing the honor with Roy J. Glauber of Harvard University.

Hall, 71, is a scientist emeritus in the NIST Quantum Physics Division and a fellow of JILA, a joint research institution of NIST and the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo. He was one of the founding fellows of JILA (created in 1962 as the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics), and he significantly contributed to the development of the laser, first demonstrated in 1961, from a laboratory curiosity to one of the fundamental tools of modern science and a ubiquitous component of modern communications systems.

Hall is known as a preeminent laser experimentalist, concentrating on improving the precision and accuracy with which lasers can produce a specific, sharp frequency or color of light, and the stability with which they can hold that frequency. His work has been essential to the development of the laser as a precision measurement tool. In the 1960s he worked on the development of the methane-stabilized helium-neon laser, which became the cornerstone of a famous experiment at NIST to measure the speed of light at least 100 times better than any previous determination. The work ultimately led to a fundamental redefinition of the meter, the basic unit of distance measurement.

Precise control of the frequency and improved stability have enabled a broad range of laser applications in science and technology, including precision spectroscopy for physical and chemical analysis, new tests and measurements of fundamental physical laws and constants, time and length metrology, and fiber-optic communications, among others.

Hall shares the Nobel Prize with Hänsch "for their contributions to the development of laser-based precision spectroscopy, including the optical frequency comb technique.”

For continuation of this story visit NIST.

 

News From Chell Instruments, Ltd., located in North Norfolk, UK

Chell Instruments, Ltd., leaders in pressure, vacuum and gas flow measurement and control has increased its service and calibration capabilities in two ways.

Firstly the UKAS (ISO 17025) calibration lab has further reduced its uncertainties and increased its scope.For more information on this development visit www.chell.co.uk/lab/callab.htm.

Also, Chell's service department has been expanded and now offers service on Mykrolis, Tylan and Millipore products. Chell are pleased to announce that they are now a service centre for Mykrolis pressure, vacuum and flow products (this includes the Millipore and Tylan products). Chell engineers have received factory training and their repair facility has been developed to accommodate a range of the Mykrolis products. For more information about Chell's Service Centre Expansion visit www.chell.co.uk/news/mykrolisrepair.htm.

 

VWR Inc. Opens Office in Shanghai, China to Strengthen Customer Support in Region

VWR International, Inc., a leader in the global research laboratory industry, announced the opening of a representative office in Shanghai, China to further strengthen customer support and sales activities in the Shanghai and Beijing regions.

The new office, located at Suite 601 in the Hong Kong Plaza Building, Huai Hai Road in the Shanghai Central Business District is fully staffed and serves as a central resource for customer service, sales support and technical services for the region. The office will also serve as one of VWR's locations for the strategic sourcing of laboratory supplies, equipment and instruments within China.

"We have established relationships with many multinational companies who have operations in the fast-growing Shanghai area and the opening of the new office demonstrates our commitment to these key accounts and enhanced support for all our local customers," says Matthew Malenfant, senior vice-president, supplier management and services. "This also underscores our dedication to carrying out our corporate mission of a global presence supported by first-class local service for our customers."

Shanghai is a center for pharmaceutical production, biotechnology research and other science-based multinational businesses. VWR supplies laboratory chemicals, equipment, supplies and services to many of these multinational companies throughout all of their global operations. The new sales office enhances VWR's support at the local Shanghai level, providing "real-time" service, local sales representation, product seminars, training and response to end-user technology and application requests. The office will also coordinate VWR's Chinese supply chain, which consists of direct export and an expanding dealer network.

"China is a growth market for VWR," says Scott Holt, VWR director of global export and chief representative for the Shanghai office. "The biotechnology industry, among others, is expanding at an unbelievable rate and VWR is now in an even better position here to support that growth."

Visit VWR International, Inc. for more information.

 

Transcat Announces Fiscal 2006 Second Quarter and First Half Results

Transcat, Inc. a leading global distributor of professional grade test, measurement, and calibration instruments and a provider of calibration and repair services, announced financial results for its fiscal year 2006 second quarter and first half ended September 24, 2005.

Fiscal 2006 Second Quarter and First Half Highlights

  • Net sales for the fiscal year 2006 second quarter increased 13.1% to $14.1 million and 9.6% to $28.2 million in the fiscal year 2006 first half.
  • The gross profit ratio increased 2.3 points to 25.6% in the fiscal year 2006 second quarter and 2.1 points to 25.6% in the fiscal year 2006 first half.
  • Calibration Services - Net sales increased 12.6% to $4.7 million in the fiscal year 2006 second quarter and 9.9% to $9.4 million in the fiscal year 2006 first half. The Calibration Services gross profit ratio for the fiscal year 2006 second quarter increased 1.7 points to 27.3%. For the fiscal year 2006 first half, the gross profit ratio increased 2.8 points to 28.0%.

Vist Transcat for more information.

 

NACLA Approves Expansion of L-A-B's Scope of Recognition

The National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation (NACLA) has approved expansion of the scope of recognition of Laboratory Accreditation Bureau (L-A-B), a multi-discipline laboratory accreditation body (AB), headquartered in New Haven, IN.

L-A-B was recognized for a limited scope of services in December of 2004. The full range of services for which L-A-B is now recognized comprises the following: In the Testing area - Mechanical, Environment: Simulation; Vibration and Shock, Durability, Dimensional, Chemical, Non-Destructive, Thermal and Electrical; in the Calibration area - Electricity and Magnetism, Length, Vibration, Time and Frequency, Thermodynamics, Mass and Mass-related, Mechanical, Conductivity and pH.

The roster of NACLA-recognized accreditation bodies and the scopes of accreditation services for which they are recognized are posted on the NACLA web site (www.nacla.net). Visit the site for other information about NACLA as well.

NACLA is a private-sector not-for-profit organization, incorporated in the District of Columbia, with offices in Orlando, FL and Arlington, VA. The NACLA mission is to coordinate and promote consistency in U.S. laboratory accreditation activities by evaluating ABs that apply and granting recognition to those that demonstrate competence, i.e., evidence that they comply with appropriate international standards and all NACLA requirements.

 

Technical Papers Presented by DH Instruments Available

Two new technical papers presented by DH Instruments, Inc. at the 2005 NCSL International Workshop and Symposium in Washington, D.C. are available online:
- Automated Mass Handling for High Performance Pressure Balances, and
- Evaluating the Contribution of Stability in the Measurement Uncertainty of Resonant Quartz Pressure Transfer Standards

Visit DH Instruments to either view the papers online or download the papers.

 

Support Metrology & Calibration Professionals - Participate in Job Description Survey

The ASQ Measurement Quality Division (MQD) in cooperation with the National Conference of Standards Laboratories International (NCSLI) has launched an initiative to create job descriptions for Calibration Technicians, Calibration Engineers, and Metrologists for inclusion in the next version of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC).  Note: the SOC is updated once every 10 years.

The SOC, published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, is used by all Federal statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories. 

The current SOC does not include occupation titles for calibration technicians or calibration engineers. Educators use the SOC to provide students with career guidance information. Without adequate job descriptions, prospective candidates will probably not be steered into the metrology field by educators. In addition, demographic trends in the metrology profession can not be accurately determined.

By completing this brief survey, you will support the metrology profession by contributing to the development of calibration professional job descriptions.

The survey should take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.  Please complete the survey by October 31, 2005. Link to participate: http://www.surveywriter.net/in/survey/survey310/metrology.asp

Thank you for your participation! If I can provide any additional information please e-mail Project Leader, Metrology Job Description Initiative
NSCLI, South Central US Regional Coordinator at: chris.grachanen@hp.com.

 

Aero, Defense Industries to Review Sypris' New Standards Lab

Sypris Test & Measurement president and CEO Kathy Boyd, with the assistance of astronaut Robert Springer and Enterprise Florida's Jennifer Bowman, will officially open Sypris Test & Measurement's National Primary Standards Laboratory with a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 14, 2005. The new laboratory helps poise Sypris, a major provider of calibration and test services to aerospace, military and electronics industries, for continued global growth.

Astronaut Robert Springer will be the keynote speaker. He will talk about the importance of high quality and accuracy to the space program, and the need to attract students to engineering programs to support missions such as the Moon to Mars and Beyond program recently commissioned by President Bush.

Demonstrations of RF & Microwave, HALT and HASS, and NEMA testing as well as Electrical and Physical/Dimensional calibration will be conducted for invited guests, including Lockheed Martin - Missiles & Fire Control, Lockheed Martin - SEMAC, Raytheon, Eaton, Boeing and GE Medical. Sypris Test & Measurement engineers Arvin Blank and Tony Klele will be offering expert insight into the pertinent information ascertained by these tests, and provide demonstrations on the applications of the testing equipment.

Sypris Test & Measurement's leading engineers will discuss the company's breadth of services including on-site and mobile calibration services, testing and evaluation services, state-of-the-art magnetic measurement instruments, current sensors and hall generators.

Jennifer Bowman, project manager, Enterprise Florida, will also speak. Enterprise Florida is a public-private partnership promoting economic development, international trade and statewide business marketing in Florida.

Astronaut Robert Springer, who has logged more than 237 hours in space, flew as a mission specialist on the space shuttles Discovery and Atlantis in 1989 and 1990 before retiring from NASA and the U.S. Marine Corps to work for Boeing Aerospace and Electronics.

Schedule:
Demonstrations: RF & Microwave, HALT and HASS, NEMA testing; Electrical and Physical/Dimensional calibration: 9:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. EST Ribbon cutting: 11:45 a.m.
Keynote speech: Noon
Plant tour: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 6120 Hanging Moss Road, Orlando, Fla.
Contact: Dennis Dean at (414) 274-3003 or ddean@insidesh.com

Sypris Test & Measurement operates a network of state-of-the-art laboratories strategically located throughout the United States, and numerous mobile calibration units.

Sypris Test & Measurement, Inc. is a leading provider of calibration services, test and component sourcing services, and specialty products to major corporations and government agencies. Sypris serves customers in a variety of markets, including military, aerospace, avionics, telecommunications and more, With more than 40 years of component sourcing and product testing experience in locations across the U.S., Sypris is qualified to provide cost effective, independent engineering and test support for a variety of specific test needs. More information about Sypris Test & Measurement's component and product testing services is available on the Internet at www.WeTest.com, or by calling 800-839-4959.

 

ASAP Calibration Services Presented Frost & Sullivan Award

In presenting ASAP Calibration Services with the 2005 Frost & Sullivan Brand Development Strategy Leadership Award for the European calibration services market, Frost & Sullivan acknowledges the recipient's ability to best perceive consumer needs and develop marketing strategies that elevate the brand's quality, style and image to create an overall value perception.

Despite being established just over two years ago as a joint venture between Wyko Calibration Services and Qinteq Metrology (QM), ASAP Calibration Services has rapidly demonstrated excellence in brand development with a recent Frost & Sullivan study revealing high levels of competitor and end user recognition of the company's calibration services.

Propelled by aggressive strategies undertaken over the last couple of months ASAP has rapidly expanded its market share in the UK calibration services market and is currently established as a leading calibration service provider. "ASAP has been able to grow its market share and brand image in the U.K calibration services market in a short time since its inception," remarks Frost & Sullivan Test & Measurements Group Programme Manager, Muthukumar V.

Learn more about ASAP Calibration Services.

 

Manufacturing & Measurement Conference & Workshop Website

Now in its 8th year, Manufacturing & Measurement Conference & Workshop (MMCW) announces new & expanded topics in 2006. The Conference is now devoted to covering both dimensional measurement issues and strategies, as well as measurement in manufacturing situations. The 2006 Conference & Workshop is being held April 24-28, 2006 in Nashville, TN.

Attendees will learn practical applications for implementing measurement technology through exciting workshops & multiple conference sessions. An up-close plant tour and exclusive networking dinner reception at the world renowned Wildhorse Saloon has been added to the conference schedule.

Visit the MMCW website for more Conference details. Sponsorships are being accepted now.

 

ACLASS Signs the NACLA MRA

ACLASS, a Washington D.C. metro area based company, signed the National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation (NACLA) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on September 1, 2005 for both calibration and testing. NACLA is a membership organization open to any organization having interest in laboratory accreditation. The purpose of the MRA is to establish confidence among NACLA signatories, MRA applicants, and other members of NACLA of the competence of laboratory accreditation bodies and their accredited laboratories.

“It is a wonderful opportunity not only for ACLASS but for all our customers,” said Keith Greenaway, ACLASS’ President. “Signing the NACLA MRA is an enormous step for us as the MRA formally recognizes ACLASS to accredit testing and calibration laboratories” explains Mr. Greenaway.

The signing of the NACLA MRA enhances the overall service ACLASS provides to its customers. “We are excited to be a signatory to the NACLA MRA and its positive effect on all of our current customers and any future customers,” stated Roger Muse, ACLASS’ Vice President.

ACLASS is headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area and operates in international and domestic markets with assessors located throughout North America. ACLASS is an accreditation body for the ISO/IEC 17025 standard dedicated to providing quality and reliable accreditation services.

For details on ACLASS’ Scope of Recognition please contact Keith Greenaway at 703- 351-9139 ext. 203. For more information on ACLASS please visit www.aclasscorp.com.

 

ISA's Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Exam

ISA certification provides a non-biased, third-party assessment and confirmation of your knowledge and skills and gives you the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and be recognized. Certified Control Systems Technicians (CCST) calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. For more information on ISA's CCST exam visit: www.isa.org/ccst.

The ISA certification exams will be offered at more than 25 sites across the nation on the following dates:

* 10 December 2005 (applications due 28 October 2005)

This is the last opportunity to take the exam under the "open book" policy. Effective 1 January 2006 all ISA certification exams will be closed book.

 

Control Automation Technologies Corporation Expands Office and Lab

Control Automation Technologies Corporation, an A2LA Accredited process control and calibration services company based in Winston-Salem, NC has announced the expansion of a new Virginia Regional office/lab. Founded in 1989, CATC has provided process instrument technician services throughout the southeast and beyond, including maintenance, project start up and outage support in North America, Africa and Asia.

CATLabTM, CATC's ISO/IEC 17025 A2LA Accredited test equipment calibration lab provides electrical, pressure, temperature, humidity, analytical and limited dimensional calibration and repair services in-lab and on-site. According to CATC president, Mike Watson, "Our company was built on providing instrument technican services, so we've focused our lab scope on the equipment used by field technicians." "With a significant customer base already established in Virginia, I expect the new office/lab to be a catalyst for rapid growth in the Richmond, Tidewater and DelMarVA regions."

The new office is currently under construction and conveniently located just east of Richmond near I-64 and will be open in November '05. For more information on CATC and CATLabTM, visit www.plantservice.com.

 

Electro Rent Europe

Electro Rent, a test-and-measurement and computer-equipment rental company with operations in North America and China, has announced the establishment of Electro Rent Europe. The company will be exhibiting at the European Microwave Week Conference October 3-7 in Paris.

ER Europe will commence operations at the end of September. As part of its plans, ER has acquired the operations of Everest ES, a Belgium equipment rental, sales, and leasing business, which has been operating in an alliance with Electro Rent for several years. As part of the acquisition, David Saeys, the owner of Everest, will become the general manager of ER Europe.

“We are very excited about establishing a local presence to provide quality service at competitive prices in the European market,” commented chairman and CEO Dan Greenberg. “We intend to build a significant market presence and provide European technology companies with access to one world’s largest inventories of test and measurement and computers.”
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