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Feature Inspection & measurements
Making sure ovens are ready
Leading UK white goods manufacturer,
Dimplex is using HAL testers from Clare
Instruments to conduct the electrical
safety checks on its new range of induction
hobs and ovens during the production cycle
to ensure safety and improve efficiency
G
len Dimplex Home Appliances Glen Dimplex Home
(GDHA), in Prescot, Mersey- Appliances is using
side, produces freestanding,
Clare HAL testers
built-in and range cooking
on its production
appliances under the Stoves, Belling
line to test the
and New World brands, and cooling
electrical safety of
products under the Lec brand.
induction hobs and
In November, the company
ovens
launched its collection of induction
products, including the BI60i Eco simplify test programming, by results against individual equipment
Induction Oven which uses 50% less employing barcodes as part of a serial numbers. Reports can be down-
energy than an A-rated oven. system providing full test results loaded to a PC or printer for the
To ensure complete product safety, traceability. Tests can be quickly production of complete test data
GDHA teamed up with Clare to install configured into the tester by scanning records. In addition, the networking of
four HAL testers on its production in pre-defined barcodes that operate as test data with central management
lines allowing the company to make test codes, making the equipment information systems allows the test
its safety checks more reliable, while ideal for any ISO traceable application station to become an MIS data collec-
saving time and money. in quality control, conformance, or tion point, not only in identifying fail-
HALs undertake accurate and high production line testing applications. ure rates, but also by providing details
speed ramp DC testing during the final These pre-defined barcodes can be of productivity levels and other infor-
production stage, ensuring the unit is generated directly from the test equip- mation as part of quality audit trails.
safe for use by the consumer when it ment on adhesive labels, using the test With a stylish new case design for
leaves the factory gates. Specifically and tag printer, or from proprietary space efficient bench testing and
configured to undertake earth bond, Microsoft PC applications. These bar- equipped with intuitive user interface,
flash (HiPot), load, continuity and codes can be incorporated into live operating the HAL testers is achieved
live-to-neutral electrical testing, HALs test procedure documents or the man- through the use of programmable soft
also help ensure consistent quality uals required as part of ISO quality keys and a rotary switch used in asso-
control in the production process. systems. Specialist software and a ciation with a large graphical display.
The result is every product is 100% large capacity internal database give
tested in every mode and the new test the new generation of test instruments Clare Instruments T: 0191 587 8741
configuration enables all products, the ability to store test details and www.clareinstruments.com Enter 317
destined for domestic, professional or
overseas markets, to be assessed by the
same test procedure.
Digital laser scanner aids automated welding
The Clare testers ensure the cookers
meet safety compliance requirements
of the low voltage directive and all
A
new, scanning-spot laser sensor, DLS200, designed to automate and
speed up the manufacture of wind towers and other structures contain-
major international standards includ-
ing metals of different thickness has been launched by Oxfordshire based
ing EN 50191 and EN 50106.
Meta Vision Systems.
Dave Connelly, technical projects
The thickness of the steel plates that form the base of a wind tower can
engineer at GDHA, says testing with
the HALs helped the company launch
be 50mm or more, while the middle section is made from lighter gauge
its induction technology appliances.
metal and near the top, the steel is thinner still. Welding of these various
“The HAL is an excellent and versa-
gauges requires different procedures.
tile instrument, providing fast,
The base is typically prepared with a U joint profile and welding takes
efficient and reliable safety testing of
place in several passes. The middle section requires a V type joint and is
our products, saving time and money
welded in one or two passes. Steel at the top is welded with a simple butt
in the process. It also enables us to test
joint preparation. The DLS200 sensor has a programmable scan configura-
more intelligently,” says Connelly.
tion, which means a wide scan can be used for the U and V joints, but a
Clare’s HAL flash/HiPot tester, HAL
narrow scan with high resolution can be used for the smaller butt joints.
scan multi point flash/HiPot tester and DLS200 sensors are being used in test sites to assist automated
scanner and the HAL combi four func- welding of wind towers. Wind tower manufacturers say the main benefit is Meta Vision Systems
tion electrical safety tester are all improved quality with a reduction in defects which translates into T: 01865 887900
equipped with specialist technology to substantial cost savings. www.meta-mvs.com Enter 318
Factory Equipment JANUARY 2010 23
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