HepcoMotion® ALR Aluminum Rings from Bishop-Wisecarver

Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announces the availability of the new HepcoMotion® ALR Aluminum Ring, a cost-effective rotary movement system for medium precision and light load applications. ALR is suitable for use in applications requiring corrosion resistance and a non-magnetic environment.

Available with external vees and in 4 sizes from 148mm to 300mm in diameter as standard, ALR Rings are machined from high strength aluminum alloy and are anodized for excellent durability with an attractive finish. A number of special rings are also possible, such as additional diameters and thicknesses, rings with internal vees, gearcut rings, and rings machined in the form of self aligning timing belt pulleys.

Matched to run perfectly on the surface of the Aluminum Rings are Bishop-Wisecarver’s Size 2 DualVee® polymer overmolded guide wheels with integral studs. The outer portion of the polymer wheels are comprised of a high performance plastic molded onto a stainless steel bearing and stud which allows for smooth, anti-friction motion and little wear on the aluminum ring vees. For smaller, lighter applications, Bishop-Wisecarver’s Size 1 and Size 0 polymer wheels can also be specified.

Bishop-Wisecarver
www.bwc.com

Bishop-Wisecarver Promotes National Sales Manager

Pittsburg, CA - Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announced that National Sales Manager Michael McVeigh has been promoted to Vice President of Sales. He will have the primary responsibility of overseeing the entire sales channel for Bishop-Wisecarver, and manage all global efforts both domestically and internationally.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mike for four years as our National Sales Manager. He has done a fabulous job of growing our sales efforts, even during the recent economic downturn,” said Pamela Kan, president of Bishop-Wisecarver. “The Board of Directors felt that bringing Mikes’ management skills to our entire sales channel will be an important element of our global sales efforts going forward. I look forward to working with Mike on our strategic sales plans for growing our sales both domestically and internationally.”

McVeigh is a college graduate from the University of New York at Buffalo. Prior to joining Bishop-Wisecarver in 2006 as the National Sales Manager, McVeigh worked in the bearing industry for 16 years in both sales and marketing. Since his hire at Bishop-Wisecarver, he has grown to appreciate the uniqueness of Bishop-Wisecarver’s customer base and their applications.

“Our overriding company goal is to become the customer’s 1st choice,” said McVeigh. “I am honored to be leading our team to meet this challenge as the Vice President of Sales.”

Bishop-Wisecarver
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HepcoMotion® PDU2M Belt Driven Unit from Bishop-Wisecarver

Pittsburg, CA – - Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announces the availability of the new HepcoMotion® PDU2M Profile Belt Driven Unit, a high capacity version of the successful PDU2. The PDU2M incorporates a carriage that contains four extra rollers on each side in order to withstand increased moment forces. Suitable for demanding single-axis systems and multi-axis applications, the PDU2M delivers a 50% higher load capacity, a 200% increase in moment load capacity and a 1,000% improvement in moment load stiffness compared to the standard PDU2. Designers can now specify a single PDU2M unit as a horizontal axis in an X-Z system, where previously two PDU2 units working in parallel would have been required to provide the necessary rigidity and strength.

PDU2M is comprised of a rigid but lightweight aluminum slotted profile fitted with a toothed belt drive and carriage which effectively encloses the unit. Rated for operating speeds up to 6m/s and loads up to 750N, PDU2M’s 20AT3 belt allows for driving forces up to 280N. Left, right or double drive shafts can be specified together with a range of options such as brakes, positioning encoders and mechanical or inductive limit switches. Internal bumpers provide end of stroke protection at both ends.

Key to this unit is the extra ultra-high performance HepcoMotion Herculane® wheels that are mounted on adjustable eccentric studs. These wheels run virtually friction-free on the inside of the profile providing stable support for the carriage plate; felt wipers sweep debris from their path. Several carriage styles are available to allow for quick and easy construction of multi-axis systems with minimal brackets and hardware.

PDU2 is fully compatible with aluminum profile systems (which Bishop-Wisecarver carries) and is an ideal replacement for failing ball-based systems that are unable to match its speed and reliability.

Bishop-Wisecarver
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New HepcoMotion® PSD80 Profile Screw Driven Unit from Bishop-Wisecarver

Pittsburg, CA - Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announces the availability of the new HepcoMotion® PSD80 Profile Screw Driven Linear Actuator with high efficiency Herculane® wheel technology. Designed to complement the established PSD120 ball screw actuator, PSD80 has been primarily developed around the need for a cost effective Z axis solution in lighter load applications such as pick and place and assembly operations.

Housed on a high strength aluminum beam and fitted with a stainless steel sealing band, the PSD80 uses Herculane wheels mounted to an adjustable carriage, offering long life and no re-lubrication. Single or multiple carriages on a unit are possible and can handle loads to 500N. A stainless steel lead screw provides actuation with pitch ranges of 4, 15, 25 and 70mm. The 25mm lead is particularly useful in Z axis applications, while the 70mm screw pitch satisfies the higher speed pick and place requirements and allows speeds up to 1 m/s and thrust loads to 300N. The lead screw is available in right and left handed threads and offers smooth, strong and precise actuation. A ball screw can be supplied for applications that require greater positioning accuracy.

PSD80 is supplied as a closed or open format dependent upon the application being subject to the ingress of dirt. The closed unit is rugged, tolerant of debris, and offers many mounting options while the open version is a lower cost solution that is compact, light, and has low friction. Where two units are to be used in parallel, a “slave axis” without the driving screw can be specified for both closed and open units. Adding to its flexibility, the PSD80 is available in a completely corrosion resistant version, as well as a double acting version for applications that require symmetrical movement from opposing carriages.

Bishop-Wisecarver
www.bwc.com

Patent Awarded To Bishop-Wisecarver For New Dualvee® Washdown Wheels

Pittsburg, CA – Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation, manufacturer of the original DualVee® guide wheel and industry leader in guided motion technology, announced today that it has been awarded a third U.S. Patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its latest technological development of a washdown wheel in their signature DualVee family of products.

Designed primarily for washdown environments, such as those experienced in food and beverage applications, the DualVee washdown wheel significantly extends bearing life and increases bearing replacement intervals at least three-fold. The new bearing incorporates the patented inner seal and outer shield design. The design of the outer shield allows it to act as a momentary seal; while pressure from high velocity fluid causes the shield to deflect and conform to the wheel’s metallic surface. When the pressure is removed, the shield returns to its normal position, allowing any liquid and debris that entered between the shield and seal to drain out or be spun out by centrifugal force. Available in sizes 2 and 3, DualVee washdown wheels feature AISI 440C stainless steel construction, FDA approved grease, and exceptional protection from high velocity washdown fluids and debris. Washdown wheels are interchangeable with Original DualVee wheels for ease of replacement.

“The issuance of this patent for our washdown wheel clearly illustrates the value and versatility of Bishop-Wisecarver’s signature DualVee® product line”, says Pamela Kan, president of Bishop-Wisecarver. “Once again, we have established our position as the leader and innovator of guide wheel technology by providing our customers with a product that is truly unique and effective in an industry where regular washdown practices have an adverse affect on the life and performance of standard bearings.”

For more information: DualVee washdown wheels and to view this patented technology in action>>

Bishop-Wisecarver Launches New Spanish Web Site

Pittsburg, CA – Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation has unveiled a new Spanish language web site. Complete with detailed product pages, a library of downloadable product catalogs, 3D CAD files, and a full line of application stories, the new web site is part of the company’s extensive initiative to support the needs of its Spanish-speaking customers. The initial site features Bishop-Wisecarver’s full line of signature DualVee-based products; the addition of its other product offerings is planned in the near future.

Continuing its effort to establish a stronger presence in the Latin American community, the company has recruited Ricardo Iraheta, a bilingual customer service representative who has a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Ricardo is fluent in both Spanish and English and is available to assist Spanish-speaking customers with their application requirements. Bishop-Wisecarver has also partnered with a bilingual manufacturers’ representative firm, RCB International, which offers substantial knowledge in linear motion products and markets. RCB International provides customer service and technical support in the Southern Florida and Caribbean regions.

“The Spanish web site is another important element supporting our dedication in assisting our growing number of Latin American customers, as well as Hispanic customers within the United States,” says Pamela Kan, president of Bishop-Wisecarver. “Combined with the addition of bilingual personnel and the availability of Spanish literature, the web site enhances our objective to extend superior service and technical support in their native language, while providing them with 24/7 accessible information that was not available before.”

To visit the company’s new Spanish web site go to: www.bwc.com/index_es.php.

Bishop-Wisecarver
www.bwc.com

Low Temperature DualVee Guide Wheels

Pittsburg, CA – - Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announces the availability of its new low temperature wheel, the latest addition to the company’s signature DualVee product line. Designed primarily to meet the extreme low temperature demands present in the aerospace industry, the low temperature wheel also provides an economical solution for refrigeration and sub-zero climates.

DualVee low temperature wheels are available in sizes 1 through 4 from stock. DualVee low temperature wheels feature type 440C stainless steel balls and races, and type 304 stainless steel retainers, with a special lubricant formulated to withstand service temperatures from -94 to +230°F (-70 to +110°C). Bishop-Wisecarver DualVee wheels are also available from stock in high temperature, washdown, clean room, and stainless versions to satisfy application requirements. DualVee guide wheels can be provided with custom or customer-supplied lubricants, generally within three weeks. Wheels can even be provided completely dry for applications such as food processing and medical devices where the possibility of grease contamination is an issue.

“This addition to the DualVee family of products supports Bishop-Wisecarver’s mission of ‘Motion without limits’, and truly allows us to provide guided motion solutions for all types of critical and extreme environments”, says Pamela Kan, president of Bishop-Wisecarver.

Bishop-Wisecarver
www.bwc.com/products/dual-vee.html#1

Bishop-Wisecarver Appoints New VP of Operations

Pittsburg, CA – - Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announced it has appointed Mike Citro, a 40-year veteran in the profession, VP of Operations.  Citro will lead the company’s manufacturing, quality, purchasing and engineering teams.  With an emphasis on Continuous Improvement in all aspects of the manufacturing operations, he will identify opportunities to continually improve and implement strategies to optimize resources and process standards.

Mike Citro

After owning his own manufacturing business for 20 years and being the Director of Operations of Micropump for 11 years, Citro became an independent consultant for a few years, working with major corporations using lean principals to implement change and boost plant efficiencies.  His extensive experience and achievements utilizing Toyota production principals led to a 9 year role as Director of Operations and General Manager at Tuthill Pump Group, previously a client of his successful consulting practice.  Under Citro’s leadership, Tuthill’s product quality increased many-fold, and on-time orders more than doubled.  Tuthill then appointed Citro to improve a specific product line at Tuthill Transfer Systems in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a $95M/year business.

An advocate of career technical education with a desire to mentor promising young students, he also taught Manufacturing Technology evening courses at junior colleges and for the National Tooling and Machining Association, where he was a national officer for 12 years.

“I am encouraged by Bishop-Wisecarver’s employees’ willingness to embrace change, an attitude I have seldom encountered at previous projects,” says Citro.  “I am a fanatic about customer service, and I look forward to implementing Toyota production principals to support that conviction, and take the company to the next level.”

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DualVee® Washdown Wheels

Pittsburg, CA – - Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation announces its new patent pending washdown wheels, the latest addition to the company’s signature DualVee product line. Designed primarily to meet the extreme demands of food processing equipment linear motion applications, the washdown wheel significantly extends bearing life, and is interchangeable with standard vee wheels for ease of replacement.

Available in sizes 2 and 3, DualVee washdown wheels feature an all stainless steel construction, FDA approved grease, an outer shield, and inner seal for added protection from liquids and debris. The rubberized metallic shield acts as a momentary seal when subjected to a stream of high velocity washdown fluid. The fluid velocity causes the rubberized shield to deflect and conform to the metallic surface of the wheel, sealing against ingress of liquids. The inner seal provides the principal line of defense, ensuring that external fluids are kept out of the wheel while retaining the internal lubrication grease; both important factors affecting the life of the wheel. Once the stream is directed away from the wheel, the deflected shield returns to its original position, allowing any residual fluid that entered the zone between the shield and seal to drain out or be spun out by centrifugal force.

For more information on DualVee washdown wheels visit www.bwc.com/products/dual-vee.html.

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