Hazardous Location Enclosures for the Oil and Gas Industry
Hoffman‘s comprehensive selection of hazardous location enclosures makes them a preferred manufacturer for control, automation, and oil and gas applications. Applications range from PLC and DCS control systems to marshalling cabinets (all manufactured to the strictest global standards). In addition, Hoffman’s Zonex enclosures are ATEX and IECEx certified, delivering a robust solutions where explosive gas and dust are present.
Hoffman provides a broad range of hazardous location accessories such as window kits, hole seals, vent drains, lights, and purge controllers. They also offer heavy-duty bases for high-wind applications and corrosion-resistant paints and coatings.
Looking for explosion proof enclosures? Hoffman offers two types of explosion proof enclosures that meet rigorous industry standards.
Hoffman SX7 Series Junction Boxes
SX7 series junction boxes can be used to house electrical connections, motor starters, circuit breakers, control stations, terminal blocks, pilot lights, switch racks, panelboards and more.
Features:
- Low copper aluminum alloy and stainless steel bolts and screws for corrosion resistance
- Gasket o-rings provides type 4X rating
- Internal mounting panel
- External earth screw
- NPT threads for rigid conduit
- Body and cover can be drilled and threaded according to customers’ specifications
Hoffman SX9 Series Screw Cover Enclosure
SX9 series enclosures are UL certified and feature a screw cover making them ideal for hazardous locations. SX9 junction boxes can be utilized for electrical equipment such as fuses, relays, disconnectors, remote control switches, and transformers.
Features:
- Constructed of low copper content aluminum alloy
- Body and cover can be drilled and threaded according to custom specifications
- Internal/external stainless steel earth screws
- Mounting panel and mounting screws included
- Gasket between body and cover
bisco – Your Authorized Source for Hoffman
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on Hoffman’s extensive line of enclosures for oil and gas applications. To find Hoffman product information, pricing, availability, place orders, or browse bisco’s entire junction box catalog visit biscoind.com.
Molex Expands Offering of Military Grade Electronic Products
In a recent press release Molex announced an expanded product line of military grade electronic components to support manufacturers in the aerospace and defense industries. Molex’s growing selection of products for aerospace and defense is bolstered by its recent acquisition of Minnesota based manufacturer, Soligie. According to Molex regional sales manager, Jeff Brecker,
Military applications are some of the toughest faced by electronic products and it is vital that the installation and replacement of sensors, encoders, switches and other I/O devices are accomplished easily and reliably. As a leader in connectivity, Molex understands the necessity to offer a range of technical, manufacturing and electrical solutions unmatched in the industry. We can meet virtually any connector need with an off-the-shelf or custom product quickly and cost-effectively.
Molex expanded line of military grade products includes:
· Ruggedized MT Optical Backplane Connectors
· Optical Assemblies & Adapters
Molex + bisco
Established in 1938, Molex is a global manufacturer of connectors, sockets/edge cards and cable assemblies. Molex delivers complete interconnect solutions helping design engineers create reliable, cost effective solutions for harsh military environments. bisco industries is proud to be a preferred distributor of Molex products. To find complete Molex product data and price and availability visit biscoind.com.
Stanford Solar Car Team Finishes 6th at World Solar Challenge
The Stanford Solar Car Project (SSCP) team completed the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 41 hours 23 minutes, finishing in sixth place out of a field of 29 teams. The Stanford team was one of only seven teams to complete the 3000 kilometer (about 1900 miles) race in five days. In the official SSCP race recap team member, Alex Lubkin, summed up the teams feelings saying,
The two years of preparation, design, manufacturing, and testing came full circle as we crossed the finish line in Adelaide. Thank you to our team members, sponsors, family, and friends who supported us from the start.
As a proud sponsor of the 2015 Stanford Solar Car Project, bisco industries would like to congratulate the team on a job well done! We are thrilled that so many students were able to learn and grow from this process. bisco is committed to continuing to support the engineers, scientists, and innovators of the future. If your student organization is looking for sponsors for upcoming projects please contact us to learn about partnering with bisco.
What is a Circuit Breaker?
Circuit breakers act as automatic switches that prevent damage from spikes in electrical current or the incorrect flow of electrical current (short circuit). Circuit breakers do this by detecting irregularities in the flow of electricity, interrupting the current and then controlling the current arc. Interruption and containment of the electrical current (arc) can be accomplished through a variety of means including air pressure, and pressurized gas. While they perform the same function as fuses, circuit breakers can sustain repeated use as long as they are reset. An everyday example of a circuit breaker is a standard power strip. Like their commercial counterparts, power strips prevent power surges from damaging connected devices by switching off the flow of electricity. Key variations to keep in mind when selecting a circuit breaker include voltage range, current rating, and type (low voltage, magnetic, etc.).
Common Circuit Breaker Applications
- Solar Installations
- Commercial lighting
- Data centers
- Oil rigs
- Aircraft
Circuit Breaker Manufacturers
The circuit breaker marketplace is extremely competitive but a few of the top players include:
- ABB
- Schneider Electric
- Altech
- Eaton Bussmann
- Phoenix Contact
Looking to learn more about circuit breakers? Check out free this 20 minute training courtesy of ABB.
This blog is part of bisco industries’ weekly blog series, What is it Wednesday?, which focuses on providing foundational product knowledge to procurement professionals. Click subscribe to stay up to date on the latest news from bisco industries.
bisco and Fast-Cor attend the 2015 National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo in Las Vegas
Last week, 10 team members from bisco industries and their sister-company Fast-Cor participated in the 35th National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo in Las Vegas, NV. The show aims to connect manufacturers and master distributors of industrial fasteners, precision formed parts, fastener machinery & tooling and other related products. The show officially opened on Thursday, October 22nd and ran two full days of demos and networking. This year’s show was held at the Sands Expo Center and proved to be a successful trip for all members the bisco and Fast-Cor team.
Supply Partner Meetings
Our meetings with our supply partners gave our team a great chance to touch base on the year’s progress and any upcoming product launches and events. One exciting update from manufacturer, RAF Electronic Hardware was the announcement of a new line of standoffs certified to NAS specifications. Many of bisco’s supply partners also exhibited at the show including 3M, HOLO-KROME, Micro Plastics, Lyn-Tron, A. Raymond Tinnerman, and Unbrako.
Leveraging Manufacturer Relationships for Our Customers
bisco leverages our strong relationships with these and many other manufacturers to provide our clients with the best pricing, availability, and access to custom manufacturing services. Are you looking for specialized fasteners and hardware? Visit biscoind.com to get pricing and availability on specialty fasteners and hardware at the click of a button.
Stanford Solar Car Team Nears Finish Line
The bisco industries sponsored, Stanford Solar Car Project team, is currently entering day 5 of the World Solar Challenge. The 2000 mile solar car race across the Australian Outback features teams from around the world seeking to test the limits of solar powered vehicles.
World Solar Challenge – A Day in the Life
Team member, Kelsey Josund has been providing updates and insights of the race since its start on October 18th. According to Josund,
every day, we [the students] drive from 8am to 5pm, stopping only at designated 30-minute control stops. These are usually gas stations, but occasionally just parking lots, and are located every 200 to 400 kilometers along the Stuart Highway. We get out to stretch our legs, use the bathroom, and refill support vehicles and water bottles here; during this time, we are allowed to charge the car but cannot do any work on it.
This intense schedule combined with the students hard work has the Stanford team currently in 6th place with 2 ½ days remaining. For daily race results visit the official World Solar Challenge results page and stay tuned to bisco’s blog for the final results.
Investing in the Future
bisco industries serves manufactures across the electronics and solar industries through our full-service e-commerce website and team of over 300 locally-based salespeople. bisco’s integral involvement in these industries drives our commitment to supporting the growth and education of future engineers. Here’s hoping the Stanford Solar Car Project team comes out on top!
Introducing bisco’s New Blog Series – What is it Wednesday?
Modern procurement teams often purchase items based only on a product number and a short description. Product expertise is left to engineers allowing buyers to focus on obtaining cost savings and ensuring on time delivery. Despite the benefits of specialization, processing basic product knowledge can often be useful for purchasers. In particular, product expertise is helpful when related products are required or when alternate products are provided. Although a buyer may not make the final decision about purchasing associated items or accepting alternates, product knowledge can help them make an informed decision about escalating to an engineer or supply chain manager.
In an effort to provide purchasing teams with foundational product information, bisco industries is launching a blog series called What is it Wednesday. Each Wednesday we will offer insight on common electronic components and hardware by providing product descriptions, common applications, and top manufacturers. To receive updates on the What is it Wednesday blog series and other news from bisco industries be sure to subscribe to our blog.
Superior Press-Fit Pins & Receptacles from Mill-Max
Leading PCB interconnect manufacturer, Mill-Max, understands that quality is critical when it comes to printed circuit board connectors. That’s exactly why Mill-Max has designed its line of press-fit pins and receptacles to meet the highest industry standards. Using proprietary manufacturing methods, pins and receptacles are high speed turned to meet precise tolerances and plated to ensure superior conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Mill-Max’s precision turned press-fit pins and receptacles offer many benefits over traditional stamped and formed connectors.
Benefits of Precision Turned Pins & Receptacles:
- Seamless construction prevents contact contamination from wave or reflow soldering.
- Specialized press-fit feature geometries – triangle, square, hexagon, octagon – to meet the hole size requirements of specific applications.
- Lead-in countersinks on pin receptacles to facilitate pin alignment.
- Pin and receptacle shells are brass alloy, 360 ½ hard, for strength, conductive and thermal properties.
- Multi-finger beryllium copper contact clip scores the mating device lead for gastight electrical connection and provides best power and force distribution.
- Two-piece receptacle construction (shell and contact clip) allows for cost efficient plating combinations for best solderability and conductivity.
Your Authorized Source for Mill-Max
bisco industries is your local authorized distributor for Mill-Max press-fit pins and receptacles. We stock over 3000 Mill-Max connectors and offer easy online pricing and ordering.
Want to learn more about Mill-Max press-fit pins and receptacles?
Review this handy whitepaper or check out Mill-Max’s product configurator.
Need pricing and availability?
Visit biscoind.com and simply search for the Mill-Max part number you need.
RAF Electronic Hardware Recognizes bisco for Record Sales
One of bisco’s top lines – RAF Electronic Hardware – recently wrapped up their fiscal year and the numbers show a record year in sales for bisco industries. In honor of bisco’s achievement RAF presented an award to bisco recognizing its highest year yet in RAF business.
Given bisco’s reputation as an industry leading source for PCB hardware and electronic components, it’s only natural that RAF and bisco have a strong partnership and proven history of success.
RAF spacers, standoffs, and electronic hardware are used in a variety of industries, including computers, telecommunications, medical, entertainment and military/aerospace.
RAF’s Product Offering Includes:
- Spacers
- Standoffs
- Captive Panel Screws
- Jack Screws
- Thumb Screws
- Printed Circuit Board Supports
- Handles & Ferrules
- Non-Metallic Washers
- CNC Precision Turned Components
- Right Angle Contacts
- Miniature Machining
- Sub-Assemblies
With 48 local offices bisco has all of your RAF needs covered! Ask us about our value added services including VMI, bin stocking, kitting, same day shipments, immediate quotes and more! You can also visit out e-commerce site to place orders online or submit requests for pricing.
The Lightest Metal Structure Ever
Aerospace giant Boeing has released a video showcasing the lightest metal structure ever! The structure is made of one of the lightest materials known to science, called Microlattice.
The entire structure is 99.99% air and is similar to the hollow honeycomb architecture of bone. The structure is made up of super thin, hollow struts. The struts are around 100 micrometers in diameter and have walls just 100 nanometers thick. It’s this design that makes Microlattice 10 times lighter than Styrofoam. Despite it being an insanely light material, it is also extremely strong.
As the video explains, this development has many possibilities, ranging from use in aerospace, high-performance vehicles, shock absorption, and vibration insulation.
Looking for innovative products?
bisco industries is your specialist for the aerospace, circuit board, communication, computer, fabrication, instrumentation, industrial equipment, and marine industries. Visit biscoind.com to learn more.