Manufacturer Profile: Acme Industrial
Founded in 1914, Acme Industrial began as a manufacturer of shaft seals, bushings, and pins. In the following decades Acme’s manufacturing capabilities continued to expand and in 1988 Acme began manufacturing keylocking inserts. Today, Acme is one of the leading manufactures of threaded inserts and keylocking inserts in the world. Acme produces a wide range of inserts that provide economical equivalents to manufacturers like Keensert (Alcoa) and Helicoil. In addition, many of Acme Industrial’s keylocking inserts are manufactured to military (Mil, MS) and aerospace (NAS, AS, AN) standards.
Top Selling Acme Industrial to Mil-Spec Equivalents
- 217-076286 = MS51830-104
- 217-076285 = MS51830-103
- 217-077286 = MS51830-104L
- 217-076302 = MS51831-102
- 217-076504 = MS51831-204
Acme inserts are machined from solid steel bars providing superior strength compared to coil inserts. Keylocking inserts also help reduce Foreign Object Debris (FOD) by not utilizing tangs for installation.
bisco: Your Authorized Source for Acme Inserts
bisco industries is proud to be an authorized Acme Industrial distributor. We offer hundreds of Acme inserts in stock with cross equivalent information to mil-spec, Keensert, and Helicoil inserts. To find pricing, availability, and specification information on the entire catalog of Acme inserts visit bisco’s Acme Industrial microsite.
Industry News Wrap-Up: November 14th-20th
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Income Numbers on the Rise
According to IEEE-USA’s annual survey, the median income of electrical and electronics engineers increased 3% increase in 2014, the largest increase since 2008. The survey shows income gaps closing between women and men as well as between African Americans and Caucasians. In addition, the recently released survey shows that the highest median income numbers came from California while the lowest came from Arkansas. The future is looking bright for electronics/electrical engineers and bisco continually developing content to support them. Microsites like bisco’s Southco and Panduit pages allow engineers to find the exact part number you need based on product attributes and specifications.
Why ISO Matters
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. recently released an article emphasizing why all manufacturers should invest in obtaining an ISO certification. One of the many reasons given is that most high-profile customers now require both manufacturers and their subcontractors to be ISO certified. The article also provides tips for getting ISO certified. As an industry leader in customer service, bisco is proud to be both ISO9001 and AS9100 certified.
Volvo teams up with Microsoft’s HoloLens to make Virtual Showrooms a Reality
Swedish automaker, Volvo, recently announced that they are partnering with Microsoft to utilize their digital reality headset – HoloLens. HoloLens will allow future shoppers to wear the headset and experience a high-def hologram image of the vehicle they’d like in different colors and body styles. The HoloLens will also allow shoppers to view the vehicle’s drivetrain and transmission in action. This partnership is a great demonstration of the technological advances that are rapidly taking place throughout the automotive industry.
Fuse Holders from Keystone Electronics
Keystone Electronics offers a complete line of fuse holders for cylindrical glass fuses as well as auto blade fuses. Keystone fuse holders are utilized on all types of applications including telecommunication, aerospace, automotive, and solar applications.
Fuse Protection for Solar Applications
Keystone’s latest line of fuse holders is specifically designed to protect fuses used on solar applications and photovoltaic systems. These 5AG SPF fuse holders feature both surface mount and thru-hole mount options and are rated for up to 30 Amps. The 5AG Midget SPF fuse holders utilize tin plated brass springs and a UL rated nylon bases to protect fuses from damage. To find detailed specification info view the Keystone solar protection fuse (SPF) holder catalog page.
bisco industries is proud to be an authorized Keystone distributor and offers extensive inventory on Keystone products. Visit biscoind.com for pricing on 5AG SPF fuse holders and covers 3574, 3576, and 3576C.
What is a Terminal Block?
Terminal blocks function as convenient connection points for electrical wires while avoiding the need for wires to be spliced together. At the most basic level a terminal block is a strip of molded plastic fitted with metal plates and screws. Each connection point (terminal) features a metal plate and two parallel screws which conduct electricity and secure the wires in place. Connections are formed when the wires (typically outfitted with terminal lugs) are clamped between the screws and the conductor plate. Terminal blocks are also available in more complex configurations which provide features like spring clamp terminals and din rail mounting. Related products include euroblocks (European style terminal blocks) and power blocks.
Common Terminal Block Configurations
- Din Rail Mounted Terminal Blocks
- Double Row Terminal Blocks
- Single Row Terminal Blocks
- Feed Thru Stud Terminal Blocks
- Barrier Terminal Blocks
Leading Terminal Block Manufacturers
- Marathon Special Products (Kulka)
- Molex
- TE Connectivity
- Altech
- ABB
- WAGO
For more information about terminal blocks check out resources from manufacturers like ABB and Marathon. Have a question? Contact bisco’s customer support team anytime.
Industry News Wrap-Up: November 7th-13th
Here’s a quick look at some of this week’s top events in for a few of bisco’s top industries.
Boeing & Lockheed Protest Northrop’s LRSB Contract
Boeing and Lockheed Martin have filed a formal protest against the award to of an $80 billion Long Range Strike Bomber contract to Northrop Grumman. Although many of the complaints lodged by Boeing and Lockheed are long shots aerospace industry consultant Loren Thompson said that, “this protest has a real chance of winning and overturning the award”. If overturned the contract would be a major embarrassment for the Air Force and the Pentagon, raising fundamental questions about their ability to make sound purchasing decisions.
Electronics 2020: What Will the Industry Look Like?
Printed Circuit Design & Fab editor, Mike Buetow, asked a number of leading electronics experts for their vision of how the design and manufacturing landscape will change in the future. Some of the challenges and opportunities facing the electronics manufacturing industry today include robots, DNA-based circuits, 3D printers and supply chain migration. Click to learn more about what the designers, fabricators, assemblers, and suppliers are saying about the state of electronics manufacturing in 2020.
Robot Salamander Helping Scientists Unlock Spinal Secrets
Created by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, the salamander-like robot called Pleurobot is designed based on 3D X-ray videos of salamanders. These videos allowed engineers to create life-like locomotion especially in the movement of the spine. Researchers are utilizing the Pleurobot to better understand the development of the spine.
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ABB Analyzers Help Forecast Weather
Tonight’s weather forecast brought to you by ABB! Hundreds and thousands of miles above earth, satellites equipped with ABB analyzers help monitor the earth’s atmosphere and forecast weather. The data compiled helps predict atmospheric changes and provides early warnings of extreme weather conditions like increased rainfall and powerful storms.
Over the past few decades the atmosphere’s chemical composition has been rapidly changing due to emissions. The consequences could be profound, including a significant increase in the earth’s temperature. The data collected by the ABB equipped satellites helps scientists better understand the gas composition of the atmosphere and provides information for weather forecasting, greenhouse gas and pollution monitoring, ozone depletion and climate change studies.
In the last 20 years, ABB has contributed dozens of optical instruments to satellite missions sponsored by NASA, universities and major space exploration agencies. This ABB initiative is just another example how ABB strives to make a global impact with their product and technology. bisco industries is proud to be an authorized stocking distributor of ABB Low Voltage products. Contact our customer service team to learn more about ABB diverse products or visit our website to find pricing and availability.
What is a PCB Card Guide?
Printed circuit board (PCB) card guides, also called PCB retainers, are short narrow strips of material formed into shallow tapered troughs. PC boards are inserted into the top of the trough while the bottom is secured to an enclosure wall. Most card guides secure the PCB in place through the use of pressure but some card guides utilize levers or screws to lock the PCB in place. Card guides are fabricated from a variety of materials including nylon, aluminum, beryllium copper, and stainless steel. By securing circuit boards in place, card guides prevent damage to PCBs caused by vibration and movement.
The Top Names in Card Guides
For many years Pentair, under their Schroff, Birtcher, and Calmark brands, has been the leading manufacturer of PCB card guides. In fact, many of their branded products such as Wedge Tainers, Lok Tainers, PCB Tainers, and Card Loks have become synonymous with PCB card guides. Other top card guide manufacturers include Bivar, Essentra (formerly Richco), and Keystone Electronics.
Learn More About PCB Card Guides
Check out these helpful catalogs from Calmark, Birtcher, and Keystone to learn more about PCB card guides. As always, bisco representatives are standing by to assist you in configuring products, locating crosses, and finding price and availability information.
Industry News Wrap-Up: November 1st-6th
bisco industries serves clients in a variety industries from aerospace to semiconductor. We understand the importance of staying on top of industry trends so we’ve highlighted a few of the top stories from the past week.
China Unveils Jetliner to Compete with Boeing and Airbus
On Monday, China’s first self-developed C919 passenger jetliner was unveiled to a captive audience. The Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China revealed the first of the twin-engine planes in a ceremony attended by approximately 4,000 government officials and other guests at a hangar near Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport. China is one of the world largest aviation markets, but currently relies on Boeing and Airbus to supply their aircrafts. The C919 is expected to fly next year and to enter service in 2019.
Semiconductor Industry Q3 Numbers Down 2.8% YoY
The Semiconductor Industry Association recently reported a 2.8% dip in year-over-year semiconductor sales during the third quarter of the 2015 calendar year. Worldwide Q3 semiconductor sales reached $85.2 billion a figure that is down 2.8% year-over-year but up 1.5% sequentially. Statistics were compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics organization and represent a three-month moving average. Though worldwide sales were down, regional sales were up in the Americas, China, Europe and Japan.
Design-2-Part Announces 2016 Trade Show Schedule
Tradeshow organizer, Design-2-Part (D2P), recently announced 6 shows in their 2016 schedule. The show will be rolling through 6 states throughout the United States next year connecting engineers and product manufacturers with top tier suppliers. This last week, several bisco team members exhibited at the D2P show in Covington, KY.
What did we miss?
Let us know the stories impacting your industry by commenting on this post.
bisco Attends Kentucky Design-2-Part Show
November 4th-5th marked this year’s Design-2-Part (D2P) show in Covington, KY. The D2P show focused on the Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio markets and served as an avenue for hundreds of manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers to connect. During the event supply chain members were able to discuss strategies to improve quality, reduce costs, and expedite product to market time.
bisco’s team was joined by Heyco rep, Bill VanBebber, who provided technical expertise on Heyco’s product catalog of strain relief bushings, solar power components, and liquid tight cordgrips. The bisco team met with about 100 engineers and buyers during the event and is looking forward to working with them to optimize their supply chains.
In the Chicago area? bisco’s team will be attending the Fabtech show next week.
Helping Clients Optimize Their Supply Chains Since 1973
bisco leverages our strong relationships with manufacturers to provide our clients with the best pricing, availability, and access to custom manufacturing services. In addition, we have decades of experience customizing inventory management services for our customers. Visit biscoind.com to learn more about our supply chain services and to find get pricing and availability on thousands of products.
What is a Spacer?
Spacers are unthreaded cylindrical fasteners fabricated from a variety of materials including brass, stainless steel, and nylon. Similar to standoffs, spacers differ in that they are unthreaded. Spacers fall under the broader categories of electronic hardware and printed circuit board (PCB) hardware as spacers are primarily used to separate (space) PCBs. Spacers protect PCBs from heat damage by creating space for cooling air flow while also allowing PCBs to be stacked.
How Are Spacers Manufactured?
Spacers are typically fabricated using computer numerical control (CNC) machining or automatic lathe machining. CNC machining utilizes computer programs to control the machining process while automatic lathe machining automates the machining process through mechanical means. In either method the raw material is inserted into the machine and then rotated at varying speeds while cutting tools remove excess material until the final product is produced.
Leading Spacer Manufacturers
Only Have a Product Description?
RAF and Lyn-Tron both offer convenient product configurators to help you find a manufacturer item number. Once you’ve located the item number or if you already have it, be sure to visit biscoind.com to get pricing and availability information.