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The technical and economic demands made on modern manufacturing are constantly increasing. Processes must be continuously monitored and forces measured and documented. Best results are obtained where, in designing flexible measuring systems, attention is paid not only to their functionality but also to the modularity of the hardware. Correspondingly high demands are made on the cases employed for the purpose.
As a leading manufacturer of piezoelectric and piezoresistive pressure sensors, force sensors, torque sensors and acceleration sensors, together with their associated electronics and software for the evaluation of the measured data, Kistler Instrumente GmbH expects high standards not only of its products but also of its suppliers. This also applies to the casing technology for the Ostfildern-based company's newly-developed digital measuring and monitoring system CoMo Sys. This device is modular in construction and may be expanded to up to seven measuring channels. The integrated PC allows easy parametrisation, visualisation and logging of processes. The display is a 6.5" TFT colour screen with Windows-orientated surface. It is operated using an integrated mouse and a standard keyboard that may be connected to the front panel.
As a leading manufacturer of piezoelectric and piezoresistive pressure sensors, force sensors, torque sensors and acceleration sensors, together with their associated electronics and software for the evaluation of the measured data, Kistler Instrumente GmbH expects high standards not only of its products but also of its suppliers. This also applies to the casing technology for the Ostfildern-based company's newly-developed digital measuring and monitoring system CoMo Sys. This device is modular in construction and may be expanded to up to seven measuring channels. The integrated PC allows easy parametrisation, visualisation and logging of processes. The display is a 6.5" TFT colour screen with Windows-orientated surface. It is operated using an integrated mouse and a standard keyboard that may be connected to the front panel.
Flexible measuring systems – flexible cases
The measuring and monitoring system was developed as standardised basic unit that could be adapted to specific customer requirements by varying certain components. It was necessary that this flexibility be also reflected in the case that houses the unit. Of particular importance was the wide range of dimensions and internal configurations, as also the possibility of individual colour finishes to individual parts of the case. Kistler also uses Schroff cases on some of its other product ranges, though it had also been using those of another supplier. In the course of CoMo Sys product development, however, Kistler took the decision that in future Schroff should be sole supplier of cases for all its product ranges. Decisive factors in this decision included the company's positive experiences from previous collaboration, the broad palette of flexible standard products and additional services such as Front Panel Fast Track for rapid processing and delivery of custom front panels.
The measuring and monitoring system was developed as standardised basic unit that could be adapted to specific customer requirements by varying certain components. It was necessary that this flexibility be also reflected in the case that houses the unit. Of particular importance was the wide range of dimensions and internal configurations, as also the possibility of individual colour finishes to individual parts of the case. Kistler also uses Schroff cases on some of its other product ranges, though it had also been using those of another supplier. In the course of CoMo Sys product development, however, Kistler took the decision that in future Schroff should be sole supplier of cases for all its product ranges. Decisive factors in this decision included the company's positive experiences from previous collaboration, the broad palette of flexible standard products and additional services such as Front Panel Fast Track for rapid processing and delivery of custom front panels.
Variable case sizes of the CoMo Sys for modular expansion up to a maximum of seven channels
For the case platform Kistler selected the ratiopacPRO series, since this design offers high flexibility in adaptation to specific customer requirements. Kistler uses 19" desktop enclosures for its measuring systems and 19" subrack enclosures in 3 or 4 U, with variable widths such as 42 HP, 63 HP and 84 HP and sometimes also variable depths. Similarly, flexibility in the internal configuration (e.g. 4 U at the front and 3 U at the rear) is very important. The choice should also be available of whether to position the connections on the front or the rear of the unit.
A complete measuring system in 63 HP
Variable everything: height, width, depth and internal configuration
As a universal high-end case, ratiopacPRO is particularly suited to demanding applications in the area of instrumentation, measurement and control technology. The case is a sturdy EMC-shielded metal enclosure that meets the requirements of today's 19“ standard and the US standard IEEE1101.10/.11 for insertion/extractor handles. Components may be inserted either from in front (e.g. display elements) or from behind (e.g. power supply units) without the need to remove cover plates. The same basic case may be used to realise desktop or 19" subrack enclosures or tower versions. Customers may choose between two models: ratiopacPRO, a space-saving version available in heights 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 U, or ratiopacPRO-air, which is 1 U larger in each instance. In the latter model, ½ U of extra space is allowed both beneath and above the installed components to allow the feeding of cool air and removal of warm air. This clever ventilation design enables the user to stack multiples of these 1 U taller cases directly one above the other, without loss of space and without build-ups of hot air, either in a cabinet or on the desk.
Special case sizes (up to 12 U) in ratiopacPRO are easy to create on request. The side panels are adapted to the height and the standard bezels combined to suit the desired height. Specific widths are formed by varying, for example, the lengths of the horizontal rails. The depth of the case can similarly be varied by means of appropriately-sized side panels. Despite these alterations to the dimensions, however, the same assembly and accessory parts may always be used.
In many of Kistler's measuring systems EMC shielding plays a secondary role since sensitive components are normally housed in separate, sealed assemblies and the power supply is also encapsulated. There are however certain individual devices for which a degree of EMC shielding is required. In such situations the ratiopacPRO case can simply be retrofitted as required with standard EMC components.
For the cooling of Kistler equipment, passive cooling (convection) is sufficient. There are however also certain applications that demand active cooling. As a rule, in such situations the individual components are already provided with fans.
As a universal high-end case, ratiopacPRO is particularly suited to demanding applications in the area of instrumentation, measurement and control technology. The case is a sturdy EMC-shielded metal enclosure that meets the requirements of today's 19“ standard and the US standard IEEE1101.10/.11 for insertion/extractor handles. Components may be inserted either from in front (e.g. display elements) or from behind (e.g. power supply units) without the need to remove cover plates. The same basic case may be used to realise desktop or 19" subrack enclosures or tower versions. Customers may choose between two models: ratiopacPRO, a space-saving version available in heights 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 U, or ratiopacPRO-air, which is 1 U larger in each instance. In the latter model, ½ U of extra space is allowed both beneath and above the installed components to allow the feeding of cool air and removal of warm air. This clever ventilation design enables the user to stack multiples of these 1 U taller cases directly one above the other, without loss of space and without build-ups of hot air, either in a cabinet or on the desk.
Special case sizes (up to 12 U) in ratiopacPRO are easy to create on request. The side panels are adapted to the height and the standard bezels combined to suit the desired height. Specific widths are formed by varying, for example, the lengths of the horizontal rails. The depth of the case can similarly be varied by means of appropriately-sized side panels. Despite these alterations to the dimensions, however, the same assembly and accessory parts may always be used.
In many of Kistler's measuring systems EMC shielding plays a secondary role since sensitive components are normally housed in separate, sealed assemblies and the power supply is also encapsulated. There are however certain individual devices for which a degree of EMC shielding is required. In such situations the ratiopacPRO case can simply be retrofitted as required with standard EMC components.
For the cooling of Kistler equipment, passive cooling (convection) is sufficient. There are however also certain applications that demand active cooling. As a rule, in such situations the individual components are already provided with fans.
Individual front panels
Kistler measuring systems are built and equipped individually to suit the customer's intended use. Consequently the front panels also vary widely in terms of their dimensions, individual machining and printing. To allow for this, Kistler takes advantage of Schroff's well-known front panel customising service, Front Panel Fast Track. At present Kistler requires some 50 different front panels, almost all of which require processing and silk-screen printing. With Front Panel Fast Track, Kistler can also receive small volumes of processed front panels in a short time. Kistler sends the required information and drawings of the panels in DXF format by e-mail direct to the Front Panel centre. Here an individual quotation is given and the ensuing order processed.
To calculate the cost of the custom-made front panels, Kistler can also use the online price calculator on the Schroff website. First, the necessary basic data is entered - height, width, number of round holes, number of cut-outs, desired EMC shielding, type of exterior finish, lacquering and silk-screen printing (how many colours) - and then desired accessories (nipple and neck collar screw variations and shielding material) are selected. The customer opts whether the accessories are to be pre-assembled or not. By then clicking on the "Calculate Price" button, a table of prices for various quantities and possible delivery times is displayed.
Kistler measuring systems are built and equipped individually to suit the customer's intended use. Consequently the front panels also vary widely in terms of their dimensions, individual machining and printing. To allow for this, Kistler takes advantage of Schroff's well-known front panel customising service, Front Panel Fast Track. At present Kistler requires some 50 different front panels, almost all of which require processing and silk-screen printing. With Front Panel Fast Track, Kistler can also receive small volumes of processed front panels in a short time. Kistler sends the required information and drawings of the panels in DXF format by e-mail direct to the Front Panel centre. Here an individual quotation is given and the ensuing order processed.
To calculate the cost of the custom-made front panels, Kistler can also use the online price calculator on the Schroff website. First, the necessary basic data is entered - height, width, number of round holes, number of cut-outs, desired EMC shielding, type of exterior finish, lacquering and silk-screen printing (how many colours) - and then desired accessories (nipple and neck collar screw variations and shielding material) are selected. The customer opts whether the accessories are to be pre-assembled or not. By then clicking on the "Calculate Price" button, a table of prices for various quantities and possible delivery times is displayed.
