Much great data is free

ON THE WEB…

A free service is available on the web at www.CompressorWise.com for help with compressed air systems. The site puts compressor operators in touch with information from mechanics, maintenance supervisors, buyers, plant managers and engineers who have learned from experience which vendors can be trusted to provide the best value and service. Visitors to the site can register for a free compressor newsletter, which contains ideas and tips for reducing maintenance and improving compressed air systems. Also on the site is a free referral service to help users find repair companies with the right experience for their particular problem. In addition, the site includes a technical reference book.

Lincoln Motors has introduced an on-line industrial and commercial AC motor catalogue that includes multiple searching techniques. Located on the Internet at www.lincolnmotors.com, the site displays such information as list price, shipping weight, variable speed capabilities, full load efficiency, service factor, other power system capabilities and stocking locations for the identified motor. The catalogue user can define product line, mounting configuration, horsepower, speed, phase, frequency and volts to narrow the scope of the search.

More interactive access, plus increased technical information about mechanical fasteners, tools, accessories and supplies for belt-conveyor maintenance, marks the updated and expanded Flexco web site, located at www.flexco.com. A new Products & Distributors section is organized geographically to accommodate the individual market needs of each region. A distributor locator is guided by the user’s input of postal code (or zip code in the United States). Other new sections offer FAQs, technical tips, bulletin board (through which users can submit questions) and e-mail that can be directed to a selection of several departments at Flexco. A trade show schedule also has been added.

Customers of USF Surface Preparation Group have easy access to many products and services at www.surfacepreparation.com, the company’s newly redesigned and expanded web site. The functionality of the site has been improved, and the site itself is frequently updated. The new format gives the company the option of handling on-line enquiries or expanding into e-commerce in the future.

International Lubricants (ILI) has redesigned its web site, located at www.lubegard.com. Featuring eye-catching graphics and an easy-to-use format, the site offers three categories, About ILI, What’s New and Products, as well as a section for contacting the company. The Products section is sub-divided by category.

The Kimberley-Clark Skin Wellness Institute has launched a web site designed for anyone interested in learning more about skin health issues in occupational settings. Featured on the site, www.kcskinhealth.com, are a section highlighting news and information about skin health issues, research and products, a section giving information on the Institute’s faculty and a section offering articles and reports on a range of skin wellness topics. Also included is a section linking visitors to other useful sites. The Institute plans to update the site on a regular basis.

Goulds Pumps has announced the introduction of the Hydraulic Selection System, HSS. Accessible via the Internet at www.gouldspumps.com, HSS provides information on the company’s line of pumps based on selection criteria provided by the user. It selects from a data base of over 5,000 pump models and sizes to present customers with choices that match their exact parameters.

Canadian cablemaker elocab has launched a website, located at www.elocab.com, which offers quick solutions to cable problems. The site features a questionnaire that allows customers to define their specifications or problems, including factors such as tension resistance, high-flex performance, chemical and thermal jacket durability and cable diameter. Once the questionnaire has been completed, it transfers directly to the company’s product engineers, who develop an average of eight new cable designs daily. Trade articles on unusual cable solutions and applications are included, along with links to the publications.

Designed for manufacturers and design engineers requiring quick and custom information on 3M Bumpon protective products, the web site at www.3M.com/feet provides details on Bumpon products, pressure-sensitive, adhesive-backed polyurethane bumpers that can be used as feet, stops, spacers and cushions to protect surfaces against marring, scratching, sliding and scuffing. Users can navigate easily through a searchable database and request samples. A Design-A-Bump section enables them to create customized bumper products on line.

FOR THE RECORD…

In the June 2000 issue, IDI Independent Distributors Inc.’s web site was listed incorrectly. It is located at www.idiind.com. IDI may be contacted at 6581 Kitimat Road, Unit #12, Miss-issauga, ON, L5N 3T4; tel (905) 858-0988; fax (905) 858-1548; e-mail: info@idiind.com.

ON DISK…

BOC Gases has announced that its general product catalogue is available on CD-ROM. Included are more than 40 key vendors and over 7,000 pages of information covering information and product attributes. It is supported by software to search, view, utilize, export and access data distributed, and is being produced for the first time in Canada. Cost is $199.95. For more information, call the BOC Gases technical service line at (888) 256-7359, fax (514) 323-1269; e-mail: serge.landry@boccanada.com.

A spiral-wound retaining ring and wave spring catalogue is available on CD from Spirolox. It allows designers to make quick and easy selections by inputting dimensional parameters. Also provided are general information, dimensions, groove geometry, calculated values and material information for each model. A free copy of the catalogue on CD is available from Spirolox Division, Kaydon Corporation, 29 Cassens Court, Fenton, MO 63026-2573; tel. (636) 343-5885, toll-free (800) 467-2424; e-mail: spirolox@spirolox.com.

Miller Electric Training Systems has added a new interactive CD-ROM to its series of training modules for welders. Entitled Introduction to Welding, the CD provides an overview of the basics of stick, TIG, MIG and plasma cutting processes. Live-arc videos and graphics illustrate concepts, while a glossary defines terms from arc blow to weld pool. Navigation is easy, and students can learn at their own pace by stopping and continuing the lesson at their leisure. The cost is US$29.95. For more information, call (920) 735-4016. To order, call the order desk at (800) 934-5148 or fax (920) 751-2121.

Offered on 3-1/2-in. diskettes, the Royal Digital Product Catalog 2000 features an intuitive interface for easily accessing information, including drawings, specifications and pricing for Royal Diversified Products’ line of inch and metric pins, punches and perforators. Users simply click on the item they wish to view, and the catalogue page is shown complete with product photographs, line drawings, descriptions, part numbers and prices. Included are more than 14,000 standard items, and worksheets which can be printed out and faxed to the company for quotations. The diskettes are available free from Royal Diversified Products, P.O. Box 444, Warren, RI 02885-0444, or the data can be downloaded from www.royalpins.com. The company may be contacted
by calling (401) 245-6900, fax (401) 247-2231; e-mail: sales@royalpins.com.

IN PRINT…

A new bearing educational bulletin from the Educational Services Committee (ESC) of the Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) covers the steps to achieve proper radial retention of bearing rings on their seats. Bearing Installation–Fitting Practice is available from BSA, tel. (630) 858-3838, fax (630) 790-3095, or via the Internet at www.bsahome.org.

The Distribution Research and Education Foundation (DREF) of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) has published a book entitled Winning Strategies for a Consolidating Wholesale Distribution Industry. Forming the basis of detailed strategic planning, the book includes interviews with leading distributors who faced the question of whether to consolidate. Author Adam J. Fein, Ph.D., and his staff at Pembroke Consulting, Philadelphia, Pa., present three alternatives: get big (i.e. grow larger through an alliance), get focused (i.e. concentrate on specialized services) or get out (sell to a consolidator). Prices for the book are US$95.00 for NAW direct members, US$110.00 for members of NAW member associations and US$130.00 for non-members. To order by phone, call (202) 872-0885. The book also is available through the NAW publications web site www.nawpubs.org.MRO