Standard products range keeps up with the times

Not content to rest on its laurels, WDS continues to launch new products into the market every year based on customer feedback and market demands. 2013 saw the launch of a brand new website and catalogue which included many new products, including anti-vibration mounts, set collars and wire thread repair kits. And to simplify the ordering process, the company has made ordering work holding solutions cheaper and quicker by removing small order surcharges. Chris Putman, sales and marketing director, commented: "Our customers' technologies are continuing to develop so it's very important to us that we are able to develop our products in partnership with them. Throughout 2013 we introduced many new part numbers which were a result of consultation with our existing customers in conjunction with our own observations of market trends. Continued growth is part of our business make-up and we already have plans in place for a number of exciting new product launches in 2014." Included in the new product line-up for 2013 were additions to the anti-vibration mount, set collar and wire thread repair kit ranges. All of these can offer end users increased productivity and reduced wear and replacement costs. Anti-Vibration Mounts and Bumpers Reciprocating or rotating equipment such as petrol engines or electric motors will always produce a vibration. This vibration can damage equipment and even fatigue the operator, affecting productivity. The ability of rubber anti-vibration mounts to isolate noise and vibration makes them universally functional in machines as varied as cutting machines and process equipment to washers and commercial vehicles. The latest additions to the WDS range of anti-vibration mounts are all made from black natural rubber with a Shore hardness of 55, bonded to bright zinc plated mild-steel plates with a metric thread for mounting. Each of the product lines conforms to differing shapes and sizes; including cylindrical bobbin mount, cylindrical bobbin cushion stop and conical shape stop. The range has been developed to cater for the most commonly requested sizes and performance characteristics, ensuring that customers can find the right product to suit their application ex stock. Set Collars Set Collars (commonly known as Shaft Collars) are a key aspect of any industrial design. The concept is relatively simple and can be found in many machine tool and power transmission applications, used as mechanical stops, locating components and bearing faces. The WDS range includes three different designs: full collar with set screw, semi split collar and double split collar. Each version is available in a number of different diameters, constructed from either high quality steel or stainless steel to ensure a precise fit, accuracy and longevity. The set collars are designed to distribute the clamping force evenly around the shaft to prevent shaft damage and to ensure that a tight connection is made with optimum holding power. Wire Thread Repair Kits The WDS wire thread repair kits offer a fast and convenient solution for reducing downtime and repair costs on machines and equipment that are out of action due to damaged threads. The company has launched a comprehensive kit for re-threading holes in equipment, such as machine beds, pump flanges, castings, gearbox housings and bearing mountings quickly and at low cost. The kits can also create stronger threads in softer alloys and composite materials. Extremely easy to use, and with no special engineering experience required, the WDS repair kit is supplied in a convenient carrying case that is compartmentalised to facilitate the selection of drill bits, taps, insertion tool and wire thread inserts. The wire thread inserts themselves are manufactured from high quality 204 stainless steel and are suitable for single, mixed and heavy duty use. They are supplied in five thread sizes: M5, M6, M8, M10 and M12. The WDS range covers five main divisions, standard parts, machine accessories, broaching and general work holding including Spencer Franklin hydraulic work holding.