Reader Feedback

I read your article on IR thermography in the March issue and would like to point out a common mistake. On page 41 the temperature difference between 1563 F and 1600 F is called 37 deg F. It should read 37 F deg, which is a temperature difference. 1563 F is a point on the temperature scale. — Joseph Baird

I just saw the frequency chart in your Basics of IR Thermography article. The color separation of the visible light is oriented incorrectly. The red end should be adjacent to the infrared and the violet next to the ultraviolet. —Scott Courtney

To quote Rick Dunn ("Comment," February 2003), "New ideas and changes are good. But they don't all have to be zapped in the microwave. Sometimes, they need to simmer for awhile in the crock pot."

One of the reasons I enjoy PE magazine is that it does not run off on new, yet-to-be proven, crazes. Some of the best applications of the "new wave" of products and management thought actually take place after some introspection and then more contemplation on application. The Six Sigma article hit a great point: "Don't train aspirins to look for headaches." Too often we rush down the road of the greatest and latest only to find the road leads to nowhere — an eternity in trying to apply a solution to a problem we have yet to identify. "We shall sell no wine before its time" should be a mantra to hold down unbridled enthusiasm for the "next best fix." — Joseph H. Greil

I could not agree more with Mike Cinquemani's article concerning motor myths (February 2003 issue). What does concern me about this article is the cut-away picture on page 57. As noted in Mr. Cinquemani's article, voids/unbalance are detrimental to the life of a motor. If you look carefully at the cutaway, there are an excessive number of balance weighs added to the rotor in this machine. This tells me that I either have voids in the casting or problems with offcenter punching on the rotor laminations. Quality workmanship and processes in manufacturing can't be overlooked or underrated when looking into motor purchases. —Ron Steelman

I trust Ernie Houle (Solutions, February 2003 issue) will ascertain the CFM of cooling air required to maintain the control cabinet components integrity, so it will not be below acceptable limits due to air flow restrictions. Write the proper maintenance instructions so the filter pad(s) will be inspected and/or replaced at the correct intervals. —Jim Fahlsing