{"id":4902,"date":"2025-07-15T12:44:40","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T17:44:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/?p=4902"},"modified":"2025-07-15T13:16:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T18:16:24","slug":"hands-free-etching-solution-process-timer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/2025\/07\/hands-free-etching-solution-process-timer\/","title":{"rendered":"Hands Free, Count Up-Timer w\/ Threshold Alarm for Medical Labs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ghostproductions.com\/client\/hlt-medical\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.ghostproductions.com\/client\/hlt-medical\">HLT Medical<\/a> approached us with a very specific need: a timer that could support the manual etch process of nitinol wire. This process involves dipping a wire in an etching solution for <strong>exactly 60 seconds<\/strong>, followed by three rinse cycles, then weighing the product to calculate the required duration for a secondary etch. Since the second step is typically under a minute, the customer required a count-up system \u2014 not count-down \u2014 and needed the unit to <strong>alert operators with an audible signal once the maximum time threshold had been reached<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this custom solution overview, we\u2019re showcasing a purpose-built process timer specifically designed for HLT Medical and their precise nitinol wire etching operations. The product featured is our <strong>DC-25T-UP-BCD<\/strong>, an industrial-grade <strong>count-up timer<\/strong> tailored for <strong>exact timing accuracy<\/strong>, crucial in medical manufacturing environments where consistency and repeatability are non-negotiable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how the <strong>DC-25T-UP-BCD<\/strong> met those critical requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hands-free operation<\/strong>: Integrated with a <strong>60mm palm switch<\/strong> to initiate the process without requiring fine motor control \u2014 ideal when operators are gloved or working with chemicals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Count-up function to 60 seconds<\/strong>: Designed to track time from zero upward with second-by-second accuracy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Selectable threshold\/alarm timing<\/strong>: A built-in rotary switch system lets the operator set the maximum allowable elapsed time (up to 60 seconds) using <strong>BCD rotary set switches<\/strong> (0-9 per digit) \u2014 ensuring flexibility and repeatability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>End-of-period horn<\/strong>: A three-second <strong>audible buzzer<\/strong> signals that the preset threshold has been reached. This ensures the operator knows immediately when the target time has elapsed, helping maintain consistent process control.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Automatic stop at threshold<\/strong>: Once the timer reaches the set limit, the timer <strong>automatically stops<\/strong>, preventing over-etching.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enclosure and mounting<\/strong>: All housed in a durable <strong>14-gauge aluminum enclosure<\/strong> with a clean, industrial look. The enclosure includes three <strong>knockouts for \u00bd&#8221; conduit<\/strong> and is ready to be mounted to a 2&#215;4 or 4&#215;4 electrical box.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hardware Design Highlights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rotary Set Switches<\/strong>: These are clearly labeled (0\u20139) and are mounted on the <strong>top of the case<\/strong> for easy adjustment. Unlike our outdoor models where switches are on the bottom, this design prioritizes accessibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digit Display<\/strong>: 2.3-inch high bright red LED digits ensure visibility. We offer options up to <strong>30-inch digit height<\/strong> for larger applications or long-distance visibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Input Options<\/strong>: Though the standard DC-25T-UP-BCD includes a terminal block with <strong>three inputs (PNP or contact closure)<\/strong>, this particular unit is wired for <strong>a single momentary contact closure<\/strong>, meeting the customer\u2019s specific need for simplified triggering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power<\/strong>: Includes a <strong>120V AC wall adapter<\/strong> with a 6-foot cord for plug-and-play installation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This tailored DC-25T-UP-BCD timer is a perfect example of how we adapt our technology to meet highly specific, real-world demands. For HLT Medical, the ability to count up hands-free, set a precise time threshold, trigger an audible alarm, and stop automatically was key to ensuring accuracy in a <strong>manual etching and weighing process<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your application calls for <strong>precision timekeeping in a non-automated environment<\/strong>, especially where medical-grade consistency is required, this timer is a reliable and efficient solution \u2014 all <strong>designed and manufactured in the USA<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Standard product <a href=\"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/store\/DC-25T-UP-TERM-DC-Digital-2-3-Inch-LED-Digital-Multi-Input-PLC-Relay-Switch-Sensor-Controlled-Count-Up-Timer-Shift-Digit-Technology.html\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/store\/DC-25T-UP-TERM-DC-Digital-2-3-Inch-LED-Digital-Multi-Input-PLC-Relay-Switch-Sensor-Controlled-Count-Up-Timer-Shift-Digit-Technology.html\">DC-25T-UP-TERM <\/a>with added BCD rotary set switches<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HLCQaBpnM10\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HLCQaBpnM10\">tutorial video<\/a> on YouTube<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/store\/index.php\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/store\/index.php\">DC-Digital website<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/store\/contact-us.php\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/store\/contact-us.php\">Contact Us<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HLT Medical approached us with a very specific need: a timer that could support the manual etch process of nitinol wire. This process involves dipping a wire in an etching solution for exactly 60 seconds, followed by three rinse cycles, then weighing the product to calculate the required duration for &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4907,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[507,269,270,239,180],"tags":[36,385,103,338,520,254,337,28],"class_list":["post-4902","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bell-ringers","category-count-up-timer","category-elapsed-timer","category-manufacturing","category-timers","tag-bcd-coded-set-or-reset-timers","tag-count-up-timers","tag-dc-digital","tag-handsfree-countdown-display-timer","tag-medical-timers","tag-process-timer","tag-production-process-countdown-timer","tag-up-timer"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4902","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4902"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4902\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6954,"href":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4902\/revisions\/6954"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4907"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4902"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4902"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dc-digital.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4902"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}