Versatile and easy to use in-house sign and label print system
DuraLabel has announced the immediate availability of its new Kodiak Max, industrial sign and label print systems. Kodiak Max allows companies to bring multi-color, industrial-strength sign and label production in-house. Users can instantly create messaging to their exact specifications; alter or append messages at a moment’s notice; create permanent safety signs or temporary/seasonal signage; and save time and money versus outsourcing. All Kodiak Max Print Systems come with LabelForge PRO design software pre-installed. This easy-to-use tool has thousands of pre-made sign templates and symbols that can be printed as-is or customized as needed. Users can even design their own signs from scratch. LabelForge PRO supports 14 languages and multiple keyboard layouts. The uses for Kodiak Max are limitless. Typical uses include Arc Flash/Electrical Warnings, OSHA Notices, Chemical Labels, Equipment Labels, Pipe Marking, NFPA Labels, Wayfinding, Rack/Bay Identification and more. Regulatory compliance labels are also preloaded and automatically updated if regulations change. A stand-alone system, the Kodiak Max is ready to use out of the box. It features Wi-Fi connectivity, a responsive touchscreen display, and a wireless keyboard. Setup is fast and easy. An intuitive user interface guides users through the sign/label printing process. The Kodiak Max Print System uses thermal transfer technology to ensure durability, vibrant colors, and sharp, 300 DPI text, graphics, barcodes, and QR codes. Signs and labels can be printed in two colors in sizes up to 10” wide x 100” long. Quick-load ribbon cartridges make color changes fast and easy. Seven ribbon colors and 17 vinyl tape colors allow for a wide range of color schemes. Exactly what companies need for ANSI/OSHA compliance. DuraLabel Premium Vinyl is water, petroleum, UV light, and chemical resistant. It has ultra-aggressive adhesive and provides exceptional performance in outdoor environments and even in extreme conditions like cold storage warehouses and non-climate-controlled facilities. To ensure performance, reliability, and durability Kodiak Max Print Systems are designed, built, and tested in the United States. They carry a five-year warranty on the printer and premium vinyl supplies. DuraLabel also provides lifetime customer support, service, setup, and design guidance.
Caldwell lifter, rotator for Giant Magellan Telescope
The Caldwell Group Inc. has delivered a custom system for rotating a track section during manufacture of the world’s most powerful telescope. Caldwell is one of several Rockford, Illinois businesses, including milling specialist, Ingersoll Machine Tools Inc., that is delivering various scopes of work to The Giant Magellan Telescope, an international consortium of research institutions. The 30-meter-class telescope, which will offer 10 times the viewing power of the famous Hubble Space Telescope, is under construction at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of the best locations on Earth to explore the heavens. Initially, Caldwell manufactured a lifter/rotator based on 242,500 lbs. (110-tonne) capacity Dura-Mod Modular Spreader Beam and two 20-tonne capacity RUD ACP-Turnado swivel hoist rings. Below the beam, rotation, and landing assemblies on each side of the load facilitate the positioning and securement of Ingersoll’s track section. Two 85-ton capacity top shackles and two 55-ton capacity bottom shackles, also supplied by Caldwell, and lifting slings, are among other key components. Dan Mongan, senior sales engineer at Caldwell, said: “The track section lift/laydown system is a Dura Mod spreader beam assembly designed for maximum versatility when lifting and laying down the load. Careful installation of the rotation and landing assemblies, as well as proper selection of the upper and lower rigging assemblies, will ensure a safe lift each time it is used.” Ingersoll Machine Tools said: “The spreader will be positioned above, and then connected to, the rotation assemblies, fastened onto the track section. The system will be raised by a hoist and adjusted by crane controls to keep the landing assemblies on blocking as the section is upended; the blocking can be adjusted as the section is lifted just clear of it in preparation for laydown. Existing holes on the load will be utilized to fasten both the rotation and landing assemblies using M24 nuts and bolts.” Jay Strong, technical sales representative at Caldwell, said: “We continue to be sought for our engineering expertise; while the Dura-Mod, hoist rings, shackles, etc., are standard components, to piece it all together using FEA [finite element analysis] is where the customization comes in. The system will initially be used to complete four lifts to flip and precision-machine both sides of the rotating track sections, but we anticipate that the wider Giant Magellan project will generate demand for additional engineering and material handling expertise from our own consortium of Rockford engineers.” Two more Rockford businesses were also involved. Circle Boring & Machine Company was subcontracted for machining the swivel and landing assemblies after heavy structural welding at Caldwell. Powder coating was then provided by Safeway Products Inc. before final assembly with high torque specs on the hoist rings. Quality control inspections preceded packaging for shipping and loading onto an Ingersoll truck. Caldwell’s engineering team was also responsible for the product manual. When complete in the early 2030s, The Giant Magellan Telescope will be the largest Gregorian optical-infrared telescope in history. It will use seven of the world’s largest mirrors to see farther into deep space than ever before. Its unique design will produce the highest possible resolution of the universe over the widest field of view. It will also be the largest public-private funded science project in history.
Go over the moon for Brass Knuckle® Luna Glasses
Affordable protection that fits and feels great When eyewear fits right, feels good, and looks great, the protection stays on. This increases worker productivity and reduces the potential for accidents. Brass Knuckle® Luna (BKFIX-3001) is simple, classic, ANSI-rated protective eyewear that appeals to both men and women for anything from heavy construction to office and warehouse work. A great value, Luna is low-cost protective eyewear designed to be sleek and compact with long-wearing, compliance-inspiring comfort. Ultralight and weighing less than an ounce, Luna’s 100% polycarbonate construction includes wraparound one-piece lens styling that hugs the face while helping to improve optical quality and impact protection. It includes a molded nosepiece, integrated side protection, and standard anti-fog protection. All this plus a choice of two lens shades: clear or smoke. Additional certifications and characteristics include abrasion, chemical, and UV resistance that meets demanding industry test requirements (ANSI Z87.1+, EN166UV, CSA Z94.3, and CE EN 166). The clear lens allows maximum light transmission without changing or distorting vision or colors (91% of light passes through). The smoke lens provides all-over tint for normal outdoor conditions (18% of light passes through). The high-gloss rimless design features a translucent temple in frost or smoke and a sleek shape that follows facial contours while providing excellent optical quality. A molded nosepiece and halo temple provide a secure and comfortable fit. Luna’s tough 100% polycarbonate construction offers impact resistance and blocks 99.9% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Thermal Cutting System for Orbital Wrappers automatically cuts stretchwrap after wrapping
TAB Wrapper Tornado option extends life of cutting system A new Thermal Cutting System from orbital wrapper manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC automatically cuts the end of the stretch wrap after pallet wrapping. Offered as an option on the TAB Wrapper Tornado line of orbital wrapping machines, the new Thermal Cutting System features proprietary technology that draws a heated blade through the stretchwrap, cools it, and then hides it safely away behind protective machine guarding – all within five seconds. The novel device leaves the stretchwrap with a clean edge ready for wrapping the next pallet load while eliminating the potential formation of stray, plastic shards common to standard blades when ready for maintenance. Extending the service life of the automated cutting device versus the standard design, the patent-pending Thermal Cutting System reduces blade wear for reduced machine downtime and longer operation before periodic replacement. The new concept is available pre-installed on new TAB Wrapper Tornado orbital wrappers and may be retrofit on automated wrapping machines in the field. The patented orbital wrappers apply stretch wrap 360 degrees around and under the pallet and load to create a stable, unitized load that eliminates the need for boxes, crates, and banding. The stretch wrapping machines and Thermal Cutting System are designed and manufactured at the company’s Reading, Pa. headquarters and delivered with a full warranty.
Replacing LED lamps with simple ballast bypass offer energy reduction and a longer lifespan
LEDtronics®, Inc., an LED lamp manufacturer for more than 40 years, has announced new additions to its family of CFL-style, right-angle-illumination LED lamps for indoor lighting applications. Offering greater longevity and shock resistance than compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), the latest LEDtronics lamps directly replace CFLs via simple ballast bypass in all directional lighting applications, such as 6-inch ceiling can lights beaming 90-degree down in commercial buildings; downlights in offices, shops and homes; wall sconces and lanterns; artwork lighting, accent and display lighting in showrooms, galleries, labs and utility rooms; museum and theater effects lighting, among many others. The UL-listed lamps feature an adjustable 4-pin, G24Q base of white polycarbonate that pivots 340 degrees for easy change of light direction. Their silver-color, extruded aluminum housing offers excellent heat dissipation as well as a light body of only 100 grams, together with a polycarbonate lens. They boast 40 pieces of Epistar SMD2835 high-quality LEDs. Both high-efficacy lamps consume less than 7 watts and replace 9W~13W CFL or 40W~60W incandescent counterparts, effectively reducing energy consumption by up to 70 percent. They operate in a wide voltage range of 100~277VAC. The LEDG24QBB model comes with a frosted white PC lens and provides 4000K natural-white illumination at a wide viewing angle of 115×125 degrees, offering 823 lumens and 240 maximum candelas, with a power factor of 0.97. The LEDG24QU model has a clear PC lens (no glass), and provides 2700K halogen-white light with a 100×105 degree beam angle, offering 613 lumens and 258 maximum candelas, with a power factor of 0.99. The solid-state design of these CFL-replacing LED lamps renders them impervious to electrical and mechanical shock, vibration, frequent switching and environmental extremes. They boast faster turn-on and reaction time compared to compact fluorescent lamps, yet provide higher luminous intensity and pure wavelength light for a more uniform and steady illumination—with neither halation nor flickering. In typical applications, they provide sharper directional light and better visibility than standard lamps and achieve full brightness more rapidly. Built to ensure a longer operating lifespan and to minimize brightness deterioration due to overdriven LEDs, the lamps enjoy lumen maintenance over 70 percent at more than 50,000 hours. They operate within a wide temperature range of -20°C to +65°C, while their rugged but lightweight aluminum housing helps dissipate heat, keeping them cool. Their long life and reliability in a wide range of operating temperatures lower costs by reducing re-lamp frequency, while their cool operation translates into less load on air conditioning. Unlike CFLs, LED lamps do not emit harmful radiation such as ultraviolet light, nor produce RF interference. The LEDtronics LEDG24QBB and LEDG24QU CFL-replacement, right-angled LED lamps with a pivoting G24Q base come with an Unconditional 3-year U.S. manufacturer’s warranty, and are available through LEDtronics distributors. Quantity discounts are available, and other product options, such as other color temperatures, are available for qualified volume orders.
TerraSource Global CEO, Kevin Hambrice, elected to Board of Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA)
TerraSource Global has announced the election of CEO Kevin Hambrice to the Board of Directors of the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) for a three-year tenure. He was elected at the organization’s Annual Meeting held in Orlando, FL, March 1-5, 2024. Kevin Hambrice, CEO at TerraSource Global, said, “CEMA is the voice of the conveyor industry, representing manufacturers, integrators, and designers of conveyor equipment. I am honored to join their Board of Directors to promote the growth of our industry and the advancement of material handling technology through a common commitment to standardization and safety.” Founded in 1933, CEMA is a trade association serving manufacturers and designers of conveyor equipment worldwide. Headquartered in Florida, the association consists of 140 companies that represent the leading designers, manufacturers, and installers of conveyors, conveyor components, and material handling systems. Member companies work together to create voluntary standards, safety, manufacture, and applications to promote growth in the industry.
AIT Worldwide Logistics promotes three leaders to new executive roles
Ben Naro, Bill Fallon and Mike Tegtmeyer will guide growing sales, strategic accounts and infrastructure teams AIT Worldwide Logistics has announced promotions for three executive team members. Ben Naro and Bill Fallon have been named chief sales officer and chief commercial officer, respectively. They are the seventh and eighth members of the company’s C-level team. Meanwhile, Mike Tegtmeyer has been promoted to the role of executive vice president, of global infrastructure and security. Naro and Fallon report to President and Chief Operating Officer, Keith Tholan. Tegtmeyer reports to Chief Information Officer, Ray Fennelly. “Ben, Bill, and Mike have made outstanding, unique contributions to the company’s growth,” said AIT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vaughn Moore. “I feel incredibly grateful and confident knowing that our sales, strategic accounts, and infrastructure teams are guided by the leadership of these three professionals whose accomplishments have raised the bar for high performance.” Chief Sales Officer, Ben Naro As AIT’s Chief Sales Officer, Naro is responsible for managing the global territory and field sales team. He is also tasked with aligning the sales organization to AIT’s overall global strategy while collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure strategic goals and initiatives are fulfilled. Finally, Ben will work diligently to drive growth through team building that connects and coordinates sales strategies amongst the AIT network’s primary geographic regions. “More than two decades ago, Ben came to AIT with just three years of freight forwarding sales experience,” Tholan said. “Since then, he has continually earned career advancement opportunities by performing in just about every sales role imaginable. He is a champion for AIT’s sales strategy, working diligently to upgrade processes and build high-performing teams of sales professionals across the network.” Chief Commercial Officer, Bill Fallon In his new role, Fallon sets the strategy and manages the set-up for a diverse array of vertical markets in AIT’s strategic account program. He also supports the entire organization by establishing solutions for broader strategic opportunities requiring a highly specialized, customized approach and he will focus on extending these niche, high-touch solutions to new markets in the AIT network. “Bill has more than 41 years of transportation experience, including 10 years with AIT, spanning from his early days in operations to becoming one of the best solutions design professionals in the forwarding industry,” Tholan said. “He reinvented himself early on at AIT and soon became the company’s number one sales professional and he has worked hard to assemble a team of highly diversified experts in the strategic account program.” Executive Vice President, Global Infrastructure and Security, Mike Tegtmeyer In his new role, Tegtmeyer continues leading the organization towards a next-gen level of quality in the worldwide management of AIT’s technology infrastructure and hardware platforms. With a priority emphasis on the networks in Asia and Europe, he is supporting the company’s path to an enhanced and expanded global infrastructure strategy. He will also maintain his focus on process improvements for the business, especially the expansion of AITConnect, a ticketing system that his team successfully rolled out for AIT’s compliance, human resources and IT help desk groups. “Over the course of his five years with AIT, Mike has deeply matured the company’s infrastructure strategy by leading the deployment of a modern, high-quality cloud-based environment,” Fennelly said. “On behalf of the entire organization, I’d like to acknowledge how much we appreciate his intellect, leadership and personal expression of AIT’s core values.”
New SolarShield™ HMI clear cover excellent visibility when closed and locked
Stahlin® Enclosures, manufacturers of high-performing non-metallic electrical and industrial enclosures, has introduced Stahlin SolarShield™ HMI Covers, providing the ultimate HMI screen protection in the harshest of environments. Now, Stahlin is adding the option of a clear cover configuration that allows for excellent visibility of the HMI screen while the cover is closed. “Our new SolarShield HMI Clear Cover brings the convenience and efficiency of hands-free viewing,” says Craig Mitchell, President of Stahlin Enclosures. “No longer do you need to unlock and open a cover to take readings from your HMI. At the same time, this configuration, as with our patented opaque cover, provides rugged protection for HMI devices against environmental conditions.” The new Stahlin SolarShield Opaque and Clear HMI Covers offer the most innovative, durable, non-metallic HMI protection solution for use with all enclosure material types. The opaque covers are ideal for protecting HMI Screens from UV and harsh environmental conditions and are the industry’s only non-metallic HMI covers with side shields. Stahlin SolarShield HMI Clear and Opaque Covers fit standard 8” and smaller HMI screens and maintain NEMA 4X rating of the enclosure when paired with a NEMA 4X HMI device. These universal covers can be used with either non-metallic or metallic enclosures. Stahlin SolarShield HMI Clear and Opaque Covers perform reliably in demanding applications in non-hazardous industrial and commercial markets including industries such as oil and gas, equipment manufacturing, industrial machines, water/wastewater, marine, and food and beverage. Extremely tough and durable, Stahlin SolarShield HMI Covers can be used in both outdoor and indoor applications. They provide superior protection of Human Interface (HMI) screens from the sun*, dust, water (rain, sleet, snow), sand, flames, oils, chemicals, grease, dirt, foreign objects, and other environmental conditions that cause corrosion and damage. Among the many performance benefits of Stahlin SolarShield Clear and Opaque HMI Covers: Simple and functional: they are easy to use. A hinged design includes supporting inner doors for hands-free use and better visibility of the HMI screen in the sun*. Superior Protection: Maintains NEMA 4 and 4X rating when paired with a NEMA 4 or 4X HMI device. Stahlin SolarShield HMI Covers protect HMI screens and electrical equipment from corrosion and damage due to UV*, oils, dirt, and sand and greatly reduce equipment replacement cost. Strength: Impact resistant but light-weight polycarbonate cover and base construction with UV inhibitors provide long dependable life in harsh conditions. Reliable sealing featuring a robotically applied foam-in-place seamless polyurethane gasket. Stahlin SolarShield HMI Covers come with stainless steel hardware kit included and are padlock-able for increased security. Installation is simple and easy with the use of common tools. Stahlin SolarShield HMI Covers maintain UL’s best rating: an “f1” per UL 746C (resin has passed tests for UV exposure and water immersion). They also conform to the following standards: cURus Listed, UL50e, UL508A, Type 1, 3R, 4, 4X, 12. They provide an Operating Temperature Rating of -40°F to +248°F (-40°C to +120°C) and are Outdoor UV Exposure (UL 746C) (f1) Rated. Stahlin® Enclosures offers the most extensive selection of non-metallic enclosures available for meeting the needs of diverse industries, delivering time- and labor-saving solutions, non-stop innovation, and superior product performance in interior and exterior applications. *Clear version does not contain inner doors, or offer additional protection from UV.
Emerson upgrades LED Industrial Luminaires to support drive to lower energy requirements and minimize light pollution
Appleton Baymaster and Areamaster now equipped with new energy-saving dimming option, warm color temperatures Emerson is upgrading two flagships of its Appleton™ LED lighting portfolio with new technology that underscores the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. For the first time, Appleton Baymaster™ LED high bay luminaires and Areamaster™ LED floodlights will be equipped with energy-saving 0-10Vdc dimming as a standard feature, along with new color temperatures (CCT) that minimize light pollution. In addition, the luminaires now boast a cold start option for ambient temperatures as low as -55° C (-67 F), and a new pre-wired design for easier, less time-consuming installation. Upgrades apply to both the hazardous rated (CID2) and harsh industrial versions of Appleton Areamaster and Baymaster LED luminaires. BENEFITS OF LED DIMMING Adding a two-wire, 0-10Vdc variable dimming input port takes the energy efficiency of Baymaster and Areamaster LED luminaires to a new level. Dimming allows adjustment of the rated lumen output from 100% to 10%, resulting in greater flexibility and reduced costs. By optimizing the brightness of the luminaires in the workplace, plant managers can also supply a more comfortable and productive environment. Besides working as stand-alone dimmable fixtures, up to ten Baymaster or Areamaster luminaires can be daisy-chained to an Appleton Mercmaster Connect LED luminaire to further enhance energy and cost savings. In this configuration, the Mercmaster Connect acts as a “controller” and shares its motion sensing, daylight harvesting, and scheduling capabilities with the daisy-chained group. This enables the group to collectively lower light levels when no workers are present or when light isn’t required, thus eliminating 24/7 operation and maximizing product lifetime. Furthermore, when the Emerson Plantweb™ Insight Connected Lighting Application and WirelessHART network platform are added to this mix, plant operators have an Industrial IoT solution capable of remotely optimizing, monitoring, and analyzing their facility’s lighting performance. REDUCING LIGHT POLLUTION Light pollution is a growing concern in urban areas worldwide, affecting both the environment and human health. To combat this problem, the Areamaster and Baymaster have been upgraded with two warmer color temperatures, Amber (56 CRI) and 1800K (70 CRI) that emit far less blue light that causes sky glow. Warmer temperatures complement the luminaires’ robust optics designed to precisely distribute light only where it is needed, therefore preventing excess light from scattering, especially outdoors. OPERATION DOWN TO -55° C Bitter cold conditions, such as oil exploration sites in western Canada that reach -30° C or lower, are within the new temperature range of Areamaster and Baymaster luminaires. Both are certified instant-on and cold start capable in temperatures as low as -55° C (-67° F), unlike an HID fixture that can take several minutes in cold weather to reach full lumen output. Rugged Areamaster and Baymaster luminaires also eliminate many of the maintenance problems HIDs are prone to experience due to exposure to snow, ice, and freezing winds.
Delta showcases innovative wireless charging solutions and machine vision solutions for Smart Logistics at MODEX 2024
Delta, a power management and provider of IoT-based smart green solutions, is showcasing high-efficiency wireless charging systems and smart industrial automation solutions for AGVs, e-forklifts, and conveyors to foster autonomous logistics operations. Key features include a 30kW Wireless Charging System, which offers up to 95% efficiency for a broad range of industrial logistics vehicles, and a Machine Vision Solution with 3D ToF Smart Cameras to enable AGV smooth navigation even in completely dark logistics conditions. Dave Morse, Vice President of Industrial and Automation at Delta Americas, said, “Delta’s leadership in high-efficiency power solutions and prowess in smart manufacturing derive from our commitment to innovation and energy conservation. With more factories adopting autonomous equipment such as AGVs and AMRs, we have developed advanced industrial automation and innovative wireless charging solutions to accelerate the application of unmanned industrial vehicles and enhance the productivity and energy efficiency of our customers’ warehousing and logistics operations.” During the event, Delta will present a live AGV demonstration to showcase: Delta’s wireless charging systems, adopt industrial wireless charging technology developed by WiTricity®. The 1kW Wireless Charging System is composed of a primary unit for AC supply attachment and a secondary for vehicle battery connection. The two units can transfer power wirelessly within a gap of up to 20 mm with a maximum of 93% power conversion efficiency. The M∞Vbase single-phase model features 3-5 charging modules with each providing 1350W power output to meet various charging demands. It also supports ethernet communication for energy management. The 3D ToF Smart Camera DMV-T integrates imaging, sensing, and computing in a compact design and supports 6W ultra-low power consumption, which is perfect for integration in a mobile robot with limited space. Featuring a built-in dual-core CPU, the DMV-T can process the depth maps in real-time and leverage Delta’s Machine Vision Platform DIAVision for AGV navigation and collision avoidance. In addition, the AGV servo system adopts the Integrated Brushless DC Gearmotor for locomotion, with the integration of the servo motor, servo drive, magnetic encoder, and planetary reducer in one package. This coupling-free gearmotor design is a compact solution for the space-saving demand of the AGV chassis. Delta will also showcase a forklift-shaped demo to present the latest M∞Vair 30kW Wireless Charging System. This system also features a primary and a secondary unit and enables fully autonomous charging over a gap of up to 150 mm. Its up to 95% contactless power transmission greatly reduces energy waste for large e-vehicles such as forklifts. A fully integrated Warehouse and Logistics solution with a visualized SCADA System VTScada for remote control of diverse subsystems. The control span covers various applications, such as door and dock, conveyors, sorting, picking, and scanning. Visit Delta’s booth B7640, Hall B at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta during MODEX 2024 from March 11th – 14th.
Caldwell celebrates 70 Years
The Caldwell Group Inc. is celebrating 70 years. The below-the-hook and material-handling equipment manufacturer will mark the occasion with a series of events, culminating in a late-summer gala with customers, partners, suppliers, and staff. Founded by Leslie Caldwell in 1954, as a maker of lifting slings, the firm has expanded and moved several times over the decades, now occupying two large manufacturing and warehouse facilities. The company has been shaped by numerous acquisitions and collaborations, including the purchase of the J.C. Renfroe lifting clamp business and a strategic partnership with RUD to bring lifting points and other products to the U.S. and Canada. Today, Caldwell employs over 120 people. Doug Stitt, president and CEO, said: “Not only have we existed for 70 years, but we have evolved and developed what we provide to the marketplace. “We’ve contributed to how people lift and move things, and how they can do it more safely. We’ve been able to provide a great place to work and created a community, so it’s a celebration of all our people, suppliers, and customers that have supported and contributed to success and longevity.” He added: “Business becomes tougher and tougher every year, it seems, so taking some time to appreciate our accomplishments is worthwhile. Nothing can be taken for granted in today’s marketplace. It’s important to celebrate significant milestones because it pays respect to all those who helped build the company and those who are currently working toward the next 70 years. “It’s crazy to think we started with sewing machines making slings and now we are one of the leading fabricators of welded, steel lifting products.” Recent highlights include partnering with Majestic Steel USA to deliver coil grabs, sheet lifters, and hooks for a facility in Arkansas; expanding the series of RUD ACP-Turnado lifting points by adding Max and Supermax versions; and designing a 2,500-lb. capacity transport cradle, to facilitate final assembly of Intuitive Machines’ lunar lander, Nova-C. The wider portfolio includes an assortment of below-the-hook lifters, for handling beams, coils, and sheets; mill-duty lifters; Posi-Turner load rotation equipment; vacuum lifters; construction lifters; fork truck attachments; jib and gantry cranes; Rig-Release remote releasing hooks, Dura-Lite composite lifting products; Renfroe lifting clamps; and RUD lifting points. Stitt added: “Yes, the products we offer are different now, but we still focus on quality; we still focus on helping our customers solve problems, and we are still integral in keeping safe lifting at the forefront. We’ll continue to introduce new products and services for our customers, but I expect the next 70 years to focus on building quality products and providing our customers with the best overall experience possible—that’s what matters.”
Yale integrated lithium-ion forklift beats out 10 other nominees for top spot in product of the year awards
Readers of two material handling publications vote the ERP-VTL/VFL series the top lift truck of 2023 Yale Lift Truck Technologies announces the ERP-VTL/VFL integrated lithium-ion forklift series is the winner of the Readers’ Choice Product of the Year award determined by readers of Material Handling Product News and MaterialHandling247.com. The series, which includes three- and four-wheel models, was voted as the top product in the lift trucks and accessories category. Both the ERP040VTL, a three-wheel model, and the ERP040VFL, a four-wheel model, buck the traditional approach in which a battery box replacement converts counterbalanced lift trucks from lead-acid to lithium-ion battery power. Instead, the trucks are designed from the ground up around a space-saving lithium-ion battery pack. “Today’s warehouses need to capitalize on every possible opportunity to improve efficiency,” said Brad Long, Brand Manager, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “Not only do these award-winning lift trucks provide a simpler pathway to the benefits of lithium-ion power relative to an aftermarket retrofit, but the strategic design around the fully integrated battery pack also delivers key productivity benefits, including improved operator ergonomics and stability.” An open-space design increases operator freedom to position feet and makes for easy entry and exit, maximizing comfort and convenience to help propel productivity, while a repositioned center of gravity enhances drive quality and improves truck handling in corners for greater operator confidence and performance. The lithium-ion power also supports productivity through fast charging and zero battery maintenance, allowing operators to focus more of their time on moving loads. The lift trucks produce zero tailpipe emissions and no gassing in battery charging or maintenance processes and offer lower energy costs compared to those powered by fossil fuels and lead-acid batteries. This award is the second for the ERP-VTL, which was previously named a winner of the GOOD DESIGN Award.
Emerson’s new flow meter solution for challenging applications
Rosemount 9195 Wedge Flow Meter optimizes performance in applications with high-temperature, high-viscosity, or abrasive liquids, while reducing lifecycle costs Emerson has released the Rosemount™ 9195 Wedge Flow Meter, a fully integrated solution consisting of a wedge primary sensor element, supporting components, and a selectable Rosemount pressure transmitter. The new meter’s unique flexible design is ideal for measuring process fluids with a wide range of demanding characteristics in various heavy industry applications, including metals and mining, oil and gas, renewable fuels, chemicals and petrochemicals, pulp and paper, and others. It can be very difficult to measure volumetric flow accurately and reliably in applications where the process liquid is highly viscous, extremely abrasive, prone to plugging, at high temperatures, or a combination of these conditions. In applications with low ambient temperatures, hot process media, or a combination of both, heat tracing is often required, necessitating a supply of electrical power, and creating a maintenance-intensive single point of failure. The Rosemount 9195 Wedge Flow Meter addresses these and other common measurement challenges with its unique design. The wedge element itself has no small passages that could plug due to entrained particles, and it is abrasion-resistant due to the shallow approach angle of the process liquid and the lack of critical sharp edges. Highly viscous liquids are measured accurately due to the linear response of the meter, even at low Reynolds numbers. The sensor’s operating temperature range is -40 to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 538 degrees Celsius), and the meter is available with Emerson’s Rosemount 3051S Thermal Range Expander for measuring hot or viscous liquids, without the need for heat tracing. “The Rosemount 9195 offers a fully assembled design for accurate measurement of liquids that wear or plug other meters,” said David Wright, global product manager for Emerson’s measurement solutions business. “This new design solves a range of difficult customer problems by integrating innovative features into a trusted technology.” Two-way digital connections from the selected pressure transmitter to a host, such as a distributed control or an asset management system, can be made via 4-20 mA HART®, WirelessHART®, FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus, Modbus®, or BSAP/MVS. Depending on the selected transmitter, a wide range of process variables can be sent to host systems for process control and monitoring, diagnostics, and other purposes. Application flexibility is provided with three sensor/transmitter connection styles: Compact: Reduces pipe standoff to address plugging and cleaning concerns. Saddle-style remote seal connection reduces the weight of the meter by 50%. Flanged: Incorporates a 2-inch NPS/DN50 connection. This traditional style is used if flushing rings and valve assemblies are required. Threaded: Incorporates an ½ inch NPT connection with tubing, ideal for applications where plugging is less of a concern than erosion or wear. To simplify ordering and ensure the correct remote seal system is specified, five optional application packages—including standard, abrasive, ultra-high process temperature, cold environment, and remote mount—are available for the sensor element. Available line sizes for the sensor are 2-inch to 8-inch (50 to 200 millimeters). All wetted materials are 316L stainless steel, and the meter complies with ASME B31.3 and CRN safety standards. Additional materials and sizes can be accommodated upon request.
Unirope becomes first AWRF accredited member
Unirope Limited was the first rigging shop to become an Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF) accredited member. Unirope completed a successful in-person audit, conducted by AWRF’s third-party auditors, the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA). The AWRF Accreditation Program is a voluntary opportunity for all member companies and their affiliated branches. Using the current revision of AWRF RP&G, Recommended Practice for the Operation of Sling Shops, as a basis for evaluation, LEEA works with interested members to ensure compliance. In other words, the audit was developed by LEEA according to requirements set out by AWRF. Unirope—it is also a LEEA member—is a specialist in the manufacture, distribution, testing, certification, and inspection of high-performance wire rope and rigging products. It has additional facilities in Quebec and Alberta; the three sites combine to deliver service nationwide and to select customers in the U.S. and Europe. Justin Brown, president at Unirope, said: “There is a sense of pride that comes with being first across any line or to be the first to achieve a goal. That said, we undertook this as a project to support AWRF, our industry, and all the end users of rigging products that will in the future be looking for a way to distinguish quality rigging fabricators from the rest. “In three to five years, this program will be the benchmark in our industry. End users of rigging products will demand that they are produced by an AWRF Accredited Member and there will be a clear quality benchmark between those that can comply and those that cannot.” Having completed the audit, Unirope can now market itself as an AWRF Accredited Member, which includes the use of a logo that has recently been developed. The goals of the program are to ensure safer sling shop operation; to drive more business to member companies; and to help member companies win more market share—ultimately adding value to being a member. Brown said: “The third-party audit and accreditation is significant beyond AWRF membership—and it is important to know the difference. Membership alone brings a lot of benefits but simply being a member of a trade association doesn’t prove that you abide by its recommended best practices. It’s the difference between talking the talk and walking the walk.” Rallying call Interestingly, 25% of AWRF membership is from outside of the U.S. Half of the international contingent is based in Canada, and nearly all Canadian members are rigging shops. The AWRF Accreditation Program is not the same as being a LEEA accredited member. As Unirope proved, LEEA members must still proceed via the same processes as non-LEEA members—and Brown has urged all AWRF members, LEEA members and not, to join the program. He said: “Everything we do at Unirope starts with one basic idea that guides every decision. And that is the basic right that everyone who uses or comes into contact with our products gets to go home after their shift; we extend that idea to the entire industry, which is why we will encourage every rigging shop to gain accreditation. The more AWRF members that get on board, the safer our industry will become. Companies will find things during their audits that need to be changed or improved and implement those changes as part of this process. “The marketing power you gain by being accredited will prove invaluable. Accreditation demonstrates and sets a quality benchmark, exhibits accountability to the market, reduces risk, and increases efficiency. There are endless ways to cut corners in our industry, which is counter to the needs of such a high-risk sector. For example, things like die maintenance and verification of after-swage dimensions, are convenient to bypass or ignore, but critical to the performance of the final product.” The accreditation is valid for three years, with annual visits and check-ups. An audit must be completed for each location.
LUCID showcases its latest 3D time-of-flight cameras at MODEX 2024
LUCID Vision Labs, Inc. is set to showcase its latest advancements at MODEX 2024, the nation’s premier material handling, logistics, and supply chain event taking place in Atlanta from March 11 to 14, 2024. Show Highlight: Helios2 Wide and Helios2+ 3D ToF Camera Family. One of the highlights of LUCID’s exhibit will include variants of the popular 3D Time-of-Flight camera family. The Helios2 Wide ToF camera integrates Sony’s DepthSense™ IMX556PLR back-illuminated image sensor paired with a wide-angle lens, providing an expansive 108º angle of view. Specifically designed for applications with a close working distance and large operational area, such as full-size palettizing applications, the camera delivers a depth resolution of 640 x 480 at up to an 8.3-meter working distance and operates at a frame rate of 30 fps. LUCID will demonstrate the Helios2+ Time-of-Flight camera, offering two on-camera depth processing modes: High Dynamic Range Mode (HDR) and High-Speed Mode. The HDR Mode combines multiple exposures in the phase domain, ensuring accurate depth information in high-contrast, complex scenes. The High-Speed Mode enables depth perception using a single-phase measurement, allowing for faster acquisition speed and higher frame rates suitable for moving object perception. More Industrial Cameras at Display. LUCID offers a wide range of industrial GigE Vision cameras tailored for applications in automation, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and emerging technologies. LUCID will showcase the flexible Phoenix GigE PoE camera module designed for easy OEM integration. Due to its small form factor and unique transformable design, the Phoenix camera can be easily configured for the ultimate custom fit. Visit us at MODEX 2024 from March 11 to 14, 2024, in Atlanta, at booth #C4771, and explore the latest in industrial vision technology.
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS will attend MODEX with dynamic solutions for intralogistics
NORD’s drive solutions provide intralogistics systems with reliable operation, dynamic control, and long service life to effectively operate with greater system availability. NORD’s versatile modular product system offers highly configurable, energy-efficient, and reliable solutions to meet specific supply chain application requirements. The MODEX 2024 exhibition will be open March 11th – 14th at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. Global drive solutions manufacturer, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, will be in attendance to showcase their latest innovations for intralogistics applications. NORD has thousands of drives installed across the world and offers complete drive solutions specialized for intralogistics handling such as simple commissioning, Plug-and-Play capabilities, standardization, energy savings, and more. NORD DRIVESYSTEMS will be exhibiting at Booth C8066 with these industry-focused products: NORDAC ON/ON+ variable frequency drives were designed with the special requirements of horizontal conveyor technology in mind and have been optimized for use with IE3 motors (NORDAC ON) as well as IE5+ synchronous motors (NORDAC ON+). The electronic drives deliver a compact, dynamic solution for IIoT environments with their full Plug-and-Play capabilities, integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface, and when operated with the NORDCON software tool, the drive can be controlled and programmed via PC. The drives offer additional flexibility with motor or wall mounting possible depending on installation space. NORD’s IE5+ synchronous motors help reduce system variants and operating costs thanks to their high efficiency and constant torque over a wide speed range. The ventilated design effectively dissipates heat to support high overload capacity in intralogistics. The motors are manufactured in-house for quick delivery times and fully match NORD’s modular system of gear units and variable frequency drives. When IE5+ motors are included in a drive system, there is a significant reduction in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and a faster return on investment. The LogiDrive® solution from NORD is a complete drive solution that reduces planning and commissioning efforts through a cost-effective, standardized design. LogiDrive is ideal for post and parcel, warehouse, and airport systems and for each area, there are advanced versions utilizing IE5+ synchronous motors and a basic version with IE3 asynchronous motors. The advanced versions provide a solution focused on issues such as energy efficiency, version reduction, and TCO while the basic version’s main concentration is reduction of operational costs. NORDBLOC.1 two-stage helical bevel gear units are designed to optimize system performance, and efficiency, and reduce variants. The single-piece, UNICASE housing ensures an accurate alignment of all bearings, internal shafts, and gears for long service life with easy maintenance. Flexible installation options including various input and output options, solid and hollow shafts, and versatile mounting make the drives highly adaptable to a wide range of applications. For hygienic environments, a closed housing with a smooth surface is available. NORDBLOC.1 helical inline gear units offer high versatility for intralogistics applications with 16 compact case sizes to choose from and single, double, or triple gear reductions. They deliver quiet operation and reliable performance in a smooth, easy-to-clean design. These units also do not have installation openings, increasing the stability of the product and preventing material accumulation. NORDBLOC.1 helical inline gear units additionally offer a variety of options including keyless shaft designs with shrink disc and GRIPMAXXTM, foot or flange mounting, reinforced bearings, and more. Condition Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance, drive, and status data are recorded periodically or continuously to proactively maintain machines and optimize the efficiency of the entire plant. This status based maintenance in place of time-based maintenance enables early detection of undesired operating conditions, allowing for planned downtimes for maintenance – saving operating, service, and material costs as well as extending the operating life of components. Data collected from Condition Monitoring can even determine the optimal time to change oil, ensuring systems are always operating at their highest capacity.
Link improves popular LB20 ramp family
Link’s family of LB20 ramps are now 25 pounds lighter, feature pull-style, gas-spring-assist lifting mechanisms, stow at an 8-inch vertical depth, ship fully assembled and are even easier to install than previous models. Link Mfg., Ltd., a U.S. manufacturer of lightweight folding aluminum ramps, announced the introduction of its newly redesigned LB20 family of ramps today. One of nine models of the LB20 will be on display to the industry for the first time during NTEA Work Truck Week 2024, March 5–8, 2024, in Link’s booth 4619. Link’s family of LB20 ramps has been reengineered to significantly improve installation time, operational functionality, and the end-user experience. Seven of the nine ramps now each feature two pull-style, gas-spring-assist lifting mechanisms. The gas-spring devices are lighter weight, leading primarily to the ramps’ 25-pound weight savings and providing greater lift assistance, meaning less exertion and lifting force required by users. “With their new gas-spring-assist feature, Link’s LB20 ramps are now even easier to deploy and stow, making them ideal for vehicles that use their ramps with greater frequency,” said Lynn Blake, senior account manager for Link Mfg. “And with older individuals and females making up an ever-increasing percentage of the workforce, the reduced lifting effort and increased ease of use will be greatly appreciated.” Fitted with their slimmer gas springs, the re-engineered LB20s provide significantly greater clearance and less interference with steps and with both standard and extended bumpers. The ramps now feature a lower-profile transition threshold at their top, making it easier and smoother for dollies and other wheeled equipment to enter and exit the vehicle. When stowed, the ramps have a narrow, less than 8-inch silhouette, providing 34 percent more valuable room in the cargo area. “When in their upright, vertical folded position, the redesigned ramps now take up less than 8 inches of horizontal space just inside the door,” Blake said. “Now our ramps can be mounted even closer to the doors and can be quickly accessed, opened and then closed again and out of the way in seconds. And unlike hydraulic liftgates and small electric cranes, Link ramps require no training to operate, enabling workers to start using them immediately after installation.” The LB20’s new base plate has also been reduced to 11 inches in depth and now features a larger mounting pattern to accommodate more mounting holes and fastener sizes, making installation even easier for upfitters. Link LB20 ramps will now have consolidated part numbers and will ship fully assembled with attached base plate, wheels, and gas springs on the applicable seven models. Customers will continue to experience the industry’s lead times with fully assembled LB20 ramp units. Link is also happy to drop ship ramps on a just-in-time basis through a Link-certified dealer. Link ramps are designed to meet a wide variety of uses, with dimensions ranging from 24 to 47 inches in width, comfortably accommodating standard hand trucks and other cargo conveyance and wheeled equipment. Link’s bifold ramp lengths vary from 72 to 135 inches, and extended LT30 ramp models reach 119 inches and feature adjustable support mechanisms for added stability. A 42-inch by 108-inch version of the LB20 ramp is also available, catering to an array of applications. The 42-inch-wide ramp is perfect for fleets and vehicles serving the last-mile delivery segment that don’t have to deploy ramps at every stop, because it leaves enough room for door entrance and egress without being unfolded. Seven of the nine LB20 models will be available with the spring-assist feature, and the two smaller and lighter of the nine ramps will come without it. All models will now also come with Link’s wheel kit as a standard feature, which will allow the ramps to deploy and retract on a wide variety of surface angles and materials more smoothly. LB20 ramps are and have always been designed for reliability and durability, using extruded high-strength aluminum. The extensive line of nine LB20 sizes provides an option for virtually any application. “Link ramps are designed to be so robust, our upfitter customers tell us that they often outlast more than one vehicle,” said Blake. “Whereas liftgates and cranes can drain vehicle batteries, they also require significantly more maintenance and cost between two and four times more to purchase and install than a ramp, making ramps far more practical.” Link LB20 ramps will be commercially available in the second quarter of 2024. The new ramps will ship in the form of a fully assembled unit. The LB20 ramp can be ordered through Link’s nationwide network of ramp dealers.
IDEC 7” combined PLC+HMI increases display size and I/O options
A large 7” vivid multi-touch display, with an integrated controller and expandable I/O, enables the new FT2J Series PLC+HMI to handle more applications than ever before. IDEC Corporation has expanded its SmartAXIS touch family with the new FT2J Series combined PLC+HMI. A compact all-in-one form factor combines built-in full-function controller features and functions, both onboard and expandable I/O, and an advanced technology 7” touchscreen display, providing many advantages for a wide variety of industries. Compact, simple, and streamlined An all-in-one PLC+HMI is compact and consumes far less panel space than separate units. Because the PLC and HMI are internally connected, require only one power supply, and share the same network connection, installation is simplified. The FT2J is ready to use and communicate right out of the box, and end users perform configuration with an intuitive and easy-to-use integrated development environment for both PLC and HMI functions, cutting configuration and programming time. Powerful PLC features The integrated PLC and HMI each have their own dedicated CPU and user memory for optimized scan time performance, and they communicate natively with each other. Built-in I/O includes 14 points of DC discrete inputs (5 of them configurable as high-speed counters), and 4 points of analog inputs (configurable as 0-10VDC or 4-20mA). A relay version provides 8 points of relay outputs, while transistor versions provide 6 points sinking or 6 points sourcing of discrete outputs (4 of them configurable as pulse outputs) and 2 points of 0-10VDC or 4-20mA analog outputs. The FT2J supports up to two expansion cartridges of discrete or analog I/O, with several options offered including a 2-point RTD/thermocouple analog input version. All analog inputs and outputs are 12-bit resolution. Industrial-grade HMI design The HMI’s projected capacitive touch panel (PCAP) advanced technology—similar to what is used for smartphones and tablets—saves space and improves performance. Besides being water- and scratch-resistant, PCAP is responsive and provides a high tolerance to resist false signals when dirt or water droplets are present on the face of the HMI. Fewer layers and better light transmission ratings mean less backlight power is needed, and the display provides an industry-leading 500 cd/m² brightness level and 50,000-hour backlight life. A small bezel provides the greatest possible display area compared with the installation footprint, and the entire package requires only a shallow mounting depth clearance. In addition to being multi-touch, users can interact with the touch HMI while using thin gloves. Durable performance The glass-top design is wear-resistant and delivers a long life, even in harsh environments. A battery-free design using a hyper-capacitor, and a long 50,000-hour rated backlight life, make these units low maintenance. Ratings for extreme temperatures from -20 to 55˚C, IP66 and IP67 for wash-down areas, IP66F and IP67F for oil resistance, UL60101, UL Type 4X/12/13, and Class I Div 2 mean the FT2J PLC+HMI can be used in a wide range of applications and locations. Flexible configuration All PLC and HMI configuration is accessed through IDEC’s standard WindOI-NV4 software, which is easy-to-use and intuitive, with a drag-and-drop interface and extensive image library. Projects can automatically be converted from one HMI size to another within seconds. Script programming, PIDD loop control, multilingual capabilities, security, trend charts, data logs, alarm logs, and other functions and features are supported for both the HMI and the PLC. Connectivity Two USB-A ports support flash drives for data logging, recipes, and program transfer—along with dongles for speakers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The embedded Ethernet port provides users with easy access for remote maintenance and communication as well as Modbus TCP protocols and other intelligent devices. The built-in RS232C and RS422/485 serial communication ports support Modbus RTU and also allow the FT2J to communicate to other serial devices like barcode readers or temperature controllers. Communications and IIoT Many communication options are available for users to create automation and IIoT solutions incorporating multiple industrial protocols, the FTP protocol, remote monitoring and control, email/text messaging, iOS and Android apps, and custom web pages.
LOGiQ combines yard management and weighing technology fully automatically
Schenck Process, a process-critical bulk materials application, offers the LOGiQ yard management system, a cloud-based software solution that combines smooth and efficient truck loading operations with fully automated weighing of bulk materials – supported by log-on terminals, which are also part of the LOGiQ product family. LOGiQ is a proven system in the cement and steel industry. However, the solution is also suitable for yard management in other segments of industrial production. LOGiQ handles all logistical steps from the entry of an authorized truck onto the company premises to the exit in a seamless process. The software system monitors and controls access, supports weighing processes, ensures correct loading and records all relevant data without delays. Multilingual terminals included in the LOGiQ complete package Access is controlled via LOGiQ registration terminals, which are intuitive to use and available in several languages on request. The truck drivers operate these terminals themselves and record their weighing processes and all steps during loading and unloading. The processes run automatically without the need for manual intervention by staff: “zero-touch fulfillment”. This reduces the susceptibility to errors in the process and increases safety. The basic need for personnel on the factory premises is also noticeably reduced thanks to automation. In addition, the responsible employees and support staff at Schenck Process can access and support all data in real time, regardless of location, if required.
Morse Watchman’s see growing adoption of KeyWatcher Touch solutions across the globe
The company’s flagship system is lauded by small municipalities and medium-sized cities that rely on the use of physical keys to secure their property and assets Morse Watchmans, a key control and asset management system, reports a rising number of international cities and municipalities installing the company’s flagship key control system, KeyWatcher® Touch, to secure the buildings, equipment, and vehicles utilized by various municipal departments. “From public works to waste departments, courthouses, and beyond, the adoption of our KeyWatcher Touch solution continues to resonate positively across so many diverse cities,” said Tim Purpura, VP of Global Sales and Marketing, Morse Watchmans. “We take pride in knowing that our systems are being used to facilitate secure and efficient operations for some of the public’s most critical services.” By implementing effective municipal key control measures, cities can mitigate the risks associated with unauthorized key access while maintaining the operational integrity of public works. This proactive approach not only safeguards against potential security breaches but also fosters accountability and responsible use of resources among city employees. In this way, cities and municipalities can establish a foundation of trust and confidence within their communities. In one instance, the Walworth County Public Works Department in Wisconsin implemented a new KeyWatcher Touch system after the original key box system failed to adequately support the county’s hundreds of keys for government buildings and county fleet vehicles. After seeing the success of the KeyWatcher Touch solution at the Department of Public Works, other departments within Walworth County have also begun installing their own KeyWatcher Systems. “These boxes are starting to catch on, and departments are thinking about how they will use them for vehicles and building keys,” said John Miller, Senior Project Manager, Walworth County Public Works. Across the globe, the operational efficiencies of the KeyWatcher Touch solution are also appreciated. Blacktown City, a suburban community located approximately 22 miles west of Sydney, Australia, implemented a KeyWatcher Touch system at their Main Works Depot to help maintain usage accountability and eliminate the problem of missing or overdue vehicles, machinery, and building keys. “We manage keys for at least 500 vehicles and machines here at the Depot and each of them has at least two to three sets of keys,” said Joe Haddad, Facility Manager, Blacktown City Main Works Depot. “Without the KeyWatcher Touch automated control and tracking, the job of accurately keeping track of these many keys would be almost impossible.”