Multi-Conveyor creates incline slider-bed trough conveyor
Multi-Conveyor just recently built a stainless steel constructed cleated incline trough-style belt conveyor designed to transport product waste to a customer supplied hopper. The 24 inch wide belts feature 2 inch high flights every 8 inches that capture and incline the debris up to 50” on the incline. The product releases through a series of discharge chutes – one initial chute and a requested secondary chute. Additional safety includes reducer drip pans to catch foreign product from contaminating the floor. Overlapped pans are hooked on for easy removal and cleaning, with a separate drip pan placed at the base. Simple hand valves control the CIP (clean-in-place) spray system. Wash down duty motor and reducers, high-grade stainless steel and corrosion-resistant inserts, and appropriate guarding built-in. Facilitating expedient, operator safe handling of product waste was key to this project, however, the cleated incline conveyor design is used in many industries for a variety of applications.
Interroll´s second plant in Atlanta starts operation
Interroll has completed construction on its second plant on its campus in Hiram (Atlanta) Georgia. The 11-million-dollar investment gives Interroll a substantial increase in capacity for the region. At Interroll, the Americas region continues to see a high level of project activities. At the same time, the company is quickly introducing innovative solutions to the markets. Key business drivers such as increased automation for warehouses as well as the rise of e-commerce and high demand in the courier, express and parcel business continue to support this positive mid-term outlook in the Americas region and worldwide. We have raised capacities in order to ensure low lead times for our customers and end-users in the North American market in the years to come», says Richard Keely, Executive Vice President of the Americas region and member of the Group Management. “We continue to see high demand for Interroll solutions in the areas of conveyors and sorters. Therefore we have increased our fabrication footprint while creating several new lean-agile assembly cells.» The new building provides 100,000 sq ft (9,300 m2) of the manufacturing and warehousing area are as well as 25,000 sq ft (approx. 2,300 m2) of offices. It also includes training facilities as well as a Kaizen room and employee facilities such as a gym. The new building provides assembly lines for the Modular Conveyor Platform (MCP), as well as for all sorters, including the new high-performance crossbelt sorter (HPCS) as well as sorter chutes. In the near future, it will also house a production line for Modular Pallet Conveyor Platforms (MPP). Over the last few months, capacity is more and more critical as supply chains are challenged with lockdowns and other restrictions. Through this challenging period, we have continued to see new opportunities because of our commitment to short delivery times» says Keely. »Our team is fully committed to keeping this climate of excellence and looks forward to convincing more customers with our delivery performance in the future.
MHS wins SDCE 100 recognition for UPS hub expansion
The award recognizes advanced automated solution for parcel superhub MHS, a single-source provider of material handling automation and software solutions, announces its recognition on Supply and Demand Chain Executive’s list of innovative supply chain projects. The company earned its place on the 2020 SDCE 100 for the design and implementation of high-performance automated systems in the expanded UPS ground operations hub at its Louisville Centennial campus. MHS completed the project six months ahead of schedule and more than doubled the now one-million-square-foot facility’s throughput to 85,000 packages per hour. The solution includes two separate systems to accommodate significant package variety, one for small parcels and another for large, irregularly shaped packages. Several miles of conveyor and multiple scan tunnels support the sorters and provide data for control software to direct package routing. “Winning recognition on the SDCE 100 is an incredible honor, as is having such an exceptional customer,” says Pat Cowgill, senior vice president, MHS. “Our relationship with them allowed us to deliver a system that met all business requirements and got them up and running ahead of schedule.” With the hub operating on a 24/7 schedule and the project including retrofits, new equipment installation and integration, MHS used a phased approach to minimize disruption. This allowed UPS to reap the benefits of an interim boost in capacity before the project was completely finished, expanding from 39,000 to 60,000 parcels per hour during the 2018 peak season. And when UPS expressed interest in expediting the project timeline, an experienced field service team worked overtime to get the project completely finished and online in April 2019 – six months ahead of the original schedule. Today, UPS considers the facility a super hub, one of its 10 largest ground-sorting facilities in the world.
Multi-Conveyor builds elevated conveyor that maximizes production
… from 3 baggers to robotic pick Multi-Conveyor recently built this conveyor system to transport bags of sugar from three separate bag filling machines to ultimately feed a robotic tray packer. The filled bags exit the bagging machines standing upright with the narrow edge leading. Three lanes merge into one, with a pneumatic traffic cop gate system. Once single filed, the bags are knocked down on their face (wide edge leading) and bump turned to narrow edge leading, as they travel for the remainder of the system. The bags then incline, transport above shop level through multiple curves, including tabletop and friction belt variations, then decline back to shop level. Conveyor speeds range from 70 to 140 bags per minute or 200 fpm depending on product size. The elevated conveyor provides uninterrupted shop production below and maximizes floor space. Fixed stainless steel guide rail brackets control product stability throughout twists, turns and elevation changes the entire length of transportation. We asked Michigan Sugar Company Contract Engineer, Robert Hite, to sum up, his experience working with Multi-Conveyor. Here’s what he had to say. “We found Multi-Conveyor to be extremely professional and helpful to our sugar bagging and conveying operation. We have used them for many years in a number of projects. They have great follow-up service when we have asked questions or requested field modifications. I would suggest Multi-Conveyor be your source as well.” Special shout out to Multi-Conveyor distributor, EPS (www.engpaksol.com), for their partnership on this project. Job well done.
Beumer Corporation names new president and CEO
Dr. Christoph Beumer, Chairman, and CEO of BEUMER Group has announced that Joseph “Joe” Dzierzawski has been named president and CEO of BEUMER Corporation, effective April 27, 2020. Mr. Dzierzawski will be fully responsible for the business of BEUMER Group in the North American market in alignment with BEUMER Group business objectives, strategy, and key pursuits. Founded in 1935, BEUMER Group is an international leader in the manufacturer of intralogistics systems for conveying, loading, palletizing, sortation, and baggage handling. Headquartered in Germany, the privately held company has approximately 4,500 employees with annual revenues over $1 Billion USD in 2019. A graduate of the University of Michigan, with a degree in metallurgical engineering, Mr. Dzierzawski has attended Executive Management Programs at the University of Michigan School of Business and INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. He joins BEUMER from Hatch Metals & Minerals group where, as a senior member of the Hatch metals team, he served as Global Director, Technology & Business Development. He had previously served at SMS, a German market leader where he held a series of positions, eventually serving as President & Chief Executive Officer for SMS USA and Chief Technology Officer for SMS Group, Inc. “I look forward to the challenge of expanding my career outside of metallurgical plant building by joining an organization that is highly diversified and successful in serving multiple industries,” said Dzierzawski. He brings to the BEUMER organization deep interest and experience in various aspects of corporate social responsibility, including community involvement and philanthropic initiatives.
MHS takes home gold Product of the Year Award
High-capacity sorter wins first place in material handling category MHS, a single-source provider of material handling automation and software solutions, has added another award to its portfolio, taking home gold in the material handling systems category of the 2019 Plant Engineering Product of the Year Awards. The HC sorter – the company’s first sliding shoe sorter – emerged from a field of five finalists to win the category, as voted on by the publication’s readers. The HC sorter debuted in August 2019, offering high throughput and versatility for the parcel, e-commerce, and retail distribution operations. It provides the fastest speed of any closed-deck sliding shoe sorter, at 9.8 feet per second, and can handle products weighing anywhere from 0.55 to over 110 pounds. The HC sorter has a modular design and can be equipped with single- or double-sided shoes, offering easy scalability and configuration to match operational requirements. With supply chains expanding their use of various packaging types to minimize shipping costs, the HC sorter can handle everything from bubble mailers and polybags to large corrugate cases, thanks to narrow slats and a fully closed-deck design. This helps prevent products from getting stuck and damaged while limiting the amount of dust and debris that can enter the sorter. “This is the second MHS sortation product to win a product of the year award in less than six months, and we appreciate the recognition from Plant Engineering readers,” says Rush Fullerton, vice president, MHS. “The award validates our commitment to solving our customers’ most pressing challenges.”
Massive Bi-Directional accumulation for super high-speed filling
Multi-Conveyor recently modified the layout of a high-speed canning line by adding intermediate sections and adding a massive stainless steel bi-directional accumulation table. The modification included a 51′ mass flow transport conveyor section and a 54′ long by 10’ wide accumulation table to hold backed-up or accumulated product to nearly 14,000 cans at a required rate of 900 cans per minute (CPM). NOTE: This video has been intentionally blur-time-lapsed for proprietary purposes.) Accumulation tables increase line uptime by allowing conveyor systems to store products so that the upstream equipment, in this case, a filler, can remain operational at full speed if downstream equipment is stopped. When clear, the table automatically reintroduces the accumulated product to match the down-line equipment surge rate until the table is emptied. This project incorporated a raised rib chain to provide a smooth transfer onto and off of the table and a heavy solid stainless steel floating sweep arm to assist in table filling and emptying. Mass flow to bulk accumulation systems like this one is easily adaptable to almost any round product, minimizing change over requirements. The amount of increased filler run time is several hours per day and is expected to provide a full return on investment (ROI) in less than a year’s time for this particular project. Accumulation volume and buffer times are application-specific and should be discussed upfront with your account manager or Multi-Conveyor regional sales partner.
PULSEROLLER® names new Director of Business Development
PULSEROLLER has announced the appointment of Mr. Steve Inabnit as the Director of Business Development for the company’s North American operations. Mr. Inabnit has been operating in this capacity at PULSEROLLER since his hiring in September of 2019 in tandem with Mr. Tim Barnes, who has been the company’s Director of Business Development since 2004. Mr. Barnes retired earlier this month. Mr. Inabnit’s responsibilities include sales team/channel management and business development management activities. “I feel fortunate to be stepping in for Mr. Barnes and to have the opportunity to work with such a talented and seasoned group of professionals”, said Inabnit. “PULSEROLLER offers industry-leading MDR conveyor components, support, and know-how. If you build or use MDR conveyor or mechatronics, you should get to know PULSEROLLER!” Inabnit has more than 25 years of experience in the industrial electronics and material handling industry. He will look to leverage his application knowledge and industry contacts to further the PULSEROLLER brand and continue its exponential business growth.
daRoller lands exhibit effectiveness award at MODEX 2020
The daRoller trade show booth at MODEX 2020 was recognized by the E3 Exhibiting Effectiveness Evaluation team as one of the most effective booths at the show. The show organizers provided the evaluations as a value-added exhibitor service. The evaluators at the show were looking for exhibits throughout the show that displayed imaginative, creative, and effective ideas and practices. daRoller’s recognition came in the area of effective visual communications. According to the evaluators, “Often, visitors will leave the area of an exhibit wondering, ‘what does that company do, anyway?’ da Roller’s minimalist approach to color, graphics, and text provided attendees with the crystal clarity of what they do and what they would find at their exhibit.” The simple and effective theme chosen by daRoller at the show was, “We know conveyor systems. We make rollers.” The company was started in 2014 to provide conveyor manufacturers with a quick and agile source of driven, gravity, and custom conveyor rollers. It is led and run by experienced industry experts who “strive to go above and beyond and do what others are not willing or able to do.” said Joan Morgan, president of daRoller. daRoller offers a line of driven, gravity, and custom conveyor rollers used by conveyor manufacturers across North, Central, and South America.
Z-Incline elevates IQF 14 feet with no problem or mess
Multi-Conveyor recently built this stainless steel vertical scoop flight elevator that raises fresh frozen fruit over 14′ in a small footprint. The operator manually loads bulk individually quick frozen (IQF) product into a specially designed infeed hopper where it will accumulate until the conveyor can take it away. The product inclines and then discharges onto a customer supplied vibratory scale feeder with a total throughput of approximately 75 pounds per minute. A local NEMA 4X VFD was supplied to start and stop the conveyor as called for by the customer’s scale and to control the motor speed. Hinged polycarbonate covers with magnetic latches keep berries from falling out of the flight pockets when overloaded. Belt hold-down rollers make smooth transitions from horizontal to vertical with simplistic one-bolt removal for maintenance or sanitation. Multi-Conveyor is a leading manufacturer of standard and custom conveyor solutions for End-Users, Integrators, Engineering firms, Automation/Robotics, AI, OEM’s and Contract Packagers across multiple markets. We specialize in conveyor systems for packaging or material handling for nearly every industry, product, shape, and size. Our customers report they select Multi-Conveyor for concept/design, engineering skills, quality product, the best value, and prompt delivery. Multi-Conveyor excels in sanitary conveyor, easy to maintain, clean-in-place or “no tools required” belt changeover systems for nearly any industry. We direct manufacture stainless steel and mild steel construction conveyors for tabletop chains, modular plastic belts, fabric belting and now custom MDR. Our in-house electrical and engineering departments execute the controls, panels, devices, PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, safety, inspection and sensors needed to integrate our systems with multiple packaging platforms. Quick ship plastic chain and low-profile, small transfer, pre-engineered sanitary and non-sanitary belt systems are available for quick delivery.
SJF Material Handling starts “Eat Local” movement
When times get hard, living in a small close‐knit community can oftentimes have a huge advantage. In following in their late father Jerry Sterner’s legacy for love and pride in our local community, the Stafford and Frank Sterner families, owners of SJF Material Handling Inc., would like to begin a movement encouraging other local businesses to daily patronize local restaurants and other businesses in and around their own community, in support of our neighbors and friends. For as long as Minnesota’s executive order restricting business operations is in effect due to COVID‐19, SJF will be purchasing lunches from different local restaurants in Winsted, Minnesota, for all SJF employees working on‐site. Frank and Stafford’s hope is that other businesses will follow suit and come together in their own communities to boost sales to local restaurants and businesses. SJF is committed to doing everything possible to help our community family through this difficult time. At the same time, this movement also rewards employees for their hard work in continuing to keep essential businesses running smoothly. SJF encourages all businesses to show their support in this way. Let’s work together to become an example to other communities so that they may do the same. Together we can make it through this difficult time and strengthen our own communities in the process.
New DC Platform: Interroll brings innovative drive solution to the Americas
Interroll is setting new standards in modern material flow technology in North America. The company´s innovative range of coordinated RollerDrive products, control systems, and power supply elements positions system integrators and OEMs to now provide even more individual solutions for their customers, from plug-and-play standard applications to systems with IoT 4.0 functionality. Conveyors have long been the work-horse of the material handling industry. Transporting packages, improving workflows, and interfacing with other automated solutions to drive real efficiency in warehouses and manufacturing environments. Today, the requirements placed on zero-pressure-accumulation conveyor systems are becoming more demanding in terms of their technical performance. They need three things: More Data, Higher Precision, and Improved Power Efficiency. With the DC Platform, Interroll has developed a powerful technology platform that fulfills these requirements in an exemplary manner. “With the new DC Platform, system integrators and Original Equipment Manufacturers in the Americas can now choose from an innovative, coordinated range of conveyor technology solutions from a single supplier, all based on years of development and testing,” explains Steven Leavengood, Vice President Sales and Service of Interroll USA. “This technology allows a more customized and user-specific approach to meeting throughput needs, data management, power savings, and more. By addressing these specific market needs we strive to revolutionize conveyor performance¤» The DC platform is capable of collecting 100+ parameters of Data from the conveyor system which will drive improved performance and maintenance¤ This level of visibility provides quick system optimization and flexibility. The DC Platform also allows for the precision positioning of totes and goods. This is critical for robotic applications and other situations where millimeter-accurate placement is required. Lastly, the DC Platform includes options for 24V or 48V power. With 48V, our customers can see a significant reduction in equipment needed to power their system – resulting in savings for both maintenance and components. This revolutionary new platform will be used to create a unique range of conveying solutions, from conveyors that can be commissioned without a programmable logic controller (PLC) using plug-and-play, all the way to tailor-made, high-performance systems that can be consistently and transparently integrated into the data universe of Internet of Things 4.0 applications. Experience the benefits of 48 V technology The new modular platform makes it possible for system integrators and plant constructors to design conveying systems according to customers’ requests in both 24 V and 48 V versions. With this step, Interroll is driving the technical evolution of protective low-voltage solutions that have been adopted by automotive manufacturers. 48 V systems, therefore, enable the use of up to 50 percent fewer power supply elements than in 24 V systems. Interroll´s new modular Power Supply also enables the use of smaller wire cross-sections and longer wire lengths, and reduces the number of error sources, for instance as a result of voltage drops on the wires. This significantly reduces the investment required in the entire system and the risk of errors during commissioning¤ Three power levels to choose from with the new RollerDrive However, customers don’t just have more options when it comes to the voltage type of the new DC Platform. The new RollerDrive EC5000 also offers more flexibility in terms of its mechanical output power. The new motor rollers are available in 20 W, 35 W and 50 W versions that can take on any transport tasks for light or heavy goods. To support the implementation of conveyor solutions for heavy goods, Interroll offers the 50 W power option as well as a RollerDrive version with tubes measuring 60 mm in diameter instead of 50 mm. What’s more, the well-known IP66 and Deep Freeze design options are available; these enable RollerDrive solutions to be implemented even in areas that are cleaned using powerful water jets or that reach temperatures as low as -30° C¤ Bus interface opens the door to Industry 4.0 Alongside the tried-and-tested analog interface, the EC5000 can be supplied with a bus interface based on the CANOpen standard, upon request. This means that modern conveying systems can offer data transparency for the first time. In combination with an Interroll control system with multi-protocol capability (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and EtherCat), this means that users can consistently visualize a range of information and functions on the screen using the PLC or a web interface. One example is the display of general information about the current operating state and the operating load of the individual drives over time. In parallel, the control systems enable a range of detailed information such as precise error statuses, torque or temperature, for instance, to be read out for each individual drive. At the same time, the new RollerDrive’s bus interface enables users to carry out completely new control functions that are required in an automated environment. As a result, users can control the acceleration, speed, and deceleration of the conveyed goods in the system more precisely. This solution also allows them to position the relevant goods on the conveyor to the nearest millimeter—a key requirement in order to guarantee seamless conveying interplay between the conveyor solution and robots or automated gripper arms.
Interroll´s modular solutions for automated pallet conveyance now available in the Americas
Based on its successful Modular Conveyor Platform (MCP), Interroll is now introducing a modular platform for driven pallet conveyance in the Americas region. The Modular Pallet Conveyor Platform (MPP) system makes use of a number of components, including technical products that have been tried and tested hundreds of thousands of times by users. The new conveyor platform is an ideal addition to the Interroll Pallet & Carton Flow flow storage system. Reliable and efficient pallet handling is becoming increasingly important in modern goods flows. In many cases, this hinges primarily on keeping the transport times between goods receipt and goods dispatch, or between storage, production and commissioning facilities in a business to a minimum and ensuring that these transport processes are highly efficient by means of automation—and keeping planning processes streamlined, assembly requirements low and expansion options flexible. Ideal for automated pallet transport Interroll’s new solution for system integrators and plant constructors offers all this and more. The MPP is an exceptionally versatile pallet conveyor system, distinguished by its highly flexible modular design¤ In conjunction with Interroll’s tried-and-tested Pallet & Carton Flow flow storage system, the new pallet conveying platform is an ideal foundation on which to build comprehensive pallet storage and conveying solutions of any type and for any application. Unlike the flow storage system, in which pallets are buffered in intermediate storage areas on inclined belts due to the force of gravity, the MPP is a driven conveying system for pallets. Depending on the application scenario, the drive is powered by gear or drum motors, which even enables the creation of zero-pressure-accumulation conveyors. Simple planning, flexible design The fully modular system can be planned and arranged extremely simply and conveniently using Interroll’s popular Layouter tool. The MPP consists of chain or roller conveyors, as well as additional modules such as transfers and turntables. Unique modules for special functions are also available on request. The modules are optimally coordinated and fully preassembled on delivery in order to make installation as easy as possible. Additionally, the system can be modified or expanded incredibly easily and cost-effectively at a later date. Depending on the conveyor design and the chosen modules, pallets weighing up to 1,200 kg can be transported at a top speed of 0.5 metres per second. The elements in the system are guaranteed to function perfectly within a temperature range of -28 to +40° C., meaning that the MPP can also be used in low-temperature applications. Depending on the control system used, the system can be designed differently—for different weights, with a variable speed or with an integrated positioning function, for instance. Pallet inspection stations can also be installed along the conveyor upon request. These enable the dimensions, weight, intactness or suitability of the pallets on the conveyor to be checked. Optionally, further inspections can be carried out: for example, in order to guarantee that only complete pallets with intact goods are transported on the conveyor. In all of this, however, Interroll has placed great importance on optimum workplace safety and a healthy work environment. The new MPP was extensively tested and subjected to extreme endurance tests and load tests before being introduced onto the market. It complies with all applicable safety regulations and generates a noise level of just 68 dB(A) during operation.
Qimarox strengthens grip on the chain with Tradecloud platform
Qimarox has strengthened its collaboration with suppliers by implementing the Tradecloud Supply Chain platform. Through this platform, Qimarox communicates with suppliers about the rapidly growing number of orders and deliveries. Because Qimarox expects to continue to grow, digitalization of the supply chain was an important wish. Purchasing manager Hendri de Ruiter: ‘We can only maintain our high level of delivery reliability if our suppliers also maintain a high level of delivery reliability’. Tradecloud is a digital platform that supports buyers and their suppliers by increasing speed and flexibility and wasting less time and resources. The standard platform is specially developed for the manufacturing industry, runs in the cloud and communicates with any ERP system. Qimarox has been using the platform since January of this year to automatically share orders from its own ERP system with eleven suppliers. They, in turn, send an order confirmation directly from their own ERP system or via the platform. ‘Our suppliers see it immediately when a new purchase order is ready and can import it directly into their own ERP system without having to enter any data manually. That makes for a much more efficient process, both at Qimarox’s end as well as of the suppliers,’ says purchasing manager Hendri de Ruiter of Qimarox. He mentions the following advantages: more insight into deliveries and better calculations of material requirements. Full chain integration Qimarox signed the contract with Tradecloud in February 2019. One month later the project started, after which the platform was implemented in six months. Qimarox connected the first supplier to the platform in September. The platform has been fully live since January 2020 and eleven suppliers are now connected. For them, connection to the platform is free, while they also benefit from full chain integration thanks to the standard ERP connectors. Because the manual procurement tasks such as processing order confirmations are now automated, Qimarox spends half the time on order administration. Automation also leads to more speed and fewer errors. Because Qimarox’s purchasing staff can now concentrate only on the orders that require attention, supplier delivery reliability has increased. ‘We now have fewer rush orders as well as less problems with orders. We are now all on the same page.’ Everything in one place All communication between Qimarox and suppliers is now in one place. Not only De Ruiter but also other parties within Qimarox and the suppliers can easily see what has been agreed. ‘Our goal is to capture as much knowledge as possible in systems. We go quite far in defining the specifications with which the purchased parts must comply. This prevents mistakes and misunderstandings. Especially in these times with a shortage of technical personnel, it is important to communicate clearly and efficiently, so that companies are able to make optimal use of the competencies of their employees’, says De Ruiter. Qimarox is currently using the Tradecloud modules Orders, Workflow, Communication, and Basic Supply Chain Analytics. De Ruiter: ‘This year we want to connect even more suppliers. We are also thinking about expanding the processes we want to facilitate with Tradecloud. Consider, for example, the modules Forecasts and Article management.’
Interroll presents new High-Performance Crossbelt Sorter
Faster, more flexible and even quieter: With the global market launch of the new High-Performance Crossbelt Sorter MX 025H Crossbelt Sorter, Interroll extends its innovative portfolio of automatic sorting solutions to include a new high-performance system capable of handling up to 20,000 conveyed goods per hour. This new solution also allows for much heavier and larger goods to be sorted. As a result, even the most demanding users can now enjoy the performance and availability benefits offered by mechanically driven horizontal crossbelt sorters from Interroll. The new High-Performance Crossbelt Sorter MX 025H offers an increased conveying speed of up to 2.5 m/s (8.2 ft/s) compared to 1.8 m/s (5.9 ft/s) for the still available Interroll Crossbelt Sorter ST 6160. The new sorter thus enables throughput rates of up to 20,000 conveyed goods per hour. At the same time, the High- performance Crossbelt Sorter MX 025H is able to transport goods weighing up to 50 kg. In addition, the width of the carriers has been increased by an impressive 50 percent. This means an enormous gain in flexibility when sorting goods of different dimensions. Maintenance for the HPCS is extremely easy and inexpensive. This is true for many reasons. First of all, the drive chain has been replaced with a rubber belt. This means there is no need for lubrication. Secondly, it is now much easier and faster to replace the belt. However, extensive tests indicate this will not need to happen for many years, even in the case of 24/7 operations. The carriers can also be replaced much faster, and wear parts are also less expensive; all this contributes to significantly lower maintenance costs – around 50% less than with a conventional Crossbelt Sorter. Thanks to the mechanical drive concept, the sorter operates extremely quietly—below 67 dB(A)—even at the highest throughput rates. In addition to extensive load and endurance tests in the in-house test center, the new sorter has already been in use for almost a year at selected customers’ sites. The new product will be presented to the public at MODEX 2020, March 9–12, in Atlanta, Georgia (United States). Over 400 Interroll automatic sorting systems already in use worldwide “With our entry into absolute high-performance sorting, system integrators can now offer users an innovative and at the same time-proven technology range,” explains Jens Strüwing, Executive Vice President and Head of Products & Technology at Interroll. “Our unique, mechanical drive concept enables us to process an increasing number and variety of goods according to demand—with the highest reliability and economic advantages that are unparalleled in the world market.” Today, more than 400 sorters are already in use worldwide by industry leaders such as Amazon, DHL, FedEx, UPS, Hugo Boss, Inditex (ZARA), Zalando, Swiss Post, Austrian Post, and China Post. Unlike competing products, the number of electronic components in these sorters has been kept as low as possible. Energy savings of up to 50 percent Interroll Crossbelt Sorters operate on a direct drive principle, in which the drive units can be positioned flexibly. The entire drive system offers power efficiency rates of over 85 percent. It is designed redundantly so that if one drive unit fails, the sorting operation continues uninterrupted. Compared to electrical sorting systems operated with traditional linear motors, energy savings of up to 50 percent can be achieved. At the heart of the sorter are the crossbelt carriers with patented mechanical drives. The modular sorter platform also includes innovative infeed conveyors and terminals that can be customized to meet the needs of each user.
Wildeck withdraws from exhibiting at MODEX 2020
After much consideration, Wildeck has made the difficult decision to withdraw from MODEX 2020 in Atlanta, GA March 9-12, 2020. “Wildeck’s number one priority will always be the health and safety of our associates. In light of the guidelines set forth by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we have determined the need to cancel their participation,” said Dave Milner, VP Sales and Marketing. For those who were planning on dropping by their booth at the show, are encouraged to reach out to your Wildeck sales representative or contact us via our website at www.Wildeck.com. As of now, the Wildeck team still plans on conducting business as usual, including singular travel to visit our customers. Like everyone, they are keeping a close eye on the situation and will adjust accordingly.
daRoller introducing Modex 2020 visitors to its line of Driven and Gravity Conveyor Rollers
daRoller, the exclusive distributor and licensee of Damon rollers in the Americas, will introduce MODEX 2020 visitors to its line of driven and gravity conveyor rollers used by many leading conveyor manufacturers. The Cincinnati, Ohio based company will feature its full line of driven conveyor roller solutions including powered grooved, powered grooved tapered, powered sprocketed, powered poly-vee, and powered poly-vee tapered, as well as its line of gravity non-precision bearing, gravity precision bearing, and gravity tapered sleeve rollers. Customized conveyor roller solutions are also available. The company was established in 2014, and according to Ms. Joan Morgan, President, and Owner, “We started daRoller because we saw that conveyor manufacturers needed a supplier who is quick, agile, and willing to do what others are not willing to do. Our experienced daRoller team analyzes each customer’s unique needs, and tailor’s a solution that delivers the required results.” The show is being held March 9-12, 2020 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Visitors will find daRoller in booth #7071.
Columbus McKinnon expands Unified Industries brand enclosed Track Aluminum Rail Offering
New ETA-3 Series Rail Provides Versatility and Improved Ergonomics for Light-Duty Applications To help improve ergonomics and equipment safety for lifting applications, Columbus McKinnon Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of motion control products, technologies, and services for material handling, has expanded its family of Unified Industries brand Enclosed Track Aluminum (ETA) Rail Profiles. Joining the existing product portfolio, the new ETA-3 Series is a flexible solution for light-duty applications. “ETA-3 is ideal for any light-duty application in our customers’ facilities,” said Tony Alessi, product manager for the Unified Industries brand. “This means that ETA-3 rails can be used in a variety of configurations, including as tool rail for weld guns, light fixtures, weld curtains, spring balancers, and workbenches, or as a side-by-side rail to carry additional equipment on a crane.” Designed to reduce strain and fatigue, ETA-3 rails provide ease of movement with a lightweight aluminum trolley body, precision bearing load wheels, self-lubricating bronze bushings, dual bearing guide rollers, and integrated rubber bumpers. This new profile can also be attached to the mainline rail system as a festoon rail. This allows festooning trolleys and filter, regulator, and lubrication (FRL) equipment to move on a separate rail, helping to extend bridge and runway distances. ETA-3 rails are an ideal choice for automotive, aerospace, and heavy manufacturing applications. ETA-3 has a maximum capacity of 442 lbs., with lengths up to 25 feet, and is extruded from high-grade 6005-T5 aluminum.
Beumer introduces the BG Sorter® Compact CB at MODEX
BEUMER, a global supplier for material handling, automation, and intralogistics systems, will introduce the new BG Sorter® Compact CB sortation system at MODEX 2020 in Atlanta (March 9 – 12, 2020) as part of a global product debut. The smart, high-capacity sortation system features a tight curve radius that is unmatched in the industry, which allows it to be used in tight environments. The compact cross-belt loop sorter delivers the benefits of high-speed sortation while reducing per item handling costs. A full-scale model of the new BG Sorter Compact CB will be on display at Booth #4819, along with BEUMER’s larger BG Sorter, BEUMER’s stretch hood system, and a data analytics command center BEUMER will also deliver a presentation entitled “How to Gain a Competitive Advantage by Actually Implementing Real-Time Data Analytics.” The presentation will provide a step-by-step guide on integrating meaningful real-time analytics within weeks and examine how to use these insights to gain a competitive edge. BEUMER’s presentation will also discuss best practices for developing a working knowledge of existing analytical capabilities and will include a decision matrix template and implementation checklist. “BEUMER has specialized, hands-on expertise in utilizing analytical data to improve processes and maximize operational efficiency,” said Sebastian Titze – BEUMER Business Development and Strategy Manager. “We wanted to break down what many see as an overwhelming endeavor into a manageable, logical sequence that leads to quick, actionable results,” he continued. Terry Brown – Director of Sales for BEUMER, will also help deliver the presentation, scheduled for 2:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 9th in Theater F. The company will also participate in the Hytrol Scavenger Hunt and MODEX’s Student Day. For more information on BEUMER’s seminar, visit https://www.modexshow.com/education/seminar.aspx?ref=attendees&id=1747. Additional information about BEUMER’s booth can be found at https://www.modexshow.com/listing.aspx?ref=attendees&id=46448
Hy-Tek Material Handling appoints Integrated Systems Division President & EVP
Donnie Johnson and Mark Bruner promoted Hy-Tek Material Handling’s Integrated Systems (IS) division has announced the appointment of Donnie Johnson as president and Mark Bruner as executive vice president. Based in Greater Cincinnati and serving customers nationwide, the Hy-Tek IS division has the experience and expertise to engineer, design, and implement strategic plans for any material handling application. Hy-Tek IS solutions include integrated conveyor systems, engineered storage systems, receiving and shipping systems, robotic palletizing cells, automated picking technologies including pick-to-light, and complete turnkey projects. As Integrated Systems division president, Johnson is responsible for sales and marketing and serves as key account executive for major system users. He oversees a team of experienced professionals working out of offices in Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. A seasoned professional with over four decades of industry experience, including 18 years with Hy-Tek, Johnson previously held the position of executive VP, sales. He is charged with growing the IS division nationally. As executive vice president, Bruner oversees all Hy-Tek IS division operations and installation services, excluding sales and marketing. With 40 years of industry experience, including 18 years with Hy-Tek, he previously held the position of executive VP, operations. Bruner and the IS team are dedicated to delivering innovative engineering solutions that integrate technology, equipment, and the latest industry practices. “Hy-Tek has been delivering exceptional material handling support to our customers for 57 years. On behalf of Mark Bruner and the entire Integrated Systems team, I am committed to making our customers more competitive, efficient, and productive for the next half century—and beyond,” said Johnson.