Gain extra load capacity with the new 2700 Medium Duty Conveyor from Dorner
For applications that need a little extra boost in load capacity, the new 2700 Medium Duty Conveyor from Dorner has the strength to carry heavier products for a variety of industrial automation and packaging applications including palletizers, multi-lane processing, case and tray handling, and end-of-line packaging. With regards to Dorner’s industrial flat belt conveyor options, the new 2700 Medium Duty hits the sweet spot between Dorner’s popular low-profile 2200 and 3200 heavy-duty platforms. While the 2200 conveyor can carry up to 80 pounds, and the 3200 conveyor can support up to 400 pounds, the 2700 Medium Duty is engineered to safely convey up to 150 pounds. This expanding portfolio of industrial conveyors give customers a full breadth of options to select the right platform for their specific application. Another advantage the 2700 Medium Duty Conveyor brings is extended widths between 26” and 36”, available in 2” increments. Wider conveyors are becoming sought-after options in warehouses and industrial facilities as their extra capacity complement a company’s automation upgrades. The growing popularity of autonomous mobile robots (AMR), robotic palletizing, and other technologies, all of which can handle heavier loads, pair nicely with the wider widths and increased carrying capacity of the 2700 Medium Duty. Furthermore, the conveyor can be wider than it is long, which enables an AMR to dock sideways, allowing for more efficient and faster loading and unloading. Features and benefits of the new 2700 Medium Duty Conveyors include: V-Guided positive belt tracking for smooth, maintenance-free performance even under demanding side load applications Precise rack and pinion belt tensioning for fast and simple tensioning Larger, sealed-for-life bearings easily handle 2700 Medium Duty capacity, while reducing maintenance 16 mm (5/8”) high-speed nose bar transfer tail for precise transferring of small packages Engineered for applications involving multi-lane and medium part handling; transfers; accumulation, automated and manual assembly
Manhattan Beer Distributors selects Westfalia Technologies for warehouse automation
Westfalia Technologies, Inc., a provider of logistics solutions for manufacturers and distributors, announces its automation technology will be installed in two site locations for Manhattan Beer Distributors, a major New York City-based beer and beverage distributor. Westfalia was selected to provide machine controls software and WES software for an order release module (ORM) at Manhattan Beer’s location in the Bronx as well as a turn-key automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) at the Suffern, NY facility. The ORM implementation in the Bronx operates as an automated case release system and an order-building system. This automation technology will serve as case picking for Manhattan Beer’s top SKUs. After receiving orders from the warehouse management system (WMS), the ORM automatically generates mixed SKU layers and picks the necessary cases to form those layers, eliminating the need for manual picking. After the cases are automatically picked, they are sent to the palletized for automatic palletization or to a manual palletizing station when appropriate. The ORM is controlled by Westfalia’s Savanna.NET® Warehouse Execution System (WES), interfacing with the existing systems in the Bronx facility. The ORM is expected to go live this month. Like the ORM, Savanna.NET® will also control the AS/RS and integrate with Manhattan Beer’s existing solutions at the Suffern distribution center. The building will have an inbound section to retrieve beer from freight and rail shipments, and the AS/RS will handle both full and mixed pallets. The AS/RS will feature more than 22,000 pallet positions and three aisles supporting up to 3,000-pound pallets. The multi-deep system will be seven levels high and be housed in a 55-foot-tall building. “At any given time we have 4 to 5 million cases of beer stored throughout our five facilities,” said Michael McCarthy, Senior Vice President of Operations at Manhattan Beer. “Not only are these systems going to help with hiring and staffing, but it’s extremely difficult and costly to expand in the New York real estate market. Westfalia’s AS/RS is going to significantly improve our storage density.” The Greenfield project will connect two existing buildings in Suffern with the AS/RS implementation located in between (refer to the image below). With innovative designs utilizing features like triple rail support, the AS/RS handles all beer pallets on the equipment (from MillerCoors plastic pallets to a wide variety of Corona pallets), regardless of pallet differentiations from brand to brand. “Consider the wide variation of pallet types in the beer industry,” said Borja Salanova, Senior Solutions Consultant at Westfalia. “Our capacity to handle them is one of the most noteworthy aspects of this project. A Westfalia AS/RS in the beer industry is a true way to help streamline operations.” “I admire Westfalia for their patience–you could say we dated for a long time before we got married,” said Mitchel Bergson, Chief Transformation Officer at Manhattan Beer. “Most importantly, we felt trust with the Westfalia team. If we ever have an issue, I can call Dan Labell (President of Westfalia), and he takes my call. Their experience in the beverage industry, especially in wine and spirits and soft drinks, also gave us confidence in our choice of Westfalia as our warehouse automation provider.”
Cornerstone Automation Partners with Richard S. Burns & Company Inc. to Automate Patented Recycling Sortation Process for LEED Compliance
With the increasing emphasis on sustainability and recycling, Richard S. Burns & Company Inc. invented a patented system to help companies meet and document LEED Certification requirements. Cornerstone Automation was hired to automate portions of the process making it more sustainable and efficient Cornerstone Automation, a control system integration company based in Telford, PA, has announced the successful completion of the patented Tommy Cart® sortation solution for Richard S. Burns & Company Inc. Cornerstone’s role in automating their unique process included collaboration on the development of the software and designing and implementing the industrial controls required to manage the sortation of thousands of tons of construction waste and materials a day. Richard S. Burns & Company Inc. is a complete recycling and waste recovery facility out of Philadelphia, PA. They patented the Tommy Cart® solution, a highly maneuverable and effective alternative to dumpsters to provide a better alternative for loading out debris for any job site. The Tommy Cart® solution utilizes an automated lift and conveyor sortation system that tracks the collection and weights of all commodities and debris. Their one-of-a-kind process takes the weights of full individual bins of sorted commodities for each individual customer so that they have documentation to prove they are in compliance with LEED Certification requirements. Previous methods to track and weigh materials were not as accurate, and the manual sortation was much more cumbersome. “Cornerstone goes above and beyond the call of duty,” said Allen Burns, President of Richard S. Burns & Company Inc. “They’re a very resourceful group of people, and they’re very knowledgeable. They bring a lot to the table and the word “resourceful” just continually comes to my mind. Anytime we reach out to them they have an answer whether it’s something to do with our system or how to run better equipment.” “We were excited to work with Richard S. Burns & Company Inc. to automate their sortation process and are thrilled with its success,” said Alan Ferrin, President of Cornerstone Automation. “Automating portions of this process makes it more sustainable and efficient. This innovative solution ultimately costs less because it removes so much of the manual process, and is more accurate in terms of reporting than manually sorting all of that material.”
Quick and safe transport of AMRs between multiple floors
Qimarox introduces a vertical conveyor for AMRs Qimarox, a manufacturer of components for material handling systems, introduces a vertical conveyor for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The Prorunner PR12 is ideally suited to transporting these vehicles between different floors. The high positioning accuracy, the rigidity of the construction, and the possibility of mounting a second carrier result in a safe and reliable high-capacity transport solution. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are rapidly gaining in popularity. They are relatively cheap, flexible, and scalable. They can be easily deployed without having to modify the existing infrastructure. Since they can handle a large part of the internal transport, they allow people to work faster and more efficiently. However, AMRs and AGVs have always had one limitation: they were difficult to move between different floors. Qimarox’s Prorunner PR12 changes all that. The PR12 is a vertical conveyor that significantly extends the range of AMRs. By moving robots with or without cargo between floors, companies can further increase their deployability and flexibility. In other words, the PR12 allows companies to grow in height. The first machines have already been delivered to an e-commerce company. Safe and fast The Prorunner PR12 is a discontinuous vertical conveyor with a minimal footprint. Its rigid construction and high positioning accuracy make the PR12 highly suitable for transporting AMRs and AGVs. Since the tolerances in vertical and horizontal directions are less than 5 millimeters, the vehicles can drive on and off the platform without difficulty. The PR12 is equipped with contour monitoring: if the vehicle on the platform starts to slide or roll, the machine comes to an immediate stop. The Prorunner PR12 offers a high capacity. With a height difference of 2 meters, the PR12 makes no less than 400 cycles per hour. What makes the machine unique is the possibility of attaching two separately driven carriers to one column. This makes it possible to easily double the transport capacity while keeping the space requirement to a minimum. The vertical range of the Prorunner PR12 is up to 24 meters. A single machine can, therefore, easily serve three, four, five, or even more floors. Also for products Not only can the Prorunner PR12 be used for transporting AMRs and AGVs, but for products and load carriers too. In this case, the AMR and AGV platform can easily be replaced with a roller conveyor. If the PR12 is equipped with two carriers, any configuration is possible: two platforms, two roller conveyors, or a combination of one platform and one roller conveyor. Even if the logistics concept changes over time, the PR12 can easily be converted. Like all Qimarox material handling components, the Prorunner PR12 is modular, resulting in a high degree of configurability, competitive pricing, short delivery times, and low maintenance costs. By using a servo drive, the PR12 can be easily integrated into any demanding, dynamic and challenging system design. Key benefits: Extremely high positioning accuracy (servomotor) The robust column ladder design allows the lifting of heavy loads Fully standardized, user-friendly modular design High quality constructive finishing Top global brands standard components used Heavy duty option for weights up to 300 kg / 661 lb Suitable for AGV / AMR thanks to positioning accuracy Low maintenance requirements Available with independently driven 1 or 2 carriers Capable of handling pallet-sized products
New generation of Signal Towers are brighter and simpler to order and maintain
Signal tower lights play a critical role in protecting the safety of people and equipment in manufacturing and process control environments, providing visual and audible indications of system status and alerts of dangerous conditions. They are relatively simple devices, but until recently, they have been notoriously difficult to configure, order and stock because of the proliferation of different sizes and options to meet the wide range of applications. Fortunately, a new generation of signal towers changes all this. New technology and new designs make state-of-the-art signal towers much brighter so that one size fits all applications and environments. Now, ordering signal towers is much easier and fewer spare parts are needed Typical Signal Tower Color Schemes Signal towers have been around for decades. They are also frequently called stack lights due to their vertical orientation. They contain up to five lights, of different colors, with each color signifying a particular status, warning, or alarm. Despite efforts to create international harmonized standards for indicator lights and their meanings (e.g., IEC 60204-1, Fifth edition Chap. 10.3.2), implementations vary. In general, the following conventions are commonly applied: RED is an alarm condition signifying an emergency or hazardous situation. AMBER warns of an abnormal condition or an impending critical situation. GREEN represents normal machine or process operation or a non-hazardous environment. BLUE signifies an important/mandatory action that is not urgent, such as refilling a hopper with raw material or scheduling a service call. WHITE does not have any universal designation. It is often used for productivity monitoring. Within each color category, the light can be continuous or it can blink intermittently to indicate a more urgent condition and to attract more attention. Likewise, stack lights frequently incorporate a sounder module for audible signals for more effective warning and alarming. Sounders can generate a variety of tones including simulated bells, continuous tones, and siren sounds. Wide Range of Applications Sometimes a stack tower will contain only two modules. For example, laser cutting machines may use a green light to indicate that the machine is on and everything is working properly, and a red light will flash when the laser is pointing downward in cutting mode to warn operators and to alert other workers to stay clear of the machine. In addition to warning indication and machine fault management, signal towers are also commonly used for productivity monitoring (rate-based machine output management with displays counting parts per hour or parts per shift), as well as equipment effectiveness and productivity (uptime and downtime). In fact, stack towers are often called andon lights, for the andon system of quality control that is a principal component of the Toyota Production System. It empowers workers to stop production when a defect is found and immediately call for help. In the andon system, a green light indicates that production is proceeding normally. Yellow signifies that a problem has appeared and the operator needs assistance, and red alerts supervisors that the problem needs further investigation. Stack lights are widely used as warnings and alarms to protect workers, equipment and buildings from elevated levels of hazardous chemicals. For example, green lights may signify very low levels. A yellow light with an audible signal would designate detection of say, five parts per million of ammonia gas. And flashing red, with a strobe light and a loud audible alarm would be triggered at more dangerous levels. New Generation of Stack Lights A new generation of stack lights incorporates LED elements to replace incandescent bulbs. The LEDs, which can be 10,000% brighter, have a number of important advantages. First is the obvious benefit that because they are brighter, they are much more effective in performing their function of being clearly visible and capturing attention in all ambient light conditions, including outdoor installations. High luminosity is also increasingly critical indoors. Industrial spaces are being equipped with better artificial lighting and more natural lighting is being used for energy saving and sustainability. A second benefit is that LEDs last much longer than incandescent bulbs. Whereas incandescent bulbs typically are rated at a lamp life of only 2500 hours under ideal conditions, LED elements last for at least 50,000 hours. Moreover, LEDs are not vulnerable to vibration and shock the way incandescent bulbs are. Third, LED bulbs generate less heat and consume much less electrical power. The Size Advantage All of these benefits are important, but they are commonplace for many other applications where LEDs have replaced incandescent bulbs. Perhaps the most significant advantage of the new generation of stack lights comes from the much smaller size of the LED elements compared to incandescent bulbs. One of the problems with incandescent bulbs is they need to dissipate heat, and therefore to produce more luminosity, you need a larger bulb, which in turn is encased in a larger colored lens. As a result, stack towers varied in diameter up to 4 inches (100 mm). State-of-the-art LED stack towers have lenses that are about half the diameter even though the systems are much brighter. One-Size-Fits-All for Easier Ordering and Inventory Catalogs for signal towers with incandescent bulbs can run 100 pages or more, with varying bulb and lens sizes needed depending on the luminosity requirements for each application and environment. Selecting the right size and figuring out all the parts required has complicated the ordering process. And if a facility requires a variety of sizes, maintaining an inventory of all of the different spare parts gets to be costly and burdensome. The new state-of-the-art LED signal towers are bright enough so that one-size-fits-all, or nearly all, applications. It’s now much simpler to figure out what is needed for each application, and maintaining inventory is much cheaper and easier. Signaling towers are a simple and effective solution for a wide variety of applications. Now they are as easy to order, install and maintain as they should be.
The new M3000 Case Packer from Brenton Reach speeds up to 50 cases per minute
Brenton is launching a new continuous motion side-load case packer aimed at CPQ customers looking to pack between 30 and 50 cases per minute. Plan to see the M3000 demonstrating its capabilities in booth N-5546 at PACK EXPO 2022, Oct. 23-26 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Brenton is a provider in designing and manufacturing integrated end-of-line packaging systems and machines, specializing in case packing and palletizing using both robotics and other automation. The M3000 Case Packer is designed to fill a need for mid-range manufacturers of packaged personal care and food products to pack up to 50 wrap-around or tray-style cases per minute. The machine features Brenton’s standard servo-driven changeover assist design for faster, more consistent changeovers in 15 minutes or less with minimal manual adjustments. The M3000 utilizes Beckhoff XTS Track technology that reduces the footprint needed for the machine. This linear transport system allows the case to dwell in some stations longer than others, resulting in a smaller footprint with a higher case output rate. The intuitive HMI features two-touch navigation for commonly used functions, and the open access design allows for easy maintenance to decrease downtime. The addition of the M3000 completes Brenton’s side-load case packing portfolio, joining the M2000 (up to 35 cases per minute) and the M4000 (up to 85 cases per minute) in providing the right solution to specific customer applications. The M3000 will be in action at PACK EXPO packing plastic bottles of wet wipes. Show attendees will also see Brenton’s redesigned MP1000 Robotic Bulk Palletizing / Depalletizing End of Arm Tool that can pick up full layers of product at one time. A great time-saving solution for a variety of industries, including plastic container manufacturers, the MP1000 provides consistent tight layer grids of palletized and depalletized product through cradle and place technology that combines a servo-operated rotary tool and slat system to gently handle full layers of product weighing up to 500 pounds with each motion. Cradle and place technology outperforms traditional roller or vacuum pick and place systems, which can leave trays behind or fail to handle certain bulk items. The MP1000 is the ideal solution for palletizing and depalletizing applications for empty or full bulk items, bags, cans, bottles, or irregular-shaped packs. It also works well for handling cases, open or sealed cases, trays, display packs, and bundles. To see both the M3000 Case Packer and the MP1000 Robotic Bulk Palletizing/Depalletizing End of Arm Tool in action, visit booth N-5546 at PACK EXPO 2022.
New Interroll Helical Modular Chute provides optimum use of space
With the new Helical Modular Chute (HMC), Interroll provides a simple and easy solution for vertical transport in confined spaces. With durable and robust steel construction, this product serves a wide range of material handling applications for the retail & E-commerce, warehousing & distribution as well as courier, express & parcel sectors. Flexibility and space savings are highly desired key features in material handling: During manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution, goods with wide varieties of quantities, sizes, weights, and packaging (i.e. cartons, boxes, or bags) have to be moved. An important performance factor is therefore to be prepared for the most diverse material flow requirements. For cases in which goods regularly also have to be moved downward, a chute that is as flexible as possible and that works vertically is essential. One distinctive characteristic of the HMC is its extremely small footprint, guaranteeing optimum use of the space even in the case of retrofit projects. Proven reliability and energy-saving operation Developed by the Center of Excellence for Belt Curves in Canon City, United States, the HMC has been tested in continuous operation under the highest performance demands, with a focus on maximum efficiency, operational reliability as well as very long service life. As a full gravity solution, no power is required. With the available conveying widths of 700, 900, 1100, and 1250 mm, a decline angle between 18 and 26 degrees, an entry slide width of 2.5m max as well as an arc angle range between 90 and 1800 degrees, the MHC offers optimum flexibility. The Helical Modular Chute is delivered unassembled for installation. For more safety and smooth transitions, entry and exit slides are available upon request. It is immediately available in the Americas and will be available globally at the beginning of next year.
See Orion’s S-Carriage, LoPro Drag Chain Conveyor, and other Pallet Wrapping Technologies at PACK EXPO 2022
Orion Packaging Systems, a ProMach brand, is displaying its vast array of stretch and pallet wrapping solutions, including its S-Carriage InstaThread Pre-stretch Film Carriage and LoPro Drag Chain Conveyor, in booth N-5646, at PACK EXPO 2022, October 23-26, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Known for durability, efficiency, and reliability, Orion offers the most comprehensive line of end-of-line stretch wrapping pallet packaging products available. Styles include rotary turntable, rotary tower, orbital, and horizontal wrapping systems. S-Carriage InstaThread Pre-stretch Film Carriage Orion’s S-Carriage brings several advantages to customers, including the ability to save up to 15% on film per load – substantial savings to help offset the rising cost of film seen over the past year. Launched in 2021, the S-Carriage improved upon what many consider to be the most important component of a stretch wrapper – the carriage. At the heart of the design are two pre-stretched rollers. The film travels in an S pattern around the rollers, providing over 180° of film contact to reduce slippage and neckdown. The result is a consistent pre-stretch of 260% at different tensions and 1” less neckdown. In other words, achieving this consistent level of pre-stretch means the customer can wrap faster while receiving better film yield; reducing film acquisition costs for shippers and improving end-user sustainability through less waste. The S-Carriage provides consistency and a unified experience for customers as it works across Orion’s entire stretch wrapping product line. On average, the S-Carriage enables customers to increase their loads per roll of film from 135 to 154, which equals a monthly savings of about $100. The S-Carriage allows customers to wrap faster while reducing film use and saving money. MA-DX LoPro and RTC Animations PACK EXPO attendees can watch interactive animation videos of Orion’s massive MA-DX LoPro Drag Chain Conveyor and Rotary Tower Automatic (RTC) Stretch Wrapper. Developed specifically for the beverage industry, the MA-DX LoPro Drag Chain Conveyor system is a safe and efficient method to wrap and move tall pallets of beer and other beverages. The system automatically receives, wraps, and discharges loads with designated specifications. It can accept three pallets at one time, allowing it to be operated by just one person, which saves on labor costs. The LoPro Drag Chain Conveyor is a low profile, three-strand chain conveyor with a passing height of only four inches, loading of up to three 2,500 pound-pallets from either a forklift or hand-powered electric walkie pallet jacks. The basic system includes one infeed conveyor, one wrap zone conveyor, and one exit conveyor. Loads are automatically sequenced through the conveyors, and the machine will automatically apply pre-stretched film to the load, cut the film, and wipe the film tail to the load. Orion’s Rotary Tower Automatic (RTC) Stretch Wrapper is a space-saving rotary automatic wrapper that easily integrates with new or existing conveyance. The RTC is an ideal solution for easy integration with 18” pass-height conveyors due to its compact size, affordability, and the option to expand with additional conveyance. The machine is also compatible with IAV and AVGs. Ring Bearings Bring 6,000 Pound Weight Limit to Turntable Pallet Wrapping Systems A notable improvement customers appreciate is adding strength to the base frame and turntable support of its turntable pallet wrapping systems. Orion has replaced the frames and phenolic casters of its Flex line with one universal ring-bearing frame. This change simplifies fabrication and assembly with a standard, universal ring bearing, enabling the Flex line to handle a maximum load capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The addition of universal ring bearings makes the Flex line (LPA, LPD, HPA, and HPD) more reliable with increased uptime, all while reducing overall maintenance costs. Orion’s Flex line of semi-automatic and automatic turntable pallet wrapping systems are cost-effective, rugged, and reliable machines that provide users with all the features needed to wrap pallet loads quickly and efficiently while using the least amount of stretch film. To see how these solutions can add efficiency and safety to your next stretch and pallet wrapping application, visit Orion in booth N-5646 at PACK EXPO 2022.
Abel Womack Integrated Handling Solutions
Conesco Storage Systems, Inc.
GEODIS partners with KNAPP to implement over $80 Million in highly Automated Fulfillment Technology for leading retailer
Global transport and logistics provider GEODIS and KNAPP, a technology partner for intelligent value chains, have announced a new collaboration to implement more than $80 million in advanced automation technology into two omnichannel fulfillment centers on behalf of a leading retailer. This marks the third project between the two companies, bringing GEODIS’ 12-month investment with KNAPP to over $130 million as it continues its commitment to implementing the industry’s latest automated technologies into innovative solutions for its clients to best meet today’s service demands. Designed in strong collaboration with GEODIS, KNAPP, and the leading retailer, the two fulfillment centers—located on the East and West Coast in the U.S.—will feature highly automated storage, picking, and packing technologies. The technologies are designed to provide next-generation fulfillment strategies to support the retailer’s complex e-Commerce and retail operations while increasing overall supply chain efficiencies. Following the technology implementation, the combined fulfillment centers are expected to move over 270,000 units per day across a total of more than 850,000 square feet of operations. “This particular client required a technology solution that could offer an extremely efficient fulfillment process far beyond what traditional methodologies can provide,” said Eric Douglas, Executive Vice President of Technology and Engineering at GEODIS in the Americas. “By closely collaborating with KNAPP, we were able to create a fully customized solution featuring industry-leading technology that will allow us to provide a completely integrated offering to best support this customer’s unique needs. Our new investment with KNAPP is the latest proof point in our clear commitment to sourcing and implementing the most innovative solutions into our clients’ supply chains to increase efficiency, agility, and flexibility.” The two fulfillment centers will include a unique combination of KNAPP technologies. Both sites will feature the OSR Shuttle™ Evo, an all-in-one automatic storage and picking system. The facilities will also include the use of multifunctional goods-to-person Pick-it-Easy Evo work stations along with Pick-it-Easy Robots, an AI-equipped robot designed to supplement manual picking stations. In addition, the facilities will include automated carton packing and auto-bagging technology. The sites will also feature various customized value-added services such as personalization in support of the client’s desire for a one-of-a-kind customer experience. In support of GEODIS’ sustainability efforts, the solution utilizes technology that will reduce the size of shipping cartons to ensure consolidated freight requirements to ultimately contribute to a lower carbon footprint. In addition, the KNAPP OSR Shuttle™ Evo solution has provided a sustainably sourced and designed a robotic system to ensure that the client is optimizing every facet of the supply chain to its fullest potential. “The jointly developed solution between GEODIS and KNAPP is specifically designed to address both strategic initiatives and growth that is attributed to rapidly expanding e-Commerce demand,” said Jusuf Buzimkic, Chief Sales Officer at KNAPP. “The technology platform will reduce the challenge associated with labor availability and evolving customer service level expectations. The latest solution represents a balance of performance, flexibility, and scalability to minimize the variable cost per order.” The project is set to begin installation in early 2023. Phase one of implementation is expected to be complete in September 2023 ahead of peak season, with both facilities aiming to be fully completed in Q1 of 2024.
Dorner’s ERT250/150 Conveyor platforms power automation Applications at Automate 2022, June 6-9, in Detroit
Dorner is exhibiting its deep lineup of automation-focused conveyor platforms, including the Edge Roller Technology ERT®250 and ERT®150 models, in booth 4300 at Automate 2022, June 6-9, in Detroit. As implied by their name, the ERT250 and ERT150 conveyors use rollers to move pallets smoothly with no friction (a byproduct often seen in belt-driven platforms). The conveyors’ open design eliminates concerns of small parts or screws dropping into rollers and causing damage or jamming. The ERT series is ideal for applications calling for pallet or tray handling; no- and low-back pressure accumulation; light, medium, or heavy load assembly automation; and Cleanroom applications such as medical product or device manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and others. In addition to the ERT series, Automate attendees will experience Dorner’s 2200 Precision Move Pallet System, a conveyor designed to provide accurate positioning and routing of parts for assembly, robotic, and inspection applications. The 2200 Series Precision Move Pallet System comes with many benefits for the assembly automation industry, including a heavy-load corner design to carry and accumulate loads up to 75 pounds around 90° or 180° corners and effectively provide loop capacity for larger, heavier pallets. Pallet widths have also been expanded to 640 mm by 640 mm to handle heavy loads. For robotic integration, Dorner and its 2200 Series conveyor is a certified Universal Robot solution provider. This partnership helps customers by simplifying robotic and conveyor integration for a wide variety of automated applications. Finally, Dorner is showcasing its FlexMove Pallet System, a versatile conveyor engineered for product routing, control, and inspection in small- to medium-size assembly automation applications. Sold as completed assemblies or as kits, FlexMove components offer users layout flexibility and the ability to implement conveyor system design changes easily. Components include merge and divert modules, lift and locate stations, cushioned pallet stops, and a unique pin tracking system to guide pallets through 90° turns – all of which attach directly to the conveyor frame, without the need for modifications.
Warehouse Safety is on the rise through training and technology
When it comes to warehouse safety, training is a key piece in building the foundation. That line of thinking was echoed by several businesses and organizations interviewed by Material Handling Wholesaler this month, as those in the industry work to ensure safe warehouse spaces. At TrainMOR, which offers forklift training in any class of truck as well as a scissor and boom lift training program, options to train in person and online are both in use, according to Russ Niedzwiecki, the corporate safety trainer. “About four years ago, we began to produce our own online training program. We basically matched it to the live program,” said Niedzwiecki, of TrainMOR, whose parent company is Morrison Industrial Equipment. The timing of the online training development proved advantageous. “We happened to have our program just started before COVID started,” said Niedzwiecki, who said throughout the waxing and waning pandemic, the online training progressed into a natural component of the business. Niedzwiecki added that TrainMOR is now doing lots of live training again but the expectation is that the use of online training will continue. “The popularity of (online training) right now may be at the ground level, but we feel the ground is rumbling,” he said. Niedzwiecki said training can be done on a regular basis, noting TrainMOR offers a library of safety short videos to help keep information fresh as well a unique program that includes sharing a small poker chip with customers containing a QR code that can be scanned daily to access pieces from the video library. “It’s fresh training right in their hands,” he said. “Safety administrators can use it from their desk.” TrainMOR’s approach is to take on a consultant role for each customer in determining specific needs, according to Niedzwiecki. “Imagine someone being in front of a forklift. Where do you think the biggest expense is on this truck? The biggest expense is in the seat. We want to make sure that even though there are lots of advances, it still boils down to the operator being trained,” he said. Safety events Brian Feehan, president of the Industrial Truck Association, agreed. “We know that operator training is a critical component” of warehouse safety, he said. “First, it’s a requirement from OSHA. Second, we know that it works. You can never tell that message too many times.” ITA will host its annual National Forklift Safety Day on June 14, 2022, with an emphasis on the importance of the need for operator training. “In today’s environment, where you’ve got labor shortages everywhere, there may be a lot of people relatively new to the industry,” said Feehan, who said Forklift Safety Day serves as an opportunity for a national round table on forklift training that can work in conjunction with events on the local level. “We provide our members and subsequently their sub-groups information on how to conduct their own events,” said Feehan, who said although local events marking the forklift safety day mostly ground to a halt during 2020 and 2021, the hope is they will be reinstated this year. ITA’s online events for safety day over the past two years drew a large attendance, so this year both in-person and online components will be included, according to Feehan. Another focus of the event will be on the increase of automated vehicles in the warehouse and how to effectively train employees to operate them safely. “We embrace that technology, but there’s training required,” Feehan said. National Forklift Safety Day also offers an opportunity for industry members to focus on a shared objective. “It’s an excellent opportunity for the industry at large to support safety,” Feehan said. “With safety, everybody puts on the same hat.” At Raymond, the emphasis on training is also key. “Training is our number one priority,” said Dave Norton, vice president of customer solutions and support. He said online training is helping complement hands-on training, noting that more people can start with baseline training and can continue watching a truck’s progression through a warehouse. Raymond is able to train operators on real-life trucks or through simulations. Norton envisions training options continuing to evolve with the workforce, especially as the pace of hiring and retention changes. “We’re always working with customers investigating and helping how they can improve operator training,” he said, adding that he believes operator assist technology will continue to evolve. OSHA will also host its Safe + Sound week from Aug. 15 to 21. The nationwide event recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe, the website said. Safety products In addition to training procedures, products are also being developed to enhance warehouse safety. At Raymond, a Pick2Pallet™ LED Light system helps operators identify pallet placement correctly, with an aim of enhancing efficiency and productivity, according to Norton. Telematics in the Raymond iWAREHOUSE™ allows for monitoring operator behavior. The technology also includes a daily checklist for product operation. “It’s randomized so they can’t just click ‘yes’ all the way through. It will make them read the question and answer appropriately,” Norton said. The data also allows Raymond customers to coach and work with operators, Norton added. The company offers products like a truck system that communicates with the warehouse system to direct an operator to the next pick phase. “So, they don’t have to figure out where in the aisle the pick location is,” Norton said. “You can also incorporate that system with end-of-aisle stops.” At Wildeck, Inc. a variety of products help ensure safety, according to Cory Thomas, products manager of guarding products. Wildeck is a subsidiary of Holden Industries and is a U.S. manufacturer of industrial steel work platforms, vertical lifts, rideable material lifts, safety guarding products, industrial ladders, crossovers, and more, according to the website. “Wildeck has three different levels of protection,” said Thomas in describing the company’s guard rail gate systems, noting an LT line, an MT Medium Duty line, and an XT Heavy Duty line. The heavy-duty XT line offers a 13,000-pound impact rating at 4 miles per hour, the MT is 10,000
Interroll presents new plug-and-play conveyor platform for automated production environments
With the new Light Conveyor Platform (LCP), Interroll is expanding its range of products with a platform-based material-flow solution that significantly increases the productivity of manufacturing processes. Designed as a plug-and-play modular system, the LCP allows all system integrators to implement scalable belt conveyor sections very easily in order to quickly meet customer-specific automation requirements for material flow. The high quality and availability of this solution are ensured by, among other things, the use of technical products that have already proven themselves hundreds of thousands of times with users worldwide. Efficient material feed and discharge play a crucial role in realizing the productivity potential of manufacturing cells, assembly, and packaging stations. At the same time, rapidly changing process environments in many other industries require flexible conveyor solutions that can easily adapt to new requirements. This is what the Interroll’s new material flow solution for system integrators and plant engineers achieves: Corresponding LCP-based belt conveyors can be easily assembled from factory-preassembled and predefined modules without any engineering effort, and can be put into operation quickly and safely via an autonomous machine control system, optionally without an additional programmable logic controller (PLC). Depending on customer requirements and application, however, connection to an external PLC with user-specific programming is also possible. Interroll’s LCP is designed to transport smaller conveyed goods, as well as boxes or polybags weighing up to 50 kilograms. The conveyors, which can also handle inclines or declines, are driven by compact and energy-efficient drum motors that have an efficiency of over 85 percent, keeping energy consumption and energy costs very low. The fully modular system can be planned and assembled very easily and conveniently on the PC monitor using Interroll’s popular Layouter tool. This drastically reduces project lead times and the necessary effort for system integrators. In addition, the predefined module sizes in different lengths and widths create the best conditions for fast production and delivery times. During the development of the new platform, great importance was also attached to maximum workplace safety and a pleasant working environment. The new LCP was extensively tested before market launch, subjected to extreme endurance and load tests, and developed according to Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DMFA) standards. It features an integrated emergency shutdown at the push of a button, complies with all relevant safety regulations, and has a quiet noise level during operation. The LCP is produced at Interroll’s site in Hvidovre, Denmark, and is available immediately in Europe, and soon in Asia and the Americas.
T3 Motion
Asda extends long-term partnership with Vanderlande
One of the UK’s leading supermarket chains, Asda, has renewed its site-based, life-cycle services contract with Vanderlande for the next five years, further cementing the partnership. The extension of the existing agreement will see the two companies continue to collaborate at the retailer’s Warrington distribution center (DC) in the UK until 2026. The Warrington DC is Asda’s automated ambient warehouse in their distribution network – with the highest picking accuracy, consistently leading in terms of the Overall Warehouse Rate (OWR). The efficiency of this site has been improved by Vanderlande’s future-proof automated case picking (ACP) solution and the dedication of colleagues in the operational and support teams responsible for overall system performance and maintenance activities, 24 hours a day. Vanderlande’s ACP solution handles an average of two million cases per week, processing nearly 9,000 SKUs, and helping Asda supply stores across northwest England. “Through our partnership with Vanderlande we’ve been able to drive efficiency that has contributed to an overall increase in volume since 2018. Our relationship with Vanderlande has gone from strength to strength and is helping us to achieve our strategic vision – to serve our customers better than anyone else,” said Jon Parry, Vice President of Asda Logistics Services. “We’re proud about our ongoing partnership and dedication, and we share a combined vision of continuous improvement and synergy in operational and services requirements,” adds Terry Verkuijlen, Vice President Warehouse Solutions at Vanderlande. “Asda is seeing great results, every day, thanks to the motivated individuals in our high-performing teams. Everyone at Vanderlande is delighted that this continued trust has been rewarded by a five-year contract extension.”
Fairbanks announces new FB9000 series conveyor belt scales
Fairbanks Scales Inc., the oldest scale company in the U.S. and leader in weighing equipment, announces its new FB9000 Series Conveyor Belt Scales, a reliable and easy-to-install weighing solution for idler-style in-motion conveying applications.. The Fairbanks belt scale is a simple field-assembled design that can be easily installed in the field without requiring large equipment to install. It is available in the most common configurations with the instrumentation and display to service most scale needs. With convenient options like the self-storing test weight assembly, Fairbanks’ belt scales prove to be user and service friendly and avoid the hassle of prefabricated modular systems. The FB9000’s self-aligning weighbridge accurately measures the force of material, without the use of levers, linage, or other mechanical apparatus known to product non-linearity. Its unique design is perfect for a number of applications: Stationary Plants – Accurate, repeatable tracking of product totals and ratios are a crucial element of plant management. The FB9000 Series scales offer high resolution weighing of all products, even low flow rate applications. Portable with Angle Sensor – The FB9000 Series scales are uniquely suited for all portable applications. Our modular design allows for installation on virtually any style conveyor, including low profile and spine conveyors. Catenary Idler – The FB9000 Series’ automatic angle compensation feature enables repeatable, accurate weighing on catenary style idlers, such as those used on track-mounted portable crushers and asphalt milling machines. Load Out – Rail, barge, truck, and ship load out requires high accuracy in the most rugged environments. The FB9000 Series is known for high accuracy at flow rates up to 10,000 tons per hour, and it has built-in load out controls for automated cutoff. www.fairbanks.com
Trew® Reinvents Fulfillment Transportation Conveyor
Reinvented Modular Belt Conveyor Reliably Takes What You Give It, Reduces Spare Parts Trew, LL, a provider of automated material handling solutions for integrators and end-users, launched reinvented Series K Belt Conveyor that gives operations the confidence that they have the right technology to make product flow. The conveyor product brings together reliability, robustness, and design aspects for worry-free handling of cases, totes, jiffies, and polybags.
At MODEX, WIPOTEC–OCS to debut predictive maintenance capabilities for M&L Catchweighers
WIPOTEC-OCS, a manufacturer and supplier of precision in-motion weighing, track and trace/anti-counterfeiting solutions, and X-Ray scanning equipment, will introduce new predictive maintenance functions for its line of high-precision catchweighers at MODEX Booth #B7232, March 28-31 in Atlanta. The analytics-driven solution allows parcel processors to proactively predict when their catchweighers will need maintenance, resulting in well-planned tune-ups that minimize downtime. The new tools essentially allow catchweighers operators to “see the future,” providing a more accurate picture of when maintenance will be needed. The result is a data-driven ability to anticipate when a component actually needs repair or replacement, rather than the comparative guesswork of general guidelines and recommendations. With WIPOTEC-OCS’ predictive maintenance solution, a potential part failure can be detected at an early stage, then proactively prevented without interrupting operations – a downtime minimization that quickly meets and exceeds the cost of investment. The system also allows parts to be utilized for their actual lifespan rather than their recommended one. The resulting additional usage for any number of components can amount to significant spare parts savings. Finally, much of the data obtained from implementing predictive maintenance software – including optimal throughput for the most accurate check weighing – can be applied to boost overall equipment effectiveness and productivity. WIPOTEC-OCS catchweighers feature the company’s signature Electro-Magnetic Force Restoration (EMFR) weigh cells, a next-generation technique that guarantees optimal weighing results even at high line speeds. The machine features a revolving weighing system that segregates each product, weighs it independently, and returns it to the line, providing exemplary accuracy even at high speeds. The resulting precision helps eliminate reputation-damaging underfills or costly overfills. WIPOTEC has consistently been at the technological forefront for quality control solutions in the materials & logistics sectors. For example, the company’s HC-FL-T Triple Scale Catchweigher combines three hardware scales into six virtual ones, each capable of operating independently – a feature permitting product gaps as narrow as 10” (250mm). The HC-FL-T’s triple scale design delivers a 60% throughput increase at the same speed as a double scale design, while guaranteeing first-class performance and durability. Depending on product length, the triple scale catchweigher can weigh as many as three products simultaneously. The HC-FL-T can accurately weigh up to 19,000 parcels/hr at transport speeds up to 3.4 m/s (670 ft/min). The use of a high-tech electromagnetic force restoration (EMFR) weigh cell delivers NTEP weighing accuracy of 50g even when running at top speed.
Fit into tight spaces with Dorner’s new AquaGard LP (Low Profile) Sanitary Conveyor
Dorner’s new AquaGard LP conveyor is designed to fit in tight spaces, making it the ideal sanitary conveyor for dry or wipe down applications within the packaging, pharmaceutical, confectionery, bakery, and other packaged food industries. The AquaGard LP (low profile) is the latest reiteration in the AquaGard sanitary conveyor platform. This updated version features a low-profile stainless steel frame with compact 1.25” diameter end-roller pulleys, enabling the conveyor to fit in tight spaces in and around other machinery, as well as safely operate in close proximity to employees. The pulleys also aid in the efficient transfer of small- to medium-sized products on and off the conveyor. The AquaGard LP’s standard tip-up tail design provides operators complete, easy access to the frame and under the belt for cleaning. Dorner’s reliable V-guided belting ensures precise belt and product tracking along with the enclosed tensioning system keeps the belt to the proper tension and provides smooth snag-free cleaning. Engineered to meet high sanitary standards, the AquaGard LP has earned the coveted Baking Industry Sanitary Standards Committee (BISSC) certification, which is recognized as the definitive sanitation and safety standards for equipment used in the baking industry. Features and benefits of the new AquaGard LP conveyor include: Widths between 70 mm to 457 mm (2.75 inches to 18 inches) Lengths between 700 mm and 5,500 mm (27.5 inches to 18 feet) Load capacity up to 22.7 kg (50 lbs.) Available in straight configurations; FDA approved belt types: cleated, flat, high friction, and others Toolless, flexible guiding options 10-day lead time