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Due to the requirement of hygienic pallets in the food and pharmaceutical industries, pallet tilters can be used to eliminate the need for manual intervention, lessening contamination and worker injury risk, says Materials Handling.
Pallet exchange tilters from Materials Handling are used for the rotation of pallet loads where exchange of pallets or inversion of product is required.
The units consist of a fixed-base frame with a tilting frame incorporating a ‘no crush’ retractable plate that automatically lowers onto the top of the load to prevent spillage when tilted. The two-sided, tilting pallet booth is configured so that the side walls incline to form a V-shape as the booth tilts.
Materials Handling says When the exchange unit is fully tilted, the booth floor automatically rotates back to floor level so the pallet can be safely and simply exchanged by pallet jack or forklift at floor level.
All the functions of the tilters can be controlled by an on-board PLC controller – in the case of a forklift – or when using a pallet jack the operator needs only to press one button to initiate a full cycle.
Haulotte’s Star 6 is a battery-powered, vertical mast stock picker which can be used both in the warehouse and for maintenance tasks.
Designed for warehousing applications where fast moving stock picking operations are required, the Star 6 can be used in very small aisles.
With a working height of six metres, a platform height of four metres and a width of 0.76m, Haulotte says the new model is versatile for many industries.
The Star 6 includes an adjustable stock-picking tray featuring a 90kg capacity to hold boxes or stock. The tray can never be over-loaded as the weight management system prevents the machine from moving or lifting any further once capacity has been reached, Haulotte says.
The unit offers ‘barn style’ doors to access the operator work platform and special non-slip steps for safety.
Haulotte say the machine is operational to full height, with a multi-function control joystick.
Millennia Sport safety eyewear from Sperian Protection now offers a new sporty design, which is said to provide a more comfortable fit and protection against a range of hazards.
Designed to be worn for both general use and mechanical work, one model in the range – the Sperian Millennia Sport – can also be worn outdoors to combat eye fatigue, and is said to provide 99.9% UV filtration protection.
Sperian Protection says the lenses can be coated in an Anti-Fog or Hardcoat, and the range is available in clear and grey lens tint options.
Champion Compressors’ new range of EcoPak compressors, which combine variable speed drive (VSD) with variable output control (VOC), has been designed for applications involving widely varying compressed air demands.
Champion Compressors says the combination of the two energy efficient technologies, along with airends larger than what is typically used in compressors, allows the system to run efficiently at 100% load for extended periods, and to be turned down to a low capacity with a virtually linear reduction in shaft power.
By automatically varying both the motor speed and the airend length, the EcoPak ensures the compressor’s efficient operating range – often referred to as the ‘sweet spot’ – covers a broader operating load range than previous models.
The EcoPak range is available in nine models, ranging from 50 to 250kW. The line-up is based on the company’s V-drive design, which utilises Optimal Flux technology from motor manufacturer, WEG.
Producing perfect aluminium welds and eliminating harmful dust during polishing operations has been achieved by the acquisition of a series of CSF (Complete Surface Finishing) robotic solutions at Frontline Australasia’s plant in outer south-east Melbourne.
The system – designed, manufactured and installed by CSF Australia using ABB robots – has reportedly improved the quality of Frontline’s welded aluminium products, while abolishing the dirty manual labour that was previously a by-product of the manufacturing process.
Frontline manufactures components for the defence and automotive industry. Chief executive officer Kevin Hooper explained that 30% of the company’s production is for defence and 70% for the automotive market.
"We manufacture locally-fitted components for the automotive market sector; supplying original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) including Toyota, Ford, General Motors, Mitsubishi and Kia," he said.
With the Australian manufacturing sector under competitive pressures from suppliers in Asia, the future of the local industry depends on the application of best available technology, Hooper claims.
"Cost savings and annual productivity increases of 20% are essential for us to maintain the edge over imports," Hooper said.
"The ABB robots have produced a productivity increase of 45%, with another 20% in the pipeline over the next 12 months.
"We need to become more efficient, and industry players working in co-operation with governments and academia is an important partnership to offset the growing impact of overseas competition on the Australian manufacturing sector."
The robots can handle an almost unlimited range of intricate welding patterns, with uniformly consistent quality outcomes.
Manhattan Associates’ FieldSCOUT: Supply Chain Optimised for Untethered Technology solution was designed to put ground-level supply chain functions in the hands of the frontline professionals who keep goods and services flowing.
According to Manhattan Associates, FieldSCOUT works with handheld technologies and delivers on-the-go visibility and decision-making power.
The system offers applications that function with Manhattan’s Supply Chain Process Platform in combination with a client interface on a handheld device.
FieldSCOUT is useable even when a wireless connection is unavailable or lost, which is said to allow the user to continue to make supply chain decisions whether working in a store aisle or in an off-site storage facility.
Pilz has expanded its range of operator and visualisation systems with the operating mode selector switch, PITmode, which provides two functions in one unit: selection of operating mode and authorisation control for machine access.
According to Pilz, the operating mode selector switch has been developed for use in plant and machinery with a range of control sequences and operating modes.
PITmode allows users to switch between defined operating modes.
Individual (access) authorisations can be assigned for each operator via an RFID-based key, using identification management in the machine control system.
The evaluation device identifies and evaluates the selected operating mode, which plays a crucial role in avoiding accidents, Pilz claims.
SMC Pneumatics says machine builders can reap energy and space saving benefits from its new Series CVQM compact cylinder with integrated valve.
The CVQM compact cylinder reportedly has strong lateral load resistance and high non-rotating accuracy. SMC say it will also reduce energy costs by providing air consumption savings of up to 50%.
According to the SMC, the cylinders have been designed with a fully integrated solenoid valve, are more compact and responsive than other models and do not require traditional piping connections.
The CVQM air cylinders are available in bore sizes of 32, 40, 50, and 63mm. They can be fitted with an auto switch.
Rockwell Automation has introduced a new controller to provide integrated safety, motion, discrete- and drive-control capabilities for midrange applications, all in a single unit.
Available in two models – L43S and L45S – the Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix programmable automation controllers (PACs) are said to extend capabilities previously available only in the larger Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PAC platform, such as advanced diagnostics applications.
The two new models are also offer information capabilities that help reduce nuisance shutdowns and prolonged restarts, as well as a single programming environment for enhanced design and development productivity, Rockwell Automation claims.
As part of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, the Compact GuardLogix controllers use the same configuration, networking and visualisation environment as the company’s larger-scale systems.
These common capabilities are said to help provide machine builders and end-users with cost-effective integration of a machine or safety application into the plant-wide control system.
Selectrix has expanded its business in to the furniture locking market, with Selectlok-branded furniture locks and hardware.
The Selectlok range is designed for OEMs, furniture manufacturers and office and shop fitters, and includes barrel exchange furniture lock housings and keying options.
Selectrix offers housings to suit both metal and wooden furniture with a line-up of fixing styles, allowing users to key both timber and metal furniture.
Uvex has developed the u-cap ‘bump cap’, a head protection solution designed for workers in workplaces where safety helmets are not obligatory, or for use under hard hats as an extra preventative measure.
The Uvex u-cap ‘bump cap’ incorporates a flexible shell for safety and comfort. The lining is said to be comfortable and the cap offers four layers of shock-absorbing foam and absorbent fleece, woven into a breathable mesh.
According to Uvex, the inner shell is ormed for flexibility and is adjustable to fit multiple head sizes. A low-cut plastic shell is designed to provide extra protection for the back of the head, and the sweat band is attached using Velcro dots and can be replaced as required.
SMC Pneumatics’ Series EX600-Ethernet/IP Input/Output system for centralised Fieldbus control set-ups is designed for factory automation applications that use complex control systems.
According to SMC Pneumatics, the serial interface solution was designed originally for the automotive industry, but offers a modular construction and a high degree of flexibility, including digital and analogue inputs and outputs, according to the manufacturer.
Up to nine units can be connected in the same manifold and each unit can be installed with various input and output devices such as flow and pressure sensors, pressure regulators, pressure switches, valves and auto-switches.
The Series EX600-Ethernet/IP Input/Output system includes a self-diagnostic capability that provides short/open circuit detection at each input/output, an on/off counter facility, and parameter setting which can all be controlled and monitored from a handheld terminal.
WITT has introduced the Gas Control 50 analysis module which incorporates a new digital controller, said to be suitable for industrial businesses that mix or process gas.
According to WITT, the Gas Control 50 controller allows users to permanently-monitor the composition of common gas mixtures. It is based on a previous technology called Gas Control 100.
The Gas Control 50 uses an integrated circular buffer records all user inputs and measuring results, which can subsequently be processed on a computer.
Initial analysis results received by the digital controller, including trend calculations, can be called up on the device display and presented graphically.
The USB interface is said to enable an easy transfer of stored data. Additionally, an integrated browser-based software, called Web Visio, also provides remote control and allows users to access data from the unit through the on-board ethernet interface.
According to WITT, the system is so diverse that it can be used for applications in explosive areas, including mine sites.
In addition to gas analysis, the digital controller will be deployed as a control and analysis unit in other future WITT products.
The Gas Control 50 is distributed in Australia by Niche Gas Products.
The Allen-Bradley Stratix series of managed industrial Ethernet switches from Rockwell Automation has been extended to include a Layer 3 model.
The Allen-Bradley Stratix 8300 has the same capabilities as the Layer 2 Stratix 8000 model, but supports Layer 3 functionality such as routing between subnets and VLANs. Stratix 8300 provides communication between segmented networks for security and protection from broadcast storms on the network.
The modular layered switch is optimised for operation in both IT and manufacturing environments. Co-developed with Cisco, the managed switch series uses the current Cisco Catalyst switch architecture and feature set, helping to provide secure integration with the enterprise network and using tools familiar to IT professionals, according to Rockwell Automation.
This operating system is said to allow for easy setup and comprehensive diagnostics from within the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system.
Though covering only 0.1% of our body, eye injuries account for over 10% of workplace injuries, says Spill Station Australia.
Various Australian Standards, including those relating to storage and handling corrosives, agricultural chemicals, oxidising agents and mixed classes of dangerous goods, all require a compliant eyewash. Problems and costs associated installing plumbed in eyewash units can sometimes be difficult to overcome.
According to Spill Station Australia, the H-P400 self-contained eyewash unit is an easy and cost-effective answer. Manufactured from food-grade high-density polyethylene, it provides 15 minutes of flow and is certified to meet the ANSI Z 358.1-2004 Standard.
The H-P400 self-contained eyewash unit comes complete with a wall mounting bracket and an antimicrobial additive. This additive ensures there is no bacterial growth in the reservoir.
When closed, the fold-down front panel keeps the water outlets free of dirt and dust. Simply pull down the front panel to commence the flow of water. The unit then operates hands-free to allow the eyelids to be held open for an effective flush.
The unit is suitable for chemical handling areas and battery charging rooms as well as in remote locations where mains water is not available.
The 870 and 880 Series Klip Lift filter lenses from Sperian Protection are designed to be easily-attached to safety glasses or hardhats, for use in furnace work, welding and other industrial applications where eye safety is required.
The system uses a spring clip to hold the lenses in place instead of screws, fasteners or tools, allowing them to move through a 180-degree-arc.
According to Sperian Protection, this means the filter lenses can be quickly flipped down for observing a melt or a weld and flipped up again when not needed. Units come in full and half lenses.
SATEC’s PM130EH PLUS answers the needs of Energy Management, Sub-Metering and Revenue metering applications. SATEC’s PM130EH is suitable for utility substation automation because of its support of the industry standard DNP V3.0 and Modbus RTU protocols, as well as its I/O capabilities (using DI/DO module). SATEC’s PM130EH PLUS model also offers Time of Use (TOU) .
SATEC’s Multifunction Meters provide communication interfaces incluidng RS485, Optional Ethernet with supporting protocols Modbus, DNP3, Profibus.
SATEC’s Accuracy performance of the PM130EH complies with IEC62053-22 Class 0.5
Intermec Technologies has enhanced its mobile computer, the CN50, with double memory capacity and expanded scanning options for use in logistics and fleet management situations.
According to Intermec, its upgraded CN50 mobile computer gives customers more choice when configuring the high-performance voice and data communication solution.
The CN50 now comes with 256MB of memory, which will enable faster responses and allow customers to use multiple applications at once, including applications with a large database or applications that use RAM-based virtual machines.
Another enhancement is the flexibility to deploy the EA11 1D/2D area imager optimised for scan intensive applications, or the EA21 area imager that is designed for barcode reading as well as full-page document imaging with Intermec’s eMDI software.
For remote manufacturing businesses in regions that do not have 3G cellular networks or with limited data communications requirements, Intermec is also offering a version of the CN50 that operates over EDGE networks.
The new configuration is said to be more cost-effective for customers in regions that do not support 3G infrastructure.
Sperian Protection has introduced a new range of safety eyewear designed to protect against lasers.
The New York protective laser-resistant eyewear frames are customised to suit the type of laser being used. The frames are suitable for use at industrial sites where workers are required to use welding tools.
The frames are manufactured in Sperian’s ISO-certified facility, and feature a tortoise-shell pattern, German engineered OBE spring hinges, and conformable wire core temples for better face-form fit.
According to the Sperian, the laser glass eyewear range meets ANSI Z 136.1 and ANSI Z87 standards for impact and CE requirements.
Each pair of frames comes with a clear-top storage case which allows identification of the protective filter, as well as a microfiber bag and hang-cord.
Safety Workboots that are built on running shoe technology which assists in reducing stress on the lower back and knees will be the feature of the Ascent Footwear stand at the WA Safety Show from August 24 to 26.
The Alpha, Omega & Delta work boots allow people wearing safety work boots to experience all day comfort similar to a running shoe while adhering to the Australian & New Zealand highest safety standards (AS/NZS 2210.3 Type 1 AE), Ascent claims.
Ascent’s safety work boots are airport-friendly; they feature a fibreglass safety toe that allows wearers to walk through airport security without having to remove their boots. The boots also feature a mid-foot stabiliser, heel and forefoot cushioning that are said to offer more comfort and support.
Ascent will launch its latest work boot – the Gamma – at the WA Safety Show. Though constructed with the same safety and comfort technologies as the rest of the range, the Gamma’s mid sole is lined with Kevlar (body-armour). This prevents any sharp objects penetrating the work boot.
Unlike typical anti-penetration work boots lined with steel, Kevlar allows the Gamma to be lighter, flexible, more cushioned and still airport-friendly.
