Multi-sensor shop floor CMM

HI-TECH Metrology has introduced into Australia the new Cordax Discovery III, said to be the next generation of measurement devices.

The CMM offers high accuracy, improved thermal performance, a new industrial design and expanded control options. Available in three measuring ranges from 500x600x400mm to 760x1000x600mm, this new CMM is sized to suit the majority of manufactured parts.

Main design features include hardened linear guides and recirculating ball bearings in place of air bearings and improved accuracy and thermal performance.

According to the company, with the addition of support for CMM-V and ScanShark probes, the device is now a true multi-sensor shop floor CMM ideally suited for challenging applications that require non-contact vision measurement.

With indexable vision measurement, the CMM also lets users inspect features contained in an entire field of view, at multiple probe angles and in difficult areas — such as small features, holes, slots or edge positions.

Software controlled, integrated LED illumination allows image optimisation for each measurement and with the compatible automated changing rack, it’s easy to switch from CMM-V to touch trigger or analogue scanning probes without changing setups.

Hi-Tech Metrology 03 9702 3911.

New spring clamp chucks

THE new Big Bore® Spring Clamp Chuck from SMW Autoblok are said to offer fast actuation for shorter cycle times and greater productivity.

The modular design of the chuck allows it the adjustability of actuating either three spring packs, six spring packs or nine spring packs, dependent on the needed gripping force. The spring packs can be removed easily with common hand tools, and they do not extend beyond the face of the chuck, ensuring no tool interference and safer clamping.

According to the company, the chucks are completely sealed and extremely low maintenance and require less frequent lubrication (compared to other chucks), less downtime, no reliance on rubber seals and provide a constant gripping force.

Clamping speed is adjustable through the built in throttle system on the side of the chuck. The chuck may be partially opened to add ease to shimming.

The clamp chuck consumes less air due to spring clamping and requires only a simple air control unit. This means lower cost for both operation and installation hardware.

With bore sizes of Ø275mm, Ø395mm and Ø565mm, the chucks are designed to fit spindle sizes A-15 and above.

Accessories for Manufacturing (AFM) 03 9546 3733.

Inserts and cutters

DODEKA inserts and cutters from Kennametal are engineered to deliver higher cutting speeds and feed rates along with extended tool life.

The results are improved cutting performance and productivity across demanding materials.

With 12 cutting edges per insert, the unique Dodeka geometry generates low cutting forces, resulting in increased performance per edge. The inserts are also designed for ease of use, with a single screw for insert changing and indexing.

New HD roughing inserts in the Dodeka family exhibit excellent chip-forming and evacuation characteristics along with high accuracy – axial runout is less than 0.0004 inches and radial runout is no more than 0.002 inches.

Dodeka wiper inserts feature six cutting edges – three right hand and three left hand. Inch and metric diameters are available across the entire Dodeka family.

Kennametal, 02 8594 6999, www.kennametal.com.au.

Circular sample cutter

IDM Instruments has released a newly designed circular hand cutter, for fast, precise and repetitious sample cutting of paper, paperboard, textiles and corrugated and solid fibreboard.

The new design incorporates an automatic sampling eject plate to allow the sample to automatically eject when the blades are retracted.

The plate also means operators are less likely to cut their fingers, as the blade is hidden behind the plate.

The safety catch on the cutter enables the blades to be locked so that the hand knob can still turn, but will not lower the blades.

These additions have been implemented to meet strict Occupational Health & Safety requirements.

IDM Instruments, 03 9708 6885, www.idminstruments.com.au.

Cutting edge diamond saw

DOALL Sawing Products has introduced an economically priced diamond saw for cutting friable materials including quartz and glass.

Designed to use 1″ wide grit-edged saw bands, Model 2012-D12 has a 20-inch throat with standard 12-inch work height that accommodates a wide range of material sizes.

It features 20-inch wheels to minimise band fatigue, an electric ballscrew-controlled cast iron table with a 12-inch stroke for greater productivity, and a variable frequency 5hp ac drive with band speeds from 550 to 5,500 fpm to permit cutting of a wide variety of materials.

The 2012-D12’s design and ease-of-use features, including feed-rate control from the operator panel and easily accessible coolant reservoir and pump system, result in minimal maintenance time, reduced operating costs and lower total cost of ownership.

DoAll Australia, 02 9671 5011, www.doall.com.

Pneumatic cutting press

IDM Instruments® has designed and manufactured a pneumatically operated cutting press, suitable for various industries that require precise, accurate and repeatable test samples to be cut out.

The IDM Cutting Press Pneumatic is used to prepare samples of various sized test pieces applicable with paper, cartonboard, polyurethane, plastics, foil, textiles, rubber and many other materials. It is used together with Tool Steel and Ruler Cutting Dies that can be interchanged with ease, allowing a large range of dies to be used with the Cutting Press.

Cutting Dies can be fixed onto the moving top plate or can sit directly on the test piece. It features a 60mm opening, as well as open designed side and back construction.

The Cutting Press can be manufactured to 2.5 Tonne or 3 Tonne capacities, or IDM can specially design and manufacture a Cutting Press to suit specific requirements.

IDM Instruments, 03 9708 6885, www.idminstruments.com.au.

Reach truck for all conditions

THE new XRSac reach truck is said to be ideal for companies that want one single machine for both internal and outdoor handling.

The reach truck has a three point layout structure (two load wheels, one drive wheel) with stability pads under the driving cab. The chassis has a ballast weight to lower the truck’s load centre and got excellent level of stability.

The reach truck has been designed to be spacious and ergonomic, with an adjustable steering wheel which can positioned according to the operator’s requirements.

Additional features include a 6.5 kW AC technology traction motor, with a motor-gear-rubber wheel and a suspension system that reduces the dumping and prevents the drive wheel wear.

The hydraulic pump unit has a 14 kW powerful AC technology motor and all hydraulic functions are managed by finger-tip levers. The vehicle is also fitted with a tilting mast.

Equipped with a service brake (via foot pedal) that acts on the load wheels, the reach truck also has a release braking system in place when the operator’s foot leaves the accelerator pedal.

Two different battery cases are available to adapt to the workload and side battery removal using an external trolley is provided as an option.

For more information visit the OM website at www.om-mh.com.

Eliminate void fill storage issues

THE newly released Fromm Airpad AP502 machine has been designed to specifically eliminate void fill storage issues.

At the touch of a button, the void fill is produced in six different sizes. The film is perforated allowing the user to simply tear off the appropriate length, with two rolls of Fromm PE film can produce enough void fill to fill two semi trailers.

Designed for high impact absorption, a single pad of film can withstand an impact of over 1000kg. The void fill can be reused and is said to be half the cost of conventional bubble wrap and polystyrene pieces and is available for rent or purchase.

Australian Warehouse Solutions (AWS) 1800 023 890.

Remote control printer software for flexible production lines

THE NEW remote control software for Hitachi PXR series inkjet printers, PXRView 5, is designed to provide production control offices with interference-proof, central networking control of up to sixteen Hitachi printers used in production line coding applications.

The printing tasks can be set up via any networked PC using Windows platforms. The software adapts to ERP, MRP systems and other enterprise database standards and has powerful features including security password access; the ability to remotely create and print messages for one printer or groups of printers and to indicate by means of ‘status windows’ displayed on the production control computer, the status of all printers.

Further flexibility is provided by the ability to create logos, foreign language characters and other patterns from bitmaps, jpgs, etc offering the ability to select from over 80 commonly used patterns.

Visy Technology Systems 03 9358 8400.

Oil analysis sensor

A NEW oil analysis sensor from SEW-Eurodrive has been designed to provide industry with a powerful tool to aid the prevention of unplanned gear-unit downtime.

The DUO10A oil analysis sensor allows the early detection of gear-unit oil deterioration and can prevent eventual gear-unit damage or failure, making it a key element of any effective predictive maintenance program.

It analyses and monitors gear-unit lubricating oil temperature and accurately predicts the remaining lifespan of the oil.

An all-in-one predictive maintenance solution, the oil sensor comprises an integrated temperature sensor, an on-board library of reference oil data (mineral, synthetic, poly-glycol or food-grade), a digital readout display and a four-channel digital output for connection to supervisory control equipment.

The analysis sensor is extremely easy to use. Once installed directly on the gear unit, operators can select the oil type using two on-board buttons. Additional oil types can be added to the sensor’s on-board library on request. Operation is further enhanced thanks to the four-channel digital output that accommodates alarm output connectivity to supervisory controllers.

SEW-Eurodrive 03 9933 1000.

Point-to-point interface

NEWLY released IO link is a point-to-point interface for the connection of any sensors and actuators to a control system. In contrast to conventional fieldbus systems, there is no bus wiring but parallel wiring. Binary as well as analogue sensors and actuators can be equipped with an IO-Link interface.

The combined switching status and data channel is the special feature of all IO-Link compatible sensors. It allows three types of communication: transmission of the switching status as with binary sensors, cyclical process data transmission or exchange of device parameters.

Any combination of the three variants is possible. For example, an optical distance sensor is first provided parameter data and in the process then only transmits a switching signal when detecting an object in the defined zone. As an alternative, it can also cyclically transfer a serial analogue signal which is proportional to the distance.

IO-Link units can be used without any problems on digital I/O without IO-Link port. The sensors then only work in the standard I/O mode with a binary switching signal. Sets of parameter data can be transmitted by means of a hand-held programming unit beforehand. Then, data exchange on all conventional PLC or bus input modules is carried out.

ifm efector 1300 365 088.

The next evolution in clean emission vehicles

NISSAN has released its new range of forklifts which are said to be the next evolution in clean emission vehicles.

The range offers a QD32 diesel engine and advanced ECCS petrol and LPG engines, which have been designed to produce less Co, HC and NOx emissions compared to carburetor models.

The company’s forklifts are now designed with ultra-low noise levels helping to reduce operator fatigue and allowing the operator to hear their surrounds better.

Additional safety features include: sway control for stability; mast lock system; parking brake warner buzzer and; automatic transmission cut-off’s.

Productivity is another key issue: the multifunctional LCD meter, spacious operator compartment, standard full suspension seat, smart control layout and responsive handling, all combine to provide operators with a surprisingly comfortable way to get through every workday.

For more information contact:

Powerlift Nissan 1300 550 607

New power tagline unit

GLOBAL fall protection product manufacturer DBI-SALA, has announced the launch of its new Power Tagline system.

The system has been designed to provide easy access to obstructed self retracting lifelines (SRL’s) mounted overhead. With the push of a button, the unit lowers the SRL line allowing access to the SRL connecting hook for connection to a harness. Once the work is complete the line can be raised out of the way.

With travel speeds of to 22.7m/min, there is less waiting time for the fall protection system to be accessed. Quick and smooth operation means efficiency and increased productivity. With a line that extends 30m, extreme ceiling to floor heights are now conducive to overhead fall protection systems.

Additionally, the power tagline has a limit switch that automatically turns off the unit once the counter weight contacts the overhead winch unit. This prevents damage and over-winding of the cable in case the operator is unaware of the location of the counter weight. The rugged remote control withstands even the harshest industrial environments.

The unit operates on 240V, with standard electrical connections that make installation easy and fast. There is no need for costly electrical work when installing the system. The mounting brackets clamp onto existing structures, including beam flanges and trusses up to 457mm wide. No drilling or welding is required.

The unit is compatible with all self retracting lifeline models and accommodates multiple fall protection systems.

For more information contact:

Capital Safety 1800 245 002.

On the oxygen trail

GLOBAL power and automation technology group, ABB, on Monday announced that it has rounded off its product range of measuring technologies for the EasyLine series of continuous gas analysers with the addition of the zirconium dioxide sensor ZO23.

Zirconium dioxide sensors are applied in the measurement of oxygen in pure gases, such as for air separation plants.

They are capable of detecting small amounts of oxygen, down to measuring ranges of 0-1ppm. This makes the EasyLine analyser perfectly suitable for the quality control of technical gases in gas depots or for the monitoring of protective gas atmospheres.

Due to the nature of the catalytically inactive cell, oxygen can be reliably measured even in the presence of small amounts of flammable gases.

The sensor exhibits a long operational lifespan with an internal function test (patent pending) which checks for the functionality of the cell during operation.

Measured values and status signals can be transmitted by means of digital interfaces such as Modbus connection and Profibus DP which are available for integration into a distributed control system or PLC.

For more iinformation contact:

ABB

P – 03 8544 0127

W – www.abb.com

Modular safety system

THE GSirius 3RK3 modular safety system MSS, from Siemens, has been designed to combine the functionality of a simple safety relay, with a fail-safe programmable logic controller (PLC).

The core of the system is the central unit with eight safety-related inputs, one safety-related relay output and one safety-related solid-state output. Up to seven safety or standard expansion modules can be connected to the central unit. The expandability makes the one system easily scalable for applications with as little as three safety functions to as many as 40.

According to the company, the safety system offers users a substantial reduction on future installation costs when circumstances change or additional functionality is required. Extra functions can be easily added by installing additional expansion modules.

Another major feature of the modular safety system is the ES (MSS ES) parameterisation software that, unlike some of the competition, has the ability of replacing the laborious wiring of individual functions by fast and easy on line parameterisation.

The system is being offered with an introductory starter package (catalogued 3RK3921-1AA10) including a basic module, a connection cable and the specific MSS ES parameterisation software at a special package price well under the price of individual components.

Siemens 131 773.

Battery powered trolley

WAREQUIP has released the new Powered Pushmate, a new battery powered trolley designed to deliver both workplace efficiency and ergonomics.

The trolley has a large 500kg carrying capacity with a 1200 x 700mm deck size for handling large loads.

Manually pushing loads over a large distance is now a thing of the past. The pushmate features a 24V DC motor and sealed transaxle which delivers variable speed up to 4kmh and a range of 8km.

Safety features include reverse alarm, braked motor, lockable rear castors, ergonomic handle height and anti slip platform.

Warequip

P – 1800 337 711

Pumped for efficient flow control

A NEW generation air-over-hydraulic foot pump is being introduced by Enerpac which it says enables finer and safer control of tasks while completing jobs up to twice as quickly as conventional pumps.

The 700 bar system features high oil flow, with its rotating air motor and rotating two-stage pump element giving hydraulic delivery up to 50%higher than conventional pumps with linear motor and single piston.

XVARI technology allows users to continuously and precisely control the amount of hydraulic oil flow in the pump’s advance and retract mode, giving fine control of the speed of operation of the single-acting hydraulic cylinder or tool that the pump is powering.

It features a two pedal design: one for tool advance (introducing pressure) and one for tool retract (releasing pressure). The pump can be optionally equipped with an integrated pressure gauge and its 8kg broad base area has been designed to enhance stability.

According to the company, the system offers outflow flow rates of 0.25 l/min at rated pressure, 2.0 l/min with no load, with a usable oil capacity of 1 litre and dynamic air pressure range of 2.1-8.6 bar).

Additional features include: a pedal lock function for its retract position; a ground screw for improved ATEX explosion safety; and external adjustable pressure setting valve. Accessories include high quality hydraulic hoses; pressure gauges; pedal safety guard; joy stick lever kit for manual operation; and hydraulic swivel connector.

Enerpac 02 9743 8988.

Anti-slip sheets

AUSTRALIAN Warehouse Solutions (AWS) has been appointed the exclusive Australian distributor for Stabulon anti-slip sheets which are renowned for protecting palletised goods from damage.

Vibration during transportation often causes palletised products to slip. The anti-slip sheets have been designed to be placed between pallet layers as to ensure products do not slip or cause unnecessary damage to lower layers.

With a static coefficient of friction (COF) of 42°, the sheets will grip on paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and varnished surfaces.

AWS 1800 023 890.

Hard pulling tow tractors

WAREQUIP has introduced to the Australian market the new Taylor Dunn Tow Tractors.

The tow tractors are designed to provide reliable service in heavy applications, the four wheel design ensure maximum safety without compromising manoeuvrability.

With a 48 volt electrical system, brakes on all wheels, tilt steering wheel, towing capacity up to 6000kg as well as suspension operator seat, the tow tractor boasts one of the most modern and up to date tractor designs in the market.

According to Warequip, the company has the largest fleet of Taylor Dunn vehicles in operation in Australia and offer a large range of new and second hand vehicles.

For more information contact:

Warequip

P – 03 9314 2611

W – www.warequip.com.au

Punch presses keep whitegoods maker in tough market

THE downsizing of the Australian whitegoods manufacture industry in recent years has been blamed partially on the inability to upgrade manufacturing systems and subsequently much of this market has transferred overseas.

This negative trend is synonymous with whitegoods manufacture in western economies.

However, USA-based England’s Stove Works Inc has been able to buck this trend and has done so predominantly with FINN-POWER equipment.

The company’s distributor in Australia and New Zealand, Maxitec, supports the common belief that had more manufacturers of whitegoods and household consumables in this region adopted similar forward-thinking, the sector would be far more prominent today.

According to Sales and Marketing Manager of Maxitec, Andrew Bentrup, the issue in Australia has often been slow handling or multiple handling, so the inefficiencies had been costing operators significant sums of money.

“But England’s Stove Works dispels the myth that products such as whitegoods can only be economically made in non-first world countries,” he said.

England’s Stove Works is a leading manufacturer of pellet, wood, gas, and multi-fuel-burning stoves. The company produces 300-400 units daily and is adding a new plant for painting and finishing and shipping operations.

In 1998, the company introduced a new pellet stove — the PDVC — which quickly became a best seller. In order to keep up with demand for that product, and stay competitive in the industry, England’s Stove Works had to invest in new fabrication machinery.

At the time, the company was new to punching and used single station press. Management new it needed to upgrade its punching and bending operations.

After extensive evaluation, the company purchased a FINN-POWER F5 Express — load, punch, unload, using it so far on millions of heavy gauge steel sheet through it.

In July, 2005, the company added a FINN-POWER C5 Compact Express. The C5 Express adds unmanned operation the C5 turret punch press through highly compact load/unload automation.

The unit’s loading/unloading solution utilises the space above and below the machine — requiring only slightly more space than a turret punch press. It has proven to work fast, with simultaneous loading and unloading during processing, accurate, and it does not limit easy manual operation.

The 20-station, 33-ton C5 hydraulic turret punch press has a large sheet capacity and is available with either Siemens or Fanuc controls.

Tooling flexibility is also important to England’ Stove Works. Up to 10 auto-index and Multi-Tool® holders may be installed in a Finn-Power turret. England’s Stove Works has six auto-index stations and one 10-station Multi-Tool in the C5.

Unique to the C5 turret punch press, full tonnage indexable upforming allows complex forming operations to be made quickly by using a single forming tool. An index mechanism is used to turn the forming tool into an NC programmed angle.

Other features of the C5 turret punch press include:

Super Fast Servo Hydraulic Punching, easy loading, efficient unloading, automatic clamp setting and movement, catch & carry work chute,

During the company’s busy season — April through December — both the Finn-Power F5 Express and the C5 Compact Express operate 24/7. Management states FINN-POWER machines have allowed the company to compete in the world of large retailers.

England’s Stove Works still outsources nearly 50% of its punch/bend fabrication. The eventual plan is to do all fabrication in-house, so the company is looking at additional automation with either the Finn-Power Laser Punch or Shear Genius to help it reach the next level.

For more information contact:

Andrew Bentrup

Maxitec 02 8536 5800