TOYOTA’S new 7-Series forklift range comes standard with the company’s System of Active Stability (SAS), which incorporates an active mast function controller and tilt levelling features.
Models in the new series of forklifts offer three-way closed loop catalytic muffler systems, double-action hand-operated park brakes, neutral start safety switches, and memory tilt steering columns. The vehicles also have low, wide-entry steps with dual operator assist grips.
Toyota says the 7-Series also benefit from low noise emissions and high visibility overhead guards.
Three models are included in the range: 7FGU60, 7FGU70 and 7FGU80 in 6,000kg, 7,000kg and 8,000kg capacities, replacing Toyota’s current 5-Series models.
THE new series of air compressors from Sullair Australia offers a range of operating specifications that are ideal for the harsh conditions in manufacturing, construction and mining industries. Available in four capacities – 550, 600, 700 and 750 acfm – the compressors deliver a range of working pressures from 80 – 250 psig.
Several key features have been incorporated into the design of the new series, including robust highway running gear with a new single axle configuration. The engine is available as a Caterpillar C7, Tier 3 emissions compliant unit, delivering 250hp. The combination of these features has reduced the overall weight of the compressor by 1.2 tonne, providing increased manoeuvrability and portability, says Sullair Australia.
A new design for the canopy and service doors is another feature of the portable diesel compressors. The modular design of the canopy allows for sectional replacement or removal as one piece. The large service doors provide access to the fuel tank, engine, compressor and air filter, with a rear service panel to provide access to compressor cooling components.
Efficiency of the new series has been enhanced by adopting a three-stage filtration process, says Sullair Australia.
Additional improvements include the SSAM shutdown system with an annunciator module to warn the operator of high temperatures, low fuel or pressure. The control systems have been fully revised to provide real time information presented in a user friendly control panel. The new series will be available for shipment from December 2011.
ATLAS Copco Compressors has introduced a modular piping system called the AIRnet. The system is made from a robust lightweight aluminium tube and has been designed to ensure minimum pressure drop for maximum energy savings, says Atlas Copco.
With a large selection of fittings, the AIRnet can be used to extend existing pipe work systems or to supply complete installation solutions. Pipe identification is made easy with a blue coloured pipe for compressed air and a green pipe for nitrogen.
The non-corrosive properties of AIRnet maintain a constant air quality from the compressor room to the production equipment.
The AIRnet system offers a range of powder-coated aluminium pipe, engineered polymer and aluminium fittings, with associated assembly tools to cover the nominal pipe sizes from 20 to 80 mm or the equivalent ¾ inch to 3½ inch nominal pipe sizes.
AIRnet is compatible with most types of compressor oils and can be submitted to a working temperature from -20°C up to +70°C, and pressures up to 13 bar.
AEROVENT has extended its Sapphire series of belt-driven axial flow fans, which are suited to hot and corrosive applications, such as kiln exhaust and recirculation.
The fans are available in carbon steel construction as standard or with full stainless steel or high nickel alloy construction, which includes a fully fabricated impeller, fan case, belt and <[lb]>bearing tunnel.
The fans are available in sizes ranging from Ø350 to Ø3000mm. They incorporate the company’s bearing cooling system designed for use in tough appplications.
BIG Ass Fans has introduced the new Yellow Jacket; a portable fan designed for flexibility, quiet operation and excellent durability.
The system has a heavy-gauge steel carriage engineered to withstand the harshest environments, a Powerfoil-inspired blade for maximum efficiency and airflow coverage, and an acoustically-designed fan, motor and carriage for quiet operation.
Other features include oversized wheels and ergonomic handle for superior manoeuvrability, multiple speeds and an easy-to-operate locking mechanism for greater airflow control.
According to Big Ass Fans, the Yellow Jacket has a high-efficiency design which cuts energy use in the factory by over 50%.
The SCF Group has developed an innovative tracking device designed to take the worry out of transporting valuable assets across Australia.
The South Australian container company has developed the technologically advanced AssetWatch product to meet customer demand for a simple and more secure way to keep track of movable assets.
The tracking system combines motion sensors, GPS positioning and custom configured sensors to gather and transmit precise information about the whereabouts of containers.
The company says it can issue instant reports updating a container’s whereabouts or issue emergency alerts to a customer by email or by text to a mobile phone all through a device that runs on AA batteries.
THE Allen-Bradley Guardmaster SensaGuard range delivers a cost-effective, machine guarding solution for industry. The units provide secure safety switching, diagnostics and monitoring in one compact package.
Combining the cutting-edge technology of RFID coding with a M23 Safety Distribution block, SensaGuard simplifies the integration of multiple sensors.
The latest in RFID coding provides an additional level of security, allowing a SensaGuard switch and actuator to be paired with a specific code. This enhances safety by reducing the possibility of other actuators being used to bypass the switch.
The switch is paired with an actuator on initial power-up. If some flexibility is required, the switch can be re-paired to another actuator up to eight times. After the 8th time, it is locked to the last-paired actuator.
At anytime during the pairing process, the switch can be locked to a specific actuator permanently.
TECHSPAN automatic plastic welders are designed for precise, efficient welding of thermoplastics, including tarpaulins, covers, banners, liners, structural fabrics, and water-proofing membranes.
The Techspan Tarpon and Planon automatic overlap welders feature inter-changeable ‘overlap kits’, enabling the weld seam width to be changed without having to purchase different machines for different widths.
The ‘overlap kits’ consist of four parts, and can be easily changed by the operator, with an allen-key, in less than five minutes, the company claims.
A ‘hem kit’ also enables the welding of hems, which can be adjusted for hem widths of 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40mm. Welding speed, welding temperature, and airflow volume are infinitely adjustable.
THE Hioki PW3198 Power Quality Analyser is a Cat IV (600V) instrument capable of harmonic and inter harmonic measurements to the 50th and 49.5th orders (including power harmonics) respectively (including phase angles) for both voltage and current.
Inrush current and transient over-voltage impulses (to 6 kV), voltage swell and dip, as well as flicker measurement are part of the suite of protocols.
The PW3198 is compliant with the latest IEC requirements, IEC 61000-4-30 Edition 2, Class A standard, making the instrument suitable for power line analysis acceptable to distribution authorities.
It is a four-channel unit, suitable for three-phase, three- and four-wire reticulation.
THE handheld Fluke 810 Vibration Tester enables maintenance teams to rapidly collect data and diagnose and solve mechanical problems.
It is designed and programmed to diagnose common mechanical problems of unbalance, looseness, misalignment and bearing failures in a wide variety of mechanical equipment, including motors, fans, blowers, belts and chain drives, gearboxes, couplings, pumps, compressors, closed coupled machines and spindles.
When it detects a fault, the tester identifies the problem and rates its severity on a four-level scale to help the maintenance professional prioritise maintenance tasks, and recommends repairs.
Context-sensitive on-board help menus provide new users with real-time guidance and tips. It uses a simple step-by-step process to report on machine faults the first time measurements are taken, without prior measurement history.
PROFILE Cutting Systems (PCS) is now offering a unique drilling solution called the PCS Drilling Centre designed for fast and efficient drilling of up to 100mm diameter with an accuracy of 0.1mm.
The system, which utilises a 60HP Bosch Rexroth servo motor coupled to a high-speed spindle with the option of up to a 24 station tool changer, reportedly combines top quality parts, quality workmanship and PCS’s own easy-to-use drilling interface, allowing any operator to drill large diameter holes in literally seconds.
The Bosch Rexroth motor is predestined for main spindle applications. Rated at 60HP, this motor and cooling fan is enclosed in an IP65 enclosure, making it suitable for even the harshest of environments.
When the system is being used for six or less tools, a carousel is fixed to one side of the machine. Upon tool change, the main spindle will position itself on top of the carousel and perform a quick and easy tool change. This can be done manually as well as automatically, according to the part program.
For more than six tools, the system uses a 24-tool carousel that is mounted next to the main spindle. This method facilitates quick and easy tool changes without the spindle travelling to one end of the machine to perform a tool change. This method is primarily designed for jobs that regularly require a large number of different tools.
Crown’s QuickPick Remote Advance system is designed to make low-level picking in warehouses and distribution centres simple.
Available on the Crown PC 4500 Series centre console rider pallet trucks, QuickPick Remote Advance is designed to allow operators to remotely advance the truck to the next picking point without having to climb back onto the truck, or walk along beside it holding the steering control.
The system relies on a special glove that has a remote control fitted for controlling the truck’s movement.
Order selectors simply press a button on a wireless transceiver glove to remotely advance the truck to the next pick location, eliminating the need to return to the operator’s compartment while picking.
The technology consists of a wireless transceiver module that snaps into a holder on the back of the operator’s glove.
Crown’s QuickPick Remote Advance system is the first of its kind in the industry. It uses task automating technologies to simplify workflow and improve the picking process, increasing productivity and reducing operator fatigue.
Hi-Semicon Australia will release a new range of LED High Bay Lighting systems for industrial applications on 1 October 2011.
Certified to Australian Standards and designed for Australian conditions, Hi Semicon LED Lighting reportedly saves 75% on power consumption and comes with a four-year product warranty.
Installation is simple, with users needing only to hang and plug in the lighting system, says Hi-Semicon.
The LED lights use Hi-Semicon’s Phase Change Liquid Cooling system, which is said to keep the junction point at 65 degrees, while removing more heat than competitor technologies.
According to the company, this allows the High Bay LED lights to burn brighter and last longer, with less running costs.
The systems use Bridgelux multi-chip LED’s and Meanwell power supplies.
THE RapidStore Mini-Load is the latest in a series of high-performance storage and retrieval machines (SRMs) from Dematic.
The RapidStore ML10 handles totes, cartons and cases in facilities ranging in height from 4m to 20m.
Offered in three standard heights (10m, 14m and20m), RapidStore ML10 is said to efficiently handle a host of container types in a multi-deep and flexible-width environment.
The RapidStore Mini-Load operates at a travel speed of 6.0 m/s, accelerates at 4.0 m/s², has lift speeds of 3.0 m/s, and lift acceleration of 3.0m/s², delivering up to 142 double cycles/hour (based on an 8m crane operating in a 40m aisle), Dematic claims.
SolidCAM launched its VERICUT CNC program verification software at the recent EMO show in Hannover.
The interface will particularly benefit companies in the aerospace sector that need the power of the software’s 5-axis and mill-turn technology to cut critical components, the company says.
The new VERICUT implementation is designed to provide an extension to SolidCAM’s existing internal toolpath verification, by proving out the actual G-codes, used to drive the CNC machine.
The tools, fixtures and stock material created in SolidCAM are reportedly seamlessly transferred into VERICUT, which is automatically set-up in the correct orientation and coordinate system to allow simulation to start immediately.
The verification even tests canned cycles and subprograms generated by SolidCAM for a specific machine tool.
Both the kinematics and CNC control of each machine tool are accurately modeled and defined inside VERICUT, ensuring the checks mirror the exact behavior of the CNC machine, eliminating the need for on machine CNC program try outs, says the company.
Pro-Visual Publishing has released the 201112 Metal Manufacturing Industry Guide which is said to provide the industry with the most up-to-date safety information.
Produced in conjunction with Australian Industries Group, the guide is an initiative aimed at increasing awareness of workplace health and safety to reduce workplace accidents and injury.
The 2011/12 edition includes information on manual handling, machine guarding safety and crane and hoist safety.
According to the guide, many handling accidents can be attributed to the inappropriate use of cranes and hoists.
Recipients of the guide are also provided with the opportunity to enter a competition in which the best entry wins a $5000 dollar holiday voucher, subject to competion terms and conditions.
Lincoln Electric has introduced Pipeliner 81M, a gas-shielded, flux-cored (FCAW-G) wire designed for hot, fill and cap pass welding on up to X70 grade pipe.
According to the company, the Pipeliner 81M provides optimal performance during automated pipe welding applications where consistent arc length is critical, while fast-freezing slag provides a flat bead shape with consistent puddle support all the way around the pipe.
Additionally, the new wire provides robust impact toughness and is capable of producing weld deposits with Charpy V-Notch impact toughness exceeding 27J (20 ft lbf) at – 40ºC.
The Pipeliner wire is available in 0.045 inches (1.2mm) wire diameter on 10lb and 25lb plastic spools packaged in vacuum sealed foil bags.
The wire meets requirements for NACE applications, as well as AWS A5.29/A5.29M: 2010 E81T1-GM, ASME SFA-5.29 E81T1-GM and ISO 17632: 2006 ISO 17632-B-T554T1-1MA-N1-UH5 conformances.
Dimac Tooling now offers the Kitagawa QJR series (Quick Jaw Release), a quick change power chuck that can be easily mounted in place of a standard chuck to keep the installation cost low.
According to Dimac, the QJR are directly interchangeable chuck with the BB200 series as they feature the same through bore, plunger stroke and drawtube connection positions. This allows a new QJR08 to effectively replace a BB208 chuck without the need for any special adaption parts, the company says.
The QJR, which uses a quick change base jaw system, can accept standard metric serrated top jaws from existing B200 and BB200 chucks.
The chucks are manufactured from high grade alloy steel. Mounting dimensions are identical to matching B and BB series (B208, BB208, B210, BB210, B212, BB212).
Kurt has introduced the D688 vise model designed with high precision roller bearings and alloy steel screw mechanism for even distribution of clamping force.
The D688, which replaces the D675 model, offers a number of upgraded features including more clamping force and larger part holding capacity.
It also features an 8.8 inch jaw opening, repeatability to within 0.001 inch and can produce up to 7,968 lbs. clamping force with just 80 ft. lbs. input torque.
With the same footprint (the distance of keyway to stationary jaw) as the D675, the two vises can be aligned on a vise table without problems. This reportedly allows machinists to phase in the new vise technology without making their existing vises obsolete, the company says
The D688 vise has been designed for all types of machining operations including precision boring, tapping, drilling and finishing with high accuracy on most part configurations.
Moving heavy items is simple, safe and easy with a new flexible system of linked dollies, available for hire from Kennards Hire.
The system enables hirers to create a cart that suits the job, rather than trying to make a load fit the cart.
An individual dolly can carry up to 544kg but, by joining them together with special connector straps, the capacity can be greatly increased, according to Kennards Hire.
Each unit is 53.34cm (21 inches) wide, 81.28cm (32inches) long and 17.78cm (7inches) high.
They system features four-sided steel frame, which is integrated into the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) body for strength and flexibility.
A limited number of handles is available to turn the units into push carts or panel carts.
