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Crown Equipment has announced it will launch its first company-manufactured internal combustion (IC) forklift, called the Crown C-5 Series, in Australia in April.
The official launch date of April 4, 2011 will mark “the start of a new revolution in internal combustion powered lift trucks in Australia”, the company says.
The new Crown C-5 Series is designed to push the limits of IC performance.
According to Crown, the new model leverages the company’s core expertise and heritage in material handling to deliver commanding advantages to owners and operators seeking improved power and strength, service and uptime, and comfort and safety.
This unit will be marketed specifically to fleet customers in Australia alongside Crown’s existing extensive IC lift truck range.
The Crown C-5 features an industrial engine that was jointly developed with John Deere Power Systems (John Deere).
It also offers a ‘proactive approach’ to engine cooling and radiator clearing via an on-demand cooling system, along with design innovations that are said to improve operator visibility, comfort and productivity.
According to Crown, product owners will see immediate return on their investment from extended service intervals and an exclusive Crown power brake system that collectively reduce maintenance costs and downtime.
Adaptalift Hyster has extended its Fortens forklift range with the introduction of an 8-9 tonne capacity series, which reportedly provides a compact, efficient, high capacity truck that delivers low-cost of operation in tough applications.
The new H170-190FT Fortens series is suited for industries such as paper, wood, beverage, metals, ports, automotive or construction materials.
The high capacity, compact design also benefits operations with high attachment usage, the company says.
The H170-190FT has a compact design, ensuring that space, loads moved per hour and on-site efficiency is maximised to maintain low operating costs.
It shares many features with the company’s successful H135-155FT series, including the frame construction, low maintenance oil immersed brakes, leak-free hydraulics and drivetrain.
The compact frame design results in a wheelbase of 2450mm, making the H170-190FT one of the smallest in its capacity class, particularly when taking into consideration the load centre for trucks equipped with front end attachments, the company says.
MathWorks has announced the R2010b release of Data Acquisition Toolbox, which enables engineers and scientists to use National Instruments CompactDAQ data acquisition hardware directly from MATLAB.
Data Acquisition Toolbox supports more than 25 CompactDAQ devices, providing access to measurements that include voltage, current, and temperature, MathWorks says.
The toolbox is designed to enable customers to acquire data simultaneously from multiple CompactDAQ modules using either background acquisition or foreground acquisition.
With background acquisition, engineers can now analyse and visualise the data as they collect it. With foreground acquisition, engineers can collect their data in blocks for post analysis in MATLAB.
The new application programming interface (API) lets engineers control these devices and acquire data from them using only a few lines of MATLAB code.
Data Acquisition Toolbox supports devices from National Instruments, Measurement Computing, Data Translation, Advantech, and other manufacturers.
A NEW online incident reporting system is designed to help companies improve safety.
The software, called Rapid Incident Reporting, comes from the developers responsible for the online induction software, Rapid Induct.
Originally developed for manufacturing giant, Kraft Foods Australia, this web-based incident reporting system has inbuilt features designed to ensure that the incident reporting process is not only simplified, but also helps OHS professionals proactively improve overall workplace safety.
The system incorporates functionality that ensures corrective actions are taken to prevent reoccurrence of injury. It also automatically keeps all relevant personnel regularly updated via email.
The system can also automatically generate reports in a company-branded PowerPoint presentation.
Boge’s second generation SO 150-2 to SO 269-2 oil free water cooled screw compressors are said to increase efficiency, improve volume flow and lower sound pressure values.
The SO series oil free water cooled screw compressors range from 110 to 200 kW in power, and also provide 100% oil free compressed air.
According to Boge, this is ideal for large compressed air users in industries such the semiconductor, pharmaceutical and food and drinks where the risk of oil contamination is rife.
The new models incorporate the same compressor technology originally utilised in developing the SO series oil-free screw compressors.
Improvements have reportedly been made on sound pressure values, volume flow and specific power efficiency against the former models.
A new lockout procedure management program called IsolationPoint from Redbusbar allows maintenance engineers to use a PDA to execute energy isolation procedures.
IsolationPoint comprises an isolation procedure library located on a PC and a handheld personal digital assistant (PDA) as the means to execute isolation procedures.
When required, an isolation procedure is scheduled for execution onto the PDA. The isolation officer then follows the isolation steps specified in the procedure and uses the PDA’s barcode or RFID scanner to verify isolation point identity.
When the procedure is complete, time stamped progress information is archived to the PC. Using this approach, IsolationPoint is said to enhance safety, use less people and require less administration.
DWYER Instruments’ new LPCP Low Pressure Calibration Pump is a low air pressure source which the manufacturer claims has the ability to easily adjust and stabilise.
The hand pump possesses a pressure range of ± 5.8 psi, uses air as the media, and can reportedly adjust the pressure easily with great stability.
The unit is designed for calibrating pressure transducers, precision pressure gages, and other pressure instruments.
The LPCP is made up of quick connectors for fast instrument connect and disconnect. The pump has a heat-insulator between the cover and pressure chamber, designed to lessen the heat effect during the micro-pressure calibration. The adjusting resolution is up to 0.01 Pa (0.0001 mbar).
Fluke’s new CLKTO C-Range Infrared Window is designed to facilitate infrared and visual inspections of indoor switchgear and electrical installations, while protecting technicians from arc-flash or electric shock.
The CLKTO Window is designed for indoor applications and is said to incorporate a clear, impact resistant viewing pane for indoor switchgear rated at up to 72kV.
This viewing pane with Fluke’s own Quadraband optics is designed to allow visual inspection of electrical equipment, even with the cover closed. The unique twist-off magnetic cover is also impact resistant.
Fluke’s Quadraband multispectral optic is said to allow inspection with any thermal imaging camera, for maximum flexibility. Optics are sealed against moisture degradation with a Fluke CLIRVU coating and tested to withstand the long term aging effects of UV exposure.
The unit is designed for maintenance professionals in industrial plants, commercial buildings and electrical utilities who use infrared thermal imagers to inspect installations for hot spots that could indicate loose connections, bad bearings or other equipment failure.
RUSSELL Fraser Sales (RFS) has introduced the Mark III Tank Floor Scanner from MFE Enterprises which provides improved inspections through coated floors and thicker plates.
The scanner is also said to have fully adjustable thresholds for improved thresholding techniques and the ability to produce color-coded maps of carbon steel loss across the tank floor.
The new Mark III Manual Operation Floor Scanner is the base model, however it is available with multiple upgrade, including improved magnetic bridge which allows for better inspection through coated tank floors and greater plate thickness, and the introduction of a rugged touch screen Panasonic Toughbook.
The base model offers a motor to drive the floor scanner and a new and improved fully adjustable threshold. Any signal that rises above the set threshold will not only stop the motor but will also freeze the signals on screen so that an inspector can quickly identify the location of the defect.
The 2412 Mark III ColorMap is the fully upgraded version of the Mark III that allows the inspector to create a color-coded map of the carbon steel loss across the tank floor. The versatile software allows the inspector to create a detailed tank floor schematic and overlay the actual floor scans on each plate.
The end result is a color-coded map of the tank floor that indicates precise locations of carbon steel loss in the plates.
EXAIR’s 205-Litre Chip Vac picks up chips from manufactur ing processes and delivers them to an ordinary 205 litre drum. It can be moved from drum to drum easily to keep different materials separate for recycling.
The vaccum can be used to clean chips from fixtures, floors and work surfaces of machining centres, lathes, saws, mills and other industrial equipment.
According to the distributor, the compressed-air-powered Chip Vac creates a powerful direct flow action that effectively moves metal, wood or plastic chips.
Dusty materials such as absorbents are trapped by the 0.1 micron filter bag to keep the surrounding air clean.
To prevent material contamina tion, a poly drum liner can be inserted into the drum.
The Model 6193-205 Chip Vac System includes a shutoff valve, filter bag, drum lid with locking ring, 3-metre flexible vacuum hose, aluminium chip wand, two extension wands, crevice tool, brush, skimmer and floor tool (drum not included).
Other models available include the Model 6293-205 Deluxe Chip Vac System, which adds a 205- litre drum dolly, and the 5-Gallon Mini Chip Vac System Model 6193-5, which comes complete with a 5-gallon drum and all the same tools as the 205- litre system.
Schneider Electric has launched CitectSCADA V7.20, which is said to be a secure and high-performance industrial automation and control solution.
According to the company, this latest release extends the performance, quality and security of the company’s SCADA product.
It is also said to deliver on Schneider Electric’s vision of a seamless system that integrates real-time process and equipment information for improved operator effectiveness, simplified engineering and tighter security.
Users of CitectSCADA 7.20 can meet growing security and remote monitoring requirements through the addition of a Pelco camera interface, which is designed to allow operators to view live video and control the camera movement.
Operators also have access to improved real-time operational intelligence through the extended tag information. They can obtain quality, time-stamped data as well as override the values from the field in case of a faulty device or communications.
TECPRO has released the Breconcherry Turbo SSB which eliminates ball bearings and maintains a consistent jet peripheral velocity for improved cleaning efficiency, hygiene and durability.
The Turbo SSB functions with a hydraulic bearing system which reportedly reduces wear and prevents the likelihood of contamination associated with ball bearing degradation.
It features an advanced pressure regulation system in the drive chamber which ensures a constant, slow rotation at pressures ranging from 2 to 20 Bar. This low jet peripheral velocity is optimised to maintain high impingement and allow longer chemical dwell times for improved cleaning efficiency.
It has a 3/4” BSP connection and requires a minimum manhole/flange opening of 50mm for unit insertion. At a pressure of 10 Bar, the Turbo SSB has a cleaning radius of 2.3m and wetting radius of 3m. It is suitable for working temperatures up to 95º C and ambient temperatures of up to 140º.
KERRICK released the HC4015 — a 4,000 psi heavy duty mobile cold water pressure cleaner.
Combined with 15 litres per minute vol ume, the HC4015 is described by the company as a powerful cleaner capable of tackling the most demand ing of cleaning tasks.
The HC4015 is powered by a Honda GX390 petrol engine allowing the user great portability.
It features four ‘quick con nect’ nozzles, a 15-metre-high pressure hose, 250mm all ter rain wheels and a rugged frame. It is also equipped with a CAT pump, an in-line clear water filter and a detergent facility.
INSIGHT TECH Solutions has designed a corporate risk com pliance and insurance manage ment suite, Intelligent Risk Manager (IRM), for organisa tions to manage their risks effi ciently and effectively.
The software is customisable and non-legacy system depend ent, delivering OH&S, security, asset and business continuance and high-end risk analysis for medium to large enterprises.
Insight Intelligence 02 8860 6546, wwww.insightintelligence.net
Fresco’s new low-cost bulk bag filler is said to offer high accuracy and high volume.
Designed to be located below a blender or sifter and receive the contents of the entire batch for internal plant storage or movement to a packing line, the unit can also be portable allowing it to be used under multiple feed points.
The bulk bag strap hooks are height-adjustable and will support bags weighing up to 2,000kg while filling is in progress.
The base of the bulk bag elongates allowing for settlement of the contents once the bulk bag is positioned on a pallet.
The inlet spout of the bulk bag or liner is attached to Fresco’s single actuated spout filling head, providing a secure, dust-tight seal, the company says.
Fresco’s vibratory hopper screen is said to add an extra line of security when removing oversize particles and other foreign matter like paper and cotton during the production process.
The screens are fitted into the top of a bag dump, allowing the operator to empty the bags at an ergonomic working height.
The vibration also aids in the discharge of the product from the bag being tipped, Fresco claims.
The screens can be fitted with fixed or interchangeable mesh apertures as required.
SIEMENS PLM software’s Solid Edge ST3 software offers new functionality — enabled by syn chronous technology — that is said to significantly accelerate product design, streamline revi sions, and make importing and reusing third-party CAD data easier. The new release also includes a variety of enhance ments related to simulation, design data management, and more than a thousand customer- driven improvements.
According to the company, syn chronous technology has the capacity to perform a variety of design tasks in a fraction of the time it takes with a traditional approach. In addition to support for part modeling and sheet metal design, synchronous-based models can now be used directly with all assembly applications — such as piping, frames, wiring, and assembly features.
Also delivered is a first-ever part-to-part associativity that lets users establish and alter design intent before, during or after the assembly process.
Siemens PLM Software www.siemens.com/plm
WIELAND Electric offers the wipos PB1 power supply series especially for electrical instal lations that are suspended in ceilings, in intermediate floors and in the dado skirting.
The switching power supplies are designed for 0.42 to 4.2 A and are mounted on DIN rails; screw connection is also possi ble from 2.5 A upwards.
The compact AC/DC units are said to supply 100% output at ambient temperatures of up to 60°C. They can be used in tem peratures between -25 and 70°C and in outside areas.
Other features include long hold-up times of >60 ms, com pensation of voltage drops through adjustable output volt age as well as a broad-range voltage input for worldwide use, the manufacturer says.
The power supply series meets all important standards, the company says.
GE Intelligent Platforms has released the rugged, OpenVPX-compliant SBC312 3U VPX single board computer (SBC).
Designed for demanding space- and weight-constrained environ ments such as unmanned vehi cles in military and other defence applications, the unit is based on the 8-core Freescale QorIQ P4080 processor.
The SBC312 is said to deliver substantial processing perform ance while maintaining power consumption and heat dissipa tion at the level of earlier dual core 3U VPX single board computers.
The sixth 3U VPX SBC plat form announced by GE, the SBC312, is said to provide an optimum technology insertion opportunity for existing users of the SBC310 and SBC330. According to the company, this further enhances the unit’s sus tainable competitive advantage.
The unit is also available as another model with the QorIQ 4-core P4040 processor as an option.
The SBC312 is available in five air- and conduction-cooled ruggedisation levels.
According to GE Intelligent Platforms, this allows for maxi mum reliability in demanding and harsh military and aerospace applications, and is also avail able in VITA-48 format for 2- level maintenance.
The model features up to 4GB of dual channel DDR3 memory, and provides significant flexibili ty, allowing the SBC312 to be configured to meet the demands of a broad range of applications and environments, beyond mili tary and defence.
Two x4 PCI Express Gen2 links are provided with the SBC312 single board computer, each of which can be configured as four x1 PCI Express links, says GE Intelligent Platforms.
PRONTO Software has integrat ed IBM’s latest business intelli gence (BI) suite, Cognos 10, into the upcoming release of its flagship ERP system, Pronto-Xi, to enable quicker, smarter decision-making for mid- market customers.
The seamless integration of Cognos 10 is said to provide enhanced reporting capabilities and instant business insight, thereby empowering users to access meaningful data anytime, anywhere.
The full release will be launched in March 2011, while a beta version is available now.
According to Pronto Software’s managing director, David Jackman, the partnership with IBM is a step in the company’s vision to increase the functional ity and breadth of its product portfolio, delivering a next gen eration ERP system that includes an BI out of the box.
“Over the past five years, we have had a heavy development focus on simplifying IT for our customers. This is becoming increasingly important from a business analysis and reporting perspective as volumes of data increase, making fast and effective business decisions all the more challenging,” said Jackman.
“We’ve done all the integra tion work so that IBM Cognos 10 is tightly embedded into Pronto- Xi and our customers can start reaping the benefits immediate ly. They will be able to create ad hoc reports, slice and dice the data, and create dashboards in a new intuitive interface.”
He explained one of the biggest obstacles to gaining insight from data is demystifying the complexities in the underly ing database. “IBM Cognos 10 offers a simple mechanism for providing at-a-glance insight into key business drivers in an easy to understand way.”
