Compair releases oil-lubricated screw compressor range

Compair says its recently launched L07-L11 range of oil-lubricated screw compressors are designed to deliver high reliability with low service and installation costs.

The new 7 to 11kW machines are designed for smaller production processes which require a constant source of high-quality air.

Compair says it designed the new compressor range with as many components integrated in to the air end as possible. As a result, there are only three hoses and fewer separate parts to maintain, helping to improve overall machine reliability and productivity.

The oil-lubricated screw compressors are available as stand alone machines or fully integrated AirStations to suit the application, offering pressures of 7.5, 10 and 13 bar.

The MathWorks releases new software update

The MathWorks has announced Release 2009b (R2009b) of its Matlab and Simulink product families.

R2009b includes features for faster performance and enhanced handling of large data sets. The release builds on component-based modeling features in Simulink, and updates 83 other products, including PolySpace code verification products.

Matlab and Image Processing Toolbox now offer more multi-threaded implementations of functions, and Statistics Toolbox adds parallel computing support for several functions.

For users with large data sets, Matlab now offers the ability to perform FFTs on data sets larger than 2GB. The Image Processing Toolbox adds a function to support processing of arbitrarily large TIFF images, and Parallel Computing Toolbox includes a new interface for working with large data sets that are distributed across a cluster.

Safety servo drive from Rockwell Automation

The new Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6200 servo drive has advanced safety features designed to help manufacturers protect personnel and improve production efficiency.

The Kinetix 6200 servo drive features safe stop, zero speed monitoring, safe direction monitoring, and safe maximum acceleration monitoring.

The servo drive’s safety features help improve machine operating efficiencies by providing safer access to guarded areas while a machine or process continues operation under limited conditions.

The servo drive is designed to eliminate the need for additional panel space and wiring typically required when using an external safety monitor.

Sperian launched anti-fog safety goggles

Sperian has launched the DuraMaxx goggles, said to be the first panoramic safety goggle to provide anti-fog capabilities for long term wear.

Sperian says the DuraMaxx goggles are made with lightweight and flexible elastomer body to provide a contoured fit for different facial profiles. The soft sealing body also provides protection in harsh chemical environments.

The Dura-streme coating technology is designed to keep the interior of the lens clear from fog, while protecting the exterior from scruffs and scratches. An indirect ventilation system channels and directs air flow through the goggles to further minimise fogging and improve vision.

The safety goggles are available in clear and grey lens options for a wide range of applications.

New forklift range from Hyundai

Hyundai Forklifts Australia has added four new models 110D-7E, 130D-7E, 140D-7E and 160D-7E to its range.

The forklifts have load capacities between 11t and 16t which is an improvement on its previous range of maximum 8t capacity.

According to Hyundai Forklifts, the forklift models have a Cummins diesel engine, the QSB6.7, which provides 119kW of power. This six-cylinder engine is said to meet Tier III emission standards and can take the truck up to a speed of 35km/h.

Hyundai says the driver can use a switch to select one of two driving modes, the ‘STP’ mode, where the truck saves fuel during light work and in ‘Power’ mode where full power is available for heavy loads or work on difficult terrain.

Industrial coolant vacuum from Compressed Air Australia

Compressed Air Australia (CAA) says Exair’s Chip Trapper cleans solids such as chips, swarf and shavings out of used coolants and other liquids.

According to CAA, the chip trapper vacuums the coolant or liquid of debris into a 55 gallon drum, trapping all the solids in a reusable filter bag. Turning the flow valve then allows clean liquid to pump back out.

The chip trapper features a stainless steel two-way pump assembly, a directional flow valve, a lever lock drum lid, a shut off valve, a 3m vacuum hose, a 6.1m compressor air hose, a chip wand, two filter bags and a drum dolly.

It is suitable for use on machines with sumps, parts washers, tanks and storage containers.

Machine tool testing and calibration system

Renishaw has released the Axiset Check-Up, a machine tool testing and calibration system for automated health checks.

The machine tool testing and calibration system uses automated probing routines to gather performance data from a reference artefact, and check the alignment and positioning performance of rotary axes.

According to Renishaw, the system is suitable for five-axis machining centres and multi-tasking mill-turn machines as it can find poor machine alignment and geometry.

Machine tool testing and calibration system

Renishaw has released the Axiset Check-Up, a machine tool testing and calibration system for automated health checks.

The machine tool testing and calibration system uses automated probing routines to gather performance data from a reference artefact, and check the alignment and positioning performance of rotary axes.

According to Renishaw, the system is suitable for five-axis machining centres and multi-tasking mill-turn machines as it can find poor machine alignment and geometry.

LPG forklift trucks from Hyundai

Hyundai has introduced a new line of 7-Series LPG forklift trucks, suitable for use in warehouses, docks, yards and third party logistics operations.

Distributed by Flexilift Australia, the 20L, 25L, and 30L trucks use an HMC BETA engine to provide 37kW of power.

For the operator, the level of visibility is said to be high for a forklift truck due to a wide view mast. Utilising the mast to an angle of 6° forward and 10° backward also aids the operator in loading and unloading.

The forklift truck uses a wet disc type brake which, according to Hyundai, means the brake pedal effort is improved by 45% at a 20% slope.

The forklift truck features a large capacity hydraulic system which is said to react quickly during operation as well as static power steering to prevent overrun and kickback.

Hyundai says the new forklift was designed with easy maintenance in mind. Oil-checks can be made without disassembly; the brake fluid reservoir is said to be highly visible and accessible and a fuse box allows for easy inspection.

Bestech Australia releases infrared temperature sensor

Bestech Australia has launched an infrared temperature sensor that provides accurate temperature measurements for metals and composites.

The thermometer CT M3 features a double laser which can mark real spot locations at any distance, with spot sizes as small as 0.7mm. It can also achieve up to 100:1 optical resolution with selectable focus.

According to Bestech, the product has a temperature range of 50-600°C and can be used in ambient temperatures of 85°C without cooling.

A monitor box enables users to read the temperature measurement, program the sensor and read out analogue signals. Software is also available, which supports multi tasking and facilitates remote control, allowing users to customise the infrared temperature sensor to individual application needs.

New punching tools from Trumpf

Trumpf has launched Size 5 punching tools which are said to enable the production of larger formings.

According to Trumpf, the punching tools are compatible with all punching and combination machines and with an outer circle of up to 120mm in the die, the punching tools offer multiple sheet metal forming options.

According to Trumpf, the punching tools can also be custom-built.

ABB releases overhead mounted articulated robot

ABB has launched its first robot that combines the advantages of an articulated robot and a linear gantry for improved flexibility and cycle times.

The IRB 6620LX, a 5-axis overhead mounted robot arm on a linear axis unit, is said to provide flexibility in production with its 150kg payload and large scalable work space. It is also suitable for use in power train assembly, heavy arc welding and grinding.

To integrate articulated and linear technology, the first rotational axis has been removed from the robotic arm, enabling it to be mounted either upside down or sideways on the linear gantry unit, which acts as the first axis.

The linear gantry axis unit can be extended by up to 33m horizontally and 4m vertically. The extended reach enables the robot to access several machines or work stations simultaneously.

Bulk bag weigh batch eductor from Flexicon

A new bulk bag weigh batch eductor system from Flexicon is designed to loosen bulk solid material that has solidified during storage/shipment, discharge the material by weight, and blend it into a liquid stream.

The skid-mounted system incorporates two bulk bag unloading frames, each with an integral bulk bag conditioner featuring a hydraulic pump and two rams with contoured end plates that press opposing sides of bulk bags.

The unloaders’ cantilevered hoists and motorised trolleys allow conditioning of bulk bags at various heights, as well as loading and unloading of bags without the need for a forklift.

The unloaders’ surge hoppers are equipped with flexible screw conveyors that gravimetrically feed bulk solids into a central solid-liquid eductor. The eductor then blends the material into a liquid stream in ratios set by the user.

Zero-Max launches all-in-one couplings range

Zero-Max has launched its new Schmidt 5D couplings, said to be suitable for large axial, angular and parallel shaft misalignments.

According to Zero-Max, the couplings’ ‘all in one’ design can handle all shaft displacements providing low backlash for precision high torque applications.

The couplings are available in 10 different size models, can accommodate up to 5° of angular misalignment and 3.81cm of parallel misalignment while maintaining power transmission at constant angular velocity.

The couplings feature standard and inverted hub configurations in bore sizes from 38mm to 160mm, speeds up to 1000rpm and torque from 2800 to 500,000in-lbs and according to Zero-Max, can tolerate high shock and reversing loads with minimal maintenance required.

Walk-behind industrial sweeper from Tennant Company

Tennant Company has released the S10 industrial grade walk behind sweeper suited for medium to heavy industrial markets.

According to Tennant Company, the sweeper can be used to sweep up sand and dust, pallet chips, pebbles, gravel, nuts, bolts and glass, as well as dirt and debris which has been compacted to the ground by heavy machinery.

Tennant Company says the sweeper works in tight and congested areas, removing dust down to 3 microns at 99% efficiency. It has an 860mm sweeping path and a direct throw sweeping system.

The sweeper includes an on-board charger, and the standard batteries provide 2.5 to three hours of run time.

Rockwell Automation releases speed monitoring safety relay

Rockwell Automation has released its new intelligent Allen-Bradley Guardmaster MSR57P speed monitoring safety relay.

Said to be the first of its kind on the market, the Guardmaster MSR57P speed monitoring safety relay provides a complete solution to monitor all motion for small to mid-size machines, and provide appropriate safety control.

The product effectively combines the functionality of a speed sensing module with a configurable safety controller.

According to Rockwell Automation, the speed monitoring safety relay is suitable for safety applications where access is required to guarded areas, under defined and controlled conditions, while a machine is still running.

Able to monitor up to two encoders and five dual-channel safety sensors, Rockwell Automation says the speed monitoring safety relay can support a wide range of safety modes, and is suited to safety applications up to SIL3 and Cat4

Safety PLC for SIL 3 applications

NHP’s new Allen-Bradley SmartGuard 600 is designed for SIL 3 applications that require a degree of complex logic.

The base unit includes the CPU, 16 safety inputs, 8 safety outputs and an embedded DeviceNet communication port.

Using this DeviceNet port the PLC can control up to 31 safety distributed I/O nodes, in addition to communicating to standard PLCs and HMIs over a DeviceNet network.

The main advantage of the PLC is said to be its ease of use. Necessary information about error codes and node addresses are displayed on the alphanumeric display, while all input/output status is displayed by LED indication.

Communication parameters are set by rotary switches and dipswitches on the front of the unit. Programming of the PLC is performed in an editing environment that is inside RSNetWorx. Programming is achieved by dragging and dropping the pre-certified safety blocks into the program.

Palletising, wrapping and labelling cell from JMP

Following the release of its compact palletising cell (CPC), JMP has announced a new version of the machine with built-in stretch wrapping capabilities.

The new compact palletising cell features turntables at the two palletising locations and stretch carriages mounted adjacent to each of these locations instead of a central frame around which all system components are usually mounted.

At the start of the palletising cycle the robot pulls the film onto the empty pallet, and places a carton (or other package type) onto the film to secure it in place. The robot palletising cell palletises packages until the pallet is ready to be wrapped.

On completion of the palletising sequence the turntable rotates and film is released from the stretch carriage.

JMP says the palletisin cell also works with grippers for handling a range of products, such as containers, cartons, bags, drums and pails, and comes with pallet labellers with tamp heads that can be mounted adjacent to the palletising position.

Safety limit switch from Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation has launched a new range of Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety limit switches, the 440P compact metal 22mm series.

Comprising 14 models, the new 440P series features a two metre pre-terminated side or bottom-entry cable, and a rugged, compact 22mm metal housing.

Allen-Bradley’s new safety limit switch series also boasts a broad choice of operator configurations, such as dome, roller or cross-roller plunger, and short-roller lever. Each member of the new switch series is equipped with positively driven contacts, making them ideal for both safety and standard switching applications.

Fantech releases inline fan range

The Fantech QuietflowDCV inline fan range is a new concept that uses sensors to automatically control the amount of ventilation according to the occupancy of a room.

Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the ventilation system and reduces energy consumption.

The Quietflow DVC inline fan is described as lightweight ventilation system with a galvanised sheet steel casing. It is lined with flame retardant Class O rated acoustic lining which ensures breakout noise is low. To achieve this, the DCV system is available with a series of on-board different sensors which continuously monitor the conditions in the room and feed the information back to the on board DCV zone controller in real time.

The controller then adjusts the Quietflow fan speed modulating the ventilation rate to suit the environmental conditions and occupancy levels of the room.