Product Showcase
Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 10/1/2009
Conveyorized cubing, weighing
The conveyorized CubiScan 200-TS cubing and weighing system handles packages up to 60 × 48 × 36 inches and 110 pounds. With an operating speed of 230 feet per minute, it is ideal for high-volume warehousing, freight manifesting or transportation applications. Features include user and data interfacing on a color, active-matrix display. Numerous operating statistics and diagnostics are displayed with touchscreen controls. With customized software programming, it can interface and synchronize with bar code scanning equipment, label printing devices, and shipping/manifesting, invoicing or warehouse management system software. Quantronix, 800-488-2823,www.cubiscan.com.
Enhanced software monitors leased pallets
New functionalities in the Portfolio+Plus pallet pooling service application simplifies the system's use. Improved administration through real-time data optimizes supply chain decision making and enhances account management. Developments include a transaction matching and reconciliation feature for invoice verification, self corrections of transactions online with real-time updates, and improved order visibility for review of all orders. To provide additional metrics, the account management dashboard has been enhanced to offer year-over-year comparisons, key performance indicators at aggregate levels and detailed breakdowns of spend by category. CHEP, 888-243-7111,www.chep.com.
Single-assembly, caster-expanding adapter
Incorporating three interlocking pieces into one solid configuration, a new single-assembly, caster-expanding adapter replaces the supplier's previous four-piece model for ease of installation and enhanced fit and performance. The adapter eliminates struggles to mesh and align four loose pieces to a caster. Shipped preassembled, it attaches with a single nut. The expanding adapter is crafted with a durable glass-filled nylon knurled nut-and-flange bushing and a rubber expansion tube that fit over the caster stem. It is made with completely corrosion-free materials and works with the supplier's 1 and 2 Series caster models and wheels. Colson Caster, 800-643-5515,www.colsoncaster.com.
Pedestrian-operated, battery-powered pusher
Capable of moving loads up to 5,000 pounds, the Power Tug pedestrian-operated, battery-powered pusher includes telescopic front legs and fixed wheels at the end to prevent wandering loads. Featuring a mono-drive wheel configuration with stabilizing casters, the unit operates smoothly on uneven surfaces, indoors or out. An electric actuator adjusts single or dual legs to varying heights. The vehicle also offers automatic braking, emergency reverse, and fully programmable control system with butterfly speed control for setting acceleration and deceleration limits. On-board battery charging with 110-V or 240-V input and sealed, maintenance-free traction batteries with on/off keyed ignition are included. NuStar, 800-800-9274,www.powerpusher.com.
Charge batteries in under 1 minute
The Model H OorjaPac on-board battery charging system enables fuel cell refueling in less than 1 minute, 60% faster than its predecessor. The charger's engineering eliminates wastewater generated by the fuel cell to double the liquid methanol fuel storage capacity. By continuously trickle-charging the on-board battery, the system ensures the battery never reaches a state of deep discharge. This eliminates heat damage caused during recharging for increased life and reduced maintenance. The system is also 25% smaller than previous models for easy retrofitting on a wider range of materials handling vehicles, including forklifts and pallet loaders. Oorja Protonics, 510-687-9503,www.oorjaprotonics.com.
Cart with cantilevered arms transports long parts
To support long parts or parts with large internal openings, the cantilevered arm cart provides two levels of sturdy arms that act as shelves or extend through openings for secure transport. Handling the part directly eliminates packaging to improve operator efficiency and reduce waste. The bottom frame of the load/unload side features an opening so that associates can step in to minimize reaching and straining when lifting heavy loads. Each of the cart's two levels can be repositioned or the whole cart can be customized with simple tools. Various color options, hooks, label holders, and shelves to handle small parts allow further customization. The carts can also be configured using static protective ESD pipes and joints for conveyance of sensitive electronics. Holding a maximum capacity of 425 pounds, the cart has a 44 × 52 inch footprint. Creform, 800-839-8823,www.creform.com.
Lift up to 6,000 pounds with electric, pneumatic hoists
An expanded offering of chain hoists includes nine new models. Capacities range from 25 to 6,000 pounds. The line includes four electric and five pneumatic versions. For customization to handle unique lifting challenges, a range of different speed and control options are offered—including single- and dual-speed with pendant, cord or manipulator control. The Caldwell Group, 800-628-4260,www.caldwellinc.com.
Carton caser, hybrid-powered stacker for beverage handling
Two new case handling products offer fast, smooth performance. The 0.5 gallon/2 liter carton caser loads up to 160 cartons per minute using an air powered load head. It packs two 16-quart plastic dairy cases simultaneously in a 3 × 3 packing pattern and includes dual-carton, in-feed conveyors with carton brakes and case conveyor. The hybrid-powered case stacker operates with a hydraulic lift and compressed air to stack 25 cases per minute. It stacks 16 and 24 quart dairy cases up to six high. Both units feature all stainless steel construction, making them ideal for dairy, juice and other beverage facilities. Westfalia Technologies, 800-673-2522,www.WestfaliaUSA.com.
Energy-saving dock fan cools trailers
The HV-ES energy-saving fan creates a continuous stream of fresh air that increases dock worker comfort and productivity while consuming less energy than conventional trailer fans. The focused column of air forces hot, cold or musty air from the trailer and replaces it with fresh air. Powered by a 1/3 HP motor, the fan draws only 2.8 amps to create 980 cubic feet per minute of airflow. Lightweight, the fan can be precisely positioned with an easy-grip handle and dual-articulating arm. It is compact and low-profile to stay out of the way during loading/unloading, while durable polyethylene construction withstands unexpected impacts. An extra long, thermally protected power cord with three-prong, 115-V plug is included. APS Resource, 262-518-1000,www.apsresource.com.
Small character printer with smart ink cartridges
The 1510 small character continuous ink jet printer includes an intuitive user interface and simplified fluid replacement with a Smart Cartridge microchip-enabled bottle. The microchip identifies whether compatible fluid has been installed. To prevent waste of residual ink, the cartridge's shape ensures that it drains completely, while a needle-and-septum refill configuration eliminates ink pours to stop fluid spills and waste. The printhead automatically sets up and adjusts to environmental changes. Intended for medium-duty applications that involve printing codes up to 20 hours per day six days per week, the printer is ideal for the food, beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical and personal care/cosmetic industries. Videojet Technologies, 800-843-3610,www.videojet.com.
High-level palletizing for bags, cases
For palletizing bag or case products that require taller unit loads—including heavy industrial cases—the HL palletizes up to 45 products per minute. Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds, the system's integrated robotic arm builds stable unit loads in a range of patterns, including interlocked, brick, spiral or column. Product travels on a ribbed infeed conveyor to the top of the palletizer where one or multiple products are picked by the robot and placed in the appropriate pallet pattern. As each layer is completed, the pallet indexes down one layer and the cycle repeats until the unit load is completed. The system can be configured as a dual station 1-in-2-out system or as a single station 1-in-1-out palletizer that can be fully automated with pallet transport conveyor, pallet dispensing and slip sheet dispensing. Schneider Packaging Equipment, 315-676-3035,www.schneiderequip.com.
Gain control of high-volume, fast-movers with WMS
Targeted to fast-moving, high-volume warehouses, eWareNavi warehouse management software directs equipment and people simultaneously while providing control, flexibility and visibility of warehouse inventory operation. Highly configurable, the system is Web-based and supports storage, picking, sorting, shipping, crossdocking as well as other warehouse operations. The software offers improved accuracy and reliability, inventory or load visibility, and effective order picking. The system works without additional software modules to control automated materials handling equipment, including automated storage and retrieval systems. Daifuku America, 801-359-9900,www.daifukuamerica.com.
In-cab weighing
The FLI 425 and FLI 225 in-cab forklift scale instruments provide convenient data management for en route systems. The FLI 425 features a 7-inch thin film transistor color LCD for visibility and can display up to 19 data fields simultaneously—each accessible with the touchscreen. For less-complex weighing needs, the compact FLI 225 provides a fast view LCD display with 0.75-inch digits for efficient weight data readability. It also offers visibility in bright conditions and is backlit for dim areas. Both units support bar code scanners for quick input of product identification. Avery Weigh-Tronix, 800-368-2039,www.wtxweb.com.
RFID tags work with metal
Using non-contact, ISO 15693 compliant passive data carrier technology, the M-M RFID direct metal-mount system allows the tag to be mounted directly on any alloy or metal surface without interference or loss in range. Ideal for track-and-trace in manufacturing, assembly or closed-loop processes, the tags offer a range of 2.05 to 2.56 inches. Tags are contained in a robust, compact housing and operate in temperatures ranging from -13°F to 266°F for up to 1,000 hours of continuous, idle exposure. The passive tags require no batteries, making them maintenance-free. A choice of two heads may be specified: a self-contained read/write processor with built-in RS-232 serial interface, or a read/write head connectable to the supplier's remote processors. Balluff, 800-543-8390,www.balluff.com.
Powered walkie pallet trucks, stackers
A line of powered walkie pallet trucks and stackers increases efficiency and reduces injuries by easily transporting loads. The Wesco trucks and stackers offer load capacities up to 4,400 pounds with a 59- to 65.5-inch turning radius. Each unit includes batteries and a built-in battery charger. For control, the ergonomic handle features a throttle with infinite forward and reverse speeds, lift/lower controls, belly-reverse safety button and horn. When the handle is released, the electromagnetic disc brake with an automatic dead-man control activates. BASCO, 708-587-1164,www.bascousa.com.
Integrated palletizer, wrapper
Achieving rates up to 60 cases per minute, the SPLX-MKII stack and wrap palletizer includes an integrated wrapper for a small footprint. Located outside the elevator, the wrapper does not affect the rated cases per minute. The compact system requires fewer conveyors and drives, enabling simple mechanical and electrical installation and start up by one technician. Options include a simple touchscreen process for adding patterns. vonGAL, 334-261-2700,www.vongal.com.
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