NA 2008: Show product preview
The I-X Center will be the material handling world's version of opening night on Broadway - or at least Downtown Cleveland's Playhouse Square. Modern gives you the early reviews on some of this industry's show-stoppers.
By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 3/1/2008
Automated trailer loading AGV
To streamline operations at the loading dock, the SGV DockPro automated trailer loading system uses automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to load trailers. The system operates 24/7 with AGVs that pick up loads from the floor, conveyors, storage aisles or racking. Standard over-the-road trailers may be loaded with no special dock equipment. The AGVs navigate with laser guidance, using a rotating scanner to detect reflective targets mounted throughout the facility. Additional sensors allow the vehicles to navigate inside the trailer and position loads while accommodating trailer variations. The computer-controlled system reads bar codes, RFID and other product identifications to facilitate product movement while interfacing with the WMS for improved inventory accuracy. FMC Technologies, 215-822-4300, www.fmcsgvs.com, Booth 2607.
Portable stretch wrapper
The Robot portable, semi-automatic stretch film wrapper wraps loads of any size and weight in less than one minute. Battery powered at 24 volts, the unit wraps 250 to 300 loads between charges. Features include a built-in battery charger, spool carriage with powered pre-stretch rollers, automatic film cutter and a control panel that offers pre-stretch ratios adjustable up to 250%. Options include a film break alarm and a 30-inch film carriage. The unit wraps loads up to 86 inches tall. Aetna Group USA, 678-473-7896, www.aetnagroupusa.com, Booth 122.
Wire mesh containers protect heavy loads
Returnable, reusable and environmentally friendly wire mesh containers safely and economically protect heavy or high-value products. Featuring heavy gauge wire and reinforced understructure, these containers provide years of useful life in any shipping, manufacturing orwarehouse application. Stackable and collapsible for cost-effective return shipping to domestic and international origins, the containers are offered in six sizes and hold up to 4,000 pounds. Other features include a half-drop front gate for easy access and a galvanized final finish. Custom sizes, capacities, powder-coat colors, internal dividers, caster wheels and label tags are offered as options. Atlas Material Handling, 888-650-9473, www.atlaswire.com, Booth 2522.
Truck series offers multiple powertrain choices
Fortis lift trucks are offered with multiple powertrain configurations to meet specific application requirements and optimize productivity, dependability and cost of operations. The series' capacity ranges from 2,000 to 15,500 pounds. A choice of cushion and pneumatic tire classes and engines powered by gas, LP or diesel fuels may be specified. Features include electronically controlled powertrain, CANbus system electronics, advanced cooling systems and reliable hydraulics for improved dependability and lower operating costs. The trucks' DuraMatch transmission offers automatic deceleration, controlled rollback on ramps, controlled power reversals and auto-speed hydraulics with automatic inching control to help operators move loads more efficiently with less fatigue and product damage. Hyster Company, 252-931-5679, www.hysteramericas.com, Booth 1400.
Pedestal system molds foam cushions
For fast, easy creation of custom protective packaging cushions, the Instapak pedestal molding system works with the Instapak 900 series handheld foam dispenser to form cushions without mold cavity depth limits or minimum wall thicknesses. The system simplifies the molding process by raising the engineered mold image out of the molding cavity for quick placement of packaging film. Eliminating the need to tuck a large flat sheet of packaging film into the mold cavity before dispensing liquid foam into the mold, the system simplifies and speeds up the molding process. Sealed Air, 800-648-9093, www.sealedair.com, Booth 1000.
Transfer pallet-loads from AS/RS to freezer
The Transporter 2007 conveyor for use in freezer applications down to -20°F works with automated storage and retrieval systems to transfer pallet loads from the mainline conveyor. Pallets are presented to the stacker crane within a 0.25 inch tolerance. Replacing four pieces of conventional conveyor equipment, the conveyor eliminates the need for hydraulic lift tables at the stacker crane interface and 75% of the drives. Features include single piece construction with pre-wired electrical devices. All major components are easily accessible for maintenance. Lauyans & Co., 502-774-2200, www.lauyans.com, Booth 1325.
Electric walkie pin-wheels loads
Ideal for loading and unloading trailers—and for transporting loads over short and medium distances—the 4,500 pound capacity EJE electric walkie truck has a turning radius of 58.7 inches. Features include a 24V-150Ah industrial battery with integrated charger and AC drive motor and controller. The truck's short head length of 19.4 inches combines with the ability to operate the unit with the handle in the upright position for effortless pin-wheeling of loads inside a truck trailer. Rounded fork tips and hardened, bulldozer-grade steel pallet entry slides ease pallet entry, while steel exit rollers ensure smooth pallet exit. An ergonomic control handle incorporates raise and lower functions on both sides. Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp., 804-737-7400, www.jungheinrich-us.com, Booth 1408.
AGVs move 5,000 pounds
To reduce product damage, contain labor costs and improve operational efficiency, fork automated guided vehicles store and retrieve 5,000 pound pallet loads and reach up to 30 feet high. The units provide flexibility for picking and depositing loads to a variety of station types and elevations. They also work with conveyors, load stands, racking and floor locations. Directed by the supplier's control software to handle traffic control and order processing, the system integrates with an existing WMS. A turret model operates in 6 feet aisles and reaches up to 35 feet high. HK Systems, 262-860-7000, www.hksystems.com, Booth 1518.
Cart, voice combine for picking
The paperless, real-time order fulfillment PickCart with voice system merges batch picking with a cart and voice-directed technology for efficient discrete order fulfillment of low- to moderate-volume split case items. The cart's four shelves hold shipping cartons or containers for multiple orders. Each cart can accommodate up to 40 orders, depending on the product sizes, and the cart operator wears a voice terminal powered by the supplier's PickDirector software. Orders are released from the software, directing operators along the most efficient pick path. At a pick location, operators confirm arrival via check digits or bar code scanning. Dematic, 877-725-7500, www.dematic.us, Booth 2634.
Monitor, maintain sorters
The IntelliSort I-Watch sorter maintenance program monitors all aspects of a sorter to keep the system running. The program offers early and accurate problem recognition and analysis. A chain stretch monitor measures chain sag and automatically realigns unevenly stretched chain. Problems with oil application are detected and addressed, alerting personnel before sorter damage occurs. To display current and historical data about sorter operation and maintenance, the program uses InControlWare software to yield predictive information about sorter chain life and oil consumption. Intelligrated, 513-701-7363, www.intelligrated.com, Booth 2400.
Four automatic guided carts
Offered in four new models, the SmartCart automatic guided cart is guided by magnetic tape for easy conversion of existing warehouse and manufacturing facilities to automation. The low-cost SmartCart Model 50 for light-duty applications transports parts, picks orders or moves pallet loads up to 500 pounds. The Model 300 tugger transports loads up to 6,000 pounds. Available for use with a roller conveyor to deliver loads to and from a stretch wrapper and palletizer, the Model 300 single conveyor SmartCart also moves loads around a facility. Finally, the Model 300 counterbalanced fork transports loads to and from stretch wrapping systems and palletizers without a roller conveyor—and can be used to place loads on the floor. Jervis B. Webb Company, 248-553-1000, www.jervisbwebb.com, Booth 1602.
Dividers customize containers
Offered in 13 industry standard sizes, divider box containers include easily added vertical and horizontal dividers, allowing them to be configured for any product size, shape and quantity. This maximizes capacity, increases part protection and prevents part migration. Injection-molded of high-density polyethylene, the units come in four colors: dark blue, red, grey and light blue. Features include large label areas on multiple sides, a set of cardholder snaps, availability in electrostatic discharge safe materials, security tie and hang tag holes, multiple divider heights for layering and compatibility with racking and shelving. The containers hold up to 40 pounds. LEWISBins+, 877-975-3947, www.lewisbins.com, Booth 1827.
Wind resistant roll-up door
The DrawTite roll-up door withstands high wind loads while providing fast entry and access. The door's tensioning system maintains a seal under gusts up to 70 miles-per-hour on a 10 x 12 foot door, preventing the curtain from blowing out of its guides. Areas within a facility that have high positive/negative pressures are also ideal door applications. Features include a 0.5 hp external motor that reaches speeds up to 36 inches per second, optimized shaft speed, ball bearing construction and simplified jack-shaft reduction for long life, custom braking and soft start acceleration. A progressive tensioning device ensures smooth operation and enhances security. Goff's Enterprises, 800-234-0337, www.goffscurtainwalls.com, Booth 723.
Organize storage areas
Label Holder systems organize racks, shelves, bins, totes, drawers, workstations and all types of storage media. Used on racks, carousels, flow racks, floor storage or in low temperature areas, the holders help designate contents. Typical return on investment time is less than 12 months. Aigner Index, 800-242-3919, www.aignerindex.com, Booth 3225.
Crane controller protected by aluminum case
With industrial grade mil-spec digital components protected by a thick-walled, epoxy-coated extruded aluminum case, the MKU radio remote control for overhead cranes meets North American and European frequency standards. The housing ends are protected by rubberized metal plated shock-absorbing end caps. Cattron Group, 724-962-3571, www.cattrongroup.com, Booth 2137.
High-velocity cardboard waste baler
The 5200 series automatic, continuous, horizontal auto-ty baler accepts, feeds, crushes and bales all sizes of cardboard and corrugated box waste into one-ton bales. Features include a programmable touchscreen, oversized feed chute and a power-pack to optimize picking and filling. Balemaster, 219-663-4525, www.balemaster.com, Booth 3236.
AGVs for trailer loading
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) automatically load over-the-road trailers without modifications to trailers, docks and/or buildings. Multiple load sizes and patterns can be handled via three configurations: single-fork, dual-fork and turret-fork. The units may be used to move product between manufacturing operations within a facility. By integrating the AGVs with the enterprise resource planning system, real-time information is transferred, allowing managers to improve inventory location and shipping operation forecasts. Egemin Automation, 616-393-0101, www.egeminusa.com, Booth 1617.
Multi-directional conveyor roller
The multi-directional Ergo-Roll conveyor roller is structured around four free-turning, football-shaped roller elements positioned in a 90 degree staggered pattern around the perimeter of a main-wheel hub. This arrangement generates nine individual rotating turning axles when paired in a duplex wheel configuration. Ideal for gravity and motor-driven applications where packages need to be transferred or turned in multiple directions, the roller's open construction allows dirt to gravitate through its structure. ErgotecH, 203-790-4100, www.ergotechinc.com, Booth 908.
Heavy-duty truck makes tight turns
Offered in four models, the RA-15 electric pallet truck incorporates an easy-to-manage tiller handle for smooth operation and speed control. Capable of handling more than 3,300 pounds, the heavy-duty truck offers a tight turning radius, powerful traction battery and tortoise-mode function for use in narrow spaces. Single and double front wheel configurations may be specified, while a multi-function gauge combines with low-voltage protection for safe operation. Hu-Lift Equipment Company, 908-874-5585, www.hu-lift.com, Booth 2034.
Seal the dock leveler gap
The PitMaster under-leveler seal closes off the fourth side of the dock opening—beneath and around the dock leveler. The resulting barrier seals air gaps to reduce energy costs and bar dirt, debris and insects from entering a facility. The seal fits a variety of leveler types and features a compressible sealing curtain made of durable black vinyl. Frommelt Products, a division of Rite-Hite Corp., 800-456-0600, www.ritehite.com, Booth 2213.
Sit-down VNA truck
Operating in aisles less than 6 feet wide, the Bendi B3 very narrow aisle three-wheel articulating lift truck offers a sit-down operator position for greater comfort and productivity. Features include 18-inch diameter, smooth rubber tires and 200-degree front end articulation for easier and faster insertion of loads and forks. For improved traction, the truck's single front-wheel drive and steering reduce effort and generate smooth inching motion in tight storage operations. Landoll Corporation, 785-562-5381, www.landoll.com/mhp, Booth 2600.
Flexible roller drives
High performance, brushless EC100 RollerDrives reduce energy consumption, increase efficiency and lower noise via a zero motion hold electro magnetic rotor brake and a re-engineered gear box. The drives minimize the after-run of products by stopping packages precisely. Ideal for conveying in postal, distribution center or light pallet handling applications, the rollers work with o-rings, multi-rib belts, timing belts or chains. Interroll, 800-830-9680, www.interroll.us, Booth 2346.
Narrow aisle trucks with brushless AC motors
The NR narrow aisle lift truck series is offered in 3,000 to 4,500 pound capacities. Powered by a 100% brushless AC drive motor, the truck requires less maintenance while eliminating arcing, sparking and brush dust. A choice of two ergonomic operator compartments is combined with a large floor on elastomeric mounts, open compartment and ergonomic handles and controls. Yale Materials Handling Corp., 800-233-9253, www.yale.com, Booth 1810.
Dunnage air bag
The SuperFlow dunnage air bag system secures loads shipped by truck, intermodal or sea container. The air bag creates a bulkhead to limit front to back, side-to-side and vertical movement while in transit and eliminate product damage. Inflated in 8 seconds, the 48 x 48 inch bags include a venturi valve system that prevents both under- and over-inflation. The two-way valve may be released for simple, quick deflation and subsequent re-use. ITW Shippers Products, 800-933-7731, www.itwshippers.com, Booth 2240.
Low-profile vehicle drive transport system
BST vehicle drive transports, like a mechanics' creeper, feature an ultra low-profile drive system measuring 7.5 inches high. The vehicle is designed to travel on the guidepath, slide under and engage a stationary cart equipped with a BST interface, then move the cart to required workstations. The low-profile system can be adapted to existing carts. When equipped with the supplier's optional controller, directions can be provided for up to 10 routes with up to 99 commands per route. Creform, 800-839-8823, www.creform.com, Booth 2040.
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