Automation Update - January 2020

AUTOMATION UPDATE

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Issue 60

New level and pressure sensors and switches 360° ultra-bright status ring Bluetooth set up

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AUTOMATION UPDATE Editorial Assistant Laura Sharpe 01843 580 460 laura@automation-update.co.uk Publishing Director Jodie Little 01843 580 460 jodie@jetdigitalmedia.co.uk Sales Director Tim Johnston 01843 448 443 tim@automation-update.co.uk Advertising Exec Jamie Simmons 01843 580 460 jamie@automation-update.co.uk

Automation Update is an engaging, editorially led publication & directory giving the reader news and updates on new products and services to our ever Progressing industry.

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Automation Update - 3

Take a Different View of Vision

See 4Sight in Action at one of our Technology Days AutoCoding Systems and SICK UK are holding two one day events where they’ll be demonstrating their new innovation in vision, the 4Sight automatic print inspection solution.

If you sometimes have problems with partially printed, poor quality or missing codes on your products, you’ll be interested in seeing how 4Sight can resolve these issues.

The free one-day events are being held at AutoCoding’s demonstration suite in Runcorn on Tuesday 11th February and at SICK UK’s offices in St Albans on Thursday 13th February. Visitors are being invited to see at first-hand how the 4Sight solution can check for presence, legibility and location of print, as well as deal with varying qualities of print.

The 4Sight software is powered by SICK AppSpace and uses the InspectorP range of 2D cameras to create a camera-based solution for multiple inspection methods. The software is resident on the SICK camera, communicating directly with any brand of printer, with no requirement to “teach” the camera what to look for; the software understands the intended message for printing.

4Sight’s automatic set-up means there is no requirement for operators to configure features or regions of interest; the camera automatically adjusts, coping easily with variations in artwork, background and text location.

A unique feature of 4Sight is “Inspection Depth”. By offering users different levels of inspection, they can decide what level of inspection they need. 4Sight can be used to confirm presence, legibility and location of printed code, but the standard product can also be configured to OCR thereby checking the accuracy of the printed code. Users can also determine acceptable print quality tolerances and define what is considered a good read, bad read or no read on a per product basis.

The versatility of 4Sight means that as well as operating seamlessly with AutoCoding, or other code deployment software, the application can be used as a standalone solution or directly connected to a printer.

Managing Director, Mike Hughes, commented, 4 - Automation Update

“Inspecting printed codes, particularly at continuous inkjet speed, has always been fraught with challenges, making living with a print vision system quite difficult in terms of nuisance stops or false rejections, causing unnecessary line stops. 4Sight uses new and innovative methods for print inspection, simplifying the process and making vision accessible to all budgets.”

Each Technology Day will start at 9.30am and finish no later than 4.00pm. Registration is required by completing the form on either the AutoCoding website, www.autocodingsystems.com or the SICK UK website https://www.sick.com/gb/en/w/trainings/.

Who should attend?

Anyone involved with the automated printing and marking of products or packaging who needs to ensure that the marking is verified, correct and legible will be interested in this event.

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SICK Goes Flat Out for Sub-miniature Performance WITH the launch of its G2 Flat family of photoelectric sensors, SICK has shrunk outstanding performance into a miniature format. The ultra-thin sensors are designed to integrate snugly into small machinery and conveyors, or for tight fits in robotic arms and grippers.

Starting at just 3.5mm thick, the SICK G2 Flat family of proximity and through-beam sensors achieve highly-reliable detection of objects of almost any size, thanks to the unrivalled precision of SICK’s PinPoint visible laser light spot technology, even for jet-black, transparent, mirrored or shiny surfaces.

The G2 Flat proximity sensor achieves exceptional detection repeatability in ambient light conditions, thanks to its unrivalled background suppression capability without any significant black/white shift, even where the background surface is near and made from similar materials. With a choice of fixed sensing ranges of 8 mm, 15 mm and 30 mm, the proximity sensors are sufficiently versatile for machine designers to use in many applications, therefore offering an opportunity to streamline their sensor inventories.

The SICK G2 Flat photoelectric proximity sensor impresses with unrivalled background suppression capability to detect objects down to 0.1mm in size at distances as small as 8mm. The SICK G2 Flat though-beam sensors present versatile options for machine The G2 Flat through-beam sensors also offer detection integration with no risk of cross-talk, when down to 0.2mm at ranges as low as 40mm. The GSE2 Flat the sensors are arranged closely in arrays. through-beam variant is focused on speedy commissioning and replacement with a bigger light spot for even quicker “The G2 Flat is a response to feedback from alignment and colour-coded cables to distinguish easily our customers that they wanted a highbetween sender and receiver. performance photoelectric sensor at a subminiature size,” said David Hannaby, SICK’s The SICK G2 Flat sideview has a small, clearly-defined light UK product manager for presence detection. spot that is optimized for high-performance edge detection in “The trend to miniaturise machine integration side by side arrays without the risk of interference between needs to be matched by higher detection the sensors. performance, even at these extremely low detection ranges.

With a rugged IP67 VISTAL housing and a choice of robust, steel mounting plates and cable connections, the sensors can “Simple machine integration with the ability be integrated into the tightest of spaces. for easy commissioning and adjustment was just as important. So, SICK’s PinPoint visible For more information please contact Andrea Hornby on LED light spot not only ensures precision 01727 831121 or email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk. detection, but also makes for quick and easy www.sick.co.uk alignment, even at these extremely small tolerances.”

6 - Automation Update

Straightpoint’s Bluetooth CableSafe at Wastewater Project Central Environmental Inc. (CEI) used a 10t capacity CableSafe running line dynamometer from Straightpoint (SP) to honor a contract for Alaska Water and Wastewater Utility (AWWU), which is currently delivering a major project in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S.

U

tility contractor CEI applied the CableSafe, designed for measuring synthetic rope tension, and accompanying Bluetooth technology during installation of a water main pipe. CableSafe is more commonly seen in the broadcast and telecommunications tower erection, service, and maintenance industry.

CEI used the product with a hydraulic winch to monitor the slip lined 8-in. fusible High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR)-11 pipe, where the tensile strength could not exceed 25,000 lbs. Bluetooth prevented the need for personnel to stand next to the line under tension during the slip line operation; readings were taken on SP’s accompanying app and documented for the customer.

Jay Stepetin, project manager at CEI, said: “The load cell was the only device that was practical for our situation; we measured the tension frequency at the default two-second intervals. The slip line operation was conducted using a hydraulic winch on the receiving pit and an excavator to aid in guiding the pipe into the 10-in. cast iron carrier pipe. The CableSafe allowed me to record the tension exerted on the slip line HDPE SDR-11 pipe, while also providing radio direction to employees at each end of the job during the slip line operation.”

“The standout challenges were presented by dewatering the insertion pits and limited workspace,” he added.

Stepetin explained that CEI’s full scope of work centered on providing a redundant water supply to the approx. 110 customers East of the Muldoon Curve on Regal Mountain Drive and Chaimi Loop.

It involved excavating, shoring, dewatering and exposing the existing 10-in. water main cast iron pipe (CIP) at Regal Mountain Drive and Tikishla Street to create safe insertion pits for installation of the new 8-in. fusible HDPE SDR-11 water main pipe. CEI replaced the existing, corroded 36-in storm drain corrugated metal pipe (CMP) that crosses the existing 10-in. CIP at Tikishla Street. Further, it required documenting the condition of the existing 10-in. CIP carrier pipe by video inspection and verified that it was clean and free of obstructions that could restrict insertion or slip line of the 1,120 LF of 8-in. HDPE SDR-11 pipe.

SP recently updated its Bluetooth capability and launched an enhanced version of its popular HHP app. Load cells now use wireless technology for exchanging data over short distances to communicate with up to eight devices, carrying the information up to 100m (328 ft.) away. Collected data can be sent onto other recipients in the form of an Excel spreadsheet or PDF report.

Users can send reports from the same device that captures data that is already on the user’s person— such as a mobile or cell phone.

For more information please visit www.straightpoint.com

Images, top to bottom: 1) Load cells use wireless technology to exchange data over short distances. 2) The slip line operation was conducted using a hydraulic winch. 3) Challenges included dewatering the insertion pits and limited workspace.

4) Straightpoint’s 10t capacity CableSafe running line dynamometer.

8 - Automation Update

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Automation Update - 9

Innovative hollow shaft rotary actuators available from Mclennan many of the JVL integrated motors.

Recently announced by JVL A/S, the leading integrated servo and stepper motor manufacturer, its new HLMT series hollow shaft rotary actuators take a novel approach to decentralised precision positioning tasks on rotary tables and automated machines where a through aperture is required for routing services or maintaining a clear line of site. Available in the UK from Mclennan, JVL’s distribution partner, the design features an offset motor mounting in five model variants with clear through-hole diameters from 20 to 30 mm and rated torque output of 5 to 142 Nm. The actuators are used with JVL’s MAC motor® and ServoStep® integrated servo and stepper motors or with other manufacturers motors in NEMA 17, 23 and 34 frame sizes.

The HLMT includes a comprehensive choice of options making installation straightforward and cost-effective. These include built-in absolute encoders for positioning accuracy to +/- 10 arc-sec and lost motion to 2 arc-min. Built-in home (datum) sensors are also available and standard or crossedroller bearings options suit standard or heavy duty axial and radial rigidity requirements (axial load to 800 N on the largest model). Gear ratios available are 5, 10 or 18:1 with higher ratios on request.

With its inherent high torque, axial load capability, low run-out and platform parallelism the HLMT series is particularly suited to rotary table applications but will also suit machine set-ups where slip rings, electrical wiring, rotary fluidpower joints or laser line-of-sight needs to be routed for moving to stationary platforms. The durable geared actuator meets the IP65 protection class, as does 10 - Automation Update

The product depth and flexibility of JVL’s range of integrated servo and stepper motor allows almost any choice of machine control interfacing with the added benefit of decentralised control for reduced installation and wiring. With no need for control cabinets, decentralised control can yield tangible cost and time savings.

Control options cover individual or multi-axis stand-alone motion control with step and direction or analogue +/- 10 VDC inputs. JVL’s own ‘point & click’ graphical programming is also available across all its integrated motors. For MAC® series integrated servomotors, the control options extend to a wide choice of Industrial Ethernet or other common protocols including CANopen, DeviceNet, Profibus, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT. POWERLINK and more. Wireless Bluetooth, WLAN and Zigbee systems are also available.

The HLMT series may be purchased for use with third-party stepper and servomotors of choice, allowing the option to build through-hole rotary actuators with the customer’s preferred motor/motion controls supplier. Mclennan has represented JVL in the UK for more than five years and offers a complete service from product selection to after sales support across the Danish motion controls manufacturer’s complete range of products and systems. Mclennan also has distribution partnerships with other selected motion control component and systems manufacturers, and with its own comprehensive design and build service provides stepper and servo motor based automation solutions from single components to complete mechatronic assemblies.

For more details, please contact Mclennan at sales@mclennan.co.uk or visit www.mclennan.co.uk.

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This continued growth of new VSD Contract Partnerships has led to the opening of two more Quantum Service Centres in Glasgow Scotland and Thurrock in the South East of England, at a time when most in the Drives Industry are cutting costs, reducing staff and freezing training.

Quantum now have a nationwide network of 6 Drive Service Centres, meaning their ever-expanding team of 21 Drive Service Engineers have a local base to operate from to ensure the best level of service is always delivered to customers.

Quantum Controls, with over 25 years’ experience as an ABB Drive Service Partner, are Official Drives Service Partners for Schneider Electric, Nidec Control Techniques, Mitsubishi, Danfoss and Vacon.

These partnerships are recognition from all the UK’s major Drive Manufacturers that Quantum are unique in the marketplace today. Quantum Engineers attend all the relevant training courses covering their Partners Drive Product Ranges which means they can offer a unique service to the UK manufacturing industry, who usually have a myriad of different drives on site. A service partnership with Quantum Controls ensures professional cover for all your drives no matter, what type, size or age.

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The EL-SIE Range

Software-free, next generation data logging from Lascar Electronics Although Lascar Electronics has been manufacturing data loggers for over 25 years, even for the original inventors of the USB data logger the launch of the new EL-SIE range is a major event. The EL-SIE is the first in a new generation of EasyLog products that takes data logging to another level.

Capable of measuring ambient temperature, humidity and pressure, each can store over 1 million readings inside the sleek metal housing. The bright and clear display shows readings and device status at a glance, and the coloured LED indicators and sounder mean the EL-SIE can grab your attention when it needs to. Each logger is supplied with batteries (two standard AAAs), a USB cable and a wall bracket so it’s ready to use right away, and one set of batteries will typically last over a year.

But the biggest innovation is hidden away inside the ELSIE itself: all the software needed to configure your logger and view, analyse and download the data. There is nothing to install, simply connect the logger to any PC or Mac and use your existing web browser. You don’t even need internet access, it couldn’t be easier.

Of course, the EL-SIE also comes with all the powerful features expected from EasyLog. These include high, low, cumulative and pre-alarms, and also start modes including delayed start at a pre-set time, or a triggered start based on any selected measurement parameter.

In another breakthrough, the EL-SIE is the first USB logger that can be used with the EasyLog Cloud, giving total peace of mind about the security of your data. Once on the Cloud the readings can be accessed from any internet-connected computer or mobile device, and also used with EasyLog’s powerful online graphing, analysis and report generation tools.

The EL-SIE is intelligent and adaptable enough to be perfect for use in a number of markets including facilities and building management, logistics, warehouses and storage, and clean rooms and other pressure sensitive environments.

The new EL-SIE range: data logging has evolved.

Lascar Electronics www.lascarelectronics.com +44 (0)1794 884567

Take a Different View of Vision See 4Sight in Action at one of our Technology Days AutoCoding Systems and SICK UK are holding two one day events where they’ll be demonstrating their new innovation in vision, the 4Sight automatic print inspection solution.

If you sometimes have problems with partially printed, poor quality or missing codes on your products, you’ll be interested in seeing how 4Sight can resolve these issues.

The free one-day events are being held at AutoCoding’s demonstration suite in Runcorn on Tuesday 11th February and at SICK UK’s offices in St Albans on Thursday 13th February. Visitors are being invited to see at first-hand how the 4Sight solution can check for presence, legibility and location of print, as well as deal with varying qualities of print.

The 4Sight software is powered by SICK AppSpace and uses the InspectorP range of 2D cameras to create a camera-based solution for multiple inspection methods. The software is resident on the SICK camera, communicating directly with any brand of printer, with no requirement to “teach” the camera what to look for; the software understands the intended message for printing.

4Sight’s automatic set-up means there is no requirement for operators to configure features or regions of interest; the camera automatically adjusts, coping easily with variations in artwork, background and text location.

A unique feature of 4Sight is “Inspection Depth”. By offering users different levels of inspection, they can decide what level of inspection they need. 4Sight can be used to confirm presence, legibility and location of printed code, but the standard product can also be configured to OCR thereby checking the accuracy of the printed code. Users can also determine acceptable print quality tolerances and define what is considered a good read, bad read or no read on a per product basis.

The versatility of 4Sight means that as well as operating seamlessly with AutoCoding, or other code deployment software, the application can be used as a standalone solution or directly connected to a printer.

Managing Director, Mike Hughes, commented, “Inspecting

printed codes, particularly at continuous inkjet speed, has always been fraught with challenges, making living with a print vision system quite difficult in terms of nuisance stops or false rejections, causing unnecessary line stops. 4Sight uses new and innovative methods for print inspection, simplifying the process and making vision accessible to all budgets.”

Each Technology Day will start at 9.30am and finish no later than 4.00pm. Registration is required by completing the form on either the AutoCoding website, www.autocodingsystems.com or the SICK UK website https://www.sick.com/gb/en/w/trainings/.

Who should attend?

Anyone involved with the automated printing and marking of products or packaging who needs to ensure that the marking is verified, correct and legible will be interested in this event.

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Automation Update - 17

More visibility in processes: VEGA extends its sensor portfolio for easy process automation With its new compact series of VEGABAR pressure sensors and VEGAPOINT level switches, this instrument specialist, VEGA, has now advanced to fullrange supplier for all level and pressure in process automation. These lowerpriced instruments are aimed at standard automation applications – designed to meet the latest requirements in industry.

New standard sensors with a focus on hygiene Just like other sectors, the food industry does not seek extreme solutions, but, in many areas, just simple optimisation and efficiency improvement. Here, less is usually more. VEGA has therefore expanded its product range to include a compact instrument series.

It proves: Automation can be both simple and highly efficient without sacrificing dependability, hygiene or accuracy.

Standard applications, in particular, can be automated very economically with the new compact pressure sensors and level switches. Integration into the system as well as adjustment are especially easy to carry out. In this performance class, multi-device connection options are also available, which supports the continuous improvement of production facilities.

The focus here is on compactness, flexibility, safety and optimised hygiene.

Standardisation gives birth to efficiency A uniform standard extends through all areas of application. This applies especially to the fully hygienic adapter system, which is designed to be compatible with the new VEGABAR pressure sensors and VEGAPOINT capacitive level switches as well as the existing VEGASWING vibrating level switches. Not only can it be flexibly selected according to individual needs, but also adapted to local requirements and – if necessary – quickly exchanged. All the new instruments are built to withstand intense CIP processes. And not least due to their hygienic design and surface finish, they comply with all standards and approvals of the industry.

18 - Automation Update

VEGAPOINT – ultra bright 360 status display add a splash of colour with 256 colour section to suit your plant and surroundings

Hygienic design down to the last detail All surfaces of VEGABAR 29 and 39 sensors that come into contact with the product are made of stainless steel and feature optimal surface roughness values.

All materials of these new devices are approved and tested according to FDA and EC 1935/2004.

This is confirmed by independent laboratories and institutes. The design of the instruments is certified according to the European EHEDG Directive and

the North American 3-A Sanitary Standards. The components are also designed in accordance with GMP regulations (Good Manufacturing Practices) so that all microorganisms are reliably removed by cleaning and cannot multiply on surfaces or in gaps.

New VEGABAR series offers universal process connections to adapt to your process

Visible all around: illuminated 360° switching status display Sensors are often used in very large spacious areas or in very tight spaces. It is crucial to be able to see sensor readings quickly and easily, so that operators can react as quickly as possible, especially in the event of a fault.

The development of the new VEGABAR and VEGAPOINT sensors focused on simple handling – and the fast and easy readability that comes along with it. Thanks to the round, 360° display, all switching states can be visually detected from any direction. The colour of the illuminated ring, which can be freely selected from 256 different colours, remains clearly visible, even in daylight. It immediately shows the user if measurement is taking place, if the sensor is switching or if there is a possible malfunction in the process.

Below left: VEGABAR pressure sensors/switches: compact versions or with easy to read display, super-bright status ring and Bluetooth set up via SmartPhone or App Below right: VEGAPOINT capacitive level switches with impedance switch technology for reliable performance, with Bluetooth.

Fit for the future with IO-Link The option of having all sensor parameters written automatically into the new instrument by the IO-Link master or the controller during a replacement also makes for additional efficiency. Fast format or recipe changes, which are typical in the food industry today, can be carried out quickly and centrally in this way.

The bottom line is that using IO-Link saves time while reducing the potential for errors to zero. This ensures higher product quality, more optimal utilization of the machines and increased process speed − in other words, noticeable savings.

Bluetooth for faster setup and adjustment The new instrument series can be easily read and configured with a smartphone or tablet. Especially in environments such as clean rooms, where physical access involves a lot of effort, the remote communication means the device set up and operation become considerably faster, easier and safer. In combination with the VEGA Tools app, which has already won an App Award, the sensor data enquiry over shorter distances in these areas also becomes really convenient.

Conclusion: Future-oriented automation from a single source Hygienic design, system availability, modularisation and networking are the decisive factors for greater efficiency in food processes and for standing out in the face of growing competition. With its decades of experience, VEGA offers ground-breaking level and pressure measurement technology for the automation and monitoring of future-oriented production systems. Sensors optimised for operating under extreme conditions and meeting strict requirements on system safety and flexibility.

Automation Update - 19

January 2020



ENGINEERING UPDATE

A GUF for all purposes An overview of the diversity of mk’s belt conveyor variants.

W

ith the rise of industrial automation, belt conveyors have taken on most of the transport tasks involved in production processes. Nowadays, wherever you look, you’ll find belt conveyors in all different designs and versions.

Belt conveyors are suitable for almost any industrial application in which piece goods are to be transported without any particular requirements in terms of their orientation or positioning. All different shapes and dimensions, packaged or unpackaged, light or heavy, can be transported using a belt conveyor.

For these applications, mk offers a huge range of standardised, modular belt conveyor systems, also called GUF. The design options are virtually unlimited: any width from 50 mm to 2 m, any length from 300 mm to 20 m, loads of up to 350 kg, and speeds of up to 80 m/min.

Thanks to a compact design using aluminium profiles, the conveyors are easy to integrate into existing production lines, even complex ones, and to adapt as necessary. The profile system makes the design highly flexible, and lateral profile grooves provide ample options for mounting attachments and accessories.

In addition to straight segments, belt conveyors are available in double-line, inclined and curved versions. Special designs are available for clamping, scanning, vacuum and magnetic applications.

The right system for any application mk developed a standard straight belt conveyor in the mid1970s. Today, innumerable further developments later, it forms the heart of the portfolio of mk conveyor technology.

Over the years, versatile belt conveyor series of all different sizes and weight classes have been created. The perfect conveyor can be configured for virtually any type of goods, transport or environmental conditions.

Small Conveyor GUF-P Mini – The smallest series, GUF-P Mini, is particularly well-suited to transporting and separating small components with low volumes and weights.

It is available in widths of 75 to 150 mm and in lengths of 360 to 5,000 mm. Thanks to its minimal installation height, this conveyor is ideal for use in complex systems where space is at a premium. Since the belt recirculation is integrated in the conveyor frame, the conveyor can be placed directly on the machine bed.

Compact Belt Conveyor GUF-P 2045 – The extremely compact GUF-P 2045 series is perfect for integrating into systems with limited space available for installation. The ø 50 mm drive roller combined with the weight-optimised, 45 mm tall conveyor frame profile produces a conveyor that is extremely flat and without any obstructing edges. A total permissible load of 15 kg accommodates most of the 20 - Automation Update

products typical in the packaging and injection moulding industries.

Versatile Belt Conveyor GUF-P 2000 – The GUF-P 2000 series is the all-rounder for light- to medium-weight goods based on the mk 2000 profile. It is extremely versatile thanks to the large assortment of available drives, tails, stands and belt types. This series is characterised by a low height of 50 mm and a compact ø 53 mm driving roller as well as a wide variety of different belt types. Furthermore, the system is available with an optional stationary or rolling knife edge.

Sturdy Belt Conveyor GUF-P 2041 – Based on the mk 2251 profile, the sturdy GUF-P 2041 series was developed for high belt loads of up to 150 kg and for conveying goods up to 1200 mm wide. It uses an 85-mm driving roller that affords highly efficient transmission of the motor’s power. The series is available with a virtually unlimited selection of different belt types, including designs with cleats and side walls, and numerous combinations of drives, tails and stands, with knife edges and drum motors as options.

Heavy Belt Conveyor GUF-P 2004 – The GUF-P 2004 is the largest series, based on the mk 2004 profile, and features a 105-mm roller. Capable of handling a total load weighing up to 200 kg and measuring up to 2,000 mm wide and 20,000 mm long, this torsion-resistant conveyor frame provides easy transport of particularly heavy loads and bulky goods. It can be complemented with accessory components such as side rails and stands.

Double Belt Conveyor DGF-P 2001 – The dual-line DGF-P 2001 series is particularly well-suited for transporting small work piece pallets. It’s very small idler rollers allow it to transport even short pallets, for example those used in assembly systems in the electronics industry. The belt runs entirely on wear strips, which allows for a maximum weight of 15 kg per section.

To find out more about mk’s conveyor range please visit www.mkprofiles.co.uk, call (01949) 823751 or email info@mkprofiles.co.uk.

Profile Technology

Conveyor Technology

Linear Motion

Factory Equipment

CompaCt struCture for optimal integration

Belt Conveyor GUF-P 2045 Compact. Light. Inexpensive.

mk profile systems limited a company of the mk technology group Unit 2·Wolds Farm Business Park Kinoulton Lane·Kinoulton·Nottinghamshire, NG12 3EQ Phone +44 (0)1949 823751·Fax +44 (0)1949 81270 www.mkprofiles.co.uk·info@mkprofiles.co.uk

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