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Material handling news The latest from the industry
NEWS
INDUSTRYNEWS
Baumann UK appoints new distributors
Baumann, the world’s largest sideloader manufacturer, has appointed Hannaman Material Handling as official distributors for North Wales. The appointment takes the total number of UK distributors to six.
Whilst the size of the UK sideloader market remains relatively modest, the ability of sideloader equipment to carry long loads over greater distances has led to resurgence in popularity, particularly amongst ports operators, timber, metals and extrusions businesses.
The Italian manufacturer established a new UK business in August 2015, led by managing director, Jason Reynolds. He said: “We value long-term partnerships and believe our customers are best served by committed distributors that understand the products and mechanics well. We believe we have found that in Hannaman, who have a great track record and an excellent customer base.”
Hannaman managing director, Steve Downey, says Baumann is a perfect fit for their complete range of high quality products on offer. “We are delighted to be working with Baumann to offer a complete solution for our customers. As a market leader in the sideloader business, Baumann is allowing our customers handling timber, scaffolding or metalwork to have access to the best equipment for the job.” Visit: www.baumann-online.it
Conveyor belt tracker technology improves performance & service life
Building upon the standard crowned roller, the Martin® Roller Tracker™ from Martin Engineering uses a unique ribbed lagging made of durable polyurethane to increase performance and wear life. The roller does not come in contact with the belt edge, which means no fraying and excellent tracking for single-direction or reversing belts. The result is more centered cargo loading, less spillage and increased safety from the hazards of belt wander.
“Crowned tracking rollers have been around for a while, but we saw design issues that prevented them from reaching their full potential,” said Rudolf Beer, Engineering and Development Manager at Martin Engineering. “After creating a working prototype of the new design and testing it at our Centre for Innovation, we discovered that we had truly improved upon the technology and engineered the best tracker of its kind on the market.”
Engineered with heavy-duty, permanently-lubricated sealed bearings, the Roller Tracker’s internal mechanism features an additional hydraulic seal to prevent dust and spillage from contaminating the inner works. The washer seal and nylon casing protect internal components from dust buildup and abrasion that cause some roller designs to seize and create a potential fire hazard. Visit: www.martin-eng.com
First Konecranes BOXPORTER RMG sold to Luka Koper in Slovenia
Konecranes has signed a deal with the Port of Koper in Slovenia for delivery of the first BOXPORTER RMG unit. It will be delivered in 2017. BOXPORTER is a new RMG with an advanced operating system that gives the crane operator an exceedingly clear view over every container move. The operating system incorporates innovations that have been field-proven by Konecranes in the remote operation of its automated stacking cranes.
“Konecranes is always working towards the future. They have again showed how we can use the latest crane technology, this time to improve the crane driving experience while respecting our environment and terminal characteristics. With the BOXPORTER RMG our crane operators will get better visibility and ergonomics, and thus a better overall driving experience,” said Marko Babič, director, Luka Koper Container Terminal.
“Luka Koper is a forward-looking container port, and I’m very happy to receive their enthusiastic response to our innovative BOXPORTER RMG. I’m sure they will be very satisfied by the performance and reliability of this crane,” says Antti Halonen, sales manager, Konecranes, Port Cranes. Visit: www.konecranes.com
New Hyster Tugger Train System supports manufacturing applications
TO help support just-in-time manufacturing applications, Hyster has launched a flexible, modular Tugger Train System. Towed by the tough Hyster LO5.0T & LO7.0T Tow Tractors, this enables loads to be transported efficiently to and from the manufacturing line using a choice of different trollies.
To meet the different needs of specific applications, the Hyster Tugger Train System offers the flexibility of a choice of different trolley types. This ensures that the most suitable trolley can be chosen based on what will be handled on the manufacturing line, the weight of the load, and the type of container the load needs to be transported in.
“The new Tugger Train System is suited to a broad range of line feed applications, as well as mail distribution services, transport, healthcare, wholesale and automotive assembly,” says Tracy Brooks, industry manager, Warehouse Solutions for Hyster. “Regardless of the industry, the system provides an intelligent solution for smarter, more efficient operations.” Visit: www.hyster.com
NEWS
Kalmar and SSAB to develop fuel cell forklift
Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has announced that it will start cooperation with SSAB in Sweden to develop a hydrogen-powered medium-range forklift truck. The aim is to find a more sustainable solution for SSAB and help them reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
The forklift truck to be developed will have a lift capacity of 9–18 tonnes and it will use hydrogen gas as fuel. As the exhaust will be only water, the machine will provide a more environmentally sound solution for material handling. The project will last for approximately two years and it will include the development, demonstration and testing of the forklift truck. The equipment will be produced by Kalmar to be used at the SSAB production facility in Oxelösund, Sweden.
Jacob Sandberg, vice-president Production & Product Development at SSAB, says: “This is a very good project for SSAB in Oxelösund, where we can now really study the possibilities to reduce our fossil dependence. In addition to completely changing the fuel, we also get a better machine.” Visit: www.kalmarglobal.com
New vacuum lifting device from Schmalz
J. Schmalz GmbH has expanded its range of vacuum lifting devices for windows, glass sheets and other glass components by adding a new version with a lift capacity of up to 500kg. The VacuMaster Window 500 Comfort+ allows for the safe and ergonomic handling of workpieces. An integrated system for recording operating data allows the operator to perform predictive maintenance and reduce maintenance costs.
The vacuum lifter’s modular design allows the operator to configure a range of movements, for example rotating by 180 degrees, swivelling by 90 degrees and – for the first time ever – a combination of rotating and swivelling. This allows the device to be used in applications where windows are glazed or windows with multiple panes are handled. Schmalz also offers devices for handling windows with roller shutter casings.
Schmalz’s lifting aids also come with intelligent equipment: A 7-inch touch panel connected to an electronic control system displays important information about the system status. Leakages in the lifting device can be detected and reported, and companies can carry out predictive maintenance and thereby reduce costly downtimes. Visit: www.schmalz.com
Unique calotte bearing from Federal-Mogul Powertrain DEVA
Federal-Mogul Powertrain, a division of FederalMogul Holdings Corporation, has supplied its biggest-ever spherical calotte bearing, at 1.25m in diameter. The bearing will be used in the largest moving machine in the world, a conveyor bridge produced by the TAKRAF group for surface mining.
The maintenance-free bearing is lined with deva.bm®, one of a range of self-lubricating bearing materials developed by Federal-Mogul DEVA. It will support the central structure of the conveyor bridge, carrying a vertical load up to 35,000 kN (more than 3500 tonnes) and accommodating structural deflections and terrain irregularities as the bridge moves.
“Federal-Mogul Powertrain is one of the leading companies in the world with the ability to make metal-matrix self-lubricating bearing materials for spherical applications up to 1.25m in diameter, this is the largest calotte bearing we have ever produced,” commented Gian Maria Olivetti, Chief Technology Officer, Federal-Mogul Powertrain. “DEVA’s experience in engineering unique applications is well-proven and it is relatively routine for us to satisfy even such an extreme requirement; in fact, our processes are easily capable of developing even larger bearings if customers demand them.” Visit: www.federalmogul.com
Stemilt partners with Swisslog to automate its packing and distribution
Stemilt Growers LLC, leading grower and distributor of apples, pears, cherries and summer fruits, is partnering with Swisslog to automate its intralogistics processes with a PowerStore Pallet Shuttle.
In addition to the PowerStore System, the solution for Stemilt will include SupplyCarrier, ProMove Conveyor and warehouse management software and controls. The pallet shuttle storage and retrieval system will meet Stemilt’s requirements for high throughput while delivering high density storage and low energy consumption. Additionally, the specialty software will optimise functionality and performance, integrating with the company’s existing ERP system.
“Swisslog is proud that Stemilt has selected us for this critical greenfield project. We look forward to partnering with Stemilt to implement a solution that is uniquely tailored to their operational requirements with proven, innovative technologies like PowerStore,” said Michael Felbinger, vice-president PowerStore Systems. Visit: www.swisslog.com
INDUSTRYNEWS
TGW automates autoparts giant Mekonomen
Major Nordics autoparts supplier Mekonomen has appointed systems integrator TGW to design, install, commission and maintain an automated materials handling solution as part of the expansion programme at its central logistics centre in Strängnäs, Sweden.
The TGW system for small, toted parts is based on the TGW FlashPick® concept. Order cartons are created at the PickCenter workstations and then consolidated with the TGW Stingray shuttle system, which entails 100 shuttles roaming in 53 levels across four aisles and 108,000 locations, sourcing up to 4500 totes per hour.
Order cartons are released from the Stingray system in despatch time order. Order lines from the manual pick operation for large, bulky products are picked concurrently with the FlashPick® system, with all orders consolidated at despatch.
“TGW are thrilled to be working with Mekonomen on this project and supporting them in achieving their growth strategy. The success of this project will also continue to promote TGW as a systems integrator and help increase our presence in the Nordics region,” says Joakim Waern, head of Sales at TGW Scandinavia Visit: www.tgw-group.com
Automation of activities not only improves processes but also increases productivity and cost-efficiency. The new Autopilot TAE050 from Toyota Material Handling Europe, launched at the IMHX fair in the UK, simplifies, standardises and optimises customer operations. This low-cost solution can be installed easily and be up and running in no time. It will enhance the site’s internal flow, reduce labour and damage cost, all in an accurate and safe way. Operations are simplified and optimised especially in manufacturing sites, e-commerce businesses or healthcare facilities.
Because safety is key, this fork-free solution works with a very high degree of accuracy and stops when detecting an obstacle or person close by to avoid accidents and damage. Moreover, the TAE050 follows fixed routes and is not subject to driver errors.
“This simple automation system supports our lean philosophy. The vehicle helps to optimise our customers’ processes, truck fleets and staff efficiency, with higher productivity and lower cost as a result,” says Jakob Arvidson Klint, TAE050 product manager at Toyota Material Handling Europe. Visit: www.toyota-forklifts.eu
Vanderlande secures Terminal 2 contract at Moscow Domodedovo Airport
Vanderlande has been awarded a prestigious baggage handling contract by Domodedovo International Airport. Terminal 2 is being constructed to facilitate the increasing numbers of passengers at the airport (30 million in 2015) and will extend Vanderlande’s involvement following the installation of the baggage handling system in Terminal 1. The new system will be handed over in time for the FIFA World Cup, which is being staged in Russia in 2018.
Terminal 2 will feature a full range of Vanderlande’s innovative technology, including TUBTRAX 2.0 (an individual carrier system) and BAGSTORE (with over 1000 storage positions). In addition, an advanced hold baggage screening system compliant with ECAC 3 will be integrated, as well as check-in positions and carousels. The capacity is expected to be around 5400 bags per hour.
The new terminal will be linked to the airport’s existing Terminal 1. It has been designed to minimise the service time per passenger, and will be built in accordance with a multi-level concept. The deadline for handing over the baggage system is 1 March 2018. This was an essential condition owing to Russia’s staging of the FIFA World Cup the same year. Visit: www.vanderlande.com
The new Linde Roadster: A clearer perspective on safety
Linde Material Handling has launched the new Linde Roadster, a range of trucks designed to maximise field of view and safety to operators.
The Roadster is an alternative configuration which applies to models E20 to E50R to increase visibility by removing the A-pillar and replacing the metal overhead guard roof with a high strength safety glass panel for increased visibility when you’re stacking loads. Overhead tilt cylinders absorb the forces acting on the mast during operation and direct them backwards via the overhead guard frame.
A curved steel tube behind the steering column and dashboard serves as a boarding aid and allows for the mounting of optional equipment such as a terminal, display for the Linde Safety Pilot assistance system or clipboard.
David Bowen, product manager at Linde UK, said: “Whether operators are stacking loads at height or moving loads around a site, the increased visibility of the roadster through the mast and upwards through the glass roof enhances safety and productivity.” Visit: www.linde-mh.co.uk
