Automation Update - Issue 66 by jetdigitalmedia

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Issue 66

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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.

Publishing House Jet Digital Media Ltd The Forge, Spratling Court Offices, Manston, Kent CT12 5AN

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Forerunner. Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. The Sensor People have been setting technological standards in industrial automation for more than 50 years. This is how we ensure the success of our customers in an industry that is ever evolving. We have been a forerunner from the start, and we are working on standardizing industrial communication. Among other things, we make sensors that are capable of transmitting data to control systems and the cloud via IO-Link and OPC-UA.

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23.03.2020 10:50:21 Automation Update - 3

SICK SensorApps Ensure Smooth Docking for Pallets and Dollies AN INNOVATIVE 3D camera and SensorApp solution from SICK has enabled rapid, damage-free guidance of automated and driver-assisted high-bay forklifts into pallet pockets, as well as the precise and efficient pick-up of dollies by automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

marks on the floor, or point by point navigation. SICK has developed these new SensorApps to offer a highly reliable, robust new method of guidance which promises to make materials handling and logistics operations faster and more productive.” The SICK Visionary T-AP is a robust 3D imaging camera that captures highresolution 3D data with a single shot of light. It builds up a detailed and accurate real-time 3D image of fixed or moving objects with excellent results regardless of angle, surface finish, material or shape of object. It combines different aspects of the light scattered by the object to build up a detailed picture of shape, distance, reflectivity and object depth.

The SICK Pallet Pocket and SICK Dolly Positioning SensorApps run on SICK’s Visionary T-AP 3D time-of-flight snapshot camera. They promise to cut out delays associated with lining up both automated and manual forklifts to load pallets in highbay warehouses, as well as positioning AGVs to collect dollies. The new Apps, developed in SICK’s AppSpace software environment, work by positioning the camera in front of the pocket or dolly chassis within a working range of 1.5m to 3m. Using a single shot of light, the SICK Visionary T-AP 3D camera captures a 3D image, then preprocesses and evaluates the co-ordinates of the pallet pocket or space under the dolly, before outputting to the vehicle controller. The information can also be sent to a driver display to aid manual 4 - Automation Update

forklift operation, particularly useful in high-bay warehouses. “For autonomous industrial trucks, and in manual high-bay forklift operations, where the driver cannot easily judge where the forks are entering into the pallet pockets, there is a high risk of damage to the forks, pallets, bay or the products themselves. Manually, it’s a trial and error process of aiming for the correct position, which can be time consuming. Automated systems using distance or photoelectric sensors could require significant programming effort and may not be as reliable,” explains Neil Sandhu, SICK’s UK Product Manager for Imaging, Measurement and Ranging. “To position an AGV to approach and slot neatly under a dolly can be slow and prone to error if relying on work instructions,

The SICK Pallet Pocket and SICK Dolly Positioning SensorApps are supplied already loaded onto the SICK Visionary T-AP camera and ready for use. As self-contained hardware components, they are easy to fit to existing machinery, as well as being available for use in new industrial truck designs. Setting up the sensor is easy with the SICK SOPASair configuration and diagnostics tool, and it can be easily adjusted to a wide range of pallet and dolly types. The SICK Visionary T-AP uses Timeof-Flight measurement of a light signal between the device and the target for each point of the image. The CCD/CMOS imager develops a pixel matrix, with each pixel containing depth and intensity information. The camera is designed to capture more than 25,000 distance and intensity values to create real time 3D images at up to 30 frames per second. For more information please contact Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk. www.sick.co.uk

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Drive Coupling Failure: Hero or Villain? What’s The True Answer?

No one would argue that couplings play a crucial role in the drive train, connecting the prime mover to the driven equipment to deliver reliable and efficient operation. Drive couplings generally go unnoticed, often operating in adverse and demanding environments, absorbing the dynamic effects of the mechanical stresses unique to their application. It is only when the coupling appears to fail, that questions are asked, and the debate begins. Did the coupling actually fail, or did it perform as designed? In this article David Proud, General Manager of Reich Drive Systems UK, explores the two opposing points of view to determine if the coupling really is the villain, or indeed the hero of the hour. It is true that a coupling is like many other proprietary engineering items. They are essential for successful operation, for example in the same way that a spring is within a valve, yet generally unseen and often forgotten, that is until the drive train is interrupted. Drive couplings, when specified correctly, will operate reliably, generally with little or no ongoing maintenance, for extended periods. Once installed and running, little thought will be given to the reasons for selecting a particular coupling, or indeed the operational criteria used as part of the selection process. However, as for any mechanical item, drive couplings are designed to perform within a predetermined operational envelope, albeit with a built in factor of safety. If, during operation, the mechanical or environmental influences change significantly, especially for an extended period, the coupling will eventually fail. In many instances, the coupling will be seen as the culprit, however it is essential to remember that the coupling is also the “fuse” in the drive train, and the fact that it has failed may mean that it has actually saved other far more expensive equipment from significant damage. 6 - Automation Update

If, and when a coupling does fail, it is essential that a detailed review of the complete drive train is undertaken to establish the true cause. It could be the case that the coupling was put under undue stress due to changes in operating conditions a result of heat, over torque, in service misalignment, higher than anticipated speeds, or perhaps the overall environment within which it has been operating has changed significantly. Any combination of these criteria could lead to the coupling operating beyond its design parameters, and whilst it was still operating it was effectively masking other potentially more serious issues. So, in many cases, the coupling, operating as designed has acted as a mechanical fuse, interrupting the drive train and ensuring that the equipment either side of the coupling are protected from harm – the hero of the hour. To ensure that the coupling you choose will operate as required, and importantly, protect the drive train if things start to go wrong, it is essential that consideration is given to all aspects of the application. David Proud has also authored a series of complementary informative article covering topics such as: specifying

drive couplings, the consequences of incorrect coupling selection, overcoming vibration, the costs of unplanned downtime and the effects of torsional vibration. These articles can be found on the company’s Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ reich-drive-systems-uk-limited) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/reich_uk) social media platforms. With a history spanning over 70 years, REICH has built up unrivalled expertise in the design and manufacture of drive couplings for use across a wide range of industries and applications. The company has earned an enviable reputation not only for the quality and performance of their product range, but also for their ability to provide application and customer specific solutions through the company’s D2C (Design to Customer) philosophy. For more information please contact: Mr David Proud General Manager Reich Drive Systems UK Limited Unit 4, Bankside Business Park Coronation Street Stockport Cheshire SK5 7PG Telephone +44(0) 161 714 4191 Website - www.reich-uk.com

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L60 Thermocouple & Fine Wire Welder The Thermocouple Welder, manufactured by Labfacility, is a compact, simple-to-use instrument designed for thermocouple and fine wire welding. www.labfacility.com

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New Cognex In-Sight D900: First Industrial Smart Camera Powered by Deep Learning Cognex Corporation recently introduced the In-Sight® D900 embedded vision system. A firstof-its kind solution, the In-Sight D900 features Cognex’s ViDi™ deep learning software inside an In-Sight industrial-grade smart camera.

simply define the region of interest and set the character size. In situations where new characters are introduced, without vision expertise, this robust tool can be retrained to read application-specific codes that traditional OCR tools are not able to decode.

Combining the self-learning ability of a human inspector with the robustness and consistency of a vision system, the In-Sight D900 expands the limits of what can be inspected in factory automation. The system, which can be setup using a small number of sample images, leverages Cognex’s familiar and easyto-use spreadsheet platform and does not require a PC or deep learning expertise to deploy.

Performs fast and accurate assembly verification

The In-Sight D900 is ideal for automating complex inspection applications across a range of industries including automotive, consumer electronics, consumer products, packaging, food and beverage, medical devices, and logistics. Decodes challenging OCR applications in minutes The In-Sight D900 deciphers badly deformed, skewed, and poorly etched codes using optical character recognition (OCR). The In-Sight ViDi Read tool works right out of the box, dramatically reducing development time, thanks to the deep learning pretrained font library. Users

The In-Sight D900 uses artificial intelligence to reliably detect complex features and objects and verifies parts and kits are assembled correctly based on their location within a pre-defined layout. The In-Sight ViDi Check tool can be trained to create an extensive library of components, which can be located in the image even if they appear at different angles or vary in size. Analyzes complex defect detection tasks The In-Sight ViDi Detect Tool learns from images of good parts in order to identify defective parts. ViDi Detect is ideal for finding anomalies on complex parts and surfaces, even in situations where defects can be unpredictable in their appearance. Deployed on powerful, customizable vision systems In-Sight ViDi applications on the In-Sight D900 can be deployed without a PC. This highly-modular, IP67-rated deep learning vision system includes fieldchangeable lighting, lenses, filters, and covers that can be customized to match the user’s exact application requirements. It also includes an embedded inference engine that is specifically designed to solve complex deep learning applications at production line speeds.

For more information click here 8 - Automation Update

NEW STORAGE SYSTEM INTERFACE AUTOMATES SHEET METALWORKING Automated material flow offers manufacturers significant time and cost savings. With this in mind, KASTO has introduced a new system for efficiently transferring material automatically between its sheet metal storage towers and flatbed processing plant, such as laser cutting machines and turret punch presses. It enables minimally attended production, achieves high throughput speeds and relieves staff of the laborious and potentially risky task of handling large metal sheets. The system comprises two sheet manipulators suspended from a gantry projecting from the storage tower and two pick-and-place tables below. These are positioned side by side the same distance apart as the manipulators, the table nearer the tower being a similar distance from it and fixed to the floor. The second, shuttle table has a slatted surface and is rail-mounted, allowing it to travel to a production area and back. The manipulators operate differently in that the one closer to the tower uses an array of suction cups to hold the sheet during lifting and lowering, whereas the other employs a raketype gripper that opens so that the rake tips move further apart than the width of the sheet, allowing it to be lifted from underneath off the slatted shuttle table after the rakes have closed.

that sheet to the shuttle table, is also required to lift and deposit processed material from the shuttle table to the fixed table. The latter, more secure method of handling is needed as the sheet may contain loose components that have to be supported. In any case, the material may have been distorted during machining, making suction cup adherence unreliable. A similar rake-type manipulator is also present at the machine tool end of the rails, either to handle fresh and processed sheet automatically or to assist in their manual transfer between the moveable KASTO table the shuttle table serving the laser or punch press. The system is not designed to return the sheet containing lasercut or punched components back into the storage tower, although such fully-automatic operation can be supplied by KASTO with double pick-and-place stations and with manipulators moving independently, one above the other. In the semi-automatic configuration described above, the processed material is returned only as far as the

fixed table, from where the sheet is taken by an operator to a shake-out station for removal of the parts and recycling of the skeleton. Suitable not only for manufacturers but also sheet metal stockholders that add value to the material they supply, the automated handling system is customisable to suit the user’s requirements and the size of sheet being processed. Compatible with KASTO’s UNITOWER and UNILINE computer-controlled storage systems, the compact, spacesaving interface ensures that it can be easily integrated into almost any sheet metal production environment.

The manipulators always move horizontally in unison and vertically in opposite directions. They are not identical, as the vacuum type only handles fresh, flat sheets from the tower to the fixed table, while the rake type, in addition to passing Automation Update - 9

Manufacturers unite to target reshoring opportunities and new supply chain capability A new initiative designed to build UK industrial capability and increase reshoring has got off to a flying start after £625,000 of orders were placed in the first few weeks. UK Manufacturing Unite (#UkMfgUnite) has been launched in response to the national effort to produce more critical components and essential equipment at home and is the first step in the sector’s fightback against the damaging effects of Covid-19. Created and run by manufacturers for manufacturers, the movement is urging more firms to come together to collaborate, share practice and find practical solutions for developing domestic supply chains. Over 100 companies - ranging from AW Precision, Brandauer, Bruderer UK and Composite Integration to ENL, Fife Fabrications and Photofab - have already signed up to the online platform that will act as a central place for sourcing supply solutions or getting answers to issues businesses are facing. “We wanted an idea that would bring the manufacturing community together by simply asking, ‘what do you need help with and are you in a position to help others?’ Why? Because as a nation, we need something to happen, right now,” commented Garry Myatt, Collaboration Director at #UkMfgUnite. “Covid-19 has underlined the need for engineers to pull together, to innovate as allies and to build our networks closer to home so we can mitigate supply chain risk. Ultimately, what we need are collaborating engineers - ‘sharing networks, disciplines and advice’.” He continued: “Collaborationeers, 10 - Automation Update

if you like, are a new breed of manufacturer evolving day by day to tackle the critical challenge of helping to care for a nation, to build economic stability, to increase UK productivity, encourage reshoring and ultimately lay down a foundation for future generations to come.” www.ukmfgunite.co.uk is now live and will be the focal point of the initiative, offering an online directory where companies can find suppliers, opportunities and answers to manufacturing concerns. Each company will have a listing and a description of what they do, with the opportunity to post thought leadership articles and best practice blogs, not to mention provoking conversation with an interactive forum. There will also be a section for videos showcasing collaborations, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and new technologies being developed in the UK. “With any new initiative, it’s great to get off to a positive start with a few ‘wins’,” added Garry. “We got this immediately when a request was tabled for a UK manufacturer of cable looms in high volumes to support the Ventilator

Challenge UK consortium. PP Control & Automation successfully tendered and is now in the process of manufacturing 50,000 units in just four weeks. “This was quickly followed by two members working together to source and manufacture vital PPE, whilst another six enquiries have been logged this week alone.” #UkMfgUnite is looking to get to 100 members by the end of June. It is open primarily to all manufacturers regardless of size, sector or specialism and there is an additional option for associate supporters to join who are passionate about the future of UK manufacturing. The concept, which is not-for-profit, is hoping to play a central role in bringing work back to this country and building supply chain capability so that we avoid some of the issues seen during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For further information, please visit www.ukmfgunite.co.uk or follow @ukmfgunite on twitter

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Rittal Publishes Guide to HD Enclosures for Food and Beverage Industry Enclosures for switchgear and electrical equipment are vital across the manufacturing and engineering sectors including food and beverage production companies. An enclosure creates a protective environment for sensitive electrical components, while also protecting operatives from contact with the electrical circuitry. The design of these enclosures needs to take account of their location; for food production lines, this means ensuring very high hygiene standards can be maintained. Enclosures specifically designed to meet the requirements of food and beverage production lines are commonly referred to as “Hygienic Design” enclosures. Rittal has published a White Paper which considers the distinguishing characteristics of Hygienic Design enclosures and how they must align

with current and relevant directives, regulations and guidelines. It can be downloaded at: info.rittal.co.uk/hygienic_design_ whitepaper The hygiene regulations that govern our food and beverage companies contained within EU directives are necessarily stringent to protect public health. Any breaches by the companies can be hugely expensive, in terms of the cost of product recalls, reputational damage and financial losses incurred while the problems are fixed. Everything associated with a food production line must meet the required standards for cleanliness, and that includes the enclosures protecting the electrical equipment that drives any associated automated processes.

These enclosures, because of their design characteristics are commonly known as ‘Hygienic Design’ enclosures (HD). However, while there is an obligation for hygiene standards to be met, the directives and standards that bind the industry do not advise users how to judge an enclosure’s suitability to be in such a sensitive environment. Without standardised and recognised guidance, enclosure manufacturers, the systems and mechanical engineers, as well as end users, must make their own decisions as to the type of of hygienic design that should be employed. In response, Rittal has published a White Paper outlining the characteristics of an HD enclosures.

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It considers: • Suitable materials and surfaces, in terms of cleaning, corrosion etc • Connection systems, including seals and seams • Angles and corners, which are angled for easy washdown and which avoid niches that could collect contaminants • How to avoid penetration into

the circuitry, not least by water ingress The White Paper also considers testing procedures to demonstrate the suitability of an enclosure to be placed on a food or beverage production line. All this ensures that production facilities can be cleaned as easily as possible and the highest possible safety standards for the end consumer.

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They can withstand power washing while maintaining a fully watertight environment for the electrical components within them. Rittal’s white paper on HD Enclosure Design can be downloaded at: info.rittal.co.uk/ hygienic_design_whitepaper

The Rittal hygiene standards for maximum productivity

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Performs fast and accurate assembly verification

For more information click here 14 - Automation Update

Automating machine tending will be key to cost effective component re-shoring in the UK The recent COVID-19 pandemic has been something of a trigger point, highlighting the negative impact that a crisis such as this can have on an extended supply chain. As a result, there are a number of businesses across a wide range of sectors, actively now considering the potential to re-shore the manufacture of components that are currently produced in lower cost economies. Whilst re-shoring is to be welcomed, UK manufacturers will also have to address the issues which led to parts being manufactured outside of the UK in the first place. Cost of course will have been the main driver in many instances, and if UK businesses are serious about not just re-shoring, but also retaining manufacture in the UK, then they will need to embrace higher levels of automation to ensure productivity and profitability. There is no doubt that some manufacturers will be investing in new machining capacity to enhance or consolidate their production capability, and it is in these areas where automation, in the form of gantry robot systems, can be a valuable asset in the quest for cost effective production methods. As the UK adapts to a changing world, through a combination of the effects of this ongoing pandemic, compounded by the uncertainty surrounding the possible impact of Brexit at the beginning of 2021, a strong manufacturing sector will be essential for growth and exports. With the UK already lagging behind in the uptake of automation and robotics, plus a general shortage of labour, both skilled and unskilled, now is the time for the UK to embrace the benefits that automating manufacturing will bring. Re-shoring component manufacture will cover a diverse range of part types and industry sectors,and those where machined parts are to be produced will definitely benefit from automation. Gantry robot systems and machine tools are ideal production partners. Güdel’s long standing reputation for quality, reliability and durability are the key criteria which have led to the company’s gantry robot technology being the first choice for machine loading applications over many years. The scalable concept of gantry robot systems means that there are no compromises on working range, accuracy and repeatability or payload, and the small footprint frees up valuable floor space for the machine tools themselves. In addition, by accessing the

machine tools from above, the front of the machine remains a fully accessible and safe area for set up or tool changes or other operations when required. For those seeking a solution for a single CNC machine, it is possible to fully integrate the gantry robot with the machine tool, and using either single or double arms, have a simple and compact system which will allow collection from input conveyors, machine load / unload and placement of finished parts onto an output conveyor. For applications where there may be multiple machine tools and sequential part processing, several robots can be mounted on a single overhead gantry to transfer parts between machining operations. Installations such as this can often be found in engine and powertrain applications where each part may require a number of individual machining operations. Another characteristic of the gantry robot is its ability to handle high payloads, at speed and without compromising repeatability. In the example shown here, railway wheels and axles are handled by the gantry robot before being transferred to machine tools for processing. These three examples alone illustrate the diverse way in which this technology can be configured to suit each particular application.

us to apply our expertise in parts handling and machine loading to best effect.”

Having made a decision to bring manufacturing back to the UK, the ability to get into production quickly will be an important consideration, and this in turn will require a fast turnaround on the part of any suppliers involved in the project.

The scope of Güdel’s contribution to the project can be tailored to suit the specific application and can range from providing just the gantry robot and gripper system, right through to a complete turnkey system incorporating the control system, guards, fixturing and conveyors ready for production. Existing examples of Güdel’s engineered gantry robot solutions range from small parts handling to large systems for handling and machining railway wheels, systems which span multiple machine tools for drive component manufacture, and single machine stand-alone fully integrated systems

To assist in reducing timescales for either end users or system integrators, Güdel UK offers an enhanced scope of supply, in addition to the gantry robot. Güdel’s Will Bourn explains: “There is always pressure in any project to deliver the solution as efficiently as possible, and we are able to work alongside any other project partners, integrators, or the end user, to deliver a more comprehensive scope of supply. This not only makes it possible for different aspects of the project to progress simultaneously, but also allows

For more information, please contact: William Bourn Sales Manager Güdel (UK) Limited Unit 5 Wickmans Drive Banner Lane Coventry CV4 9XA Tel: +44(0)24 76 695 444 E-Mail: william.bourn@uk.gudel.com Web: www.gudel.com

UK manufacturers seeking to re-shore component manufacturing, whether its large or small can rely on the ready availability of proven technology to ease their transition to an automated solution.

Automation Update - 15

R+K Safety Guarding RK Rose+Krieger (part of the international Phoenix Mecano group of companies) have been manufacturing components for automation and machine building for over 40 years. Our extensive range of products in the fields of linear adjustment, profile technology, connecting and module technology are renowned and respected for their reliability and performance. Made using our plain faced ESP profile and utilising 30x30 or 40x40 woven mesh, the safety guarding system from R+K offers an attractive and modular system that is easy to install. Posts are mounted into Base clamps that can be easily bolted to the floor. The R+K click & safe connection system not only makes panels easy to fix and remove from posts for access if necessary (with a simple tool) but also complies to EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. So after the posts are suitably secured to the ground and the panels assembled, they need only be inserted

16 - Automation Update

at the bottom and pressed in at the job and the job is done! Main features … Stable protection system with aluminium design Minimal effort required in construction Quick assembly time Clamping profiles allow different materials to be installed Smooth, easy to clean outer surfaces Comprehensive range of accessories Complies with the new EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC RK Rose+Krieger 26 Faraday Road Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP19 8RY 01296 611660 rk@pmgb.co.uk www.pmgb.co.uk/rk

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01296 611 660 rk@pmgb.co.uk www.pmgb.co.uk/rk

Modular Technology

Telsonic’s ultrasonic technology helps HJ PNC in the fight against COVID-19 Since the COVID-19 pandemic started to take hold around the world, there has been a serious shortfall in the availability of face masks. However, in March, Korean based HJ PNC (www.maskmachine.kr) started manufacture of fully automated mask production machines to tackle this issue head on. For these masks to be effective, it is essential that the highest quality standards are maintained, and to meet demand, the machines must also maintain high levels of productivity at all times. Telsonic’s ultrasonic technology, renowned worldwide for its reliability and durability, is at the heart of these machines and a key element in the mask production process. Currently, HJ PNC are producing seventy fully automated machines per month, which are delivered to customers in Korea and also around the world. Co-president of HJ PNC and president of Zhongtai Korea - Mr. Shaun Youn commented: “Although it is only a small mask, it helps to save lives. Therefore, HJ PNC and Telsonic will continue to cooperate to manufacture mask production machines of the highest quality & performance.”

Co-presidents of HJ PNC - Left: Mr. Hunseob Byoun and Right: Mr. Shaun Youn

WEARING A MASK IS A SIGN OF RESPECT “This mask says, I respect the nurses and doctors who lost their lives to this virus to save other people. This mask says I respect the essential workers who get up every day and drive the bus, or drive the train, or deliver the food, or keep the light on, so that I can stay home, and I can stay safe. It says, I respect others, and

HJ PNC are producing 70 fully automated machines per month

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I respect you. That is a statement that we should all be willing to make any day. It is not about me, it is about we. That is how you battle community spread with community unity. The least gratitude you can show to essential workers is at least wear the mask so you don't infect more people" Gov. Andrew Cuomo

www.leuze.co.uk

Leuze_Kampagne_Wegbereiter_UK-BH_190x130_RZ-oMHW_en.indd 1

23.03.2020 10:50:21

MONITOR MOUNTING •

For monitors, control panels and touch screens up to 25KG

•

Screens can be turned, tilted, swivelled and height adjusted

•

Can be connected to tube or aluminium profile

•

Control centres and workstations

•

Plants and machines

Profile Technology

Linear Technology

Connecting Technology

01296 611 660 rk@pmgb.co.uk www.pmgb.co.uk/rk

Modular Technology

Automation Update - 19

Three-Axis Handling with Tray Re-circulation System mk have designed a fully automated system for a customer who required a palletiser with a connected tray recirculation system. This custom solution uses cost-effective standard components and adapted special functions which allows pallet trucks to be used to feed Euro pallets into the system. The palletiser which de-stacks the filled trays from the Euro pallets then feeds them into the recirculation system. They are then conveyed to an index station, where a customer-provided robot removes the workpieces from the trays. The empty trays are conveyed back to the palletiser, where they are stacked on empty pallets and made available to be transported away. The system is able to recognise and handle different tray types and different stack heights on the pallets. Crucially, the machine is also built from components that are as tough as possible and are able to operate autonomously for up to 14 hours. mk used their extensive profile range for the transport system with feeding and removal of pallets via heavy-duty roller conveyors. Alignment of tray stacks was achieved using pneumatic positioning units with approach angle attachments. A 3-axis palletiser gantry, consisting of LZR 2005 linear modules with a rotating gripper and balancing stroke compliments this. A tray recirculation system, consisting of KTF-P 2010 chain conveyors, was combined with lifting units. Finally, an index station and device is utilised to hold down the trays so the workpieces can be removed by a customer-provided robot. 20 - Automation Update

Profile Technology

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Pallet Handling Systems Modular. Compatible. Versatile.

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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Rotech Motion Sensor’s can be used whenever information or monitoring of shaft rotation, position, direction, speed, slip etc is required! Rotech Motion Sensor’s can be used for indication, control, interlocking, protection, sequencing, alarm initiations and many more functions! Rotech Motion Sensor’s can be used wherever materials are transported or processed By conveyors, elevators, screws, mixers, etc!

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…AND MANY MORE!

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