Industrial Automation: Vol 1, Issue 6

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New Narrow Belt-Configurable Conveyor from TGW-Ermanco Provides Cost Reduction		New MacSTANDARD Actuators & Belt Drives from Macron Dynamics Offer Industrial Quality Linear Motion in an ‘Off-The-Shelf’ Solution
Spring Lake, MI - The NBC Narrow Belt Conveyor from leading integrated logistics solutions provider TGW-Ermanco is a belt-driven live-roller conveyor solution that is configurable into zero-pressure contact accumulation, non-contact accumulation, and transportation conveyor using all the same frame and drive components. The NBC uniquely accumulates products to provide contact accumulation with no line-pressure. This zero-pressure, gentle contact accumulation allows even empty boxes to be dense-packed with just a light touch of box to box. The new technology also excels at dense packing small and diverse products with zero line pressure on both curves and straight beds. According to Del Deur, Director of Product Development, the common components and modular design of the NBC give it a very high level of flexibility. "All sections of the NBC come pre-wired and pre-plumbed, reducing both the overall cost of equipment and the installation costs," said Deur.		Croydon, PA - Macron Dynamics Inc., a manufacturer of belt driven linear actuators and custom multi-axis automation systems, today announced the new MacSTANDARD line of linear actuators and belt drives designed to provide an ‘off-the-shelf’ product suitable for industrial linear motion, robotics, and automation applications. "Our new MacSTANDARD actuators and belt drives offer the same quality, reliability, and features as our engineered Macron actuators," said Craig Marshall, Executive Vice President at Macron Dynamics. "By standardizing popular models, specifications, and travel lengths, we expect to meet the needs of buyers searching for a readily available, quality actuator for industrial automation or linear motion." The MacSTANDARD product line, or Macron Standard Actuators (MSA), allows buyers to select from a range of linear actuators and belt drives with varied specifications. In addition, buyers are able to configure the product through options including single or double shaft types, preferred drive shaft location, a number of standard travel lengths up to 2242 millimeters, and the addition of position sensors.
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Ready-to-Install Solution for Flexible Positioning Tasks Electrically driven MSC-EL mini-slide from Rexroth		ActiveBatch Job Scheduler Adds Integrated VMware Support to Let Users Easily Create and Manage Virtual Systems For Running Workflows
Hoffman Estates, IL - The new, ready-to-install MSC-EL mini-slide with integrated electrical drive from Rexroth reduces the commissioning time required for customized handling systems to an absolute minimum. Available in different standard lengths, the mini-slide can travel to any position from 50 mm to 150 mm and has the same installation and cross-section dimensions as the pneumatically driven MSC mini-slide. Rexroth has thus, once again, further enhanced the interchangeability of different drive technologies within the camoLINE building system for handling solutions. The form-fit connection method, which features the Easy-2-Combine interface, provides for quick connection without the need for auxiliary adapter plates and extensive adjustment. A brushless, 24V DC motor efficiently powers the new MSC-EL. With an integrated belt drive gear as well as a ball screw assembly and ball rail system lubricated for life, the maintenance-free unit achieves a very high performance density with compact dimensions. The maximum load is 5 kg for horizontal motion and 2.5 kg for vertical applications. A holding brake is available for vertical installation.		MORRISTOWN, NJ – Advanced Systems Concepts, Inc., maker of ActiveBatch workload automation and job scheduling software and other solutions that enhance Windows™, Linux, UNIX, z/OS and OpenVMS systems among others, today announced the availability of a new VMware Extension for ActiveBatch . For the first time, users and developers have the ability to easily deploy and maintain virtual systems within ActiveBatch while also integrating those systems with other applications, databases and platforms inside and/or outside their VMware environment. ActiveBatch’s new VMware support is made possible through a new set of production-ready job steps in the application’s integrated jobs library. These job steps eliminate the need for command line use and/or expensive scripting, replacing those actions with a convenient drag-and-drop interface. “With VMware support, ActiveBatch users can achieve a dramatic new level of resource utilization both within and outside the VMware infrastructure,” said Jim Manias, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Advanced Systems Concepts.
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SMARTTCP Announces New Laser Seam Tracking Capability for SMARTTCP Automatic Welding Solution		Motoman’s MA1400 ‘Master Arc’ Welding Robot Increases Productivity and Performance
Farmington Hills, MI - SmartTCP a leading supplier of automatic welding solutions for small batch production, today announced it now offers the SmartTCP welding solution with laser seam tracking capability. The new product offering consists of hardware and software that includes off-the-shelf components, easy-to-use programming and integrated laser seam tracking. SmartTCP has customized a laser vision system from Meta Vision of the UK, and integrated it into its automatic offline programming software for small batch production. "Many small batch fabricators produce parts made of thinner material that distorts during welding and with joint requirements such as corner-to-corner or butt joint welding that are not best served by "through-the-arc" seam tracking systems. So in order to enhance our robotic solution to accommodate most joint types and material thicknesses while maintaining the system’s high standard of welding reliability and precision, we integrated a laser vision system into the SmartTCP solution," said Efi Lebel, founder and CEO of SmartTCP.		Dayton, OH - Fast and highly flexible, Motoman’s new 6-axis MA1400 "Master Arc" welding robot significantly increases uptime by integrating the torch into the upper arm. Available in floor-, wall- or ceiling mounted configurations and ideal for high-density layouts, the space-saving MA1400 robot increases productivity due to its cutting-edge SIGMA V motor control technology. The MA1400 robot has a 3 kg (6.6 lb) payload, 1,434 mm (56.5") horizontal reach, 2,511 mm (98.9") vertical reach and ±0.08 mm (±0.003") repeatability. Its integrated through-the-arm torch cabling eliminates cable interference, simplifies programming and reduces cable wear. Power cable and welding utilities (gas and air hoses) can be routed through the robot base. The MA1400 is perfectly suited for use in high-density workcells with multiple robots working in close proximity, as well as for applications that require access to parts in tight spots or those with potential interference from fixtures. The MA1400 robot uses Motoman’s dynamic, next-generation DX100 controller that features patented multiple robot control technology to easily handle multiple tasks and control up to eight robots (72 axes), I/O devices, and communication protocols.
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Kepware Releases KEPServerEX OPC Server Version 5.1		V 30P Robotic Case Packer/Palletizer Reduces Required Floor Space for End-of-Line Packaging
Portland, ME - Kepware Technologies, the leader in Communications for Automation, announced today that it has released version 5.1 of its award winning KEPServerEX OPC Server. New Features include an OPC-A&E Interface, new Drivers for Automation Direct and Mettler Toledo plus the "The OPC Server Toolkit that Isn't" - The Custom Interface Driver. 18 other drivers have been enhanced. KEPServerEX is the world's most popular OPC Server solution for automation. This release delivers significant new functionality and a variety of enhancements geared to open new opportunities as well as deliver enhanced value to existing customers and OEMs. New features include; an OPC-A&E Server - delivering event log data today, but setting the stage for full Alarm and Event Data in the coming months, New Drivers for AutomationDirect - Productivity 3000 Protocol and Mettler Toledo - Continuous Output Protocol, and the Custom Interface Driver solution that enables developers to leverage KEPServerEX and KEPServer OEM branded versions, client connectivity, (essentially leveraging KEPServer as an OPC Server and Native Interface toolkit, without needing to learn the intricacies of OPC Servers, Native Interfaces or custom toolkits.)		Blacksburg, VA - Designed specifically for packaging facilities that have limited floor space, the ESS Technologies, Inc. Model V 30P combines a vertical robotic case packer with an integrated palletizer cell to provide multi-function end-of-line packaging in a very small footprint. The packaging cell integrates a FANUC robot, an ESS-designed end-of-arm tool (EOAT), a palletizing cell and Allen Bradley controls using the CompactLogix® platform with a color touchscreen display. The palletizing cell may include tier/deck sheet placement and an automatic pallet dispenser with flow-through pallet conveyor to fully automate the end-of-line packaging process. A fully automated V 30P system occupies less than 16’ x 9’ of floor space. The case packer portion of the system can handle a range of products, including cartons, bottles, sachets, bundles, etc. ESS designs the infeed of the case packer to automatically collate products into the correct pack pattern. Once collated, the robot with custom EOAT loads the product into a case. Cases are sealed using either tape or glue and conveyed directly into the palletizing portion of the cell.
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PBC Linear Provides Complete, Fast Automation Solution for Medical Sample Equipment		Asymtek New Material Handling System Offers scalability & Loading/Unloading of a Wide Variety of Parts
Roscoe, IL - Delicate, critically important biological samples are carefully transported at high speeds using a complete linear motion gantry solution designed by PBC Linear. A medical equipment manufacturer needed a solution for quiet, fast-paced pick-and place automation on their newly designed sample transporting system. Speed and care were crucial for maintaining efficient productivity; however, PBC Linear was met with the challenge of balancing the two. The medical equipment design company relies on the speed of their automated laboratory products to promote high efficiency and performance. Safely storing and transferring samples in the fastest way possible is the bottom line. For a competitive design in this market, the design company turned to PBC Linear for a complete solution. Using three high performance MTB actuators assembled into an XYZ gantry, the new sample transfer system supported a wide working envelope. PBC Linear MT series actuators are driven by steel reinforced timing belt, which ensures high acceleration and fast travel.		Carlsbad, CA - Asymtek, a Nordson company and leader in dispensing, coating, and jetting technologies, introduces its MH-900 Series Material Handling System. This multifunctional system is configurable for inline or same-side load and unload operations, supports both single and dual-lane conveyors, and provides reliable loading and unloading of a wide variety of parts from very thin strips to large heavy boats and carriers. Advanced process control is built into the handling system. Programmable transport speed and carrier staging maximize units per hour while multiple carrier sensors, active pinch wheels, and thin strip guides ensure safe handling for even the most challenging applications. Magazines are loaded from the side into adjustable spring-loaded trays and a vertical elevator moves them into loading position. A frame sensor identifies the next available frame, significantly reducing search time for partially filled magazines. During loading, frames are carefully pulled from the magazine and through the system by a soft-touch gripper and active pinch wheels.
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Techno-Sommer’s New Mini-Angular Grippers Fit into Small Electronic & Medical Applications with Ease		ATI Develops New Model Robotic Tool Changer Featuring Internal Lock/Unlock Sensing
New Hyde Park, NY - Techno-Sommer Automatic is proud to announce the newly expanded line of MGW800 Series Miniature Angular Grippers designed for use in small electronic and packaging applications. These new miniature grippers are excellent for assemblies and multiple pick-and-place applications, and are now available in eight different sizes beginning at a miniscule 12 mm x 10 mm x 26 mm (L x W x H). "The biggest advantage of the MGW800 gripper series is their small size and ability to fit into tight spaces. They are the perfect choice for picking up small electronic components or in medical manufacturing," said Sales Manager Costas Charalambous. "Because of their miniature size, the MGW800 series allows manifolding through the bottom mounting surface. This eliminates side air fittings and increases the number of grippers that can be mounted closely together."		Apex, NC - ATI Industrial Automation has developed a new model Robotic Tool Changer that has proximity sensors built into the body of the Master plate to indicate Lock/Unlock position for safe Coupling/Uncoupling. The QC-76 Tool Changer features a high moment capacity of 6200 lbf-in (700 Nm) in a lightweight package of only 8.15 lbs (3.7 kg). The QC-76 Tool Changer has (5) 3/8 NPT pass-through air connections and also features ATI's patented fail-safe locking mechanism. All locking parts are made of Rc58 stainless steel and are designed for superior reliability, repeatability, and strength. Product features include high moment capacity with two large hardened steel alignment pins, Two mounting flats for adding ATI utility modules, Integrated Lock/Unlock sensing indicates Lock/Unlock position for safe Coupling/Uncoupling, and No-Touch Locking technology allows up to 0.08 inch (2.0 mm) plate separation when locking.
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American-Newlong’s Fully Automatic, PBC-S Pinch Bag Sealers Eliminate Shifting In The Sealing Position		Vistrian Releases Version 5.0 of FactoryLOOK
Indianapolis, IN - The American-Newlong PBC-S Series fully automatic pinch bag sealer is a heat sealing machine designed to eliminate shifting in the sealing position. Bags are placed between carrier chains and automatically transported through the machines, eliminating shifting. Easy to use, the PBC-S automatic heat sealer is available in a variety of models for use with any type of pinch bag, including multiwall gusseted or non-gusseted paper or multiwall paper with PE inner layer. Each model has single and double pinch variations with dual blower arrangements for high speed closing. This pinch bag sealer also features a rugged hot air blower which is used to reactivate pre-applied hot melt glue. The bag is then completely sealed as it is firmly pressed between press rolls. For inner PE bags, the inner PE film is sealed first to prohibit the entry of moisture and dust while preventing degeneration of the products. In addition, the temperature of the hot air blower and inner PE heater bars is fully adjustable to suit bag specifications and conditions. A pre-heat station which more positively seals the inner liner of double pinch bags, is also available.		Milpitas, CA --(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vistrian announced that they have released version 5.0 of their successful FactoryLOOK software platform. FactoryLOOK is a Manufacturing Intelligence System used by a number of companies including manufacturers of Solar, Semiconductor, Led, Data Storage, Networking, and Electronic assembly. FactoryLOOK allows for the immediate alerting and identifying of process anomalies and the ability to quickly identify factors affecting the development or manufacturing process and its variables. Among the improvements, FactoryLOOK 5.0 integrates enhanced dashboards, a user configurable rules engine and the ability to be utilized in virtually any type of industry or process with modest configuration changes. FactoryLOOK 5.0 stores and archives ALL collected data for use in query analysis. Vistrian configures all elements of FactoryLOOK 5.0 without the need for 3rd party or internal IT department resources thus significantly reducing implementation cost.
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DENSO- World Leader in Robotic Technology

As one of the world's largest automotive parts manufacturers, DENSO has been a leader and pioneer in manufacturing automation, including the design and manufacturing of industrial robot arms, since the 1960s. DENSO is also the world's largest user of small assembly robots, from four-axis SCARA robots to five- and six-axis articulated robots. More than 17,000 DENSO small industrial robots are employed in the company's own manufacturing facilities, and more than 42,000 additional DENSO small industrial robots are used by other companies worldwide. Since DENSO began in 1949, it has been committed to producing the highest and most consistent quality possible. This philosophy has made DENSO the company it is today, employing over 119,000 people in 32 countries and regions, with over $40 billion in sales. DENSO's commitment to building quality products has constantly driven the company to seek out new advances in technology. When industrial robot arms first appeared in the early 1960s, DENSO further developed the technology and applied it to its manufacturing processes.

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