Product category:
Robots and robotic systems
News Release from: B and B Attachments | Subject: Clamping, lifting, turning, pushing static objects
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 04 November 2005
Efficient design determines effective
automation
Automation has benefited manufacturing, but merely employing the technology says Mike Barton is not a 'licence for success' - ensuring the process is designed efficiently is paramount.
The clamping, lifting, turning and pushing of static objects are operations required throughout many industrial production processes Containers with raw materials, for example, might have to emptied, with goods turned, transferred to pallets or depalletised
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 31 Jul 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Pallet handling will become even safer and easier to undertake following the launch of a new generation of multi-pallet handlers with sideshift and two hydraulic functions.
This requires a comprehensive programme of stationary equipment, with either standard or bespoke solutions for the smooth flow of material.
Stationary equipment allows the use of forklift trucks with low-rated capacity as the stationery device performs the actual handling.
Advantages such as smaller aisle width, calculated environment knowledge as defined by the working position of equipment and automatic programme flow without an operator can be achieved.
Further reading
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Multi-pallet handlers are indispensable in the production and logistics of palletised goods.
Forklift attachment damage costs demolished
Concerned about some GBP 40,000 resulting from damage to forklift clamps and attachments, a brewer contracted out maintenance and the associated costs were cut by some 75%.
Attachments for forklifts changed faster, safely
Attachments on forklift trucks will be quicker, simpler, easier and safer to change - usually within 30s - following the launch of a quick release system.
The power unit of the stationary equipment does not usually amplify beyond 75dba - quieter than a forklift truck.
In comparison with assembly hall cranes, in particular, there are no swivelling loads and it is not possible to operate over the heads of other users or workers.
In addition, it is nearly impossible for goods to fall, so safety in the workplace can be assured.
* Versatility in motion - stationary equipment is put into operation for handling bagged goods and bulk containers as well as for the storage of groceries and beverages, for turning sheet metal or paper sheets for processing on both sides, or every other product according to the customer's requirements.
Whether the equipment is required for light use, i e, a few hours per week or heavy-duty use over 24h shifts, 365 days per year, the designs produced can fulfil all requirements.
Stationary equipment can be integrated into any production line as an independent unit with its own control system and, if required, with protection fence and light barriers such as laser scanner, photoelectric barrier, honeycomb grating, mechanical roll-fast doors or conventional doors which serve as safety protection.
In addition, they can be used as part of a complete system, in combination with roller or chain conveyors under control of a master system, as a commissioning device, pallet magazine or lifting unit or as part of an assembly line or welding manipulator.
* Power and control - stationary equipment can be supplied with electric, pneumatic or hydraulic power units.
Hydraulic power is favoured for equipment with high capacities.
Controlling the equipment is achieved according to the requirements of the users but can either be automatic, semi-automatic or manual.
In the case of automatic control, a programmable logic controller (PLC) is usually chosen as this has been proved to perform well in terms of flexibility, especially with regard to future modification during the operation process.
A PLC system allows the monitoring of oil temperature and oil volume in the tank as well as the security precautions.
Furthermore, the system can switch over the standby mode after a predefined period of time.
Manual control means that every function of the equipment will only be powered when the control button is permanently pressed; for example, if the pressure is released the equipment will stop moving.
This relatively cost effective solution also ensures the safety of the operator.
Stationary devised can also be operated either by a hanging control button, remote control or under the control of a master system.
* Global use - stationary equipment can be found in a variety of industries.
Due to the necessity for sterile production in the manufacture of products in the foods industry, wooden pallets are not allowed anywhere inside the production area.
For this reasons, goods have to be transferred from wooden to internal pallets by means of stationary depalletisers.
For marketing purposes, high-quality products such as yoghurt, are turned upside down after overhead filling to ensure a mirror-faced surface.
Stationary inverters carry this out.
Large loads of bags of sugar are turned, depalletised and pushed onto trucks and into containers for transport without pallets.
Wholesale suppliers of products require stationary commissioners in order to pick up layers from the manufacturers' large sized pallets for transferring to usable sized pallets for delivery to supermarkets and drug stores.
The chemical industry uses stationary equipment, among other things, for mixing raw materials in special containers or in connection with stainless steel funnels with locking devised for emptying granulates.
Furthermore, during the manufacture of types, for fire protection and clean production, for example, to prevent wooden particles from polluting the rubber mixture, bales of raw rubber are transferred from wooden pallets to internal pallets.
Automotive industries use the metal sheet inverter in order to decrease the quantity of pressing equipment in the production lines.
This allows the production of pre-cut steel elements in left and right executions by using one tool instead of two.
In the concrete industry, producers of manhole rings and lower parts of concrete rings use stationary equipment to turn them, because these products are transported upside-down on trucks.
The paper industry requires stationary tilting tables for pick-up and lay-down of rolls of paper on the interface between production and the warehouse.
In nearly every industry worldwide, stationary turnover equipment, inverters and pallet magazines are in use.
They require on the expertise of companies, such as B and B Attachments, to provide the technical knowledge to turn forklift trucks into a multi-talented and versatile tool by using stationary equipment to optimise and supplement production lines.
* About the author - Mike Barton is managing director of B and B Attachments.
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