NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
By Staff -- Logistics Management, 11/1/2000
MATERIALS-HANDLING EQUIPMENT Versatile New Sorter Features Quiet Operation
Crisplant Inc., a provider of sortation systems worldwide, has introduced the new single-tray S-3000E electric sorter, an updated version of the S-2000 sorter introduced back in 1991.
The latest model can move parcels at three meters per second and is quieter than previous versions, operating at 65 decibels. (Earlier models operated at 75 decibels.) The new unit also has fewer moving parts than its predecessors did and features the ability to operate with a PalmPilot or other personal digital assistant (PDA) to upload and download instructions to any tilting device along the system. The S-3000E features an electrically powered tray-tilting mechanism that can be programmed to tilt between 5 and 45 degrees. Existing S-2000 systems can be retrofitted with the S-3000E's new electric motors as well.
Modular Conveyor System Is Easy to Install
Alvey Systems Inc. has expanded its family of modular conveyor systems with the introduction of Accuzone. With its modular design, Accuzone provides individually powered and controlled accumulation zones designed for accurate placement of conveyed product. Using drive rollers as opposed to chains, belts, or pneumatics allows for zone operation only when the product has to move. Each section remains at rest until the previous section releases a tote, carton, or other container, achieving true zero-pressure accumulation as well as reducing noise.
The system consists of connected, stand-alone modules with pre-set zone controls that are delivered pre-assembled. Each zone is capable of transporting up to 75 pounds at speeds ranging from 30 to 240 feet per minute. The customer bolts the modules together, plugs the power and communications cables together, and hooks the system to a power supply. No air hook-up or high-voltage power is required; the drive rollers are instead powered by a 24-volt power supply. The conveyor line includes a range of standard straight, merge/divert, curve, and right angle and incline/decline transfer modules, in widths from 16 to 34 inches.
Industrial Truck Designed With Ergonomics in Mind
Cleveland-based Torqer Inc. has introduced the "Ergo-Truk," which combines automatic workload height control with an easy-to-push wheel system. The workload area is never less than 32 inches above the floor or more than 48 inches above the floor. Some models have even reduced the maximum height to 40 inches. The units have various capacities of up to 1,500 pounds.
The system also provides a variety of interchangeable product containers to accommodate the different items handled in various facilities. The products are handled directly in bulk or in suitable totes or trays. A heavily loaded container can also be moved by a forklift truck when manually replaced with an empty container.
The Ergo-Truk comes with an optional built-in tow-bar, which allows for the assembly of tractor-pulled trains of up to eight Ergo-Truks long.
"Stacking Cradle" Simplifies Raw-Materials Handling
W.A. Schmidt Inc., manufacturer of the SpaceLoft custom widespan mezzanine, introduces the HF Stacking Cradle System for the storage and retrieval of raw materials. The units can be used individually for heavy components or in pairs for heavy bar or structural stock. HF Cradles can be stacked nine units high or more. Interlocking stacking cradles are moved by a twin-hook overhead crane equipped with a spreader beam for placement and maneuvering in tight spaces.
W.A. Schmidt can provide custom application engineering to accommodate a variety of dimensional requirements or to handle exceptionally heavy or fragile products. The system requires only one operator.
Workstation Lets Users Seal up to 10 Boxes a Minute
FASBACK Corp. has recently introduced the Little Boxer Workstation, a semiautomatic machine that allows an operator to erect or seal up to 10 boxes per minute. The unit uses hot-melt adhesive for sealing and every seal is clean, strong, and dimensionally correct, resulting in consistently square cases that are safely stackable.
The operator loads an open case or filled carton onto a sliding table and pushes the table into the machine. The Little Boxer applies the exact amount of hot-melt adhesive on every box. RSC and HSC corrugated cases, both regular and coated, can be erected and sealed.
Shrinkwrap System Operates Around the Clock
Packaging Machines International Inc. (PMI), a manufacturer of shrink-wrapping machinery, has announced an addition to its family, the CSI-TW shrink/tray wrapping system. The continuous-motion compact system, which can handle 60 trays per minute, can operate around the clock. The unit manages trays of bottles and cans in one- or two-tier alignments.
Each CSI-TW unit features low-temperature seal insert technology as well as a continuous-motion seal carriage, synchronized film-delivery system, and separate drivers for wrapper and tunnel systems. Some other options include a 90-degree tray turner, a tray stacker, film hoists, and dual side operator controls.
Drum Lifter Handles 550-Pound Loads
Vestil Manufacturing Co. has announced the release of its new Drum Lifter/Rotator/Transporter, the DRUM-LRT. The unit, which can lift a 55-gallon steel drum, has a hand pump that lifts drums from ground level to a height of 72 inches. A gear mechanism will provide controlled rotation for the drum. The lifter, which has a standard capacity of 550 pounds, comes with a floor lock to stabilize it in a fixed position.
"Momentum" Module Designed for Data Collection
PSC Inc. has introduced the Momentum bar-code scanner, a plug-in module for its Handspring Visor handheld computer. The scanning springboard-compatible module transforms Visor into a flexible bar-code scanner for portable data-collection applications. Uses include many data look-up and collection activities, including asset and inventory tracking, health-care records tracking, sales force automation, and electronic order taking.
The scanner contains 256K, 2MB, or 4MB flash memory for storing scanning application programs and databases in the module without using the Visor's memory. Doubling as a flash memory module, Momentum can back up programs and information from the Visor handheld unit. Because it relies on flash memory, the Momentum scanner won't lose its programming or database files even if the Visor's batteries run out. To prevent battery failure, Momentum has a rechargeable internal battery that provides thousands of scans on a six-hour charge.
Labeling Systems Designed for Difficult Applications
Brother International Corp. has introduced several industrial labeling systems that are designed to address difficult labeling applications where conventional paper labels cannot be used. The PT-1300, PT-9400, and PT-9200PC produce professional labels using Brother's patented P-touch adhesive-backed laminated labeling technology, which seals the thermal transfer ink between two layers of polyethylene. As a result, they produce customized laminated labels that can replace expensive metal tags or eliminate the multiple steps of coating or laminating conventional paper labels.
The PT-1300 is a low-cost hand-held portable labeling system powered by alkaline batteries or an AC adapter. The unit can print nine bar-code symbologies.
The other two systems, the PT-9200PC and the PT-9400, produce laminated labels with over 1-inch-high printing at 360-dpi resolution. The PT-9200PC is a computer label printer that is Windows NT/98/95 and Macintosh compatible. It also comes with label design software that can be linked to Microsoft Access database files to create labels with variable field data including bar codes. The PT-9400 is a stand-alone version with a full-size keyboard.
The PT series features two other models as well, the PT-2500pc and the PT-2410. The PT-2500pc is a label printer designed for lower-usage applications. The PT-2410 combines a stand-alone portable labeling system with a computer printer interface that prints 13 bar-code symbologies. These models are NT/98/95 and Macintosh compatible as well.
First 64-Bit Tag and Label Printers Available in the United States
Avery Dennison Printer Systems has introduced a new line of high-speed 64-bit microprocessor-based benchtop label printers-the first to be available in the United States, according to the company. Called the Avery Dennison 64 xx family, the new systems handle complex bar-code applications. The first to hit the market are the Avery Dennison 64 04 and the 64 05.
The printers use 64-bit processing, 300-dpi resolution, and 12-inch-per-second printing speed. The 64 04 has a maximum print width of 4.2 inches and processes tags and labels up to 4.4 inches wide. The 64 05 has a maximum print width of 5.0 inches and can process tags and labels up to 6.1 inches wide. The system's "ribbon saver" cuts ribbon costs in applications where significant portions of the tag or label are not printed, says the manufacturer.
Two additional printers, the 64 06 and the 64 08, are expected to be brought to market shortly. The 64 06 will provide print widths of up to 6.3 inches and will process tags and labels up to 7.3 inches wide. The 64 08 will have a print width of 8.4 inches and will process tags and labels up to 10 inches wide.
Flexible Printer Compatible With High-Speed Networks
Printronix has released the new continuous-form laser printer, LaserLine L5535. Network administrators using a Web browser can now view a remote printer's control panel, using a resident HTML-based printer homepage, and configure, troubleshoot, and secure printer controls from a single location in a LAN or WAN.
This new laser printer model is designed to provide compatibility with high-speed networks and increased network configuration flexibility. The LaserLine L5535 can be operated on either 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps networks and can be viewed and managed by any popular SNMP management tool.
The L5535 is directly supported in SAP R/3 without the need for additional software. It prints on paper and label stock as well as on plastics and other synthetics. Paper output can be handled by the standard passive paper stacker or the optional power paper stackers. An upgrade program is available to present users of L5035s and L5020s who want to take advantage of the new controller capabilities, such as PrintNet.
View All Blogs
