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Ultrasonic Welding - Design for Successful Production

Ultrasonic Welding - Design for Successful Production

For many manufacturers of plastic moulded components, ultrasonic welding has become their preferred joining method as the process is clean, fast and extremely energy efficient. The best and most consistent results however, are always obtained when consideration is given to the materials being used, joint design, preparation and the specific application of the technology, as these factors have a major influence on the process. In this article, Telsonic's Martin Frost discusses how thinking ahead about the process and components can assist designers and integrators of the technology to avoid pitfalls and make the most of what is a highly flexible and robust joining technology.

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NHS TRUST FOCUS ON STEAM ENERGY SAVINGS FOLLOWING TEI PRESENTATION

NHS TRUST FOCUS ON STEAM ENERGY SAVINGS FOLLOWING TEI PRESENTATION

With steam generation accounting for 30 to 40% of most hospitals' annual energy bills and with up to 45% of steam production being lost through less than efficient steam systems, it is unsurprising that Thermal Energy International's (TEI) range of products for maintaining and minimising the cost of running steam and condensate applications is creating such interest with NHS Estate managers who are tasked with reducing carbon emissions and energy costs.

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Rofin Laser Fine Tuned For TFT Production

Rofin Laser Fine Tuned For TFT Production

When we look around our home, or car for that matter, it seems that almost every electronic device has an LCD display of some description, with screen sizes ranging from miniature to over 50 inches in the case of LCD televisions. In the vast majority of cases, every pixel in the screen is active. The rows and columns of the pixel matrix are activated using transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive paths. As part of the process in the production of TFT displays, a conductive connection must be established between the rows and columns of the matrix – an intentional short circuit, as it were. However, at a later stage in the production process, this step must be carefully undone. The power and precision of Rofin's new PowerLine SL 8 IC laser makes it the ideal tool for this intricate task.

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DILAS Develop Compact, High-Efficiency, 100μm Fiber-Coupled Laser Module

DILAS Develop Compact, High-Efficiency, 100μm Fiber-Coupled Laser Module

ES Technology Limited, the United Kingdom distributor for the comprehensive range of DILAS diode laser components, has announced the development by DILAS of a high brightness, conduction-cooled fiber-coupled diode laser module.

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Additive Layer Manufacturing Reaches for the Sky

Additive Layer Manufacturing Reaches for the Sky

Additive layer manufacturing for direct part production continues to grow and is fast becoming a significant part of the overall ALM industry. The many benefits of this process have seen the technology embraced by a number of manufacturing sectors, not least the aerospace industry. The ability to produce components in a wide range of materials including hot work steels, stainless steel, cobalt chromes, inconel plus titanium and aluminium alloys, presents the aerospace industry with immense potential for direct part production using ALM. Additive Layer Manufacturing has already proven its capability to produce small and medium sized aerospace components, and having realised the potential of the process, aerospace manufacturers are now seeking to produce larger and more complex parts.

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Emerson Process Management supports collaboration for field device integration

To accelerate deployment of Field Device Integration (FDI) technology, key automation suppliers have agreed to enlarge the scope of the EDDL Cooperation Team and will become the FDI Cooperation. The intent is to assure a uniform device integration solution for process industries across all host systems, devices and protocols as required by end users.

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Bentley Motors' new logistics store goes live

In conjunction with TGW, Autotech recently delivered the new KLT small box store for Bentley Motors' Pyms Lane facility in Crewe. The warehouse has now successfully completed its acceptance trials and will soon be in full operation.

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Upgraded LAR31 Series of Linear and Rotary Actuators

Upgraded LAR31 Series of Linear and Rotary Actuators

SMAC is pleased to introduce upgraded LAR31 series of linear and rotary electric actuators. The actuator has the vacuum built in the shaft through the rotary motor. The vacuum assures that any external objects (e.g. dust) are ejected through the other end, which prevents dust build-up in the unit. This reduces maintenance down time and improves production efficiency. The actuator is reliable and has MTBF >100 million life cycle.

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Plastics robots get packing at Timloc

Plastics robots get packing at Timloc

Investing in six axes robots for its moulding operation has helped Timloc Building Products to reduce its cost base significantly. Five FANUC Robotics robots are removing components from moulding presses and packing them ready for delivery.

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Robots take the load for fish processor

Robots take the load for fish processor

A Grimsby fish processor has successfully implemented robots into its facility to remove the heavy and repetitive load and unloading tasks. Producing dried fish, JHS Fish Products Limited has two FANUC Robotics robots handling palletised fish at both the raw and the dry stages of the process.

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CoDeSys embedded controller provides complete, all-in-one solution for automation systems

CoDeSys embedded controller provides complete, all-in-one solution for automation systems

Festo has launched a powerful CoDeSys embedded controller for use with its renowned CPX series of multifunctional control terminals. The new CPX-CEC module provides machine builders with a technically elegant means of overseeing all the units in a CPX terminal – regardless of whether they are for pneumatic or electric drives, or I/O functions – using a fast, easy-to-program controller. Suitable for single and multi-axis applications, the CPX-CEC can operate autonomously or in conjunction with a host controller such as a master PLC, and can also be used as an intelligent slave in fieldbus-based systems, to provide localised signal pre-processing.

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igus cable carriers minimise downtime costs

igus cable carriers minimise downtime costs

Reinforced plastic cable carriers from energy chain specialist igus were selected by GÜDEL to help minimise downtime across its range of automated systems. The cable carriers guide and protect moving cables and hoses in systems ranging from multi-axis robots and press-transfer systems, to factory-automation equipment and gantry robots.

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Elscint Screw, Spring Washer & Plain Washer Assembly Machine

Elscint Screw, Spring Washer & Plain Washer Assembly Machine

Elscint Automation, has developed an assembly machine for the assembly of screws with spring washers and plain washers.

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Telsonic Keep Ultrasonics Safe and Sound

Telsonic Keep Ultrasonics Safe and Sound

Ultrasonic welding has become the preferred joining method for many manufacturers as they realise the benefits of speed, precision and control which are characteristic of the process. As the range of applications has increased so too has the way the technology is used. Today's ultrasonic welding systems take many forms, from simple hand held single sonotrode units to complex multi-sonotrode machines used to produce large assemblies.

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Passenger Safety Secured by Telsonic Ultrasonics

Passenger Safety Secured by Telsonic Ultrasonics

Occupant safety in motor vehicles has become a major consideration, and increasingly an influencing factor for the car buyer. Today, we take it for granted that a vehicle will have a driver and passenger airbag as a minimum, however many vehicles now also have side impact airbags installed within seats or doors and even curtain airbags which deploy from the roof of the cabin. As individuals, we have now come to expect that in the event of a collision, each airbag will operate flawlessly to minimise the risk of injury, giving little if any thought to the processes used to produce these safety critical items.

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Rofin’s welding solutions go down to the wire

Rofin’s welding solutions go down to the wire

In September 2006, Rofin-Baasel UK started supplying laser welding wire consumables to customers within the United Kingdom and Ireland who use the company's lasers for injection mould tool repair, jewellery manufacturing and spectacle frame repair. At the time this may have been perceived as just a logical extension of Rofin's philosophy of providing a total solution. However, the result for their customers has been a significant improvement in technical support, shorter delivery times and a reduction in price of over 50% in many cases.

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Robot helps glass maker to keep prices keen

Robot helps glass maker to keep prices keen

Gern Glas - Denmark's largest manufacturer of sheet glass and mirrors – is adopting automation to give itself a competitive edge on pricing and to protect its volume business in both home and export markets. One of the company's recent purchases, a Universal Robot, is certainly proving to be a shrewd investment. "This is a completely different kind of industrial robot which is inexpensive, mobile, easy to use and flexible," explained Technical Manager Glenn Larsen. "The robot is mounted on a trolley so we can move it to wherever we can put it to best use. And we don't have to pay expensive consultants to re-programme it for new tasks."

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Heason Technology launches modular positioning actuator system for life science sampling applications

Heason Technology launches modular positioning actuator system for life science sampling applications

Heason Technology has launched a new low- cost modular actuator range for pick & place and sample dispensing in life science and other analytical equipment applications.

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igus adds more accessories to Triflex R system

igus adds more accessories to Triflex R system

Energy chain specialist igus has introduced six new product lines to its Triflex R system of third-generation 6-axis robot energy chains. The multi-axial energy supply system, developed specifically for sophisticated 6-axis robotic applications in harsh industrial environments, now comprises well over 200 components.

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Laser Welding Bonds Craftsmanship with Technology for Jewellers

Laser Welding Bonds Craftsmanship with Technology for Jewellers

The jewellery industry is renowned as being built upon detailed knowledge of precious metals and gems coupled with intricate manual skills and techniques which have been used for generations. With such a traditional reputation, the image of the jewellery workshop to those outside of the industry might be considered to be that of a place left behind in the technology race. In reality however, today's jewellery workshop is a place where traditional skills and craftsmanship are often enhanced by the latest laser welding technology. The increasing use of lasers, by an industry perceived to be steeped in tradition, proves that jewellers are actually embracing this technology to the benefit of both their customers and their businesses.

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Hands on Ultrasonics from Telsonic

Hands on Ultrasonics from Telsonic

As the use of ultrasonics for welding continues to expand, applications have become not only more diverse but complex and today it is not uncommon to find highly automated, multi sonotrode systems in many instances. Seeing the technology applied in this way clearly demonstrates the level of confidence that demanding industries such as medical device and automotive have in the process. It is interesting to note however that in many cases, the trust and confidence in the process was first established from demonstrations or prototype work, often using a simple hand held, single sonotrode unit.

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LaserCUSING Developments to be Unveiled at Euromold 2009

LaserCUSING Developments to be Unveiled at Euromold 2009

ES Technology Limited is responsible for the marketing, sales, servicing and support of the full range of Concept Laser products throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The very latest updates and developments surrounding materials, materials management and quality assurance for the LaserCUSING process, will be unveiled by Concept Laser at the forthcoming Euromold 2009 exhibition.

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Kepware Releases KEPServerEX OPC Server Version 5.1

Kepware Releases KEPServerEX OPC Server Version 5.1

Kepware Technologies 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.

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Rofin Laser Technology for Medical Device Manufacturing at MEDICA 2009

Rofin Laser Technology for Medical Device Manufacturing at MEDICA 2009

As the leading manufacturer of lasers and laser based solutions for materials processing within the medical device industry, Rofin will be a key participant at MEDICA 2009 in Dusseldorf. During the exhibition, from the 18th to the 21st November, Rofin will showcase examples of systems and solutions for welding and marking, which will be located on the ACIG booth, number 55 in hall 13.

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DILAS COMPACT Diode Laser System Targets Plastics Welding

DILAS COMPACT Diode Laser System Targets Plastics Welding

ES Technology Limited is the United Kingdom and Ireland distributor for the growing range of DILAS diode laser components. The latest addition to the DILAS portfolio, now available from ES Technology, is the new COMPACT diode laser system. This new system offers two power options, 300W from a 200µm fibre or alternatively 400W from a 300µm fibre at 980nm.

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ES Technology Extend the “Be Safe and Save” Trade-in Discount on UNIVET Laser Safety Eyewear

ES Technology Extend the “Be Safe and Save” Trade-in Discount on UNIVET Laser Safety Eyewear

In September of this year ES Technology, UK and Ireland distributors for UNIVET srl, introduced a trade in discount scheme on replacement laser safety frames and goggles. The success of this initiative means that the offer has now been extended. This now makes it even easier to replace worn and damaged Laser Safety Eyewear. The 25% "Be Safe and Save" trade-in discount, based on the European list price, applies to all new safety frames and goggles purchased before the end of December 2009.

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Festo enters low-cost electric actuator market

Festo enters low-cost electric actuator market

Festo has entered the low-cost electric actuator market with the launch of a unique toothed belt drive axis which marries cost-optimised design rules with precision engineering. Costing 65 percent less than Festo's popular EGC series high performance electromechanical axes, the new ELGR toothed belt axis sets a new price-performance standard for the motion control industry. Designed primarily for applications involving relatively short stroke lengths and low moments on the guide, such as pick & place tasks and transporting small masses, the ELGR axis is also ideal for positioning, centring and pushing functions on conveyor belts, and for activating safety doors on processing machines.

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60% savings on Full Wave / AC Vibrators

Electricity costs are increasing day by day. In this scenario, it is the duty of every person to look for ways to reduce electricity / power costs in industry. Vibratory feeders are one area where one can look for power savings and subsequent cost reductions. In many cases, costs can be reduced by as much as 40% to 60% if full wave AC operated vibratory feeders are used instead of conventional DC / half wave feeders.

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Partnering route helps robots put bricks in their place

Partnering route helps robots put bricks in their place

Wienerberger UK has successfully engineered an automated system for handling special brick variants in partnership with FANUC Robotics UK. Breaking away from its traditional OEM supply route has allowed Wienerberger UK to directly tap into industry robotics know-how and capitalise from a high efficiency system.

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Additive Layer Manufacturing Reaches for the Sky

Additive Layer Manufacturing Reaches for the Sky

Additive layer manufacturing for direct part production continues to grow and is fast becoming a significant part of the overall ALM industry. The many benefits of this process have seen the technology embraced by a number of manufacturing sectors, not least the aerospace industry. The ability to produce components in a wide range of materials including hot work steels, stainless steel, cobalt chromes, inconel plus titanium and aluminium alloys, presents the aerospace industry with immense potential for direct part production using ALM.

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XL Precision Technologies Meet the Demand For Micro-Tube Medical Components

XL Precision Technologies Meet the Demand For Micro-Tube Medical Components

XL Precision Technologies specialises in the manufacture of precision micro-components and complex machined tubes, many of which are destined for the medical market. The precise nature of these components, coupled with the rigorous quality standards required by the medical industry, means that the processes used to manufacture them must themselves provide absolute precision and consistency. Recent investments by the company in new Rofin laser technology for micro-machining and laser welding, has ensured that XL Precision Technologies remain a world leader in the manufacture of tight tolerance, micro-dimension components.

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Rofin Lasers - Marking Metals From Performance to Precious

Rofin Lasers - Marking Metals From Performance to Precious

The use of lasers for marking has today become commonplace in many industries and applications. Indeed many of the every - day products which we take for granted, including the keyboard used to type these words, are marked using a laser. There are however other less well known applications where lasers are used to mark individual items with data matrix codes, bar codes, serial numbers, dates and other pieces of important information, for a variety of reasons.

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Elscint develops high speed vibratory feeder for feeding rings in axial manner

Elscint develops high speed vibratory feeder for feeding rings in axial manner

Elscint Automation has developed a very special vibratory bowl feeder with a rotating attachment for feeding of various sizes of rings in axial manner. Rings having outer diameter from dia 20 mm to dia 80 mm and width from 5 mm to 40 mm can be fed through this in axial orientation.

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AlertAlarm protected for all environments

AlertAlarm protected for all environments

E2S has upgraded the IP ratings of its AlertAlarm general signalling sounder range. All sizes in the family, the A105N (112dB), A112N (119dB) and A121 (126dB) sounders are now supplied sealed to IP66 as standard, enabling them to be installed with confidence even in the most demanding dusty or wet environments.

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Telsonic showcase Ultrasonic packaging technology at PPMA

Telsonic showcase Ultrasonic packaging technology at PPMA

Telsonic has been present within the UK market since 1977. Since then, the comprehensive range of high quality ultrasonic products available from the company has enabled Telsonic to build up a strong and diverse UK customer base. Telsonic UK Limited will further consolidate this position with their participation at this year's PPMA show, to be held at the NEC between the 29th September and 1st October 2009.

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Elscint develops high speed vibratory feeder for rings

Elscint develops high speed vibratory feeder for rings

Elscint Automation has developed a very special vibratory bowl feeder with a rotating attachment for feeding of various sizes of rings in axial manner. Rings having outer diameter from dia 20 mm to dia 80 mm and width from 5 mm to 40 mm can be fed through this in axial orientation.

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Aerotech capitalise on PRO series industrial-strength positioning stages with new Cartesius T-style robots

Aerotech capitalise on PRO series industrial-strength positioning stages with new Cartesius T-style robots

Aerotech has introduced a completely new line of Cartesian 'T-style' positioning robots based upon its PRO series medium precision linear positioning stages. The new range, named Cartesius, is a highly configurable positioning system with a single axis base and an open payload work area that suits many automation applications including pick and place, assembly, automated test and dispensing stations. Available in a wide choice of XY, XZ and XYZ configurations with travel up to 1.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.3 m and 3-axis load up to 25 kg, the range includes full chain cable management with motor and encoder connectors fitted for fast, trouble-free integration into the customers application.

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Heason Technology launches modular positioning actuator system for life science sampling applications

Heason Technology launches modular positioning actuator system for life science sampling applications

Heason Technology has launched a new low- cost modular actuator range for pick & place and sample dispensing in life science and other analytical equipment applications. The PLA range features an extruded anodised aluminium housing with a stepper motor driven leadscrew drive and precision recirculating ball linear guide bearings. The range is supplied complete with microstepping drives and a motion controller for a complete solution that is easily integrated into the customers' machine.

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Anti-static Schuco conveyor is key to aerosol packing for Unilever

Anti-static Schuco conveyor is key to aerosol packing for Unilever

An innovative modular conveying system, developed and manufactured by Autarky Automation with modular Schuco conveyor components, is being used by Unilever at its Home and Personal Care factory in Leeds, as part of a sophisticated filling and packing system for deodorant aerosols. The new conveying system incorporates a special anti-static material, to eliminate the potential for static discharges, and offers a unique anti-pinch construction that prevents shrink-wrap outer packaging becoming trapped between sections of the conveyor chain.

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Telsonic Cut’n’Seal Technology – A Smooth Operator

Telsonic Cut’n’Seal Technology – A Smooth Operator

At first glance we might fail to see any link between products as diverse as wound dressings, filter membranes, cosmetic cleansing pads and labels for everyday items of clothing. Look a little closer however, and it becomes apparent that they all have at least one common feature, a non-frayed, sealed and smooth edge produced using ultrasonic Cut'n'Seal technology.

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ATM Automation & ILPRA Combine Experience  for PPMA 2009

ATM Automation & ILPRA Combine Experience for PPMA 2009

The recent announcement of a partnership approach by leading UK food and packaging automation specialist ATM and international packaging machinery supplier ILPRA will be further consolidated by joint participation at the forthcoming PPMA 2009 exhibition

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ES Technology Limited Target Photonex 2009 To Showcase New Products

ES Technology Limited Target Photonex 2009 To Showcase New Products

ES Technology Limited will use the forthcoming Photonex 2009 exhibition as the venue to showcase a number of new products from their range of laser systems and optical components. Making their debut at this year's event will be a new range of UNIVET laser safety eyewear and safety windows and an extensive line of new high power diode laser products from DILAS.

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ATM Automation & ILPRA Package Their Skills

The recent announcement of a partnership approach by leading UK automation specialist ATM and international packaging machinery supplier ILPRA will bring a fresh approach to many product handling and packaging applications within the UK. This new working relationship will allow both companies to offer turnkey solutions to a diverse range of pick and place, sealing and packaging applications in the food and non food industries within the United Kingdom.

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Rofin Lasers Power Winbro Success in Eastern Europe

Rofin Lasers Power Winbro Success in Eastern Europe

Having recently received the Queen's Award for Enterprise in international trade, Winbro Group Technologies continue to reach out into new markets, aided by the power of Rofin Lasers. The coveted award, received by Winbro in April of this year, was in recognition of the company's outstanding achievements in export growth of over 70% of their leading edge technology systems to more than 15 countries, including China, US, Japan and Russia.

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Rofin PowerLine E Laser Identifies Hosta Varieties

Rofin PowerLine E Laser Identifies Hosta Varieties

David Belforte is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Industrial Laser Solutions. When David considered using a laser to mark plant variety information on to plastic plant labels, as an alternative to a traditional pencil marker, he was surprised to find that this was not going to be quite as straight forward as he first thought. In this article David outlines his quest for a solution, aided by Rofin-Baasel.

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Robot route stacks-up neatly for Marley

Robot route stacks-up neatly for Marley

No newcomer to robots, Marley Eternit Ltd, has recently completed installation of two new robot systems at its Burton-on-Trent tile manufacturing plant. Comprising six FANUC robots in total, the systems were needed to replace older dedicated machinery and to accommodate additional capacity transferred from another facility.

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European debut for the world’s largest production robot

European debut for the world’s largest production robot

Visitors to this year's EuroBlech sheet metal working exhibition, in Hannover 21st – 25th October, will see the world's largest and strongest industrial robot capable of handling a 1,200Kg payload. The new FANUC Robotics M-2000iA heavy-duty robot sets new levels for all round capability in the heavy-duty six axes robot sector.

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High-speed pharmaceutical sector robot offers six axes flexibility

High-speed pharmaceutical sector robot offers six axes flexibility

A new high-speed robot, designed for the Pharmaceutical industry, has been introduced by FANUC Robotics. Suitable for packing and picking operations the arm has been designed for hygienic process areas where intensive cleaning is routinely carried out.

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Marshall Vehicle Engineering goes ‘large’ with first production robot implementation

Marshall Vehicle Engineering goes ‘large’ with first production robot implementation

Marshall Vehicle Engineering has illustrated just how effective welding robots can be with its first implementation of robots in a production environment. Two robots mounted on a 24 metre overhead gantry are welding complex truck loading platforms in three and a half hours – a reduction in 17 hours over manual welding times.

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Component palletisers demonstrate IEF Werner's expertise

Component palletisers demonstrate IEF Werner's expertise

IEF Werner component palletising systems have proved hugely popular in mainland Europe and now they are available in the UK from the company's UK representative, R. A. Rodriguez.

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Ultrasonics – The Flexible and Efficient Technology for Plastics & Packaging

Ultrasonics – The Flexible and Efficient Technology for Plastics & Packaging

The plastics industry is complex with a vast range of materials and polymers used to manufacture a multitude of products for industries as diverse as Automotive, Medical Device, Pharmaceuticals, Packaging, Electronics and Aerospace. Within each of these industries there is a requirement to perform one or more operations such as Welding, Cutting, Sealing or Forming on plastic components and historically manufacturers have used several different technologies to achieve these objectives. Ultrasonics however, is a technology which is now being applied to an ever increasing number of applications due to the combined benefits of inherent flexibility, low energy consumption and precise process control.

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Rofin’s Multiscan HE - Makes its Mark in the Wet

Rofin’s Multiscan HE - Makes its Mark in the Wet

Rofin is a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of lasers. Building upon this enviable reputation and the success of the Rofin Multiscan VS laser coding and marking system, Rofin-Sinar has now launched the Multiscan HE which is configured for operation in harsh environments.

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Elscint Vibrating Table

Elscint Vibrating Table

Elscint Automation has introduced a new line of Vibrating Tables. The vibratory motion of Elscint Vibrating Tables is particularly suited for settling granular to coarse materials.

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Automatic Bagging & Palletising at Potters Ballotini Ltd

Automatic Bagging & Palletising at Potters Ballotini Ltd

An existing Chronos manual bagging system has recently been upgraded to automatic operation at Potters Ballotini Ltd in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. This company is an international manufacturer of a diverse range of Highway Safety and Engineered Glass material products, with small granular particles up to 1000 microns diameter.

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ES Technology target new DILAS laser products at UK market

ES Technology target new DILAS laser products at UK market

The recent Laser World of Photonics exhibition in Munich, presented the ideal venue for DILAS to showcase its extensive line of high power diode laser products. These latest innovations form DILAS are now available from ES Technology Limited, the United Kingdom distributor for the ever growing range of DILAS diode laser components.

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Telsonic UK Energise OKI Toner Cartridges

Telsonic UK Energise OKI Toner Cartridges

Based in a new purpose built 65,000 sq metre facility at Cumbernauld in Scotland, OKI (UK) Limited has over 500 employees involved in the configuration of OKI printers and faxes, plus the manufacture of toner cartridges and ribbons. Since OKI Printing Solutions Cumbernauld was founded in 1987 the company has gone from strength to strength and achieved an outstanding reputation for quality and performance within the global electronics industry. The determination of the company to maintain this reputation has led OKI to evaluate their manufacturing processes and systems on a regular basis. This ensures that product quality and performance continue to be enhanced whilst at the same time output is increased to meet the growing demand for the products manufactured at the Scottish factory. One example of this philosophy has been the extensive collaboration between OKI and Telsonic UK to evaluate and subsequently introduce ultrasonic welding to the plants toner cartridge assembly lines.

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1500 bags/hour robot palletising

1500 bags/hour robot palletising

F. Ball and Co. Ltd from Leek, Staffordshire is the UK's leading manufacturer of flooring adhesives and floor preparation products for the contract flooring market and they recently sought out our expertise in robot palletising.

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Rofin Hand over the 5,000th CO2 Slab Laser to Daimler

Rofin Hand over the 5,000th CO2 Slab Laser to Daimler

The recent delivery of a new Rofin DC 050 slab laser to Mercedes-Benz located in Stuttgart-Hedelfingen, Germany is in itself newsworthy, but this event also represents an exceptional milestone for Rofin as it marks the 5,000th CO2 Slab Laser to be delivered by the company.

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Elscint Vibratory Bowl Feeder for Plastic Pen Barrels

Elscint Vibratory Bowl Feeder for Plastic Pen Barrels

Elscint Automation have developed a unique Vibratory Bowl Feeder for feeding of plastic pen barrels having length of 70 mm. These pen barrels are used in sketch pens. They are made of plastic and are very light weight. Secondly, they need to be oriented with respect to one particular side which has just a small step towards the end and most importantly; they need to be stacked by getting them out in a rolling position.

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No more costly replacements with plastic energy chains

No more costly replacements with plastic energy chains

Kronopol in Zary, Poland is one of the largest producers of particleboards and derived timber products in the world. It is the only company where all three types of derived timber product boards are produced on one site. The annual board production is 1.3 million m2 and is exported to more than 40 countries.

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Rofin Introduce New Series of High Power Fibre Lasers

Rofin Introduce New Series of High Power Fibre Lasers

With the recent launch of a new series of high powered fibre lasers, Rofin further consolidates the company's ability to offer the most complete range of lasers and laser systems. The new FL Series offers two models; the FL x75 and FL 010 with output powers of 750 and 1,000 Watts respectively. The excellent beam quality from this new series of lasers can be coupled with fibre optics of between 50μm and 600μm in diameter, equivalent to beam quality of 2.5 to 30 mm x mrad. In addition the Rofin FL 010 S offers the option of a fibre laser solution with single mode beam quality of typically 0.4 mm x mrad and 1,000 Watt output power.

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Telsonic Launch Packaging Technology Group

Telsonic Launch Packaging Technology Group

Today, ultrasonic welding and joining is commonplace in many different industries and applications. With a track record spanning over 40 years, Telsonic has established an enviable reputation for not only high quality and reliable products, but also for innovation and leadership within the industry. The unrivalled applications experience of Telsonic, backed by ongoing product development, has now led the company to launch a new business unit which will focus on bringing the benefits of Telsonic ultrasonic technology to the volume packaging market.

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Chronos Robots Grippers pick up just about anything!

Chronos Robots Grippers pick up just about anything!

Chronos Richardson believes that to achieve the most out of a Robot Palletising Systems end-users need to get a good grip on the business end of the robot. To achieve this Chronos has developed a range of innovative gripper heads, which achieves the optimum output from the world leading Kawasaki Robot Arms. Below is a quick run through of the different types of gripper that we currently offer:

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Iwis presents a new range of chains for the beverage and packaging industries

Iwis presents a new range of chains for the beverage and packaging industries

At this year's Hannover Fair, Iwis has presented a new range of chains for the beverage and packaging industries. Sold under the Flexon brand label, the newly developed Flat Top chains and Modular Belts can be used for conveying almost all types of piece goods and are particularly well suited for use in the beverage and packaging industries. With its new plastic chains, Munich-based precision chain systems manufacturer Iwis now offers a comprehensive range of chains for all drive and conveying applications.

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Elscint goes live on SAP!

Elscint goes live on SAP!

Elscint has recently gone live on SAP ERP system. This is the first time any bowl feeder manufacturer has implemented SAP ERP successfully! Mr. Monish Shete, Director of Elscint Automation explained that with the implementation of SAP ERP system, customers would be hugely benefited as Elscint will be able to streamline its inventory and ensure that customers do not have to stock any spares.

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Telsonic UK Seal the Case for Siemens

Telsonic UK Seal the Case for Siemens

With a presence within the United Kingdom for 32 years, Telsonic UK Limited has been involved in a multitude of applications across a diverse range of industries and has subsequently acquired enviable levels of process and application knowledge. When Siemens presented the challenge of achieving an IP54 rated welded joint on an inverter operator panel, which incorporated sensitive electronics, Telsonic were once again able to demonstrate their ability to provide an innovative solution to a difficult welding application.

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Elscint Bin Vibrators / Agitator Vibrators

Elscint Bin Vibrators / Agitator Vibrators

Elscint Electromagnetic Bin Vibrators offer an economical and convenient means of maintaining the flow of bulk materials from bins, hoppers and chutes. An optional easily adjustable control is provided, which gives flexibility and assures optimum flow for any type of material being handled. Furthermore, Elscint Electromagnetic Bin Vibrators can be operated either continuously or intermittently depending upon customer requirements. To assure the highest standard of quality, Elscint Electromagnetic Bin Vibrators are factory tested and adjusted for optimum performance.

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High Speed Bagging PTK Range from Chronos Richardson

High Speed Bagging PTK Range from Chronos Richardson

One of the fastest bagging lines for pre-made open-mouth bags in the world the CHRONO-FILL PTK is now available from Chronos Richardson in Nottingham. This new product has evolved from the co-operative development arrangements within the Chronos Richardson Group, which is a Business Unit of the Canadian company Premier Tech.

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Rofin high power lasers focus on material removal

Rofin high power lasers focus on material removal

Using the latest high power solid state lasers, paint and metallic surface coatings can be ablated either extensively or highly selectively with ever reducing cycle times.

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New Peak Power for Rofin Q-Switched Solid State Lasers

New Peak Power for Rofin Q-Switched Solid State Lasers

Rofin has broadened its successful high power DQ series of q-switched solid state lasers with introduction of the new DQ 010. The high performance lasers of the DQ series have already proven to be excellent tools for surface applications such as ablation, cleaning and insulation with other applications currently in development. The 1 kW output power and increased pulse peak performance of the DQ010, which are 1,000 times higher than CW powers, reduce cycle times and ultimately operating expenses.

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Rofin-Baasel meets the challenges of precision laser processing within the medical device sector

Rofin-Baasel meets the challenges of precision laser processing within the medical device sector

Industrial laser applications within the medical device industry form a significant part of Rofin-Baasel's business globally. Most of the laser applications within the medical device industry are 'micro' in nature; on components down to sub-mm in size. These applications include the common laser processes of cutting, welding, marking, drilling and surface treatments but across a wide range of materials and devices, both metallic and plastic, and from implants to instrumentation.

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Bulk Handling from Summit Systems

Bulk Handling from Summit Systems

New from Summit Systems comes a range of ATEX certified bulk handling systems for Plastics, Chemicals, Food, Pharmaceuticals, Colours & Coatings, Metal powders, Small Parts and many other applications.

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Telsonic put a twist on ultrasonic welding for medical and electronic components

Telsonic put a twist on ultrasonic welding for medical and electronic components

The use of ultrasonics as a process for welding, joining and sealing has been widespread within industries such as plastics and automotive for many years. The characteristics of the conventional process, which produces amplitude in the vertical plane, has until now however limited the use of the technology for certain applications within the electronics or medical device industries. This has been largely due to concerns over possible damage to fragile electronic components or perforation of micron thin seals and membranes. The new Soniqtwist® technique developed by Telsonic in Switzerland eliminates these problems using small circumferential amplitudes, and allows even the most delicate electronic components and membranes to be joined, welded or sealed using this pioneering process.

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Rofin’s Precise Perforations Enhance Product Shelf Life

Rofin’s Precise Perforations Enhance Product Shelf Life

The shelf-life of perishable food has a great influence on its value. The freshness of these products is largely determined by air-ventilation and the preservation of humidity within the packaging. Packaging technology is increasingly demanding precise control of perforations, as the ability to control and optimise the hole dimensions can further enhance the shelf life of fresh food products. This means less waste, lower costs and ultimately more attractive pricing for the customer.

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Simple, flexible and highly economical robotic arm

Simple, flexible and highly economical robotic arm

As far as R. A. Rodriguez is aware, there is nothing to compare with its new Universal Robot. It's a small, light weight industrial robot arm that has six axes of movement and above all is exceptionally quick and easy to install. A specially developed graphical user interface means no expert programming is needed. Within a couple of hours it can be ready to run. The Universal Robot truly provides plug-and-play productivity.

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New product Catalogue - Steinmeyer FMD

New product Catalogue - Steinmeyer FMD

Now available from Armstrong Optical UK Ltd is the new 99 page, 2009 Steinmeyer FMD precision motion systems brochure, with over 35 different translation stage formats with hundreds of different configurations and options making the Steinmeyer stages suitable for almost all movement applications. Included are details on the dual drive stages which incorporate a DC motor for high speeds of up to 120 mm/sec and a piezo motor for high accuracy applications.

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Robot Palletisers – now with enhanced speeds

Robot Palletisers – now with enhanced speeds

Chronos Richardson's ongoing partnership with one of the world's leading supplier of robotic arms, Kawasaki Robot has led to enhanced palletising speeds for the CHRONO-PAL™ RP Robot Palletising System. The range of equipment is capable of palletising bags, pouches, cartons, boxes, pails, buckets, drums, and multipacks at speeds up to 2400 packs per hour.

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Rexroth’s new TS 5 Transfer System handles loads up to 300kg

Rexroth’s new TS 5 Transfer System handles loads up to 300kg

The TS 5 from Bosch Rexroth is a heavy-duty, modular conveyor system designed for the transport of workpieces with loads of up to 300kg/m. With an innovative line-shaft design, robust support system, intelligent routing options and maintenance-free operation the TS 5 is well-positioned to become the conveyor of choice in automotive, appliance and other large format applications.

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Heason Technology’s new open frame X-Y table range has ceramic motor drive and super-compact optical encoders

Heason Technology’s new open frame X-Y table range has ceramic motor drive and super-compact optical encoders

Heason Technology has launched its new OFXY range of open frame X-Y tables which bring together high resolution ceramic motors from its distribution partner Nanomotion and super-compact TONiC™ encoders from Renishaw in a unique design that provides a large working through-aperture with sub-micron resolution positioning, better than 1 micron repeatability and 200 mm/sec scanning performance in a durable and extremely compact design.

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LG Motion launch new manual and motorised rotary table range

LG Motion launch new manual and motorised rotary table range

LG Motion Limited has launched a new range of manual and motorised rotary stages for precision positioning applications across laboratory, optical bench and industrial automation with standard accuracy to 0.1 degrees and loads up to 500 kg.

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Robot route stacks-up neatly for Marley

Robot route stacks-up neatly for Marley

No newcomer to robots, Marley Eternit Ltd, has recently completed installation of two new robot systems at its Burton-on-Trent tile manufacturing plant. Comprising six FANUC robots in total, the systems were needed to replace older dedicated machinery and to accommodate additional capacity transferred from another facility.

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Telsonic UK Limited Clean Up with Ultrasonics

Telsonic UK Limited Clean Up with Ultrasonics

For many people, the word "ultrasonic" is often immediately linked to medical equipment for diagnosis and therapy, or if you are involved in manufacturing, joining systems for plastics and packaging. The role of ultrasonic technology in cleaning however has been widespread for many years, with this process quietly performing a crucial role in many areas whilst the more publicised welding and joining applications captured the limelight.

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Telsonic UK Limited Exceed Expectations in 2008

Telsonic UK Limited Exceed Expectations in 2008

The continuing downturn in the global economy towards the end of 2008 presented many UK companies with the challenge of reducing costs in an attempt to secure profits or in some cases just break even. Against this pessimistic background however, Telsonic UK Limited has reported a record year with 2008 turnover exceeding expectations at 24% above target.

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Rotary Feeder for feeding of Plastic Parts

Rotary Feeder for feeding of Plastic Parts

Elscint has developed a special rotary / centrifugal feeder for feeding of plastic parts used in drip irrigation. Usually one rotary feeder is made for one type of parts. However, in case of need, changeover tooling can be provided so as to accommodate more type of parts, making it very versatile. The Elscint rotary / centrifugal feeder has a rugged design and is made in Cast Iron Casting and lined with suitable material for better rigidity.

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New FIBC filling system for  McCreath Simpson Prentice

New FIBC filling system for McCreath Simpson Prentice

According to Berwick upon Tweed based grain and seed merchant McCreath Simpson & Prentice [MSP] their new Chronos Richardson FIBC filling system has provided them with "easier bag handling and better plant logistics.

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Elscint Heavy Duty Stacking Machine

Elscint Heavy Duty Stacking Machine

Elscint has developed a very innovative machine called the Elscint Heavy Duty Stacking Machine. This Machine is useful for stacking items like Bearings Cages and such other components which need to be orientated & stacked. Components having a hole in between can be stacked with Elscint Stacking Machine. This can find applications in the Bearing, Battery and such allied Industries. The machine consists of a hopper feeder having capacity of 50 litres / 130 Ltrs, a vibratory bowl feeder, chain elevator and pneumatic indexing table.

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ATM Cartesian Robots – Still a Major Player in Plastics

ATM Cartesian Robots – Still a Major Player in Plastics

ATM has, for many years, been recognised as the leading supplier of Robotics and Automation to the plastics industry within the United Kingdom. Over the last three decades, ATM's range of Cartesian Robot Systems has played a major part in building the company's solid reputation for performance, quality and value for money. With technology moving at a fast pace and with the introduction of the latest 6 and 7 axis robot systems to the ATM portfolio, one might be forgiven for thinking that the days of the Cartesian Robot were all but over. However ATM, the only UK robot manufacturer, continues to produce a full range of Cartesian Robots which are still seen today as a mainstay of the plastics industry here in the UK.

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Bosch Rexroth launches Innovative Strategy for Automation

Bosch Rexroth launches Innovative Strategy for Automation

To address the needs of modern industry Bosch Rexroth has launched a strategy for automation that will enable UK machine builders to become more competitive within the global market.

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Richard Simon - Providing service & genuine spares

Richard Simon - Providing service & genuine spares

In April 2002 Richard Simon Limited became part of the Premier Tech Group of companies and Richard Simon engineers and personnel were integrated into Chronos Richardson Limited.

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The Serapid Linearbeam Mechanical Linear Actuator Proves Versatility In A Variety Of Industries

The Serapid Rigid Push-Pull Chain Technology has a record of reliability and toughness going back nearly 40 years.

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Laser Mark Solutions Look to the Future with Rofin

Laser Mark Solutions Look to the Future with Rofin

Laser Mark Solutions is a new sub-contract laser marking company recently formed by Dominick Watson, offering Laser Marking services across a wide range of products and applications. One of the first and most important decisions, for the Knottingley based company, was the selection of a Laser Marking System.

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WEISS Pick-O-Mat – The Simple and Reliable Alternative for Rotary Assembly

WEISS Pick-O-Mat – The Simple and Reliable Alternative for Rotary Assembly

Designing and building special purpose machines for assembly applications, can be a daunting prospect given the ever increasing demands for speed, reliability and output. The risks of failing to achieve one or more of these objectives, is significantly increased when conventional pneumatically operated devices are used. Pneumatically operated assembly machines require complex control systems and an array of sensors, which in turn are highly susceptible to failure. WEISS has developed the perfect solution to these problems in the Pick-O-Mat, a cam operated assembly system, designed and built upon the WEISS philosophy of providing high performance and cost effective solutions to assembly tasks.

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Why Dual Line Scan and What Is It?

Why Dual Line Scan and What Is It?

Dual line scan architecture doubles image sensor responsivity without shot noise penalty. Machine vision performance requirements always increase. Over the last decade, feature sizes in applications such as semiconductor wafer inspection have shrunk by a factor of 3.3 in each dimension (~10.8x overall), while wafer areas have grown by a factor of 2.25 (from 200 mm to 300 mm lines) even though wafer throughputs in wafers per hour have remained the same. Measured as the product of speed and resolution, performance has increased by roughly a factor of 25. Nowhere are these demands stronger than in linescan imaging, where integration times are mere microseconds and budget and safety concerns limit the available light.

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Rofin Lasers – The Power behind Solar Cell Manufacture

Rofin Lasers – The Power behind Solar Cell Manufacture

As new products and production processes are being developed, the use of lasers is often considered and in many cases when compared to alternative technologies the laser is found to be an indispensible tool. This has undoubtedly proven to be the case in the production of Mono and Polycrystalline solar cells.

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Galvo Scanner with Integrated Pyrometer Brings Benefits to Plastic Welding

Galvo Scanner with Integrated Pyrometer Brings Benefits to Plastic Welding

DILAS is a world leader in the manufacture of high power semiconductor lasers and components, which are now marketed via the Rofin network worldwide. The latest product offering from DILAS, unveiled at the recent Fakuma exhibition in Germany, is a galvo scanner with an integrated pyrometer which can be used with the DILAS COMPACT Series product range.

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SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING 2009 - Stand No. K30

SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING 2009 - Stand No. K30

Automating a process can make a big difference to the cost of the end product. Done correctly it can boost productivity, improve quality and help ensure profitability. However not all manufacturers have the skill or the time to engineer their own automation systems. So it is for customers such as these that linear motion specialist, HepcoMotion®, provides a complete systems design and manufacturing service.

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High-reliability gearboxes and bearings cut conveyor maintenance and energy costs at aggregates quarry

High-reliability gearboxes and bearings cut conveyor maintenance and energy costs at aggregates quarry

Conveyor uptime has increased dramatically at Corcoran Concrete's quarry in County Mayo, following a switch to Dodge-brand gearboxes and bearings from Baldor.

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Robots take essential role at King Automotive

Robots take essential role at King Automotive

King Automotive Systems Limited is a successful power train components supplier that has embraced robotics in a structured manner over the past six years. When tendering for new contracts, robots are now seen as an essential resource requirement to allow them to remain competitive against overseas businesses.

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European debut for the world’s largest production robot

European debut for the world’s largest production robot

Visitors to this year's EuroBlech sheet metal working exhibition, in Hannover, will see the world's largest and strongest industrial robot capable of handling a 1,200Kg payload. The new FANUC Robotics M-2000iA heavy-duty robot sets new levels for all round capability in the heavy-duty six axes robot sector.

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New robot provides straight-forward route to high speed 700Kg payload palletising

New robot provides straight-forward route to high speed 700Kg payload palletising

FANUC Robotics has launched the latest version of its 410iB series palletising robot with an increased payload capability of 55%. The new FANUC Robotics M410iB/700 arm maintains the high speed capability of the range, 700 cycles per hour, and takes the payload up to 700Kgs.

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New ARCMate weld robot gets fully integrated ‘base to torch’ cable management

New ARCMate weld robot gets fully integrated ‘base to torch’ cable management

Faster programming and longer cable life are just two benefits provided by FANUC Robotics' new ARCMate 100iC Robot. Internal cable management, from the robot's 'base to the weld torch', allows the dress package (wire, gas and power supplies) to accurately and repeatably follow the robots motion avoiding snagged and broken cables.

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CUBE- the new laser marking concept from Rofin

CUBE- the new laser marking concept from Rofin

Rofin-Baasel has always embraced the philosophy of producing not only laser sources but also wherever possible providing a complete solution. This commitment to practicality and ease of use has resulted in many standard systems and solutions being developed for a wide range of applications and industries. The latest innovation of this kind to be launched by Rofin is the CUBE a highly flexible and configurable system.

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Preventative Maintenance, Training and Spare Parts Improve Productivity and Profits

In these challenging times manufacturers face continuing pressure to improve output and reduce costs. In an effort to achieve these objectives many companies are turning to preventative maintenance as a way of improving the performance of their automation and robotic systems. As a systems solution provider to the plastics industry ATM Automation Limited explain in this article, the benefits which can be obtained from scheduled and preventative maintenance.

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WEISS Assembly Automation Modules - Perfect Partners in Automation

WEISS Assembly Automation Modules - Perfect Partners in Automation

As Europe's leading manufacturer of Indexing Systems and Automation Components, WEISS offer a complete and complimentary range of assembly automation modules. By integrating two or more of these modules, fast and highly flexible assembly systems can be developed, as demonstrated by the combination of two of the most flexible WEISS products the HP140 programmable pick and place unit and the LS280 high speed linear transfer system – Perfect Partners in Automation.

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New Stepper Motor Driven Rotary Stage

New Stepper Motor Driven Rotary Stage

Steinmeyer, Inc. announced a new ultra compact precision positioning rotary stage. The model DT 180-SM offers a sleek design with an overall height of 63 mm and length of 310 mm. This rotary stage weighs only 6.2 kg, but can handle centric loads up to 300 Newtons. Driven by a stepper motor, the stages offers NEMA 23 flange, it has a positional accuracy of 0.1 degrees, repeatability of less than 0.05 degrees and surface run out of <0.02 mm. Speeds up to 90 degrees/sec and accelerations greater than 500 degrees/sec² are easily achieved.

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SBC Linear Range Launched in UK Market

SBC Linear Range Launched in UK Market

Having achieved considerable success with precision ground and rolled ballscrews and machining spindles to the UK market, Jena Tec is pleased to announce its latest association representing SBC Linear Co. Ltd of Korea for the provision of high quality linear rail components and assemblies.

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Parker rotary table units deliver precise control for automation systems

Parker rotary table units deliver precise control for automation systems

Parker Hannifin has launched its latest range of pneumatically operated rotary table units, designed to provide precise rotational control in a wide range of automation applications. The P5W Series units incorporate a number of innovative features that make them simple to install and able to deliver high levels of repeatability over long, low maintenance service lives, maximising productivity as a result.

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New Schuco slat-band conveyor from Autarky Automation cuts installation and maintenance costs

New Schuco slat-band conveyor from Autarky Automation cuts installation and maintenance costs

An innovative new slat-band chain conveyor that can cut installation and maintenance costs has been launched by Autarky Automation, the leading UK designer and manufacturer of modular automation systems. Called the CSFL, the new conveyor has been developed to eliminate the problems of connecting pins, associated with traditional chain systems, and features a unique and robust connection mechanism that allows lengths to be snapped together, quickly and safely.

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EBERSPÄCHER selects TECHNIFOR for its new assembly line

EBERSPÄCHER selects TECHNIFOR for its new assembly line

To meet the noise level requirements for a new production line making silencers for DAIMLER heavy goods vehicles, the Eberspächer Company has selected the Technifor Company to apply a Datamatrix Code™ using a scratch marking system. Technifor is a worldwide supplier of automated marking and checking systems for identification and traceability. The marking machine can inscribe natural language markings and Datamatrix Codes™. This new product was recently added to the forty or so TECHNIFOR machines already in service on the EBERSPÄCHER site in Neunkirchen.

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Modular Conveyor Overcomes Resistance

Modular Conveyor Overcomes Resistance

Arbor Automation, part of the Orbitform Group, is pleased to introduce the Low Back Pressure (LBP) modular conveyor system. Arbor's conveyor transfers parts of all shapes and sizes with minimal energy.

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VIN Mark 30 Laser System

VIN Mark 30 Laser System

The VIN Mark 30 Laser System has been designed and manufactured by ES Technology to meet the specific needs of the automotive industry, for the production of tamper evident self adhesive labels. Laser marked tamper proof labels have now replaced the traditional metal plaques which were once commonly used for vehicle VIN plates (Vehicle Identification Number). These plates were generally riveted to the inside of the engine compartment, but were extremely easy to remove thus making it possible to quickly give a stolen vehicle a "New" identity. Manufacturers now use up to 17 separate identity and information labels on a single vehicle, each of which is self adhesive and tamper evident. These new labels are produced from materials which are ideally suited to the automotive, electronics and security fields. They cure upon adhesion so that they cannot be removed without destroying the label, and they also withstand high temperatures and are highly resistant to weathering. This change in the

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ATM’s Vision for the Future

ATM’s Vision for the Future

ATM Automation is fast approaching its 40th year and during this time the company has come to be recognised as a leading supplier of Robotics and Automation within the United Kingdom. Over the years ATM has inevitably become involved in a broad range of applications which often require a unique combination of technologies to provide the optimum solution. With such diversity in applications, ATM's philosophy of actively seeking out and embracing new technologies has proven to be a major contributing factor in the company's ongoing success. As a further commitment to these principles, Vision Guided Robot Systems have become the latest addition to the ATM portfolio.

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ATM Automation Introduce the MR20 – 7 Axis Robot System to the UK

ATM Automation Introduce the MR20 – 7 Axis Robot System to the UK

ATM has, for many years, been recognised as the leading supplier of Robotics and Automation to the plastics industry within the United Kingdom. The introduction of the new MR20 – 7 Axis Robot is a further demonstration of ATM's philosophy of seeking out and implementing new technologies and products which will provide their customers with a competitive advantage in today's demanding environment.

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Aerotech’s new ALS130H series direct drive positioning stages provide ultra-low speed scanning solution

Aerotech’s new ALS130H series direct drive positioning stages provide ultra-low speed scanning solution

Aerotech's new ALS130H series linear motor driven positioning stages have been designed for ultra high precision scanning and positioning applications where sub-nanometre level resolution needs to be combined with exceptional smoothness, high traversing speeds and fast acceleration over travel ranges up to 150 mm. The classic two-part stage design outperforms leadscrew driven alternatives with their inherent friction related stick-slip problems and offers a far higher load acceleration force than piezo based positioners.

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Innovation, Technology & Skill Combine for a Gripping Solution

Innovation, Technology & Skill Combine for a Gripping Solution

With business today under constant pressure to increase output whilst reducing costs, many more companies are turning to automation to achieve these objectives. Assembly applications can be one of the most challenging areas of the automation industry, where in many cases intricate and complex components have to be handled and orientated at high speed. Success in this type of project requires a combination of skill and innovation on the part of the machine builder, together with detailed product performance and specification data supplied by the customer. Add to this high quality machine building components from dedicated suppliers such as WEISS UK and as SP Technology can demonstrate, you have all of the essential elements for a successful project.

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New Low Profile Piezo Driven Rotary Stage

New Low Profile Piezo Driven Rotary Stage

Steinmeyer, Inc. announced a new ultra compact precision positioning rotary stage. The model DT 65-LM offers a sleek low profile design with an overall height of 25 mm and length of 105 mm. This rotary stage weighs only 0.35 kg, but can support loads up to 80 Newtons. Driven by a piezo linear motor, it has a positional accuracy of 0.015 degrees, repeatability of less than 0.003 degrees and a maximum surface run out of 20 µm. Speeds up to 360 degrees/sec and accelerations greater than 10000 degrees/sec² are easily achieved.

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Rofin-Baasel Extend the Capability of their Patented Sweet Spot Resonator®

Rofin-Baasel Extend the Capability of their Patented Sweet Spot Resonator®

It is now ten years since Rofin-Baasel Lasertech invented the sweet spot resonator®, and in doing so set a new standard in the development of solid state laser sources. This patented resonator technology provides excellent pulse-to-pulse stability combined with a large depth of field. Today, a new third generation system now extends the sweet spot resonator technology into the 200 W average power range.

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New Managed Ethernet I/O Modules offer Complete Connectivity

New Managed Ethernet I/O Modules offer Complete Connectivity

Korenix UK (www.korenix.co.uk) has just launched a new range of DIN rail-mounted managed Ethernet I/O modules for distributive monitoring and control. The new modules have a built-in OPC server and support Modbus/TCP protocol, which is commonly used in most industrial environments.

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Elscint Linear Vibrators get CE Marking

Elscint Linear Vibrators get CE Marking

Elscint Automation has now started offering linear vibratory feeders with CE marking. The regulatory tests have been conducted at a reputed Government test laboratory. All models of the Elscint linear vibrators are now so certified. Mr. Monish Shete, Director of Elscint Automation informs that Elscint is the only manufacturer from India who has this certification as well as arguably one of the few outside Europe. The marking underlines adherence to the stringent European safety norms. The CE Marking is for machinery safety, low voltage directive as well as the electro magnetic compatibility.

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Elcom conveyors to be on display at Interplas

Elcom conveyors to be on display at Interplas

Machine Building Systems has announced that it will be taking an exhibition stand at Interplas08 (Stand Number D254) with the purpose of showcasing the popular Elcom range of flat-belt conveyors.

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Modular Robotic Tooling Solutions from ATM Automation

Modular Robotic Tooling Solutions from ATM Automation

ATM is a leading supplier of Robotics and Automation to the plastics industry within the United Kingdom. With such close links to the industry, ATM has inevitably become involved in applications ranging from precision miniature components through to heavy duty material handling tasks with large parts. In every case however, there is a common theme – the requirements to hold, transport and process parts securely and accurately.

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Optimum Anaerobic Digestion from Börger’s Powerfeed

Optimum Anaerobic Digestion from Börger’s Powerfeed

Börger's highly efficient and effective Powerfeed SSR (Solids and Substrate Feeder) is designed to continuously displace solids and substrates for anaerobic digestion. With backflow prevention, it offers solids injection into the fluid stream, with no added fluid required for dry material feed.

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Linear stage with very wide speed range

Linear stage with very wide speed range

By combining a high speed DC-motor with a piezo-driven rotary motor on a backlash-free ball screw Feinmess Dresden GmbH of Germany have developed a linear stage with a very wide speed range, high positional accuracy and low settling time.

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Elscint Vibratory Bowl Feeder for Rubber Bungs

Elscint Vibratory Bowl Feeder for Rubber Bungs

Elscint Automation has developed a unique Vibratory Bowl Feeder for feeding of Rubber Bungs which are used in by pharmaceutical companies for sealing their bottles.

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ATM Automation cuts through Polypipe’s flash problem

ATM Automation cuts through Polypipe’s flash problem

As a highly respected systems solution provider to the plastics industry, ATM has been involved in many diverse and challenging applications. However, when Polypipe asked ATM to devise an automated solution for the removal of flash from their range of blow moulded RIDGIGULLY products, ATM were presented with a highly unusual combination of Design, Process and Health & Safety challenges.

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Rotary or Linear ? - The WEISS LS Linear Transfer System Provides The Best Of Both Worlds

Rotary or Linear ? - The WEISS LS Linear Transfer System Provides The Best Of Both Worlds

Rotary indexing table or pallet transfer system? Both options have their own specific advantages and the past it has always been necessary to weigh these advantages against each other. A new system from WEISS however, eliminates this dilemma and provides the best of both worlds.

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Riley Hopper Elevators –Balancing Efficiency and Ergonomics

Riley Hopper Elevators –Balancing Efficiency and Ergonomics

Timely product availability on automated systems is absolutely essential if machine efficiencies are to be maintained. Hopper feed systems are a traditional and effective method of ensuring a ready supply of component parts. However, when large volumes of parts are required, or where components are large or bulky, operator workload and ergonomics must also be taken into account.

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Fertiliser packing output increased

Fertiliser packing output increased

In the first six months of this year PB Kent & Co has seen an increase of more than 20% in fertiliser packing at their Immingham Dock facility thanks to bagging equipment supplied by Nottingham based Chronos Richardson.

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Innovative motorised gripper assembly

Innovative motorised gripper assembly

A motorised bag gripper assembly is the latest innovative solution to emerge from Chronos Richardson's comprehensive research and development programme. The unique gripper assembly provides robot palletisers with a '5th movement axis' for precision bag positioning every time. The gripper's innovative operating technique allows end-users to achieve quality loaded pallets that have hitherto only been achievable with conventional palletisers.

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WEISS LS280 - High Speed Linear Transfer System

WEISS LS280 - High Speed Linear Transfer System

Assembly applications generally involve multiple component parts and processes. Each of these individual parts and processes has its own unique characteristics, which in turn influence the overall machine cycle time. With traditional rotary type assembly systems, the machine cycle time, and therefore the output, is determined by the slowest operation. The WEISS LS280 – High Speed Linear Transfer System however, enables several assembly operations, with different processing times, to be performed within the same machine therefore reducing the overall cycle time and maximising the output.

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Bulk Weighing Systems From Chronos Richardson

Bulk Weighing Systems From Chronos Richardson

Accurate recording of all bulk material movements around feed and flour mills, grain terminals and ports can provide an enhanced level of accurate weight recording and performance monitoring. Whilst many installations utilise weighbridges or silo weighing systems for their weight recording, bulk throughput weighers provide a more accurate and cost-effective alternative.

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Riley Bowl Feeders – Keeping Assembly Buzzing !

Riley Bowl Feeders – Keeping Assembly Buzzing !

Every day we pick up and use a myriad of different items from pens, calculators, mobile phones, our central locking car key fob, not to mention our computer keyboard and mouse. We take for granted the fact that these items are almost always assembled automatically, but we give little if any thought to how the individual parts make their way to the assembly system.

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Air Bearing Performance Without Air Bearings!

Air Bearing Performance Without Air Bearings!

Steinmeyer announced an innovative, cost effective decoupling arrangement for ball screw drives that enables our standard PMT 160 series stages to achieve breakthrough performance – namely straightness and flatness runout of 50 nanometers or less! And we do it using mechanical cross roller bearings instead of large and expensive air bearings. The decoupling system isolates any transverse movement of the ball screw from the linear bearing system and saddle of the stage.

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Elscint Vibratory Feeding System for Brake Liners

Elscint Vibratory Feeding System for Brake Liners

Elscint Automation has developed a unique feeding system for feeding of brake liners of various sizes. The brake liners are semi circular and having various diameters and sizes, upto dia 120 mm or even more.

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Riley Spiral Elevators – Rising to today’s challenges

Riley Spiral Elevators – Rising to today’s challenges

With over 50 years experience in the design and manufacture of materials handling systems, Riley Automation continues to develop innovative solutions for a wide range of product handling and parts feeding applications.

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ATM Automation Offers Multiple Plastic Joining Technologies

ATM Automation Offers Multiple Plastic Joining Technologies

ATM has, for many years, been recognised as the leading supplier of Robotics and Automation to the plastics industry within the United Kingdom. This reputation has been built upon ATM's ability to provide a diverse range of technologies and solutions for applications such as de-moulding, parts handling and assembly. With component manufacturer's now increasingly adding value to their product by performing more of the downstream assembly operations, plastic joining has become a key growth area for ATM.

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WEISS indexing rings provide ultimate flexibility in a compact design

WEISS indexing rings provide ultimate flexibility in a compact design

WEISS Indexing Ring technology offers a highly flexible approach to a wide range of rotary assembly applications. The NR Series of freely programmable indexing rings offer the ultimate flexibility for machine builders and end user customers with a simple four step set up:

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Chronos Richardson Introduce CHRONO-FILLTM OML 600 Brochure

In the run up to the Interpack trade show in Germany, Chronos Richardson has added a brochure for the CHRONO-FILLTM OML 600 open-mouth bagging system to their range of product literature.

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E-Series Precision Weighing Systems

E-Series Precision Weighing Systems

The latest generation of the Chronos Richardson E-series nett weighers meets the highest demands for accuracy and performance across a range of bagging applications and industries.

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WEISS HP140 programmable pick and place unit sets new standards for speed and efficiency

WEISS HP140 programmable pick and place unit sets new standards for speed and efficiency

To meet the ever growing demands for even higher efficiency, faster speeds and greater flexibility, WEISS have launched their new, freely programmable, HP140 Pick & Place unit. The HP 140 opens up new opportunities for manufacturing companies which are striving to improve the performance of their existing equipment.

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O-Ring Installation Devices Benefits Manufacturing Plants and Employee’s

O-Ring Installation Devices Benefits Manufacturing Plants and Employee’s

AGI releases new robotic tools that automate O-Ring Installation. AGI is one of the first providers of pneumatic manufacturing tools to price their devices to enable even small manufacturing plants to invest in the revolutionary technologies. AGI can offer automation products, like their state-of-the-art O-Ring Installation Tools, at competitive prices due to the significant investments made to their production plants. These recent upgrades also allow delivery of tools with little or no lead time, enabling plants transitioning to automated manufacturing the opportunity to start benefiting from new technologies in a timely manner.

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New Automation Solutions brochure for Laser, Medical and Life Sciences applications

New Automation Solutions brochure for Laser, Medical and Life Sciences applications

Aerotech have released a completely updated and redesigned Automation Solutions brochure for Laser Processing, Medical Device Manufacturing and Life Sciences. The 36 page industry and market specific information resource is the latest in a series of Automation Solutions publications that demonstrate Aerotech's significant ability to deliver low cost of ownership motion system solutions through advanced motion controls and superior mechanical systems that provide its customers with increased speed and throughput, superior accuracy and improved reliability. The new brochure is also available in German.

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Aerotech's new SolarScribe provides the answer for high throughput photovoltaic scribing

Aerotech's new SolarScribe provides the answer for high throughput photovoltaic scribing

Aerotech has launched a new range of high precision electromechanical automation systems for laser scribing photovoltaic panels and flat panel displays. With travel up to 2.5 m, speeds to 3 m/sec and acceleration to 5 g, the SolarScribe features high performance direct-drive linear motor technology for maximum production throughput and for complete application flexibility includes a choice of air bearing and mechanical bearing systems in split axis or gantry configurations to match the customers' performance and budget requirements.

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Red Rooster Industrial (UK) Limited announce the introduction of their high speed TCS-500 air hoist.

Red Rooster Industrial (UK) Limited announce the introduction of their high speed TCS-500 air hoist.

The New TCS-500 high-speed air hoist is the latest addition to the Red Rooster range of hoists. From the requests of our customers we have developed a high speed / low weight hoist built around the successful design of the TCR-250 hoist.

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Automatic screw and washer assembly

Automatic screw and washer assembly

Most automobile companies require using screws and washers at many places while making an automobile, be it a two wheeler or a four wheeler. Time is of as cense here as it is very important and every second which the operator saves can translate into increased productivity and increased number of vehicles produced. Most of the case, the operator has to assemble the screw and washer and then fix it at the required place.

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Neat and complete X-Y positioning and control solution from Heason Technology

Neat and complete X-Y positioning and control solution from Heason Technology

Heason Technology Limited have combined positioning mechanics, integrated stepper motor/drives and motion controls from two of its distribution partners to provide a unique range of ready-to-run single-axis and X-Y positioning stages that offer a modular motion system solution with reduced integration costs for a wide range of applications.

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Enerpac’s power lift helps Hydroplus protect key dam in world famous Snowy Mountains Scheme

Enerpac’s power lift helps Hydroplus protect key dam in world famous Snowy Mountains Scheme

An Enerpac power lifting system configured for precision and safety has been employed to help install a flood control system on a key dam of the world famous Snowy Mountains hydroelectric Scheme. The simply operated hydraulic system was specified for use during the installation of eight 300-ton plus Hydroplus Fuse gates in a new auxiliary spillway to protect the Jindabyne Dam in the high country of Australia.

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Nanomotion’s Z-Axis Auto Focus Stage provides positioning and focussing for microscope and imaging applications

Nanomotion’s Z-Axis Auto Focus Stage provides positioning and focussing for microscope and imaging applications

With high speed performance for both long travel and nanometre to micron range incremental moves, Nanomotion's motorised Z-Axis Auto Focus Stage provides a complete vertical positioning and focussing solution for automated microscope and imaging applications. Available exclusively in the UK from Heason Technology, the compact stage is easily adapted to standard or custom microscope mechanics and is available with a wide range of matching servo drives and motion controls.

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Elscint vibratory feeding system for centreless grinding machines

Elscint vibratory feeding system for centreless grinding machines

Elscint Automation provides a special vibratory feeding system for feeding of small parts like pins, rollers, bushes, shafts etc. to centreless grinding machines. The advantage of this feeding system is that the components are fed at a continuous pressure. This leads to better and consistent quality of ground components.

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Elscint two outlet vibratory feeder for stacking chain links

Elscint two outlet vibratory feeder for stacking chain links

Elscint Automation has developed a vibrator bowl feeder for feeding, orienting and stacking of chain links. These chain links are of various sizes and types with two holes in the same. They are stacked in a magazine which consists of two rods which go into the holes in the chain links. This ensures that the chain links do not fall after stacking.

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Item's new Transport Track System allows bespoke carriers to transfer heavy loads at low cost

Item's new Transport Track System allows bespoke carriers to transfer heavy loads at low cost

There are several benefits to the new Item transport track. Heavy goods can be transported easily and quietly. The transport track system is tolerant to soiling, easy to assemble and can be added to any profile construction. Elevated transport tracks and suspended constructions (for example, for the manual movement of heavy tools) are also possible.

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New Hygienic ThermoDrive® Vertical Scoop Belting

New Hygienic ThermoDrive® Vertical Scoop Belting

You now have the option to eliminate modular plastic belts in vertical conveyor applications with new ThermoDrive® Sprocket Driven Hygienic Vertical Scoop Belting. This is only available on Dorner's AquaPruf conveyor line.

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New Dorner Conveyor CAD Models Available From Automation Supplies Ltd

New Dorner Conveyor CAD Models Available From Automation Supplies Ltd

To facilitate your CAD development of conveyor system drawings, extensive libraries of Dorner 2D and 3D CAD images are now easily downloadable and can be quickly integrated into your design.

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White paper on bowl selection for a vibratory bowl feeder

White paper on bowl selection for a vibratory bowl feeder

Vibratory bowls can be made in a variety of material like cast aluminium, mild steel, stainless steel, polyamide, etc. Each of these materials has certain advantages as well as disadvantages. Bowls made of mild steel are not long lasting due to rusting and not so wear resistance. Over time, their performance deteriorates drastically. Aesthetic wise too, it does not look good. Hence, it is not recommended to select mild steel bowls.

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Elscint high speed vibratory feeder for thin parts

Elscint high speed vibratory feeder for thin parts

Elscint Automation has developed a vibrator bowl feeder for feeding of very thin washers.

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Fanuc's new robot set to compete on price

Fanuc's new robot set to compete on price

Competition in the flexible automated food picking sector is set to drive down the costs of robots further, thanks to a new machine from Fanuc Robotics.

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Technology update increases versatility and capacity of robot cell

Technology update increases versatility and capacity of robot cell

Re-engineering a straight-forward robot palletising cell after only five years might seem excessive but for one manufacturer rethinking this operation, and utilising newer technology, has paid dividends.

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New ARCMate weld robot gets fully integrated ‘base to torch’ cable management

New ARCMate weld robot gets fully integrated ‘base to torch’ cable management

Faster programming and longer cable life are just two benefits provided by FANUC Robotics' new ARCMate 100iC Robot. Internal cable management, from the robot's 'base to the weld torch', allows the dress package (wire, gas and power supplies) to accurately and repeatably follow the robots motion avoiding snagged and broken cables.

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Partnership drives competitiveness at Perkins Engines - increasing UK based in-house machining

Partnership drives competitiveness at Perkins Engines - increasing UK based in-house machining

Bringing efficient machining processes back in-house at diesel engine manufacturer Perkins has been helped by close partnerships with FANUC Robotics (UK) and Heller Machine Tools. Support and collaboration from OEM suppliers is seen by Perkins as a fundamental to success.

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Elscint high speed vibratory feeder for steel tubes

Elscint high speed vibratory feeder for steel tubes

Elscint Automation recently manufactured a high speed bowl feeder for feeding of steel tubes of various sizes. There were a total of 7 tubes and in some cases the diameter was more than the length, some cases the diameter was less than the length (length being more) while in two cases, the diameter and length were the same.

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FlexMove adds more options to your conveying needs…for less

FlexMove adds more options to your conveying needs…for less

Automation Supplies Ltd. is pleased to announce the addition of a new flexible product transportation system "FlexMove" to their already vast conveyor options portfolio.

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AquaPruf LPZ. It’s all about speed.

AquaPruf LPZ. It’s all about speed.

Automation Supplies Ltd are UK distributors for Dorner conveyor systems. Fact: The Dorner AquaPruf LPZ Series stainless steel hygienic elevating or incline conveyors can be disassembled for cleaning in under 30 seconds, without tools. That alone can put a serious dent in your cleaning downtime and, by the way, secure a higher return on your investment. We've added another speed factor to the AquaPruf LPZ series: delivery. It's now a standard product and can be at your loading dock faster than ever, so you can realise the benefits of this remarkable system sooner than you could believe possible.

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Vertical energy chains possible up to 80 metres high

Vertical energy chains possible up to 80 metres high

igus has now developed a system called Guidelok, designed to keep an energy chain inside a guide trough, even at heights of 80 metres.

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The Qwik Conveyor; Could this be the last conveyor system you ever need?

The Qwik Conveyor; Could this be the last conveyor system you ever need?

Got an area of your factory that's full of belt conveyors at 90° angles to each other? Products getting snagged and belts wearing out when changing from one belt to the other? Ever wished that you could take a wide variety of product weights and widths reliably around a bend of 45° no, make that 60° no, 30°, well even better if you could change it yourself later. Wouldn't it be great not to have to worry about belt alignment on even the longest stretches?

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Food grade conveyors with curves? No problem for Automation Supplies

Food grade conveyors with curves? No problem for Automation Supplies

Automation Supplies Ltd is used to getting a few curve balls thrown their way from customers looking for solutions, but in this case, through the vast Dorner modular conveyor product range, Automation Supplies was able to meet the customer's needs through creating a curve of its own. A customer in the meat processing industry had a requirement for a heavy duty Stainless Steel based anitary conveyor that was to feature curves. The team at Dorner quickly went to work to build an all-stainless steel welded unit with a plastic chain base that could be subjected to fast, effective and easy sanitation.

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Dorner Stainless Steel Food Industry Conveyors … an important part of your healthy lifestyle

Dorner Stainless Steel Food Industry Conveyors … an important part of your healthy lifestyle

Everyone who's ever taken a biology class knows that bacteria are the most abundant life form on earth. They're everywhere. But one place they shouldn't be is in the conveyor system of a major nutritional bar manufacturer. Our client's old conveyer used a bucket and chain system to move ingredients through the plant. Buckets and chains, it turns out, are prime bacteria hangouts. Cleaning this antique system to the required levels for the food industry soaked up valuable man hours … hours that couldn't be used in production. So the company asked Automation Supplies to come up with a solution: an easy-to-clean stainless elevating belt conveyor system that (oh, by the way) also had to negotiate a 23-foot rise in elevation at a 60° angle.

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Dorner conveyors have the answers in pharmaceutical automation project

Dorner conveyors have the answers in pharmaceutical automation project

Dorner conveyors were recently specified in a very unique project for a pharmaceutical third party logistics (3PL) provider that offers drug reprocessing for major retail chains and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The drugs handled range from common antibiotics to highly controlled narcotics. This keeps their facility and processes under the watchful eye of the Food and Drug authorities to ensure that the product is properly tracked and routed to the correct destination for destruction or return to manufacturer.

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Dorner’s ETO Program Helps Cereal Manufacturer Clean Up Faster and Become More Sanitary with AquaPruf LPZ Stainless Steel Sanitary Conveyors

When it comes to conveyors, a major cereal manufacturer found out the hard way that buckets and chains don't equal cleanliness. That's why the cereal manufacturer replaced a relatively new conveyor system with the Dorner AquaPruf LPZ Series stainless steel elevating incline conveyor.

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