Equipment

Article (2)
  • How to select the right robot for the job
    Precise, repetitive manual tasks are a classic cause of workplace injuries and lost productivity, making them the perfect job for robots. Still, just like their human counterparts, robots must be well matched to their job descriptions. Robotics advisory service Robotize will help visitors to Melbourne Materials Handling from 20 to 22 April 'headhunt' their next machine and Managing Director Wade Leslie offers 12 golden rules for robot selection.
  • Bellows and helix couplings
    In the simplest of terms, a coupling is used to transfer rotational movement from one shaft to another. The primary purpose of a coupling is to join two pieces of rotating equipment while permitting some degree of misalignment or end movement or both.
Feature (11)
  • Robot for Australian coatings specialist
    Melbourne-based Hilustre Coatings investigated the possibility of using a robot at its spray-painting facility. The breakthrough to make the acquisition of a robot a practical proposition came when the company collaborated with Robotsplus, an integrator that works with ABB robots.
  • Robotic hand, powered by compressed air
    The Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory (RoMeLa) of the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech has developed a unique robotic hand that can firmly hold objects as heavy as a can of food or as delicate as a raw egg, and be dexterous enough to gesture for sign language.
  • Bug's eye view for robots
    The remarkable ability of insects to look in all directions at once has been emulated by a team of international scientists who have built an artificial ‘eye’ with an unobstructed all-round view. It may have potential uses for guiding robot vehicles and aircraft.
  • Robotic ants building homes on Mars?
    Recent discoveries of water and earth-like soil on Mars have set imaginations running wild that human beings may one day colonise the Red Planet. However, the first inhabitants might not be human in form at all, but rather swarms of tiny robots.
  • Motion control system automates woodworking process
    A custom woodworking machine built using ethernet-compatible motion control components from Baldor Electric has automated the precision finishing of fret boards for acoustic guitar manufacturer Martin Guitar (CF Martin & Co). By using dual sanding belts and a swinging work holder controlled by a combination of linear and rotary servo motor axes, this machine now replaces a previous manually actuated sanding process. Four axes of motion provide precise and smooth machining that enhances both the speed and quality of fret board production.
  • Customised CNC platform for processing line
    Customisations to a standard CNC controller have helped special-purpose machinery builder MKM International engineer a radical, integrated, single-stage processing line for aluminium profiles.
  • Robotics and safety
    In the workplace, safety can't be traded off for commercial benefits. Less-than-optimal floor space utilisation, restrictive operator movement and complex and expensive safety barriers and sensing equipment all impact a company's bottom line
  • Rio Tinto funds new robotics centre
    Rio Tinto has recently announced funding for one of the world's largest civilian robotics research centres
  • The top 10 robotics application mistakes
    As robot technologies continue to improve and evolve, the choices facing today's robotics buyers continue to expand as well. How do you know what type of robot to choose?
  • Robotics evolves into new industries
    With its background firmly rooted in the automotive industry, developments in technology are finally seeing robotics coming into its own in other industries too.
  • Industry evolves to meet mining's changing demands
    The resources boom which is said to be cleaving Australia''s economy in two is proving to be a boon for those industries servicing Queensland and West Australia''s mining contingent
Product (21)
  • TEA Transmissions LinRace Linear Guideway System
    The LinRace Linear Guideway System is an economic linear guideway system which features a recirculating ball system retained inside a sturdy steel bearing block.
  • Process control actuator
    The Rotork GPSA electric, explosion-proof, process control actuator provides precision performance and an advanced human-machine interface (HMI).
  • Power tool-actuated swing clamps
    Designed to be actuated by an impact wrench or nut runner, the IMAO swing clamps provide fast, economical clamping and unclamping to improve productivity.
  • Robotic bag gripper
    The custom, robotic bag gripper from SAS Automation can lift heavy bags off a roller conveyor while avoiding interference with the conveyor rollers.
  • Servo-electric packaging gripper
    A servo-electric packaging gripper system from Schunk GmbH offers a modular drive concept that is compatible with all robot controls and is suitable for packing and palletising applications.
  • Stainless telescopic linear bearings
    A stainless steel version of the Rollon Telescopic Rail, which is used in heavy industrial applications across the mining, rail and packaging industries, has been developed
  • Vacuum gripper system for handling planks and doors
    Millsom Materials Handling, in conjunction with its worldwide partner Schmalz GmbH, has released an automation solution for handling narrow products with gaps.
  • Chain hoist testing set
    The KPS35 is used to test the friction clutch on chain hoists and consists of a force transducer with chain adapters and a display unit.
  • Elevating platform
    PIMP (Platform In Mechanics Pit) is an elevating platform specially designed for use in a mechanic's pits. When raised, it covers the pit to form part of the workshop floor. It is primarily aimed to solve the height discrepancies encountered by mechanics working in pits on the undercarriage of heavy pieces of machinery.
  • Vacuum gripper systems
    The VGS series of products comprises three gripper system sizes: 2010, 3010 and 5010. Each system uses an integrated COAX cartridge, designed to position vacuum power precisely where it's needed, making maximum use of energy and increasing speed by eliminating line losses and inefficiencies.
  • Utility vehicle with attachments
    The Bobcat 2300 utility vehicle with a RapidLink attachment system can not only tow and carry but can perform a range of tasks using its front-mounted attachments. The vehicle is suitable for large job sites, lifestyle property owners, councils, sporting and recreational venues, resorts and organisations that need to perform a range of maintenance tasks, as well as transport people and cargo.
  • Parallel grippers
    The Univer GU series parallel grippers are designed for robotic pick-and-place applications.
  • Timing belt conveyors
    Instead of a conveyor with a friction drive, Robounit's timing belt conveyor uses a toothed belt in order to achieve a positive drive. The advantages being the elimination of any slip between the belt and the drive; higher acceleration and speeds can be achieved; and due to the additional thickness of the belt, a variety of additional fixings can be incorporated into the conveying surface of the timing belt for the attachment of any parts, materials or components.
  • Graphic display for industrial applications
    A graphical display for use with the D2801 MIDI system is capable of displaying both text and symbols. The display brings the ability to improve the overall system functionality, feedback to the operator and the ability to tailor the display of information to the particular application.
  • Bag handling suction cup
    The BL40-3P is made of Duraflex material and is a new member of the BL-family. It is primarily addressing the market need to handle the expanding variety of plastic bags and pouches, popular in the packaging industry. The cup's bellows and sealing lip are of different hardness, making it stronger and more stable, yet soft and flexible for better sealing on uneven surfaces.
  • Linear motion units
    Incorporating a wear-resistant hardened steel guiderail, the linear motion units from Robotunits have been designed with simplicity and flexibility in mind. The steel rail is supplied fitted into an aluminium backplate that clips and aligns directly into the T slot of the Robotunits Aluminium Extrusion system. The automatic alignment feature means that the user no longer has to spend time setting up and adjusting the guiderails to achieve the alignment necessary for the application.
  • String encoder
    The PT5600 model String Encoders from Celesco consist of industrial rotary encoders mated to Celesco's durable linear cable reels. String encoders are commonly used when the end users need a linear measurement, but require a signal output provided by a high-resolution incremental or absolute encoder.
  • Hydropneumatic press system
    The EPC 3x hydropneumatic modular press system is designed for small- and medium-sized batches in series production of products that use press-fit technology.
  • Crawler dozers
    The 1850K and the 1150K crawler dozers deliver good push and ripping performance. The new models are Tier III compliant and feature more horsepower, along with the added convenience and ease of operation of electrohydraulic controls for both the powertrain and hydraulics.
  • Vacuum grippers
    The combination of vacuum technology and design has enabled a customised vacuum gripper. Rising energy costs, coupled with increasingly strict environmental compliance regulations, have forced manufacturers to re-evaluate their energy consumption.
  • Linear motion system
    Rexroth has extended its ready-to-install linear motion systems product range with another compact design - in size 40. The PSK Precision Module supports the rapid movement of small batches of mass products in the tightest of spaces.
News (34)
  • Robot interviews the stars
    LPRS, European supplier of short-range radio solutions, was selected by robot designer Peter Reynolds to provide wireless communication to a robot that interacted with celebrities backstage at the 2009 Brit Awards. The show’s production company gave Peter a brief that offered open access to the entire backstage area, allowing the robot to roam around at will, interviewing the stars featured in the show as they got ready to perform. The producer envisioned a humanoid robot that could approach artists backstage and engage them in conversation, recording the video and audio for future broadcast.
  • New robots that mimic fish swimming could be used in underwater exploration
    Borrowing from Mother Nature, a team of MIT researchers has built a school of swimming robo-fish that slip through the water just as gracefully as the real thing, if not quite as fast.
  • Robot safety training workshop announced
    Power and automation technology group ABB has announced a series of training workshops that highlight safety considerations for robotic production systems.
  • 'Ocean glider' home after two-month voyage
    Scientists are celebrating the first successful deployment and retrieval in Australia of a remotely controlled, deep ocean-going robotic submarine destined to play a central role in measuring changes in two of Australia’s most influential ocean currents.
  • Robotic technology to be unveiled at NMW 2009
    ABB, supplier of industrial robots, will demonstrate the future of robotic technology on Stand 4902 during National Manufacturing Week at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from May 12 to 15.
  • High-power robotic tool changer module introduced
    ATI-Industrial Automation has introduced a high-power tool changer electrical module that passes current up to 28 A, 500 VAC/700 VDC and includes Amphenol MS-style connectors and a protective earth safety ground.
  • Is your machinery and work equipment safe enough?
    To help manufacturing companies prevent accidents and remain within the law, Pilz offers a Plant Assessment service.
  • Sports test lab recognised
    Christchurch-based embedded electronics and software testing specialist Nightside Test Design has been announced as a finalist for the 2008 EDN Innovation Awards, which recognise excellence in electronics design, manufacture and testing from Australasian companies.
  • Exhibition launches new products
    The Matex 08 Warehouse & Materials Handling Exhibition that is being held at the Sydney Showground has a range of exhibitors launching new products.
  • Fluid power on display in Milan
    The BIAS 2008, Biennial International Exhibition of Automation, Instrumentation, Microelectronics and ICT for Industry is scheduled to be held at fieramilano Rho, Milan from 27–30 May, in conjunction with BIAS Manuf@cturing Solutions, Fluidtrans Compomac, Mechanical Power Transmission and Motion Control and BI.MAN.    
  • General manager appointed
    Bruce Dabb has been appointed as the general manager of materials handling equipment supplier Eurolift New Zealand Limited.
  • Product line upgraded
    Case dealers from across Australia gathered in Sydney for a national dealer conference, where they learned that Case’s entire product line will be upgraded by the end of next year.
  • Robotic violin player comes second in orchestra competition
    NICTA has sponsored a robotic violin player, nicknamed RoboFiddler, which won second place in the Artemis Orchestra contest.
  • Engineering excellence award
    WA property, construction and engineering firm Doric has won an award for its management systems which enable the company to deliver quality projects on time and on budget.
  • Managing director appointed
    Baldor has appointed Daniel Berg as managing director of its newly combined Asia-Pacific operations. The company acquired the Reliance electric motor and Dodge power transmission brands in February 2007.
  • Case and New Holland appoint new leaders
    Kobelco CNH Australia (KCNHA), distributor of Case Construction and New Holland equipment, has announced new leaders for the respective brands. These appointments echo an overseas restructure and will see the new managers developing their dealer networks and products independently, to increase customer support and satisfaction.
  • Engineering event has ‘new’ focus
    EMEX 2008, New Zealand’s comprehensive engineering and manufacturing industry showcase, returns this year with a bigger focus on new technologies and innovations than ever before. It will be held in Auckland 6–8 May and is looking at being the biggest yet with 10% more space, according to Rochelle Gray of dmg world media.
  • Innovation and Creativity award for Wika
    Wika’s electronic division was awarded the Innovation and Creativity Award (InKA) during the Institute for International Research (IRR) conference in Bonn.
  • 35th anniversary of the skid steer loader
    New Holland Construction is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the company’s first skid steer loader, the L35, which was introduced in 1972.
  • Fast feet for animatronics human figure
    The 26-foot-high animatronics figure ‘Big JT’ real-life model of NFL Miami Dolphins star player Jason Taylor has very fast feet.
  • Construction and maintenance purchase
    RCR Tomlinson Ltd has agreed to purchase Eagle Engineering Pty Ltd through the acquisition of all the issued shares of Eagle Engineering.
  • Service centre expanded
    Outotec, a leader in minerals and metals processing technology, is expanding its Australian Service Centre to provide skills to enhance the efficiency of its users’ plants.
  • Tests confirm fuel savings
    An independent study has found the Case 821E Series wheel loader delivers significant fuel savings over its predecessor, the 821C, even when performing at a higher capacity.
  • Caterpillar-sponsored team wins robotic race
    The Caterpillar-sponsored robotic vehicle of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) was awarded first place at the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge in California. The ‘Urban Challenge’ featured autonomous ground vehicles manoeuvring in a mock city environment, executing simulated military supply missions while merging into moving traffic, navigating traffic circles, negotiating busy intersections and avoiding obstacles. The teams had six hours to complete the 96 km course. The challenge is designed to help the Defence Department develop a fleet of autonomous ground vehicles to improve troop safety.
  • Applications close soon
    The annual Next Big Thing Award is a nationwide search to find, showcase and reward Australian innovations that have the potential to become ‘the next big thing’.
  • Competition winners announced
    ABB Australia has to announced that Jarred Spriggs from Deakin University is the winner of the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia and ABB Australia National Robotics Innovation competition for university students.
  • Robotic fin for submarines
    Inspired by the efficient swimming motion of the bluegill sunfish, MIT researchers are building a mechanical fin that could propel robotic submarines.
  • Technology aims to make safety a sure thing
    Technology developed by engineers at the University of Leicester after over 12 years of research promises to make safety a sure thing in equipment as diverse as cars, aircraft and medical equipment.
  • Industry portal set for further growth
    Independent forklift information portal, Forkliftaction.com, is set to hit a membership milestone, with close to 35,000 industry participants already signed up.
  • Materials handling gets its own show in Sydney
    The lifting, loading and shifting of materials is the number one cause of injuries to workers in New South Wales. Now, a new trade show dedicated to making materials handling safe and efficient will provide thousands of solutions.
  • Seminar highlights of Manufacturing Technology InFocus
    Australian manufacturing and technology event, Manufacturing Technology InFocus is to be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre 24–26 July 2007.
  • Mechatronics engineer receives award
    Curtin University lecturer, Dr Euan Lindsay has been announced as one of the 2007 Carrick Awards for Australian University Teaching (CAAUT) Early Career Award winners.
  • Products approved for program
    Dalsa has announced that its IPD Vision Appliance products have been approved for participation in the Rockwell Automation Encompass Program.
  • Partnerships strengthening engineering excellence
    The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) has launched its Professional Development Partner (PDP) program in Wellington.
Case Study (5)
  • Chemical processing robot for alumina refinery
    Alcoa’s global alumina refining research and development group, based in Western Australia, has achieved a significant breakthrough in both health and safety and production technology.
  • Modular system decreases changeover time
    TI Automotive recently approached Piab to come up with an innovative way to improve automated handling of its complexly shaped plastic fuel tanks, which are used in approximately half of the 57 million cars built every year
  • High-speed turret press improves productivity
    Sheetmetal engineering firm AE Tilley in Wellington, New Zealand, has upgraded its capabilities with the purchase of a 30 tonne high-speed turret punch press
  • Predictive maintenance for cranes
    Site management programs developed by Konecranes are being used by resource companies to pinpoint potential equipment problems before they can cause down time and safety concerns
  • Robot consumes less compressed air
    Requests from plastics manufacturers challenged Animex, an ABB strategy partner, to design a new vacuum solution for its Xflex integrated work cell
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