Material Handling Showcase

Every time you touch that part adds cost to it. These material handling tools can help keep your part costs down by making your handling processes more competitive.

GRIPPING TONGS FOR STEEL MILLS
Bushman AvonTec (Milwaukee, WI) recently designed and built a 30,000 lb capacity gripping tong to grab and handle work rolls in a steel mill. The tong includes chock stabilizers that keep the top-heavy chocks on the ends of the roll from flipping over. Operation is all mechanical and utilized Bushman AvonTec’s automatic latching device. www.BushmanAvonTec.com

SHEET FEEDER DE-STACKS, ALIGNS AND FEEDS STEEL SHEETS
The Union Tool Corporation (Warsaw, IN) offers the Union Sheet Feeder designed to de-stack, align and feed steel sheets ranging in sizes from 20 in to 44 in wide and 60 in to 76 in long with thicknesses of .050 in to .125 in. The Sheet Feeder can feed up to five parts per minute and features a PLC control with operator touchscreen interface.

A lower roller conveyor pops up to lift the load and a centering device centers the load. It is important to have these blanks on center prior to delivery to the roll forming machine. Once centered, the original powered roller conveyor delivers the stack to a backstop which features magnetic sheet separators that separate the top sheet from the stack to be sent to the roll formers.

A vacuum head gantry, equipped with vacuum cups mounted to the head, picks up the blank sheet and moves it to a new conveyor with idler rollers and a chain conveyor pushing device or “dog”. The chain conveyor features two dogs; one pushes the blank to the roll former and then falls out of the way, while the second dog comes up from behind to push the next blank. Vertical centering devices insure the blank is centered and secure until it is delivered to the roll forming press. When the sheet is drawn into the press, the centering devices separate/open for the next sheet.

The sheet feeder is equipped with a double sheet detector to insure that only one sheet at a time is delivered.  If two sheets are detected the operation will stop. www.uniontoolcorp.com

VACUUM TUBE LIFTER GETS HANDLEBAR AND TUBE ASSEMBLY
An updated VT Series ergonomic vacuum lifter that features a stronger and more secure handlebar and a proprietary lifting tube and tube attachment system is being introduced by Anver Corporation (Hudson, MA). The VT Series Tube Lifter features a stainless steel handlebar that secures at six points (front, center, and rear) for optimum rigidity, has custom formed plastic grips, and is fully adjustable to let operators tailor it to their own comfort requirements. This ergonomic vacuum tube lifter also receive a lifting tube that is 15 percent lighter than previous versions, is more compressible, and has easy screw-on connectors.

Available with capacities up to 650 lb, VT Series Tube Lifters can be equipped with a virtually unlimited selection of interchangeable standard and custom pick-up heads. Standard features include a heavy-duty vacuum pump that provides a 100 percent duty cycle, a 360 deg swivel top for unlimited rotation, and a vacuum gauge; offered in electric or air-powered models.

VT Series Tube Lifters are priced from $4,995, depending upon the capacity and configuration.  Price quotations are available upon request. www.anver.com

HOISTS ADDRESS ECONOMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Columbus McKinnon Corporation (Amherst, NY), offers the Man Guard Electric Chain Hoist in capacities from ¼ ton to 3 tons. The core of the Man Guard is the overload clutch and heavy duty rating, but the hoist boasts numerous features that set it apart from other hoists in this category. All Man Guard hoists feature an open design that allows for quick access to the brake and wiring for easy maintenance and adjustments.

The unit comes standard with a heavy duty AC disk brake and with precision gearing and efficient electric hoist motors that are precisely designed for each speed and capacity. The result is less energy consumption required to operate the hoist as compared to its competitive counterparts. This makes the Man Guard more economical to operate while providing an environmentally friendly hoist alternative. It also comes with single speed or variable frequency drive as standard units, with most units in stock ready to ship. The rigid hook mounting (standard) is interchangeable to other mounting options (sold separately). www.cmworks.com

ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED ALUMINUM CRANE SYSTEMS
eepos US, LLC (Baldwyn, MS) is a German designed overhead aluminum crane company which provides aluminum crane systems for the material handling and automotive industries. eepos US is a division of eepos GmbH and has a new facility located in Northeast Mississippi.

The comprehensive modular Aluminum Crane System allows eepos to solve a wide range of problems regarding the flow of material and load handling, thus relieving the burden placed upon the user. It allows you to tailor your transport system individually to suit your requirements. eepos aluminum crane systems are high-quality, lightweight, innovative, competitively priced and flexible. The trained sales and service partners at eepos assist customers in planning the optimum crane system for their purpose, thus ensuring customer satisfaction. eepos customers include BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Rolls Royce, Porsche, Audi, Fiat, and many more. www.eepos-us.com

LIGHTER-DUTY DRAG CONVEYOR FOR CHIP REMOVAL AT CNC
PRAB, Inc. (Kalamazoo, MI) offers a lighter-duty version of its proven drag conveyor technology that easily integrates under certain types of CNC machines for removal of chips at the source. “We’ve redesigned our drag conveyor in a low-profile format to easily integrate under machining centers,” said Mike Porter, PRAB Systems project engineer. “This lighter-duty drag conveyor is a very economic replacement alternative to factory-installed 1.5 in pitch steel belt conveyors, which can often require frequent maintenance due to premature wear.”

The specially designed drag conveyor also features a grated end plate to allow metalworking fluid transferred from chips to exit the conveyor and collect in a liquid-tight trough. In addition to added reliability due to less moving parts, the drag conveyor offers zero carryover to improve productivity. www.prab.com

4-WHEEL STEER WAREHOUSE AND DC CART
Kinetic Technologies, Inc. (Wickcliffe, OH) offers a double 5th wheel four-wheel steer 48 in x 96 in flat deck cart for towing up to 4,000 lb loads. Four-wheel steering improves tracking of carts in long trains helpful for cornering or maneuvering in tight aisles. Rugged laser cut and formed one-piece 7 ga deck is 15 in off the floor with maximum capacity for two 48 in x 48 in pallets. Standard features include non-marking, debris shedding 8 in x 3 in indoor/outdoor polyurethane wheels, yoke mounted V-shaped push bar, load stop corners, spring loaded self-stowing tow bar, clevis and pin hitch. www.ktecinc.com

ALTERNATIVE TO FORKLIFT CHANGES THE WAY LOADS ARE HANDLED
A&H Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc. (Cerritos, CA) offers the Shop Lift™ as a uniquely engineered, ergonomic solution to the problem of heavy materials handling in a confined space. Shop Lift™ is an economical yet very rugged device, built to fit through most standard doorways, carrying up to a 600 lb payload and delivering it safely to a machine, storage rack, pallet, loading bay or onto a truck.

With a gross weight of 700 lb and small footprint measuring only 28 in wide x 72 in high x 61 in long, this compact yet powerful device protects workers and loads alike. Plus, there’s none of the odor from propane tanks and virtually none of the noise usually associated with conventional forklifts. Driven by a 12V electric-powered hydraulic pump with built-in battery and charger, Shop Lift™ features standard 18 in long sturdy steel forks with 9 in load center, adjustable from 8 in to 18 in wide and with tilting to 15 deg, capable of elevating a load up to 51 in off the floor, with a reach-in capacity of 28 in forward extension.

Every type of load, including pallets, round bar stock, molds, tooling, crates, heavy workpieces, even sensitive electronic or medical equipment, can be transported safely and easily by one operator using the onboard pendant control. Shop Lift™ operates on the principal of counterbalance, so every load up to 600 lb is safe and secure. The hydraulics are rated to 1200 lb and the heavy-duty steel structure remains rigid, while riding quietly on molded polyurethane or cast steel 8 in diameter wheels with foot-engaged floor lock. With a tight turning circle only 67 in, the Shop Lift™ is highly maneuverable and remains impervious to uneven surfaces on the plant, warehouse or shop floor.

Originally designed for loading EDM (electrical discharge machine) tooling, the Shop Lift™ is ideal for mold shops, machine builders, tool and die works, foundries, all types of manufacturing, assembly and other materials handling requirements. Plus, this device has significant advantages for distributors of everything from food to auto parts, wherever heavy loads needs to be transported in tight quarters.  “Clean” locations such as hospitals and electronics manufacturing facilities can also utilize Shop Lift™ in many ways. The standard Shop Lift™ has a suggested retail price of $3350 and can be shipped in 30 days.  Custom models can be built on request.  Please contact the factory. www.ahtooling.com

VACUUM LIFTER PREVENTS DAMAGE TO CYLINDRICAL LOADS
A below-the-hook, pneumatic vacuum lifter that picks up pipe, rod, and other cylindrical loads from the top surface and eliminates blocking, bending, and sagging has been introduced by Anver Corporation (Hudson, MA). The VPFL Air-Powered Vacuum Lifter for cylindrical loads features rectangular suction pads that adjust to the curvature of the top surface and two alignment guides for easy attachment.  Equipped with an adjustable handlebar to accommodate loads of varying widths, this ergonomic lifter lets one person handle cylindrical loads without blocking, chains, and slings while providing full support lengthwise to prevent bending and sagging.

Suitable for handling cylindrical loads up to 2,000 lb, the VPFL Air-Powered Vacuum Lifter can include a wide variety of rectangular suction pads made from different materials. Standard features include the VLS-8 Vacuum Leakage Sensor that sounds a loud horn and flashes a bright LED warning light if vacuum loss or leakage occurs. Applications include feeding machining centers and maneuvering long plastic pipe or rod. The VPFL Air-Powered Vacuum Lifter for cylindrical loads is priced from $1,995.00 (list), depending upon configuration. www.anver.com

CUSTOM PARTS BASKETS & CONTAINERS
Salco Engineering and Manufacturing (Jackson, MI) designs and manufactures in-process parts holding baskets and wash baskets for use in your facility’s assembly lines, robotic systems and any other system that requires manual and/or conveyor movement. Baskets feature ergonomic handles fitting comfortably into hands, giving a firm grip and preventing stress normally placed on fingers, hands, and arms when lifting and carrying rod handle baskets. Handles available in your choice of colors making part identification easier.

Salco manufactures standard size and custom wire baskets, basket inserts, monorail hangers, display racks, wire storage decking. Baskets can be made with various finishes including zinc-plated, urethane/nylon stainless steel material. Salco can reproduce or modify your current baskets. The company also manufactures all-welded cannel steel material handling carts and develops complete material handling systems. www.salcoeng.com

JIB CRANES INCREASE SAFETY, UPTIME, AND RELIABILITY
Konecranes, Inc. (Springfield, OH) produces a range of Jib Cranes as a flexible overhead lifting solution for production lines, workstations, machining cells, and warehouses. These Jib Cranes have less structural limitations than most material handling equipment and are easy to install. As a result, the units help to increase safety, uptime, and reliability.

Designed to serve multiple purposes, Jib Cranes support indoor and outdoor applications and are widely used in customer segments from small workshops to assembly lines and nuclear plants. They boost usability with minimal structural limitations, leading to safer, more accurate operation. They feature an adjustable console bearing that enables easy beam adjustments during operation, unlike traditional models which require disassembly in case of erratic self-movement of the beam. This adjustable console bearing minimizes uncontrolled trolley and jib beam movements, reducing the risk of equipment damage and personnel injuries.

For enhanced safety, Jib Cranes include an emergency disconnect switch located on the pillar or wall, and the chain hoist has a separate emergency stop button on the hoist pendant. Other standard features such as manual jib slewing and push/pull trolleys contribute to ease of use. Installation and relocation of the Jib Crane can be completed quickly and easily, allowing for short production downtime.

The adjustable console bearing makes horizontal beam adjustment extremely easy and accurate during operation and afterwards, keeping downtime to a minimum. Wall-mounted Jib Cranes can be mounted at any height on the wall or building columns where strength and true vertical alignment are possible. Free standing Jib Cranes are supported by adjustable tension bolts to permit field adjustment and insure even pressure of roller on pipe, and are fixed with a standard base plate or an optional large base plate for existing concrete floors or concrete foundation bolt cage.

I-beam under-braced jib cranes (IPU) have been designed for higher capacity and optimal lift height. IPU jib cranes have maximum spans of 20 ft and allow for very low headroom, making this crane type a perfect fit even in lower buildings. XM profile over-braced jib cranes (XMO) have been designed for light and easy movement and generous hook approach. Rail spans with a maximum length of 26 ft can be added to XMO Jib Cranes due to a profile internal trolley and beam supported from the top, leading to a larger available working area below the crane. Both models have a maximum capacity of two tons and are available in free standing or wall-mounted configurations. www.konecranesamericas.com