When Amy Lee, Senior Systems Analyst at PPG Aerospace/PRCDeSoto Int. was assigned a finite scheduling project, her goal was to solve the problem on time and on budget. The division which specializes in packaging adhesive, sealants and coatings primarily for the aerospace industry was entering 60-100 orders per day manually on an Excel spreadsheet. There was no way to manipulate the schedule and it was costing the company overtime. The factory was in need of a finite scheduling application to give them visibility of the facility planning decisions. It also needed to enable the factory to provide accurate delivery information to customers and perform "what-if" scenarios for rush orders and capacity planning.

With fast installation as another prime objective, Janet Castens, Operations Manager on the project wanted a straightforward application with simple architecture. The solution they decided on was the Preactor products installed and supported by MDSS, a leader in the development of factory floor technology with over 20 years in the factory software market. Castens comments, "We did not have visibility on the floor and we wanted a solution that was both flexible and easy to understand."

Both Castens and Lee agree that utilizing the PPG Product Methodology was also a component of the successful Preactor installation and deployment. States Lee, "It assured business and IT commitments upfront, it supplied a detailed agenda and task list for the project to follow and it guaranteed the entire process and data flow was mapped out before the project began. This allowed us to be up and running in approximately two weeks."

Today, with Preactor, the order information is automatically pulled from QAD's MFGRO ERP system directly via the MDSS interface saving the facility planner approximately two hours a day at current 2006 business levels. The scheduling overtime has been reduced from four hours to one hour per day. The Preactor product has an easy to use drag and drop scheduling board which produces a realistic schedule with What-If capability.

MDSS, Inc.

KUKA Robotics has provided Robotic CNC Solutions with robots for its new large format machining cell. The new cell utilizes a KUKA robot combined with Gudel linear floor slide to give machinists an expanded working area and travel capability. The new cell is ideal for any customer needing to cut 5 axis large format items, such as models, statues, stairway parts, or car bodies.

"Combining KUKA's robot, Gudel's linear slide and Robotic CNC Solution's expertise will meet customer demands for large format robotic prototyping and machining," said Kevin Kozuszek, director of marketing for KUKA Robotics Corporation.

"KUKA's high performance robots are key to our new cell which will allow customers to mill more efficiently and more cost effectively than ever before," said Tom Bentley, president of Programming Plus.
The new system has expanded the capabilities of the KUKA robot, allowing it to function as a larger CNC machine would. One KUKA robot can mill from one position 2, 3, 4, or even more parts stationed around it and in many cases, it can load its own parts. The 12 ft Gudel linear slide expands the system's travel and work envelope so that customers can easily machine large format products at a lower cost than traditional 5 axis machine tools.

KUKA Robotics Corporation

Exor eTOP panels are equipped with a brand new CPU board which brings the processing power of a 200 MHz 64 bit MIPS processor. New features include: 64K colours are supported in all TFT displays. The higher number of colours is supported for all imported images bringing photo quality viewing on UniOP. Video input option to display images from video cameras and/or computers. Display up to four independent and simultaneous images using the VMO 10 optional external video input module. Images can be easily resized and cropped. 32MB of internal, non-removable memory. A Flash Card socket is also included.

Electromate Industrial Sales Ltd.

The VersaLogic Pentium M PC/104-Plus single board computer features the new "Cheetah" board which includes a powerful 1/6 GHz Pentium M processor. The Cheetah is targeted at applications requiring substantial processing power and extensive features in a compact design, such as medical, avionics, navigation/tracking, system monitoring and security/homeland defense markets. It is especially suited for embedded control applications requiring a very small footprint, which the 3.6" x 3.8" board provides. Standard on-board features include 2 COM ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, IDE, LPT, audio, and PS/2 keyboard/mouse support.

Integrys Limited

The HotShot series of portable thermography systems is now available with an integrated plug-in visible light digital camera. The 1.3 mega-pixel visible camera features a built-in flash, adding the ability to capture both high-quality infrared and visible light images simultaneously. Set-up is effortless, as the visible camera plugs directly into the HotShot's Compact Flash™ accessory port, which can also serve as an interface for a wide range of existing and future devices including memory cards and a miniature heads up viewfinder. Various viewing modes for visible camera output are available, including picture-in-picture or stand-alone viewing.

Hyatt Industries Limited

The PDM 360 Smart Human Machine Interface (HMI) with graphic display is a user interface designed to display system messages in mobile machines. The 2.5" integrated graphic display (128 x 64 pixels) is capable of displaying both text and visual elements associated with an application program. Twelve back-lit function keys are used for data entry and handling. The sealed diecast-zinc housing is rated IP67 and is suitable for surface or panel mounting in both outdoor applications and vehicle cabins. The HMI is equipped with a CAN interface that enables data exchange with a connected controller.

ifm efector inc.

The Ti50 and Ti55 IR FlexCam® thermal imagers feature 320 x 240 pixel resolution, thermal sensitivity and a five-inch high, bright LCD display. The cameras feature a temperature measurement range up to 600°C for higher temperature applications and an image capture rate of 60 Hz offering real-time target temperature displayed live on the camera's screen. When the AutoCapture feature is pre-programmed, the camera will capture images at preset, timed intervals, or when the target temperatures are reached.

Fluke Electronics Canada

A simplex, galvanically isolated Foundation Fieldbus Power Supply - KLD2-FBPS-1.25.360 - provides 25V and 360 mA of supply current with minimal heat dissipation, while supporting redundant 24 V power. These modules can be mounted adjacent to one another without concern for spacing. Passive power conditioning (signal filter) makes it reliable and an excellent design choice of single segment power needs. The Foundation Fieldbus power supply supports the innovative High-Power Trunk method of protection that allows Fieldbus technology users to enjoy the same benefits in terms of power, cable length and number of devices per segment in hazardous locations as they do in general purpose applications. It also supports simple connection of the mobile Advanced Diagnostic Module for physical layer diagnostics.

Pepperl+Fuchs

The WV408 - DC voltage/current input isolating signal conditioner and the WV428 - thermocouple input isolating signal conditioner are now approved for use in hazardous area locations. Both models can be installed directly in the Class I, Div 2 (Groups A, B, C, and D) hazardous locations. Additional features of the modules are: Smart Power, which eliminates wasted power for low loop resistance loads in the current output mode; high accuracy and enhanced diagnostic LEDs; compact DIN-rail mount housing and CE, CSA approved and UL recognized.

Action Instruments

Guyson has integrated a 6-axis robot nozzle manipulator into an automated rotary blast machine for repetitive surface treatment operations. The robotic blast system was developed to consistently perform critical surface preparation on irregularly shaped components, but it is also suitable for a variety of other blasting applications. In addition to the motion capabilities of the robot, the rotary table of the blast machine is driven by a servomotor that is integrated with the robot controller as a seventh axis of motion.

Guyson Corporation

The KUKA KR5 SCARA robot family is designed for customers with high speed applications that entail long reach tasks. The new 4 axis robots, when combined with KUKA's user-friendly PC-based control platform gives customers an extremely easy to learn and use pick and place automation solution. The robot family includes 350mm and 550mm reach models which are capable of handling payloads up to 5kg. The 4-axis robots' light weight gives the robot optimum acceleration and maximum working velocities.

KUKA Robotics Corporation

The Ultra® TT Automation Series is an easily implemented dispensing robot system that improves productivity when making repetitive deposits of adhesives, epoxies, sealants, solder pastes and other assembly fluids. The dispensing robot combines precision dispensing technology, closed-loop servo controls and powerful drive motors to make uniform dots, fill cavities or small containers with consistent volumes and trace even lines over complicated part geometries - all with positioning accuracy of +/-25 microns.

EFD

The new Telemecanique Magelis® XBT-GT graphic terminals are compact, rugged and easy to install and operate. They are powerful enough to support HMI applications for all industries - including automotive, machining, HVAC, conveying, packaging, mining, petrochemical, sawmills, pulp/paper and water/wastewater. The Magelis XBT GT is available in six screen sizes. Designed for multimedia, its touch screens, from 3.8" to 15", offer superb picture definition. A RISC 64-bit processor allows ultra-fast response times and task multiplication.

Schneider Electric

With a power range from 1.1 to 13.8 kW, the ECS Servo System was designed specifically for the requirements of industrial handling, packaging, gantry systems and robotics. A central supply module, with a five-fold overload capacity, supplies all the connected axis drives. The high overload capacity of all system components and the optimized DC bus design allows efficient usage of the installed devices, ensures a compact overall design and allows the servo system to operate without additional DC bus fuses, saving on unnecessary components, space and installation time. All line terminals, including the mains input, are designed to be 100 percent pluggable for easy installation and maintenance.

AC Technology

The EPSON Micro PowerDrive is a new controls platform that provides ease of use, compact size and reliability. The Micro PowerDrive controller with EPSON SCARA and Pro Six robots provides path control, fast accel/decel times, and tremendous overall motion capabilities. The Micro PowerDrive is available with all EPSON E2 SCARA and Pro Six 6-axis robots and includes an enhanced version of the EPSON RC+ development environment. Features include 16 task multitasking, full-featured SPEL+ programming language, project management, source level debugging with the company's SmartSense technology which reduces development time thus allowing developers to build automation systems faster and easier.

EPSON Robots

VisionPro® Machine vision systems feature new interactive tools which make it fast and easy to evaluate, implement and deploy multi-camera applications completely without programming. Its QuickBuild environment quickly defines the image acquisition, vision tools and accept/reject criteria. The Communications Explorer sends inspection results to input/output lines and communication devices, such as PLCs or reject mechanisms. Optional Scripting extends QuickBuild without programming the entire application. The Application Wizard automatically generates a runtime application with an operator interface in a matter of minutes.

Cognex Corporation

The Impact™ A-10 Intelligence Camera, along with the bundled IMPACT Software Suite delivers all the power of advanced inspection capabilities in a vision sensor profile. The software's three modules allow for quick setup, storage and viewing of captured images through the entire application, even as inspection requirements change. Housed in a compact yet robust hardware configuration the Impact A-10 offers faster-on-board image processing, more memory, real-time I/O and the speed of Gigabit Ethernet communications.

PPT Vision Inc.

GE Fanuc Automation announces the availability of its All Ethernet High-Availability Solution designed to mitigate the risks of downtime and safety concerns. The solution, based on GE Fanuc's PACSystems Rx7i and Rx3i control platforms, provides the ability to manage a large number of mission critical I/O at high speed in a distributed architecture. These applications would typically be deployed in metals, oil & gas, semiconductor, transportation, energy and water/wastewater industries, where customers demand 24x7 uptime.

GE Fanuc Automation, Inc.

The B16-L and B17-L latching open frame solenoids are now RoHS compliant. They feature an integral return spring and are specifically designed for latching applications such as security systems, office automation and medical devices. These compact solenoids provide a maximum force of 25 oz. and a maximum stroke of 0.18 inches in a compact housing less than one inch in length and less than 0.6 inches in width. They offer 10%, 25% and 50% duty cycles and are available as standard with 3, 6, 12, or 24 VDC input voltages, with optional input voltages up to 120 VDC. Two plunger cone configurations are available.

Saia-Burgess Inc.

The SinCos® SRS 64 Motor Feedback Systems with Hiperface® interface are well suited for applications requiring high resolution, or the Hiperface interface, in an industrial housing suitable for mounting external to a servo motor. These single-turn servo motor feedback systems provide precise absolute positioning with 32,768 steps per revolution. In addition, they provide 1024 sine/cosine cycles per turn, which after A/D conversion in a servo drive, produces up to 4 million counts per turn. An IP65 rating ensures trouble-free operation in a wide range of industrial applications. .

Sick Stegmann, Inc.

The Dura-Vue™ DF12 colour sensors can be taught to recognize three independent colours with a single sensor. Programming is quick and easy via a potentiometer setting at the sensor, or by a remote teach signal from a PLC. The Dura-Vue DF12 series features a harsh-duty, metal-framed housing with swivel connector ideal for sorting, positioning and quality control in packaging and converting applications. Each of the sensors three channels can be taught to detect even minute colour variations, with varying degrees of tolerance as selected by the user. Each output simplifies wiring by automatically sinking or sourcing current based on its connected load.

Pepperl+Fuchs

The Wahl Heat Spy® HSI3000 Thermal Imaging Camera is an ergonomically designed, hand held, light, compact, and easy-to-use thermal imaging camera, used as a detection and diagnostic tool for condition monitoring of electrical and monitoring systems and building diagnostics. The camera features a 160 x 120, uncooled microbolometer array, capable of producing crisp high resolution real time thermal images displayed on a large, bright 3.5" colour LCD with LED backlight in any of the three selectable colour palettes.

Wahl Instruments Inc.

The Getac W130 and M220 rugged laptops are ideal for mounting on forklifts and warehouse walls as part of real time data collection solutions, as well as for connecting warehouse managers and service technicians to the corporate network. The Getac W130 is a 12.1" XGA unit with Pentium M 1.6 GHz processor, 40 gig drive and numerous upgrade options. The Getec M220 is offered with a 14" or 15" display, two batteries with over six hours of run time. The laptops are durable, rugged devices with Pentium M computing power, sealed connectors, integrated 802.11 G wireless Ethernet, and touchscreens.

Glacier Computer

These pancake style motors are available on a custom basis in large bore or hollow shaft configurations for vacuum, radiation and other harsh environments. They are available with a power range of 25 to 2500 watts in sizes ranging from 8 to 60 in. in diameter; with maximum bore size of 20-25% of the motor diameter. Comprehensive design services are available. Hollow motors are used in beam line applications where a clearance hole at the centerline is vital to proper machine operation.

Empire Magnetics

Assuring added control for consecutive single-zone accumulation applications, the HTBL (High Torque Brushless) ZPA (Zero Pressure Accumulation) DriveControl module provides self-contained zero pressure accumulation control in a plug-and-play configuration for ease in installation and operation. The module is ideally suited for HTBL RollerDrive conveying in any distribution center or manufacturing application.

Interroll RollerDrives

Copley Controls offers a sub-system for fast response position control applications. The sub-system consists of a direct drive ServoTube actuator, driven by the high power density Micro Xenus controller. Actuator and controller create an out-of-the-box drop-in replacement for ballscrew and pneumatic positioners. The matched positioning pair develops velocity to 3.8 m/second and peak drive force to 87 pound. The actuator requires no external encoder for position feedback. Servo Tube's patented magnetic circuit enables an integral solid state sensor to provide 12 micron repeatability.

Copley Controls

The BK9105 Bus Coupler makes the comprehensive Beckhoff Bus Terminal I/O System of over 200 different signal types fully available to Ethernet/IP users. The BK9105 is ODVA-certified and follows the producer and consumer model for I/O data. It is well-equipped with twelve different LEDs that offer users a wealth of diagnostic information without requiring additional tools, including: simple voltage displays, Ethernet port status and a wide range of information regarding established connections and Ethernet/IP communication status.

Beckhoff Automation LLC

Canadian Industrial Equipment News October 2006

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