Focus on -­ Material Handling

THE CEILING'S THE LIMIT FOR STORAGE



The key to success at Corporate Jet Support (CJS) is the company's ability to keep in-demand high-quality airplane parts flying out the door, and doing it faster than their competition. A leading wholesale supplier of Gulfstream aircraft parts, last year CJS's unmitigated success was creating a potentially debilitating problem in their storage warehouse.

Simply put, says CJS owner, Chris Breitweiser, "We ran out of room. We had grown out of our existing storage space and were forced to contemplate either moving or expanding our warehouse through expensive construction."

The problem, as it turned out, was not one of insufficient storage space -- the available 10,000 feet of square footage was fine. The problem was a storage system that was not making the best use of the available space. CJS was relying on antiquated, conventional shelving and pallets to store its wide range of fast moving aircraft parts. When Breitweiser contacted Bob Darienzo, at Deluxe Systems, he learned that he actually had more available storage space than he thought.

Darienzo convinced Breitweiser that he didn't have to buy a bigger building or organize his inventory better.

In fact, a modular storage system from Lista International Corp. could take full advantage of CJS's available underutilized vertical space, while providing secure, dust-free, organized and highly flexible storage for the company's entire inventory.

Lista International is a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative, efficient, modular storage systems. As a long-time Lista distributor, Darienzo had seen the benefits of Lista products many times over, particularly in a number of flight department applications, so he knew which products to recommend for CJS's particular needs.

CJS and Breitweiser purchased a full squadron of 250 HyperSpace (HS) cabinets, plus two Storage Wall® systems from Lista. The high density 22 1/2" deep HS Cabinets are designed to make item retrieval easier and reduce reach and strain, with drawers that extend completely from the housing to allow easy access to all the contents. The HS cabinets' 18" deep drawers require only 36" of aisle space for full drawer extension, so aisle space can be minimized.

CJS captured 10 feet of vertical space by stacking two HS cabinets atop each other. Lista custom-configured the HS drawer interiors using its flexible, modular dividing and partitioning accessories to accommodate the items CJS would be storing -- everything from small washers to valves, generators and actuators. Each drawer has a 440 lb. capacity, ensuring that the contents will be fully supported.

Explained Breitweiser, "We were able to maximize our warehouse height and maintain the flexibility to put thousands of items in a very limited area. We can now hold in one drawer what we previ Corp. Jet Supply 1 app pic ously were storing in three units of conventional shelving. We now have 35,000 different locations in which to store inventory. With our old method, we were only able to store 1/3 of that amount."

CJS utilizes the Storage Wall systems it purchased to provide a temporary home for long and bulky supplies, such as fluorescent lighting tubes. Lista's Storage Wall system is unique in that it can combine drawers, shelves and roll-out trays in one space-efficient unit to deliver high cubic density and maximum versatility. CJS custom ordered its Storage Wall units without end panels, so that especially long items can be easily accessed from the open ends of boxes.

Breitweiser especially likes that the HS cabinets come with a built-in highly secure locking system.

"We deal in used aircraft parts for planes that are no longer being made," he said, "so many of the parts are difficult to find and very valuable. It's important to keep a close watch on inventory and to maintain a worry-free security system."

The items stored in the Storage Wall system are less fragile and costly than those stored in the HS, so locks are not in use (although the Storage Wall systems are available with a variety of lockable doors). Superior organization was of paramount concern.

"All the units we purchased from Lista are rock solid and very easy to keep well organized," Breitweiser said. "With the combination of the different sizes of Lista cabinets, CJS is now able to segregate different types of inventory, while maintaining plenty of room for growth in an area that we thought we had outgrown."

Overall Breitweiser is extremely pleased with the way the Lista system is keeping aircraft part traffic moving at CJS.

He concluded, "I am extremely pleased with the benefits we've gained after switching to the Lista storage system -- benefits of superior organization, inventory control and fast retrieval that have made us a lot more productive. They are a great company, and they make a strong, durable heavy-gauge steel product. It's a relief knowing that, with proper care, our Lista storage system can truly last forever."

Lista International

TOW TRACTORS

Toyota has a new line of tow tractors for any company that needs to tug or tow several carts full of items that can be quite heavy. The option of an AC electric tow truck means they can be used inside manufacturing facilities. The electric tow trucks, available in 1,500- and 1,800-kg drawbar pull capacities, feature a powerful AC drive system that delivers more runtime per battery charge. The tow tractor uses Controller Area Network (CAN-bus) communication technology to provide precise, fast and reliable control of all truck functions with fewer electrical components. It comes fully equipped with a digital display offering hour meter, performance parameters, battery discharge, diagnostic information and built-in analyzer.

Toyota Canada Inc.

 

BARCODE BATTERY CHARGER

The ODZ-MAH-CHARGER is a battery charger designed specifically for use with GRIP2 and GRIP3 model barcode reader handles. The charger is easily mounted to a wall or countertop, provides LED indication of the battery charge status, and is available with an optional Bluetooth™ modem. It provides a charge time of approximately three hours for barcode readers using GRIP2 handles, and six hours for barcode readers using GRIP3 handles. A 5 VDC power supply is included.

Pepperl+Fuchs

 

PLATFORM TRUCK

The Model PC3048 Platform Truck allows operators to move loads of up to 227 kg around the plant, warehouse or any other facility with ease. Among operator-friendly features are: molded-in pockets hold order-picking items, pens, clipboards, printouts, scanners and more, while the beverage holder is a fit for a coffee cup or water bottle. The powder-coated steel handle is 32mm in diameter for a good, convenient grip. The unique smooth-contoured deck design means loads slide on and off easily yet will not shift while being transported.

Techstar Plastics Inc.

 

RECEIVERS

AIRLANCO Receivers use compressed-air pulse jet cleaning of filter media to keep pneumatic conveying systems running plug free and in compliance with air quality standards. Receivers are available in AVR Side Bag Removal or ART Top Bag Removal models. Both are robustly built for high pressure/vacuum operation and can be ordered with standard round or optional rectangular tangential inlets. The lower hopper sections can be customized to suit the flow characteristics of specific bulk materials.

AIRLANCO

 

CONVEYOR

The Mini-Unscrambler conveyor orients cases into single-file line at up to 100 cartons per minute for induction into high-speed material handling systems. By edge-aligning cartons and removing side-by-side products, the conveyor reduces system jams and mis-sorts, and decreases carton recirculation. The Mini-Unscrambler is suitable for pre-sorter induction areas, following manual or automated depalletizing cells, and in manual repack areas.

FKI Logistex North America

 

SOFT PLACEMENT MODULE

The soft placement module is designed for secure, efficient packing of bottles in a range of industries. Compatible with several packer models, the soft placement module with advanced motion control gently lowers bottles into cases or trays without damage to the label, closure or container integrity. With its steady, precise placement, the soft placement module eliminates bottle-to-bottle scuffling and breakage, with or without partitions. The unique servo system accelerates bottles downward, then comes to a gradual, decelerated stop as the heels of the bottles reach the bottom of the case. The packed case is then indexed to the discharge conveyor and the soft placement module ascends into position for the next cycle.

Standard-Knapp

 

BARCODE READER HANDLES

The GRIP family of barcode reader handles for MAH200 and MAH300 series barcode readers withstands demanding application conditions in high use environments, with an extended-use ergonomic design for prolonged reader use. The GRIP1 is designed for rugged cabled use. These barcode reader handles promise up to three million activations for extended trigger life. They provide well-protected reader window and illumination LEDs and an elastomer overmold improves drop-shock survivability. Readers are secured to the handle via the threaded battery compartment.

Pepperl+Fuchs

 

AC LIFT TRUCK

The Raymond Model 4400 3-wheel, sit-down electric truck is suitable for numerous applications - from heavy-duty dock operations to higher-speed transport for supplying rack systems and moving picked orders. The attachment ready Model 4400 handles cartons, paper rolls and slipsheets with ease, and has lift capabilities from 3,000 to 4,000 lbs. With its low-profile design, the Model 4400 can move easily through doorways and into low shipping containers and trailers. Also, counter-rotating motors on the drive wheels give the Model 4400 a tight turning radius for maneuvering in tight spaces with precise control. The Model 4400 uses Raymond's exclusive ACR System™ for both drive and lift to deliver faster, smoother operation and increased travel and lift speeds.

The Raymond Corporation

 

LIFT MAGNETS

The new handle on the PowerLift® Rare Earth lift magnet features a positive lock-on and lock-off mechanism that requires the operator to manually switch between the two states. This prevents the handle from being turned only "partially on" and giving the operator a false sense of security that the magnet is holding safely, or being accidentally bumped to the "off" position, dropping the load prematurely. The handle's locking mechanism is engaged by first pulling out on the handle to release the lock pin, than rotating the handle to the "on" position. Turning the magnet off requires the same steps in the reverse direction.

Industrial Magnetics, Inc..

 

MOBILE ROBOT

The autonomous tugger, the GT3, employs Seegrid's Industrial Mobile Robotics (IMR) technology which enables it to move through manufacturing, warehousing and distribution operations, utilizing stereo cameras to build a reliable 3D map of the environment. The GT3 then uses the map and its own reasoning ability to navigate a predetermined path to complete its assigned transport task. The GT3 transports materials and finished goods without wire guides, magnets or lasers. It is designed to free up skilled employees by taking care of such tasks as pulling carts, delivering palletized materials and positioning supplies in tight areas. The vehicle is highly flexible and can be implemented quickly and easily with no workflow disruption.

Seegrid Corporation

 

ROLL-UP DOOR

The HarshGuard roll-up door has a unique tensioning system, which enables the door to maintain a seal under gusts of up to 70 mph on a 10' x 12' door and prevents the curtain from blowing out of its guides. The door is also suitable for areas within the facility that have high positive/negative pressures. The HarshGuard can also be supplied without the wind-load tensioning system for interior room separation. Enhanced door mechanics resist contamination, ice build-up, and harsh environmental factors. Non-corrosive materials and fasteners are used in order to withstand caustic and corrosive solutions used in food processing, wash downs and industrial 2008-575 applications.

Goff's Enterprises, Inc

 

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL SOFTWARE

The FastPic™ suite of inventory management software is a flexible, easily expandable tool that improves speed, efficiency and accuracy in a wide range of manufacturing business storage and retrieval applications. It is available in versions that fit any inventory management need. The software includes features for managing not only automated storage and retrieval systems in single work zones, but also multiple work zones that incorporate shelving and rack systems, pick-to-light systems and bulk storage operations.

FastPic Systems

 

MOTOR CONTROLS

Rockwell Automation has expanded their motor control, offerings for washdown applications. Ideal for food processing equipment, the PowerFlex 40 AC drive and ArmorStart NEMA/UL Type 4X/12 rating provides Ul-listed protection against circulating dust and high-water pressure for equipment such as mixers, pumps, conveyor equipment, fans, packaging machinery, machine tool equipment, wood-working machinery and overhead door equipment. Available in 240, 480 and 600 volts for applications up to five horsepower, then PowerFlex 40 MENA 4X AC drive is also equipped with high configurable I/O including the ability to perform basic logic, timer and counter functions. The ArmorStart product line is also available in 240, 480 and 600 volts for applications up to five horsepower.

Rockwell Automation

 

SLEWING RINGS

igus® unique slewing ring bearings use two self-lubricating, low friction polymer siding elements in place of ball bearings. The low noise "PRT" modules are highly wear resistant, easy to install, and completely maintenance-free. The slewing rings are also robust and have a very high load capacity. The PRT slewing rings have aluminum housings and use stainless steel screws. The polymer sliding elements are made from iglide® J, which contains a solid lubricant, so it does not require additional lubrication. The material also boasts a low coefficient of friction, chemical resistance, low moisture absorption and good vibration dampening properties. Iglide PRT slewing ring bearings are suitable for all environments, in particular, semiconductor and cleanroom applications, assembly lines, production facilities and robots.

igus Inc.

 

SEVERE DUTY COATINGS

NORD's Severe Duty + (NSD+) and Severe Duty Extreme (NAD-X3) protective coatings endure that NORD units are extremely well-sealed against permeating moisture, resistant to corrosion and shielded against the harmful effects of environmental exposure in wet and outdoor installations. Using a solvent-based primer undercoat and stainless steel finish for durability and protection, both finishes are capable of standing up to high heat and humidity. NSD-X3 features an added clear top-coat for increased protection.

NORD Gear Limited

 

MOBILE PALLET WRAPPER

The GW-3500™ Mobile Pallet Wrapper is able to handle 70" diagonal loads, wraps 10 loads/hr and runs at 11 rpm. Other features include manually adjustable film tension, up/down wrapping cycles, independent top and bottom wrap pattern selection from 1-9 wraps and a "splash-proof" wrapping mode. The mobile pallet wrapper also eliminates load failures by securely wrapping each load. The mobility of the GW-3500 allows for wrapping anywhere and its small footprint allows for easy storage.

GaleWrap

 

TUBE AIR PILLOWS

The Airplus® Tube is a moldable and foldable tubular air pillow which easily conforms to products to protect them during shipping. They can be used for cushioning and void fill, making it ideal for cylindrical products such as glass bottles and jars, fragile glass containers, porcelain figurines, hard-to-pack industrial products, and more.

Storopack, Inc.

 

POWER LIFT STACKER

The HC 110b Power Lift Stacker is a manually-propelled electric lift truck that is suitable for occasional light-duty stacking operations and for the loading and unloading of trailers from ground height. The optional steel platform turns this electric lift into a work table - just raise or lower the platform to the correct ergonomic working height to increase efficiency aand prevent injuries associated with manual lifting. Further protection against injury is provided by built-in toe guards on the steering casters.

Jungheinich

 

AC PALLET TRUCKS

Toyota's 8-Series AC pallet truck product line includes: the walkie pallet truck, tow tractor, center control rider pallet truck and end control walkie/rider pallet truck. The new line of trucks use Controller Area Network (CAN-bus) communication technology to provide precise, fast and reliable control of all truck functions with fewer electrical components. The 8-series pallet trucks include an ergonomic multifunction control handle equipped with a digital display offering hour meter, performance parameter, battery, discharge and fault code information. The end-control rider also offers an electronic coast control option with jog buttons, which increases the productivity of both the operator and pallet truck by eliminating the need to climb on and off the truck during floor-level order 2008-577 picking.

Toyota Canada Inc.

 

FORKLIFT TRUCKS

The Mitsubishi FBC15NS-FBC20NS series of electric counterbalanced Stand-up End Control trucks have capacities ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 lbs and are suitable for fast-moving applications requiring extensive shuttling, frequent entries and exits of trailers and tight turns in narrow spaces. The 100% transistorized AC drive and hydraulic control systems deliver ease of service that helps minimize downtime. Performance can also be customized to the application or to the operator through the standard premium display. The series also features electric power steering, low step height and knee, hip and elbow padding to help reduce operator fatigue over long shifts. The flexible side stance operating position allows operators to easily adjust to various travel and application requirements with minimal effort.

Mitsubishi

 

LIFT TRUCKS

Designed around the operator, the Cat ES3000-- ES5500 series features electric power steering, low step height and knee, hip and elbow padding to help reduce operator fatigue over long shifts. The flexible side stance operating position allows operators to easily adjust to various travel and application requirements with minimum effort. Excellent visibility through the mast and around the overhead guard legs combine with precise control using the multifunction control handle. The transistorized Cat MicroCommand™ AC drive and hydraulic control systems improve cycle times and movement of more loads per shift. Performance can also be customized to the application or to the operator through the standard premium display.

Cat Lift Trucks

 

BULK BAG CONDITIONER

A Bulk Bag Conditioner-Unloader System loosens bulk solid material that has solidified during storage and shipment, allowing the material to discharge through a bag spout. Two hydraulic rams with contoured end plates press opposing sides of bulk bags, which can be raised and lowered for conditioning at varying heights using an electric hoist. The hoist assembly also includes a motorized trolley to allow loading and unloading of bulk bags without the need of a forklift. The conditioner's controller and hydraulic pump can be mounted on the exterior of the unloader or remotely. Safety interlocks disallow operation of the conditioner when the unloader's doors are open.

Flexicon Corporation

 

CORDLESS SCANNER

The SR61ex handheld cordless scanner can read any kind of bar code - from near or far. A suitable data collection companion for forklift-based warehousing applications, the rugged unit improves productivity by extending the operator's scanning reach and flexibility. Paired with a vehicle-mount computer such as the Intermec CV30 or CV60, the SR61ex can read 1D, 2D, composite and postal codes, in any orientation, from six inches to 50 feet away. Operators can seamlessly transition from scanning an object in their hands, to scanning a pallet high up on a rack, to capturing an image.

Intermec

 

BRUSHLESS DC MOTORS

New PITTMAN® "Size 04" slotless brushless DC motors can perform with virtually no noise or vibration at the highest speeds. Their patented "Parallex" coil-winding geometry is engineered to generate more power using less energy for maximized operation and efficiency. The compact size, 9.53mm, can accommodate a wide range of applications characterized by small design envelopes and requiring high performance, including medical instruments, dental drills, hand power tools, home appliances, and computer hardware, among others.

AMETEK Technical & Industrial Products

 

MAGNETIC ENCODERS

New LM10 linear magnetic encoders "go long" -- bringing 100 meter travel capability and fit-and-forget operating life to high-speed and high-precision positioning for tough machinery applications. The solid-state, non-contact design features a compact, IP68 readhead that rides at 0.1 to 1.5mm standoff over a self-adhesive magnetic strip scale, providing the count for high-performance positioning. Non-contact magnetic sensing delivers dependability in applications too dusty, dirty, greasy or destructive for optical encoders. Simple to install, the LM10 features integral setup LEDs on the readhead, wide installation tolerances, and an applicator tool for the adhesive-backed magnetic scale.

Renishaw Inc.

 

WORKBENCH SYSTEM

The Arlink® 7000 Workbench System is ideal for a variety of applications, such as assembly, service, repair, research and technical work. It can be tailored to exactly suit the requirements of both the user and the application. Available as both a stationary and mobile workbench, the Arlink 7000 can be configured with an extensive selection of accessories, including storage, shelving, lights, power beams and more. Users can also choose from a range of durable worksurface options, including plastic laminate, static dissipative laminate, butcher block, stainless steel and galvanized steel.

Lista International Corporation.

 

SERVOMOTOR CONNECTORS

Cm2 Series servomotor connectors are now available with an extended voltage range. Providing maximum power in a minimal package size, the connectors feature a voltage range from 48VAC to 630VAC, making them suitable for both low and high power applications. The connector design enables simple harnessing and easy contact assembly. The connectors feature crimp contacts, excellent vibration resistance and are completely shielded and sealed, including two sealed entries for power and signal cables. The connectors are suitable for small servomotor applications such as industrial motion control, robotics, factory automation and material handling.

ITT Interconnect Solutions

 

Canadian Industrial Equipment News May 2008

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