Makes sense: Sick, a manufacturer of sensors,
safety systems, and machine vision and automatic identification products for factory and
logistics automation, has introduced the WL27-
3 Reflex Array photoelectric sensor for the leading-edge detection of irregular-shaped objects.
Any object 12 mm or larger is detected with
the Reflex Array’s 50 mm detection height,
regardless of object properties or position within the array.
The WL27-3 Reflex Array provides low-cost
area detection in a standard sensor platform.
The unit’s “reflex” (retro-reflective) mode of
operation means only a single device must be
mounted and powered, reducing costs. Further,
an intuitive alignment/teach procedure quickly
ensures the device is operating under ideal conditions with the reflector. A high-resolution version offers a Minimum Detectable Object
(MDO) resolution down to 5 mm with 24 mm
detection height.
Applications include leading-edge detection
of irregular-shaped objects, such as products
with tapered edges (totes), bagged products,
warped boards, and packaged products. This
also includes continuous-edge detection of
multi-height objects, pallets, and containers
with holes or gaps. With these applications, the
reflex array can oftentimes displace the traditional approach of using small light grids or
stacked photoelectric sensors. (Sick,
www.sickusa.com)
China road: OD-Global, a division of Old
Dominion Freight Line, has expanded its Pacific
Promise service to include seven additional ports
in China. Launched last year with service from
Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Shenzhen/Yantian,
Pacific Promise is now available from the
Chinese ports of Dalian, Fuzhou, Guangzhou,
Ningbo, Qingdao, Xiamen, and Xingang.
The service provides businesses with standard
guaranteed transit times and simplified rates
from the 10 origin ports in China to nearly any
domestic destination. The offering also includes
port-to-door tracking of all shipments.
Using this fast, efficient service, importers can
shave 10 days or more from their standard LCL
transit times. Rates are expressed as a simple
single rate per cubic meter. While it is slightly
higher than standard LCL, the rate is up to 75
percent lower than air freight.
The service is targeted to importers of high-value products, time-sensitive goods, and seasonal or promotional items. It is also geared
toward companies shipping from a single origin
to multiple destinations. (Old Dominion Freight
Line Inc., www.odfl.com)
Upgrades of sorts: Intelligrated offers an upgrade program for all North American
installations of Intelligrated sorters, including IntelliSort, FKI Logistex, UniSort,
Crisplant, Mathews, and Buschman brand equipment. Upgrades from Intelligrated
optimize system capacity and throughput, improve equipment utilization, and extend
system life for a fraction of the
cost and downtime associated
with a new installation.
The Intelligrated sorter
upgrade program begins with a
comprehensive audit of the existing system. Intelligrated then
completes a full analysis of multiple upgrade, retrofit, and rebuild
options, developing several solutions that allow customers the
flexibility to customize their sortation solution based on facility or
business requirements.
Equipment improvements can
range from the replacement of
obsolete components to a complete overhaul of machinery. Upgrades also provide
the opportunity for parts standardization, reducing cost and streamlining maintenance requirements. Adaptive control enhancements offer increased throughput
and visibility, while software upgrades ensure compatibility with the facility’s current
operating system. Add-ons, such as advanced preventative maintenance and diagnostics software, are also available. (Intelligrated, www.intelligrated.com)
Lifting and Positioning Heavy Loads
It’s Done!
Presto Lift Tables are the safe, efficient
way to lift and position heavy or
awkward loads for manufacturing and
assembly applications.
Choose from hydraulic, pneumatic or
manually actuated units in either
stationary or portable configurations.
With capacities from 500 to 8,000 lbs
and a wide variety of options including
tilt tops and turntables there’s a
Presto Lift Table for every application.
