ROLLOUTS
Protective barriers for cold storage DCs: A-Safe Inc. has introduced a new range of protective barriers developed by polymerscientists to deliver maximum performance at sub-zero temperatures. The new Cold Storage range has been engineered to provide the highest levels of protection to pedestrians, assets, andinfrastructure in temperatures as low as - 30 C, the company says.The Baltimore, Maryland-based manufacturer of guardingproducts for warehouses, distribution centers, and other facilitiesis primarily targeting the barriers at the food storage industry.The products have been engineered using Memaplex Sub-Zero, anew material specifically developed for use in cold storage environments. Created from a unique blend of polymers, MemaplexSub-Zero is designed to flex and withstand impacts withoutcracking or fragmenting. It is food-safe, “wipe clean,” andself-colored for maximum hygiene and ease of care, A-Safe says.
The product incorporates the patented A-Safe 3Phase CouplingSystem, which works in three sequential stages to cushion impactforces and dissipate energy through the barrier and away fromfixings, the company says. This prevents damage and preservesfloors, reducing the costs and downtime associated with repairsand maintenance. (A-Safe, www.asafe.com/en-gb/)
Warehouse activity tracker: Newcastle Systems, a manufacturer of mobile powered workplace solutions designed tomake warehouses and manufacturing plants more efficient, hasrelaunched its free MotionMeter app, a real-time activity trackerdesigned to quickly and accurately perform time studies withinthe warehouse and identify causes of waste. Comprehensiveupdates to the app, which originally launched in 2018, includehigher running speeds and a redesigned interface to improveusability and reporting.
Today’s U.S. warehouse worker wastes an average of 6. 9weeks a year walking. This unnecessary motion costs the industry an estimated $4.3 billion in annual revenue, according toan internal study conducted by Newcastle Systems using datafrom the U.S. Census Bureau. In removing costly motion andproduct handling, warehouses can boost efficiency and increaseproduction.
Wasted motion does not happen all at once—it may be 20 seconds here and 10 seconds there, making it extremely difficult toidentify. Examples of wasted motion include walking to a printerto print labels, walking to a computer to access data, or walkingto a static desk to dimension a product.
The MotionMeter app generates an in-depth overview, knownas the savings report, which can be exported as a PDF andemailed directly to the app user or supervisors within an organization. Once waste is identified, warehouse managers can implement specific plans and technology solutions to reduce wasteand improve productivity, setting them on a path to a “best-in-class” operation, the company says. (Newcastle Systems, www.newcastlesys.com/motionmeter)
High-speed parcel singulator: MHS, a provider of materialhandling automation and software solutions, has unveiled anew singulation solution for high-throughput parcel operations.The new Activated Roller Belt (ARB) Large Parcel Singulator isdesigned to keep automated sortation systems running smoothly,transforming a bulk flow of packages into a single-file stream,critical for high-throughput operations.
The new singulator is capable of handling up to 12,000 parcelsper hour with over 99% singulation accuracy, according to themanufacturer. MHS uses computer vision to measure incomingflow, modulate conveying speeds, and cull side-by-side packages.
The system is designed to ensure maximum singulation performance for all packaging types—even items in flexible packaginglike bags. An integral recirculation line reintroduces packagesthat are separated at the side-by-side eliminator and buffers peakpackage flow to keep downstream systems performing at topefficiency. (MHS, www.mhsglobal.com)
Rack crossover and finger gates: Steel mezzanine platform manufacturer Wildeck’s stair crossover products and fingergates were designed toimprove access and mobility around material han-dling/automated systems,like conveyors.
Available in a variety ofconfigurations, the staircrossover products aredesigned to help workerssafely access various work areas in manufacturing, fabrication,assembly, and production facilities. The company’s finger gate isa durable steel gate that integrates into any facility and provides astrong, protective barrier at elevated work levels. (Wildeck, www.wildeck.com)
Versatile modular charger: GNB Industrial Power, a division ofExide Technologies, has introduced the GNB Fury X- 7 modularindustrial charger. The Fury X- 7 is available in two-bay ( 7-15 k W)and four-bay ( 7-30 kW) cabinet power levels. Its multi-voltagemodular design powers 24-, 36-, 48-volt and 72- or 80-volt batteries, and the unit can be configured to charge multiple powerlevels.
Compact and capable of both standard and opportunitycharging, the product incorporates a unique safety feature forhot disconnects. The Fury X- 7 is equipped with a center coolingsystem that makes the charger less susceptible to environmentaldust and contaminants. It can also be used to charge lithiumbatteries.
For enhanced fleet management, the charger’s onboardInternet of Things (IoT) capabilities transfer battery and chargerinformation to GNB’s cloud-based management tool. This allowsusers to leverage live fleet data to customize and compare various motive power options, as well as to run simulations of fleetperformance before deployment. (GNB Industrial Power, www.exide.com)
