rollouts
www.ocs-cw.com
4th - 7th April
OCS dynamic high-speed parcel
scales alone or integrated with
volume measuring systems,
automatic barcode readers and
cameras for data capture, make
OCS the ideal partner for your
material handling and logistics
success.
Add to this fast installation and
commissioning with low-main-tenance features and you have a
winning combination!
, 2016
Robotic grippers: New robotic grippers from the automation and material handling solutions
company Grabit Inc. are designed to handle delicate and difficult-to-grasp parts.
The Grabit P-Series (Panel-Series) Grippers use a flexible low-energy technology called
“electroadhesion technology,” which allows them to handle a wide variety of materials, such
as fabric, mobile devices, solar cell components, printed circuit boards, and glass displays. As
a result, markets that were unable to deploy automated systems because of parts-handling
challenges may now be able to do so, says Grabit.
For example, the technology allows for the “de-stacking” and manipulation of single layers
of fabric, apparel, composite fibers, wire grids, and mesh. It also offers scratch- and smudge-free handling on glass and other delicate surfaces.
According to the company, Grabit grippers are simple to operate and eliminate the need
for vacuum pumps or custom mechanical gripper attachments, which can be bulky, energy-in-tensive, and costly. The Grabit P-Series Grippers are characterized by gentle handling and low
energy consumption.
The grippers, which are offered in five different sizes, can also be combined to meet specific
customer needs. (Grabit Inc., grabitinc.com/products/)
Label printer and verifier: The newly developed Label Serialization
Station (LSS) from Mettler-Toledo PCE prints and verifies labels
automatically. Companies in the pharmaceutical and health-care
sectors can use the LSS to print and check track-and-trace labels for
their products at a rate of up to 500 labels per minute.
The system combines a printing module with a high-resolution
camera and an automatic reject system for faulty labels. The
printing module contains a thermal transfer printer, which applies
high-contrast ink to every label. The durable, abrasion-resistant
print image is ideal for serialization data, according to the company.
Once the labels are printed, a high-resolution camera inspects
each label for quality factors such as legibility and completeness.
This allows manufacturers to identify and remove any labels that deviate from their quality
standards. The camera can also inspect text, graphics, and codes. The system reads the information on the label in real time and compares it with the manufacturer’s database. Printed
serial numbers are verified in this way and stored in the system to ensure traceability. An electronic reject system is connected downstream to remove faulty labels before they come into
contact with the product.
The Label Serialization Station can be fully integrated into the production line and is also
available as a compact tabletop solution. (Mettler Toledo, www.mt.com/pce)
Models for DC design: The distribution consulting and engineering firm Fortna has developed a set of multidimensional models to help with key distribution design decisions. Called
“FortnaDCoptimizers,” these models allow users to quickly identify the best alternative among
a continuum of design choices.
Designing the optimal distribution centers requires answering hundreds of interconnected
and cascading questions. The FortnaDCoptimizers focus on accelerating and automating this
work while going beyond simple “rules of thumb” guidelines.
The models currently include:
; Cross-Dock Strategies Optimizer, which analyzes customer data and operational practices
to identify products that could flow through the DC without needing to be received, put away,
picked, and repacked. It uses multidimensional models to project the impact on space and
labor and the associated savings.
; Extra-Touch Fulfillment Engine Optimizer, which evaluates picking and downstream “
extra-touch” methodologies to optimize system design. It considers the interrelationships between
workers to identify tipping points where traditional systems “break.”
; Pick Module Configuration Optimizer, which balances productivity and investment for the
optimized pick module with the best business case. This software is based on thousands of
client profiles and tailored by the relevant cost of workers through multidimensional mathematical models.
; Unit Sortation Engineering Optimizer, which configures the unit sorter so that it meets
throughput requirements with the smallest investment in capital and labor costs. (Fortna,
www.fortna.com)
