rollouts
NEW LOGISTICS PRODUCTS & SERVICES
EDITED BY SUSAN LACEFIELD
Automated storage/
retrieval system: The
UltraRail pallet rail-shut-tle system from Integrated
Systems Design (ISD) provides a last-in, first-out storage and retrieval system
for pallets. According to
the company, it combines
the benefits of push-back,
drive-in, and shuttle pallet
storage systems.
The UltraRail system uses
mechanical force, not gravity, to move pallets in or out
on rails. After the first pallet
is loaded, the second loaded pallet pushes back on the first,
turning the UltraRail chains. When the pallets are removed, the
chains move in the opposite direction. The lift truck lifts the front
pallet, and as it backs up, the weight of the pallet being removed
moves the chains. When the front pallet is removed from the
system, other pallets in the lane automatically move forward on
the chain, positioned for sequential retrieval.
The UltraRail system (patent pending) eliminates aisles and
converts the end of each lane into an active storage and retrieval
position. It can be installed on new or existing pallet rack and
drive-in systems, and can be expanded, shortened, or moved.
Typical applications include high-bay storage, pallet picking,
buffering and sequencing, and truck loading and staging.
(Integrated Systems Design, www.ISDDD.com)
Material handling system maintenance: Intelligrated, an
automated material handling solutions provider, has introduced
a resident maintenance program for high-velocity distribution
operations.
This program places certified technicians at the customer’s
site full time to handle material handling systems and facility
maintenance, with Intelligrated assuming responsibility for labor
recruitment, training, and retention. Intelligrated guarantees
clients uptime of between 97 and 99 percent, depending on a
facility’s size and staffing level.
Intelligrated’s resident maintenance technicians leverage a
facility’s existing computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or set up new CMMS software integrated with
enterprise resource planning (ERP) and warehouse control
systems to track each facility asset and ensure efficient management throughout its lifecycle. A CMMS tracks maintenance
status, equipment use, run time, and expected individual component wear to guide decisions on maintenance activities and
equipment performance.
The resident maintenance program can be extended beyond
the installed base of material handling equipment, with some
operations using resident maintenance technicians for all facility
systems. (Intelligrated, www.intelligrated.com)
On-demand packaging machine: Packsize International has
expanded its portfolio of on-demand packaging machines with
the new iQ Fusion 2. This new version of the iQ Fusion allows
companies to custom create a box that is the right size for the
product on their own pack lines. By creating the “right sized”
box on demand, companies can minimize the need for void fill
and avoid additional dimensional shipping charges, Packsize
says.
This new version of the iQ Fusion is faster and more consistent
than previous models. It enables a single packaging operator to
transition from box creation to box induction faster, according
to the company.
iQ Fusion 2 is compact and can be placed on just about any
pack line, according to Packsize. It requires no capital investment and uses Packsize’s corrugated z-Fold for the box-making
process. The iQ Fusion 2 also includes PackNet software and
hardware accessories. (Packsize, www.packsize.com)
Paper void-fill system: Packaging company Sealed Air will
introduce an addition to its FasFil paper void-fill packaging line
this summer. The FasFil EZ Auto system will feature an automated cutting mechanism that ensures
easy release of single-ply protective
paper void fill while eliminating several manual tasks required with previous models.
The FasFil EZ Auto system has a
small footprint, making it easy to
incorporate into small-cell packaging operations. The system operates
through an automated footswitch
and uses hands-free automated cutting tools. It allows users to set
preprogrammed or continuous paper
lengths so they can produce consistent void-fill volumes. The FasFil EZ Auto system also has a
crimping mechanism, which creates durable paper void fill at a
higher yield per cubic foot.
The FasFil EZ Auto system employs sustainable materials. Its
fan-fold and rollstock paper materials are recyclable and composed of 100-percent recycled content.
The system is available in floor or tabletop models and can be
adjusted to a range of heights and angles. (Sealed Air, www.
sealedairprotects.com)
Exterior door: Rytec Corp.’s new Spiral Door has an opening
speed of 60 inches per second. According to the manufacturer,
this fast opening speed helps improve traffic flow while limiting
the warehouse interior’s exposure to the outside environment.
The door is constructed of rigid aluminum slats, which eliminates the need for a second, overnight security door, says Rytec.
The aluminum slats have a rubber membrane covering their
connecting hinges, which prevents heat or cooling loss and air
infiltration. The seal also protects against dust pollution, drafts,
and inclement weather. (Rytec Corp., rytecdoors.com)
