Labeling solution: Bell and
Howell says its new gantry-style top-apply labeling solution,
ParcelMgr, delivers
up to three times
the output of traditional parcel
management systems. The combination
of linerless labeling technology
and some of the fastest print engines on the
market enables ParcelMgr to outperform traditional solutions,
the company says.
In addition, the linerless technology allows the system to produce labels of varying lengths on demand, eliminating the need
for multiple dedicated systems. The technology also supports
sustainability initiatives because there is no liner waste to discard.
(Bell and Howell, www.bellhowell.net)
Electric tug: The ergonomic Xtra-400 model electric tug is a
new heavy-duty load-moving device from Load Mover Inc. The
unit is a self-contained, battery-powered walk-behind tug that
allows a single operator to move heavy product with minimal
effort.
The Xtra-400 model, which is designed for industrial, warehousing, and manufacturing environments, is suitable for operations
that have to move heavy or unwieldy items, such as heavy parts or
equipment, on a regular basis.
The Xtra 400 model can pull up to 400 pounds using its draw
bar, or push or pull industrial carts (or a train of carts) with loads
of up to 20,000 pounds. Carts can be pushed or pulled with a
variety of attachments installed into the receiver located at the
front end of the unit.
The Xtra-400 includes a self-contained, maintenance-free sealed
transaxle. The gearbox, electric motor, and electromechanical
brake are one assembly instead of loose parts. With the handle in
the up position, the overall length of the mover is 48 inches. The
unit’s width, including the drive wheels, is 30 inches.
With a 36-volt DC power circuit, heavy-duty batteries, and on-board five-stage battery charger, the unit can run all day on a single charge.
The unit has an adjustable ergonomic handle that promotes
comfortable walking posture. The handle also includes a high and
low variable speed control, horn, and belly switch.
According to the manufacturer, the tug is suitable for lean
material-flow or fork-free environments. (Load Mover Inc.,
www.loadmoverinc.com/) ;
Customized cartons: Suitable for e-commerce applications,
Freebox is a new packaging system that produces customized
cardboard packs. The system, which was developed by System
Packaging, produces completed boxes (folded, glued, etc.) in
real time for all product types. Each box is matched to the contents’ volume, reducing shipping costs as well as the need for
dunnage.
Freebox was developed to provide the flexibility needed to
accommodate real-time size changes from one box to the next.
After the dimensional parameters of the product to be packaged
have been entered into the system, Freebox instantly transforms
a plain, flat sheet of corrugated board into a box that is fully personalized in terms of dimensions and graphics. Once the Freebox
process is complete, the user simply fills the resulting box, and
the package is ready for shipment.
Freebox technology allows complete customization of the carton thanks to a monochrome or multicolor printing system that
personalizes the box with logos, trademarks, and product information. (System Packaging, system-freebox.com)
Conveyor belts: Emerson, a St. Louis-based technology and
engineering firm, has introduced two new modular plastic belts
that offer nonskid conveyor surfaces. Designed for heavy-duty
material handling applications and automotive assembly lines, the
new belts have load ratings of up to 7,800 pounds per foot.
The belts can be used in a conveyor retrofit using existing rails.
“It offers a nice, clean retrofit,” says Jeff Himes, senior product
manager for System Plast Power Transmission Solutions, part of
Emerson’s Industrial Automation business.
The System Plast 2508 heavy-duty belt handles loads of up to
5,400 pounds per foot. The System Plast 2630 extra-heavy-duty
belt handles loads of up to 7,800 pounds per foot. Those loads
are among the highest in the industry. The 2508 heavy-duty belt
is 0.87 inches thick and is available in widths of 11. 8 to 196.8
inches. The extra-heavy-duty 2630 is 1. 2 inches thick and available in widths of 3. 9 to 196.8 inches.
In addition to the heavy capacity, the belts provide energy savings compared with chain and live roller conveyor for heavy
loads. (Emerson, www.Emerson.com)
