Auxiliary Equipment (June 01, 2007)

Lift degater for large parts

SAS Automation has introduced a new Lift Degater for large plastic parts.

A robot transports the part to the Lift Degater and sets the part into the “part conforming nests,” located at the top of the degater. Several precisely positioned cutting tools that match the nests then trim the part. Waste trim is dropped directly into a container, and the finished molded part is lowered on the lift table to be removed by a packer. The packer is protected from the lift by a safety light curtain.

SAS Automation produces custom degaters using lift tables, rotary tables and stationary cutting presses depending on the specific application. Most systems are operated pneumatically.

SAS Automation, LLC (Xenia, Ohio);

www.sasgripper.com; 937-372-5255

Verick International (Brampton, Ont.);

905-458-7121

Conveyor system metal detector now available in more widths

Dynamic Conveyor Corporation has announced the availability of metal detection in all of its conveyors.

Metal Detector Modules are now available for all DynaCon Modular Conveyor systems ranging in widths from four to 72″. The metal detection coil is integrated into a standard 17?” module and can replace an existing module in a DynaCon conveyor, or is added to any new DynaCon conveyor.

The Metal Detector Modules are designed to inspect plastic scrap for metal contaminants as scrap is conveyed to grinders for granulating and reuse. Early metal detection can prevent severe damage to grinder blades and subsequent fouling of injection systems and molded products.

The module provides reliable detection for all metals, including steel, aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel, and can be positioned easily at any location in the conveyor system. Controls are easy to use, and permit sensors to operate in extreme temperature variations without any effect on system performance. The electronic controls have built-in diagnostics circuits, which monitor all functions of the unit’s metal detector.

The conveyor will be stopped when optional relay contacts are used in the event of a fault. Audible and visual alarms are optional. After initial start-up, controls automatically adjust to the environment to provide the best possible balance.

Dynamic Conveyor Corporation (Muskegon, Mich.);

www.dynamicconveyor.com; 800-640-6850

Plastics Machinery Inc. (Newmarket, Ont.);

www.pmiplastics.com; 905-895-5054

Robotics systems with “sight” capabilities

ABB Robotics provides Vision Guided Robotics (VGR) with TrueView.

The robots are able to “see” and “comprehend” information about their environment, such as variations in part position, type, style and quality in real time. This helps customers achieve new levels of manufacturing efficiency and profitability.

TrueView is a complete VGR system that is simple to train, easy to operate and easy to scale, providing customers with an integrated and certified VGR solution, including high-speed robotic communications and “plug and play” operations.

The system also features SC3D, a single-camera three-dimensional vision guidance technology, and eVisionFactory, a uniquely designed software platform that allows for the standardization of deployment, training and support throughout a manufacturing enterprise.

With TrueView, a video camera captures a single image and analyzes it to create a complete, 3-D position and orientation of the part (roll, pitch and yaw angles). The 3-D position is transmitted to the robot controller, allowing the controller to adjust the robot’s path, including approach and grasp points, to match the location of the given part.

Benefits for manufacturers include increased flexibility by adjusting to variations in real time; improved quality by preventing damage and contamination; and reduced capital, operational and ergonomic costs by eliminating precision fixtures, dunnages and other custom positioning devices.

ABB Inc. (Brampton, Ont.); www.abb.com; 800-293-4503

Airborne contaminant evacuation for blown film

Future Design Inc. has designed a new airborne contamination system for blown film manufacturing at the source.

The processing aids used in extrusion systems will flash off the polymer when it exits the die, and these volatiles are the issue. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most aggressive material, but many other grades of polyethylene (PE) have the same smoke and smell.

Future Design’s system can produce up to an 80 per cent reduction of airborne contamination at the source.

Future Design Inc. (Mississauga, Ont.);

www.saturn2.com; 905-361-9978