Other parts - handling equipment: product lines reviewed.

AERO-GO, INC.

Company's air-bearing systems, operating on standard plant air systems, deliver load handling on a film of compressed air. Movement is omni-directional and vibration-free with no damage to floor. Wheel and rail systems, as well as a full line of materials-handling products, are also available. Company offers complete applications support and design engineering, as well as turnkey installations.

AJAX ELECTRIC CO.

Offers field-proven, automated product-handling systems designed, engineered, and manufactured from concept through installation for the removal of paints, plastics, organics, glass, rubber, graphite, oxides, and scale from parts and hardware. Equipment is also suitable for the curing or sintering of plastisols, teflon, rubber, etc.

Where fixture-loaded work has to be carried through a series of repeated steps, company custom automates lines using various programmable systems, which include its Uni-Hoist monorail design; single- or dual-column overhead design; side-mounted cantilever style; Jack Rabbit, indexing elevator, push-pull or screw-conveyor mechanisms, and crank-arm transfer or submerged chain conveyors. Loading can be as small as 500 lb or less and up to several thousand pounds with transfer-time capabilities of less than 10 seconds.

Justification is feasible with benefits of loading and unloading at a station by a single operator. Production rates are totally controlled and product uniformity is guaranteed under repetitive conditions with no error.

APPLICATION AUTOMATION AEC, INC.

Provides turnkey automation systems for injection molders and offers complex conveying and parts-cooling systems, parts-orienting devices, stacking and packing, as well as light assembly equipment in conjunction with its part- and runner-removal robots.

Parts-handling systems are custom-designed for specific applications and can be integrated with existing materials-handling systems when feasible. Wherever possible, systems are controlled by the microprocessor controller of the part-removal robot.

AUTOMATION MACHINERY & DEVELOPMENT LTD. PARTNERSHIP

Offers custom automation systems for a wide range of plastics handling, bottle handling, palletizing, and packaging. Company develops and installs custom-designed machinery to fit particular applications.

BABCOCK INDUSTRIES, INC.

See Mathews Conveyor Div.

BALL & JEWELL DIV. STERLING, INC.

Offers a line of parts separators that automatically separate finished parts from runners, transferring each to the next station. Systems reportedly boost production rates by eliminating runner/part hand sorting and are said to be ideal for two-plate, subgated mold applications. Parts and runners drop on the conveyor, and the parts drop down through the gap of the conveyor and the vertical pin belt. Runners are picked up by the pins, which pass the runners to an auger-feed granulator or other regrind handling system. Finished product parts that have been separated at the horizontal and vertical belt gap can be conveyed to a distribution, packaging or assembly point.

BRYDE-HANSEN, INC.

Company's automatic ST-180 container-stacking system and LS-250 and LS-350 lid-stacking systems, suitable for food and medical applications, automatically convey and stack to preset specifications. Systems set up in as little as two minutes and are easily adjusted. They are self-contained and portable, with heavy-duty locking casters. Features include microprocessor-based adjustable speed controls; stainless-steel construction with nontoxic, nonframed belts; and built-in detection systems for sensing run completion and storage capacity.

The ST-180 system accommodates containers 2- to 7.08-in. diam., heights of 1 to 7.08 in., and a stacking height of 31.5 in. The LS-250 system accommodates lids 3- to 10-in. diam.; and the LS-350, 8- to 14-in. diam.

Systems can be customized for speed and output configuration, or completely custom-built.

CINCINNATI MILACRON MARKETING U.S. PLASTICS MACHINERY DIV.

Supplies under-press conveyors featuring 1/3-hp, 110/1/60 drive with hardened sprockets and chain drive with 20 fpm standard. Units also include a true-tracking belt guidance system, soft-drop zone to cushion parts, 4-in.-high adjustable/removable side rails, and a 7/64-in. white PVC belt.

CLEVELAND VIBRATOR CO., INC.

Offers Model FA vibratory table for applications that include shock and fatigue testing. Unit is commonly used for setting materials in cartons, drums, kegs, boxes and bags. Standard sizes have load capacities up to 4000 lb. Force and frequency of air-powered model are adjustable by air pressure regulation. Electric-powered tables are easily adjusted mechanically, or can be furnished with a variable-speed controller. Model FA features air-spring isolation, which provides spring durability and adaptability. Inflatable air springs provide quiet operation, plus the advantage of spring adjustment to maintain a fixed battle height under varying loads. Four standard deck sizes are available, but can be custom-built.

Company's bowl feeders are suitable for controlling the flow of parts to secondary operations. Vibrations produced by either electric or air-type drives provide smooth, uniform, volumetric flow that is fully variable from a dribble to a surge. Drives are available from standard or heavy-duty applications. Units are available in bowl sizes from 6 to 30 in. Bowl tooling is available clockwise or counter-clockwise.

CRIZAF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS

Company offers the following separators:

* Series "S" separators (Models S1/2, S1, S1/S) for part and sprue separation. Units are easy to mount and work in combination with all conveyors.

* Rotating separators for separating sprues, runners and moldings. Units can be used for all types of sorting jobs and are suitable for use as central separators in combination with company's LC autofeed conveyor.

* Model ATS separator with a single central adjustment system is suitable where frequent changes are necessary.

* Models STN and STNP separators can handle difficult separating problems and are suitable for round and cylindrical components or thermoset moldings to remove flash. Drums are available in steel or plastic.

* SF separator, designed for small components, can handle and separate parts from sprues as small as 0.5 mm. Unit can handle multiple moldings (one sprue plus two different size moldings) and can be quickly adjusted from one job to another. It is suitable for long or short runs.

* Model S5/2 separator for small parts and molds uses insulated runners. Unit has one separation channel and is suitable for low-volume production.

* Model SF/A separator is designed to separate multi-impression moldings with one sprue and different size moldings. Unit is suitable for high-volume production. (See also Conveying, Loading and Storage.)

DYNAMIC CONVEYOR CORP.

Manufactures its Con*nex*ions, a lightweight, modular, belt-conveyor system injection-molded from reinforced engineering thermoplastics. Sizes range from 12 to 24 in. wide in 2-in. increments and 4 to 20 ft long in 2-in. increments. Length may be reconfigured in-plant by inserting or removing modules. System is also available with a 45|degrees~ angle, which can be inserted at any module junction to elevate or lower the conveyor. Options include a variety of adjustable supports, single- and variable-speed drives, belt-drive flights for pushing parts up inclines, and 4-in.-high side flanges that prevent the product from falling. System has smooth molded corners and edges, is nonconductive, and is lightweight enough to be easily rolled from location to location.

Company also manufactures a line of parts/runner separators. The line consists of two types: 1) a lift-pin (finger) type, which is suitable when parts are small and runners are "branches," and 2) a tumbler-type drum, which is suitable when parts and runners are nearly the same size. The drum separator also works well on long, thin pencil-like parts.

EMI CORP.

Manufactures more than 125 standard models of belt conveyors and customized parts-handling systems for plantwide automation of molded parts. Company specializes in plantwide conveyor systems to fully automate parts flow from the press to shipping. Products include under-press, inclined units; flat belt, trunk line or pass along conveyors; conveyors specifically designed for receiving robotically removed parts; parts/runner separators; box-filling conveyors and systems; specialized units for blow molded parts; cycle-count and weigh-scale systems; turntable work stations; and specialized equipment for stacking totes and other large containers.

Modular conveyors include the True-Track belt guidance system that minimizes belt runoff and maintenance. Optional features, such as corrugated sidewall belting for small parts containment, allow customizing to special needs. Modular construction of conveyors allows them to be lengthened, shortened or modified after installation to meet changing production requirements.

Conveyor systems, which interface with Process Control signals from the molding machine, providing a reverse drive to divert "bad shot" parts from the production line are also available. Kurv-King series have adjustable vertical angles between 20|degrees~ and 45|degrees~, and are designed, via a recessed hold-down roller, for smooth transition from horizontal to inclined conveying with no pinch points or open spaces. Space Saver series includes a combination of an under-press flat-belt conveyor feeding a cleated-belt inclined conveyor from a right-angle position, which saves floor space and eliminates blocked aisles.

FECO ENGINEERED SYSTEMS, INC.

Product line includes tabletop conveyors, steel and nonmetallic belt conveyors, indexing and fixturized conveyors, pallet and puck systems, mass-storage and in-line accumulators, power and free systems, part elevators and lowerators (side-grip, blade, bucket), gravity fittings, gravity storage helicals, chain-driven live-roller conveyors (CDLR), parts storage and retrieval systems, robotic and other automated handling devices, and both synchronous and nonsynchronous concepts. Company offers full CAD and CIM capability in developing systems.

A.C. HAMILTON, INC.

Offers nearly 30 standard belt-conveyor models and specializes in customized designs and systems. Basic models are offered in 6- to 16-ft lengths. The Omni line is designed for under-machine or low, pass-along installations; HR line is recommended for use with pick-and-place robots. All standard models adjust without tools, are powered by single-phase, motor/gear-box drives, and many include casters.

Specialized units include the Water Bath Conveyor for large part cooling and conveying, the Box Boy indexing conveyor for packaging systems, and the Carousel turntable conveyor, which automatically counts parts as they are dropped into bags.

End-of-belt and standalone parts separators are offered. Special "diamond back" belting, which allows steep incline, cleatless conveying up to 45|degrees~ or greater, can be provided.

A count-by-weight system allows direct transfer from the mold to shipping cartons through an electronic scale and arrangement of conveying devices.

HOPPMANN CORP.

Offers centrifugal feeding/unscrambling/orientation equipment for parts and containers to be decorated and/or sent downstream for secondary finishing operations. A wide range of models in sizes from 8- through 60-in.-diam. feeder bowls are available with feeding rates from 20 parts/min through 2200 parts/min for common, as well as unusual shapes and sizes. All equipment designs incorporate quick-change tooling capability, low maintenance, reliability, and gentle handling of parts. No vibratory components are used.

Company also offers a line of flat-top chain and belted variable-speed conveyors.

IMS CO.

Offers extendable conveyors and add-on separators for parts and runners. Standard extendable conveyors are 5 ft long with extensions of 1 to 4 ft. Variable-speed control is available. Low-cost, stainless steel, chute-type separator attaches to the conveyor.

JETSTREAM SYSTEMS CO.

Engineers and manufactures air conveyor systems. Systems use low-pressure centrifugal fans, operate at approximately 1/8 psi and are custom-designed for handling bottles, closures, plastic parts and scrap. Bottles, parts and closures can be conveyed and accumulated on-line or can be transported in bulk. Plastic scrap or product can be removed from the production area. Air-conveyor systems have virtually no moving parts other than the centrifugal fans powering the system, resulting in operator safety as well as minimizing maintenance. Air-conveyor systems also allow for flexible layouts, rounding turns or overhead with no transfer points to fit in with the constraints of the plant, maximizing usable floor space.

LAROS EQUIPMENT CO., INC.

Offers a complete line of post-molding parts-handling equipment, including horizontal and incline belt conveyors, separators, automatic box-indexing conveyors, water conveyors, and air conveyors. Other handling devices include regrind fines separators and vibratory sorting equipment. Company specializes in custom tailoring dimensional and performance requirements.

MATHEWS CONVEYOR DIV. BABCOCK INDUSTRIES, INC.

Designs and manufactures automatic case and drum palletizers. All frames are rigidly welded of structural steel and formed plate. Rigid steel conduit and JIC class air cylinders and solenoid valves are standard equipment. Wherever possible, drives are shaft mounted, which eliminates unnecessary sprocket and chain maintenance. Company can design multiple machine configurations with speeds up to 100 cases/min.

MENZIKEN AUTOMATION INC.

Provides modular nonsynchronous conveyor systems with dual belts and moving pallets that contain the workpiece from assembly station to assembly station. Stations can be manual or fully automatic. Each station is independent and pallets can accumulate in front of each, maximizing overall efficiency.

MOLDING AUTOMATION CONCEPTS

Manufacturers a complete line of parts-containment and parts-handling systems for molders, featuring gaylord and drum filter covers designed to keep in-process material clean. Mold-side curtains and guideskirts prevent product loss and contamination by containing the shot and funneling it into a conveyor or box.

Conveyor and box-filling systems have been designed specifically for problems faced by molders. Conditioning conveyors provide product cooling, static elimination, and hepa-filtered environments. Special devices allow automatic bad-shot diversion, Q.C. sampling, and part and runner separation. Box-fill systems fill boxes and/or totes by weight or count. Systems can be customized and are designed to be space-efficient, flexible, dependable and user-friendly.

NELMOR/AEC, INC.

Manufactures a line of sorter granulators for accepting subgated parts and runners dropped from the mold onto a belt conveyor with sorting device. Parts drop before the sorter into a collection box or venturi air system to be pneumatically conveyed to a central collection point. Runners are carried over the sorting device and fall directly into the granulator's cutting chamber for size reduction. Granulator's rotor powers the conveyor and sorting device via pulleys and V-belts. Three standard models are offered and various custom designs can be adapted to specific requirements.

OMNIFLOW DIV. KALAMAZOO TECHNOLOGIES

Offers a line of belt-conveying equipment, which incorporates a lightweight aluminum frame with stainless-steel side rails. Units are driven by a motorized drive pulley, which eliminates V-belts, roller chains and guards. Take-up adjusters are located on both ends of the units so that tracking problems can be more easily and effectively solved. Widths range from 12 to 36 in. and lengths from 3 to 40 ft. Adjustable, telescoping legs are standard. White, food-grade belting is standard with molded cleats supplied on elevating units.

PLASTIC MACHINERY INC. (PMI)

Specializes in injection molded parts-removal conveyors. The PMI Ele-Veyor series is available with 12-, 18- or 24-in. belt widths. Horizontal infeed, inclined discharge and transition components are stocked for quick delivery of units. The Ele-Veyor Series is complemented by a line of belt conveyors for individual molded parts or packaged containers. Gravity-feed or powered roller-conveyor systems also are available for packaged containers.

PLASTIC PROCESS EQUIPMENT INC.

Offers a complete line of finger-type parts and runner separators. Freestanding separators are available in widths of 12, 18 and 24 in. and lengths of 26 and 38 in. They can be used beside a conveyor on the floor base stand provided, or an optional adaptor kit is available that will provide all the necessary hardware to attach them to any existing PPE conveyor.

Also offered is a line of conveyor/separator combinations where the separator is built in at the drop-off end of the conveyor. Units are available in 12- and 18-in. widths and any required length. Features include stainless-steel side rails and discharge tray; tiltable, adjustable-height stand; and rugged 5-in. aluminum channel frame. A 0-50 fpm variable-speed control is available as an option.

POLYMER MACHINERY INC.

Offers parts/runner sorting and conveying systems in combination with its line of auger-feed and beside-the-press granulators. Systems are available with pneumatic granulate evacuation and closed-loop loading/blending equipment for semi- or fully automated operations.

STERLING, INC.

See Ball & Jewell Div.

THRIFT PRODUCTS

Offers a full line of part and runner conveyors and separators for use under and beside the press. All have medium-gauge extruded aluminum frames. Made for handling injection molded plastics, conveyor belts are nylon links with impact-resistant fiberglass lacing rods. Flat, incline and adjustable-angle conveyors have direct-drive positive tracking with a slipping drive sprocket to prevent jam-up motor damage. Speeds are either standard 17.5 fpm or 0-25 fpm variable. Flat conveyors are 12, 18 or 24 in. wide and 4, 5, 6 or 8 ft long. Adjustable-angle models are 12 or 18 in. wide and 6 or 8 ft long, with a separate, adjustable base and tailpiece for reaching under the mold. Add-on and free-standing finger-type separators have quick-set nylon fingers. Portable drum-type separators come in 2 or 4 ft straight or double-drum models.

TOOLTEX INC.

Designs and builds custom stackers, integrating conveyors, seeing eyes, pick-and-place units, indexers, etc.

YUSHIN AMERICA, INC.

Designs, assembles, and installs special automation equipment to support its line of robots for injection molding machines. Applications supported are part-decorating, assembly, packaging of parts, and stacking or storing of production.