Other parts-handling equipment. (Product Lines Reviewed).

AEC/AUTOMATION ENGINEERING

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

Systems can be customized and can be integrated with existing materials-handling systems when feasible. When possible, systems are controlled by the microprocessor controller of the part-removal robot.

AEC/NELMOR

Sorter granulators systems accept sub-gated parts and runners dropped from the mold onto a belt sorter/conveyor. Parts are collected and pneumatically conveyed to a central collection point. Runners are carried directly into the granulator's cutting chamber for size reduction. Three standard models offered and various custom designs can be adapted to specific needs.

AIR-TRAN CO. INC.

Custom-designed air-conveying systems for finished products and scrap. Model 100 system conveys injection molded parts 50-75 ft and can be used to convey scrap (necks, tails, rejects) to grinder. Model 300 system designed for cup conveying. Model 600 system conveys bottles 250-300 ft. Model 800 system is a rectangular design for items such as margarine cups, collars, granola bars, and lids.

LOUIS P. BATSON INC.

Conveyor designs include Z-type, horizontal, inclined and underwater. Units can be custom-designed. Specializes in parts filling stations.

BILT-RITE CONVEYORS, INC.

Parts conveyors include inclined, cleated-belt conveyors; low-profile, noncleated models; and a mini model with a variable angle on a single pipe support stand. Also supplies a range of horizontal conveyors with PVC or wire-mesh belts, inclined belt conveyors in fixed and portable versions (one with hydraulic height adjustment), inclined and cleated sidewall conveyors for granular materials, live-roller conveyors, flat-top chain conveyors for bottles and containers, gravity conveyors (roller and skate-wheel types), stainless-steel belt and chain conveyors, and rotary accumulators and unscramblers.

THE BUSCHMAN CO.

Provides system solutions for warehousing and distribution operations. Technology includes transportation and accumulation conveyors, sortation, merge and induction equipment, related controls and system management software for low- to high-speed distribution systems.

CARLISLE MACHINE WORKS, INC.

Equipment includes bottle singulators and orienters for operations such as flaming, leak detection and vision inspection. Also box shifters and straight, curved, looped, elevating and vacuum conveyors. Customized systems for packing, assembly, and inspection.

CBW AUTOMATION

Supplies total automation systems, specializing in containers and lids, consumer electronics, medical disposables, and personal-care items. Products work in concert with linear parts-removal robots (also built by CBW). Examples include a servo layer packer, CD jewel-box assembler/packer, container and lid stackers, and parts orienters.

THE CLEVELAND VIBRATOR CO.

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

Bowl feeders are suitable for controlling flow of parts to secondary operations. Vibrations produced by either electric or air-type drives, which are available for standard or heavy-duty applications. Units available in bowl sizes from 6 to 30 in. Bowl tooling available clockwise or counter-clockwise.

CRIZAF AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

European-designed aluminum conveyors, box and bag-filling systems, part separators and multilevel storage systems. Many products in stock and can be shipped in 7-10 working days.

Conveyors are sturdy and lightweight. Models include flat, incline, adjustable-angle and Z style nose overs. Ambient- or chilled-air cooling can be added to most models. Also available are heavy-duty aluminum conveyors, which include options such as adjustable side rails, parts diverters, enclosures, sweep arms, specialized belting materials, discharge chutes and hoppers. Special features include easy-to-adjust leg sets, ratcheting handles for easier angle adjustments, and automatic belt tensioning on all horizontal-to-incline and Z style models.

For fast and accurate parts separation away from the mold, a wide choice of parts separators are offered. Included is the versatile easy-to-adjust, rotating drum separator. Other styles include end-of-the-conveyor and free-standing models.

Wide choice of box- and bag-filling systems includes inline, carousel and multilevel box-filling and storage systems. Control options include cycle count, weigh-scale and photo eye systems. Automation cells including under-the-press conveying, parts separation, box-filling and storage can be custom designed.

DIRECT-LINE PRODUCTS

High-quality, value-priced conveyors in a range of sizes and styles include flat, cleated and adjustable-angle belt. Features include self-aligning bearings, adjusable leg-sets, true-track belt guidance and strong 12-gauge steel frames. Two-year limited warranty included. Products are in stock and ready to ship within 48 hours.

Also available is a ready-to-ship, design-it-yourself, modular box-filling system. Options include weigh-scale hopper or cycle count control systems, adjustable side rails, discharge chutes, hoppers, photo eyes and variable-speed drive. Indexing and roller storage conveyors available in various lengths and widths.

DORNER MFG. CORP.

Low-profile belt conveyors in standard sizes from 1 to 48 in. wide and from 2 to 100 ft long. New MPB (modular plastic belt) conveyors are engineered for accumulation, cut, heat resistance and chemical resistance. LPZ series adjustable-angle conveyors are suitable for removing plastic parts from molding machines and come with an adjustable frame that can accommodate nose-over and walk-through configurations. The 6l00 series with stainless-steel bedplates offers options for harsh industrial and sanitary applications. All conveyors can be equipped with a cariety of flat, cleated and sidewall cleated belts and other accessories to meet exact specifications.

DYNAMIC CONVEYOR CORP.

Modular conveyor system for., light- to medium-duty products. Two-foot modules are constructed from injection molded panels that quickly and easily bolt together. To modify length, modules are simply added or removed. To change elevation, an angled connector (30[degrees] or 45[degrees]) is interchanged with a straight connector. Flexibility provides a custom conveyor for every need and allows reconfiguration in-plant by removing, inserting, or exchanging modules. Positively driven Intralox plastic link-style belting runs through a designed-in path, which eliminates tracking problems common to conventional conveyors. Widths range from 4 to 24 in. and lengths from 2 to 30 ft. Options include five belt types, a variety of adjustable mobile support sets, single and variable-speed drives, side guards to contain tiny parts, and various cleat heights, which can be placed on the belt at required locations.

Parts/runner separators include the lift-pin, which is effective when parts are small and runners large; and the rotating tumbler cage type for parts and runners nearly the same size. Rotating cage also works well on flat and/or long, thin parts.

A typical conveyor or separator can be manufactured from stock parts in hours, eliminating long lead times.

EMI PLASTICS EQUIPMENT

Ready-to-go and custom-designed parts-handling systems includes a full line of heavy-duty steel-frame conveyors, as well as sturdy, industrial-grade aluminum conveyors. Conveyors available in a range of widths and lengths and include flat, incline, adjustable-angle, fixed-angle and Z-style nose over models. Many models can be quick-shipped in 7-10 working days. Options include variable-speed drive, custom cleat height and spacing, soft drop zones, custom discharge chutes and hoppers. Cooling options include enclosed ambient- or chilled-air chambers, water spray or bath models. Modular design allows for easy changes or additions.

Conveyors can be combined with a wide choice of control systems to form many styles of custom and pre-engineered box and bag-filling systems. Control choices include cycle count systems, weigh-scale systems, weigh-scale hopper systems and photo eye count systems.

Also available are long-distance trunk line systems and automated vertical storage systems. Wide range of parts separators include finger, roller and auger separators. Most available as free-standing or end-of-conveyor models.

GEBO CORP. USA

Flat top, neckring, and bulk-air conveyors allow an endless variety of products to be conveyed gently around sharp curves, vertically or horizontally at very low power requirements.

Complete system integration for parts and container handling from molding through packaging. Provides equipment to orient parts or containers on discharge and to transport them in the oriented position. Downstream equipment includes decorators, trimmers, assembly equipment, parts placers, and escapements, which interface with packaging equipment.

HAMILTON AVTEC INC.

Nearly 30 standard belt-conveyor models, specializing in customized designs and systems. Basic models in 6- to 16-ft lengths. Omni line designed for under-machine or low, pass-along installations; HR line recommended for use with pick-and-place robots. All standard models (many with casters) include "V" groove belt tracking adjustment without tools and powered by single-phase, motor/gear-box drives. Specialized units include Water Bath Conveyor for large part cooling and conveying, Box Boy indexing conveyor, which automatically counts parts as they drop into bags.

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

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

HARVARD FACTORY AUTOMATION, INC.

Standard and custom parts-handling equipment includes horizontal, incline, adjustable angle and decline conveyors; part/runner separators; automatic box/tote filling systems by weight and count; robot-fed systems; robot guarding; under-press product chutes and part diverters for rejects and/or q.c. sampling; standard and rotary worktables; weigh scales; and various sizes of portable and stationary cleanrooms.

HOPPMANN CORP.

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

Also flat-top chain and belted variable-speed conveyors and variable-speed, metering, bulk-elevating conveyors from 1 cu-ft to 80 cu-ft capacity in painted or stainless-steel finish.

HUSKY INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEMS LTD.

Product-handling equipment specific to injection molding for conveying, stacking and assembly of parts, as well as servo swing chutes for high-speed oriented part removal. Stackers available for manual or automated box loading.

Servo-driven swing chutes offer high speed, oriented parts removal for applications including thinwall, medical, and technical. Petri dish systems allow complete assembly of lids and bases prior to stacking parts in a carousel for bagging.

IDEAS IN MOTION

Conveyors for blow molded container handling include cable, aluminum tabletop, stainless-steel tabletop, and specialty conveyors. Also automatic or semi-automatic bagging and debagging equipment. Supplies complete turnkey systems for blow molding, filling, casing, and palletizing.

IMS CO.

Two styles of conveyors plus free-standing separators for parts and runners. Flat horizontal conveyors are 5 to 7 ft long by 12, 18 or 24 in. wide. Also inclined and adjustable horizontal-to-incline models. Variable-speed controls available.

ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION

Information on Italian companies offering parts-handling equipment.

KASS CORP.

Complete takeaway systems for shuttle-type blowmolders, which can include in-line demoilers to remove moils and minor flash. Standard machines can handle parts from 5 to 10 in. high with depths from 1.25 to 4.75 in. Control system has two axes, which can be programmed for coordinated movement. Brushless digital servo motors used for reliability. Removal of tabs accomplished prior to discharge from line. Containers are oriented and exit linearly for other downstream operations.

LAROS EQUIPMENT CO., INC.

Post-molding parts-handling equipment, including horizontal and incline belt conveyors, separators, automatic box-indexing conveyors, water conveyors, and air conveyors, along with regrind fines separators and vibratory sorting equipment. Specializes in customer-specific dimensional and performance requirements.

MATHEWS CONVEYOR

Automatic case and drum palletizers. Frames 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. Can design multiple machine configurations with speeds to 100 cases/min.

MILACRON, INC.

PLASTICS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP

Under-press conveyors feature 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.

MOLDING AUTOMATION CONCEPTS MAC AUTOMATION

Designs and manufactures conveyor systems, box- and bag-filling systems by weight or count, automatic tray-fill systems, hepfiltered clean rooms, part/runner separators, vertical transfer platforms, robotic and part conditioning conveyors, and plantwide engineered parts-handling systems. Also provides parts-containment solutions with custom mold-side curtains, guideskirts, tiebar sleeves, and complete line of antistatic, stackable resin bins and gaylord/drum filter covers.

Parts-containment and parts-handling systems feature gaylord and drum filter covers designed to keep in-process material clean. Mold-side curtains, guideskirts, and tiebar sleeves prevent product loss and contamination by containing the shot and funneling it into a conveyor or box.

Conveyors and box-filling systems designed specifically to solve problems facing molders. Conditioning conveyors provide product cooling, static elimination, and hepa-filtered environments. Special devices allow automatic bad-shot diversion, q-c sampling, and part/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.

NEW ENGLAND MACHINERY, INC.

Range of equipment includes bulk feeders, plastic container unscramblers, secondary orienters, parts sorters and feeders, as well as container closure equipment (cappers, retorquers, lidders, overcappers).

NORWALT DESIGN INC.

Parts-handling equipment includes unscramblers, elevator hoppers, air conveyors, stacking machines, and loading systems for interfacing with printers, labelers, cartoners, baggers, and blister or tray machines.

Rotary centrifugal unscrambler with patented three-belt orienter-feeder can orient caps at speeds to 1200/min. Unit occupies 20 sq ft of floor space.

Self-contained air conveyors move parts on a cushion of air from unscramblers to printers, assembly or lining machinery, and require little maintenance and no lubrication.

PACLINE CONVEYORS INC.

Track and chain conveying system consists of a universal link conveyor chain inside a round conveyor track. Flexibility enables conveying through tight-radius curves on both the horizontal and vertical plane. Loads can be transported hanging or can be inverted to convey load-carrying trays.

C-250 series chain is designed for loads to 50 lb per pendant, which are standard on 6-in. centers. Coupling two pendants with a load bar allows 100-lb loads. Distributed loads to 30,000 lb can be conveyed on a 600-ft system with only one drive. Adding additional drives proportionally increases conveyor length. Track sections are prefabricated with a joining flange at each end, simplifying installation. On-site welding is not necessary, and easy rerouting changes can be made.

PALACE PACKAGING MACHINES

Feeding and orienting systems capture bottles, caps, and parts directly from the molder and feed them to conveyors for packing, printing, decorating, or assembly.

Bulk bottle and component hopper/conveyors have accumulation bins with cleated elevating belt or air-veying transporting systems. Most any height and distance can be achieved with pneumatic transporters.

PLASTIC PROCESS EQUIPMENT INC.

Complete line of molded part conveyors designed for continuous industrial use in sizes from 6 to 48 in. wide and 3 to over 20 feet in length. Models include a Vee-Guide belt-tracking system with full two-year warranty. Most standard sizes in stock and custom designs made-to-order.

PROCO MACHINERY INC.

Supplies downstream automated equipment for blow molding, which includes takeout and orientation systems, automatic deflashers, spin trimmers, leak testers, flame treaters, accumulators, and automated packaging systems.

New equipment includes the Robopak packaging system specifically designed to package blow molded containers into cartons/boxes. Containers can be packaged in a variety of configuration such as neck-up, neck-down, or in offset rows. The method of handling the parts simplifies the design, making Robopak easily integrated into any production situation.

Other new systems include the PetPik PET orientation system to work inline with the new Propak palletizing and packaging systems designed to focus on PET.

STERLING SYSTEMS DIV. OF STERLING BLOWER CO.

Complete pneumatic conveying systems for parts handling through a venturi system handle bottles, bottle caps, drinking cups, tabs and tails, and components of various shapes and sizes. Conveying distance up to 1000 ft.

TEC ENGINEERING CORP.

Under-the-press conveyors, box-filling systems, and part/runner separators.

Separators available as free-standing units or attached to the discharge end of a conveyor, offering quick and easy segregation of runners from parts. Several styles suit specific part and runner configurations.

Specializes in recycling conveyors available with metal detectors. Can be integrated into system to match conveyor feedrate with throughput rate of grinder.

TOOLTEX INC.

Custom assembly systems, integrating assembly and test equipment; and custom stackers, integrating conveyors, pick-and-place units, indexers and vision systems.