Other parts-handling equipment.

AEC/APPLICATION AUTOMATION

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 customized for specific applications 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

Manufactures sorter granularors 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 yenturi 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.

AERO-GO, INC.

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 full line of materials-handling products, also available. 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

See AEC/Application Automation.

BALL & JEWELL DIV., STERLING, INC.

Offers 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 suitable 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 system. 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.

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 serf-contained and portable, with heavy-duty locking casters. Features include microprocessor-based adjustable speed controls; stainless-steel construction with nontoxic, nonflamed 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

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.

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 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 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 are 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 INDUSTRIAl, PRODUCTS INC.

Company's separators include:

* 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 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. 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.

Conveyors include an inclined horizontal conveyor that features base and inclined side structures in rugged, high-strength extruded aluminum alloy; self-aligning bearings with easy-to-adjust take-up screw; extruded aluminum crowned rollers for belt drive; automatic center-guide, belt-drive system; and enclosed motor and drive.

DYNAMIC CONVEYOR CORP.

Manufactures modular conveyor system for light- to medium-duty product. Two-foot modules are constructed from injection molded panels that quickly and easily bolt together. To modify length, a module(s) is simply added or removed. To change elevation, an angled connector (30 [degrees] or 45 [degrees]) is interchanged with a straight connector. Link-style belt, molded from impact-resistant polymer, is guided through a designed-in path, which. eliminates tracking problems. Widths range from 4 to 24 in., and lengths from 2 to 20 ft. Options include a variety of adjustable, mobile support sets, single and variable speed drives, and three heights of cleats, which can be placed on the belt at required locations.

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

EMI CORP.

Manufactures more than 125 standard models of belt conveyors and customized parts-handling systems for plantwide automation of molded parts. 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; con-veyors 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 contain-merit, allow customizing to special needs. Modular construction of conveyors allows them to be lengthened, shortened or modified to meet changing production requirements.

Conveyor systems, which interface with Process Control signals from the molding machine provide a reverse drive to divert "bad shot" parts from the production line. Kurv-King series have adjustable vertical angles between 20 [degrees] and 45 [degrees], and are desigued, 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 fiat-belt conveyor feeding a cleated-belt inclined conveyor from a right-angle position. Saves floor space and eliminates blocked aisles.

Now offers part relay station conveyors for receiving robotically removed parts onto combination belt and elevator conveyor systems to lower parts to operator height and move them to finishing and/or packaging stations.

FECO ENGINEERED SYSTEMS, INC.

Equipment 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 loweratots (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 non-synchronous concepts.

Full CAD and CIM capability in developing systems available.

HAMILTON AVTEC INC.

Offers nearly 30 standard belt-conveyor models and specializes in customized designs and systems. Basic models offered in 6- to 16-ft lengths. Omni line is designed for under-machine or low, pass-along installations; HR line 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 Water Bath Conveyor for large part cooling and conveying, Box Boy indexing conveyor for packaging systems, and 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 and assembly equipment for parts and containers to be decorated and/or sent downstream for secondary finishing operations. Wide range of models in sizes from 8- through 60-in.-diam. feeder bowls 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.

Also offers flat-top chain and belted variable-speed conveyors.

HUSKY INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEMS LTD.

Offers product-handling equipment for conveying, stacking and assembly of parts, as well as mold-mounted guide rails, guide chutes and swing chutes for high-speed part removal. Systems available for tray loading of technical parts such as cassettes, compact disc cases and custom-designed units for cutlery, floppy disk shells, video cassettes, petri dishes, etc. When installed on a Husky machine, equipment is integrated with machine's microprocessor. For non-Husky machines, a free-standing controller is available. Microprocessor screens customized for specific parts-handling applications.

IDEAS IN MOTION

Offers complete line of conveyors for container handling. Also automatic or semi-automatic bagging and debagging equipment.

IMS CO.

Offers new Ultraline conveyors and add-on separators for parts and runners. Standard horizontal conveyors are 6 ft long x 12, 18 or 24 in. wide. Incline and adjustable horizontal to incline models also stocked. Variable-speed control available.

ITALlAN TRADE COMMISSION

Information on Italian companies offering parts-handling equipment.

JETSTREAM SYSTEMS CO.

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 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. Alr-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 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. Specializes in custom tailoring dimensional and performance requirements.

MATHEWS CONVBYOR DIV.

BABCOCK INDUSTRIES, INC.

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. Can design multiple machine configurations with speeds up to 100 cases/min.

MINZIKEN 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

Manufactures parts-containment and parts-handling systems for molders, featuring gaylord and drum filter covers designed to keep in-process material dean. Mold-side curtains and guide-skirts 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

See AEC/Nelmor.

OMNIFLOW DIV.

KALAMAZOO TECHNOLOGIES

Offers belt-conveying equipment, which incorporates a lightweight aluminum frame with stainless-steel side rails. Units 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 PROCESS EQUIPMENT INC.

FIC series fixed incline conveyor for under-the-press has a two-ply endless belt to avoid snagging and dragging. Transition section has five recessed transition rollers for smooth transition from horizontal section to the 40 [degrees] incline section. Series available in 12-, 18- and 24-in. widths.

ICG model inclined conveyor has a 25 1/2-in. long horizontal section for loading parts at the discharge end of the 40 [degrees] incline. Transition has no open gaps where parts can get trapped. ICG available in 12-, 18- and 24-in. widths and lengths of 6 and 10 ft.

FT series fiat-top belt conveyor has belt located above conveyor frame for moving items that are wider than the unit. Features include Vee-Guide belt-tracking system, rugged 5-in. aluminum channel frame, covered chain drive, heavy-duty 1-in.-diam. shafts and bearings, adjustable angle stands that tilt 45 [degrees] either way, 1/6-hp motor, and two-ply white belting good to 250 F. Series comes in 12-, 18- and 24-in. widths and lengths of 8, 10 and 12 ft.

HD series heavy-duty parts conveyor consists of Vee-Guide belt tracking system for full-time straight belt tracking, a heavy aluminum channel frame, oversized 1-in.-diam. shafts and bearings, 1/3-hp 60:1 drive motor, 4 1/2-in.-diam. rollers, telescoping Uni-Strut stands, and 4-in. side rails. Conveyor can tilt up to 45 [degrees] in either direction and has adjustable heights from floor to belt. Unit available in 12-, 18- and 24-in. widths and lengths of 6, 8 and 10 ft.

POLYMIR SYSTEMS INC.

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

STERLING, INC.

See Ball & Jewell Div.

STERLING SYSTEMS DIV.

STERLING BLOWER CO.

Manufactures complete pneumatic conveying systems for parts handling through a venturi system. Systems handle bottles, bottle caps, drinking cups, tabs and tails, and components of various shapes and sizes. Designed to maintain "part integrity" when a product cannot be nicked, marred or damaged.

TEC ENGINEERING CORP.

Offers Ultraline spiral, single- and double-roller, paddle, and double-disk separators. All five models account for all variations of sprue, runner and part dimensions.

Three models of Techni-Roll free-standing separators available. Counterrotating rollers help separate small dimensional parts where part and runner dimensions are similar.

Full line of industrial-strength sorting conveyors designed for plastic separation and recycling, PET and PVC sorting, plastic and metal recycling, and medical disinfecting and recycling. Units compatible with all varieties of granulators. Equipped with three-phase motors and magnetic starters to incorporate with granulators for automatic shut-down when overloading occurs.

THRIFT PRODUCTS

Offers 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 tail-piece for reaching under the mold. Add-on and free-standing finger-type separators have quick-set nylon fingers. Portable drum-type separators are 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 automation equipment to support its line of, robots for injection molding. Applications are for part-decorating, assembly, packaging of parts, and stacking or storing.