Koganei: A Pioneer in the Pneumatic Industry

                                     

 Koganei Corporation is a leading company to serve factory automation and labor saving requirements with their pneumatic and electronic product range. By using pneumatics features, which are cleanliness, low cost, and functionality enabling delicate human finger-like movement, Koganei provides solutions required in a wide range of industries.

KOGANEI'S iB SERIES

Innovative and Blue Ocean" is Koganei's meaning of iB series. Blue ocean refers to the strategy of less competition. 

ib-Cyclone

Cyclone Water Separator 

Superior water separation performance (over 99%). Maintenance free.

iB-Flow Flow Sector

Digital Flow Controller

Remote operation of needle opening to control flow rate is possible. Flow rate feedback can be used for control and switching between multiple flow rates is also possible.    

iB-Flow

Digital Flow Controller

Easy setup of cylinder operation time (Input of values from 0.05 to 30 seconds). Cylinder operation time can be measured. Simple cylinder syncronization setups.   

iB-Move

Linear Stepping Actuator

Simple point-to-point operation. Simple stroke, acceleration/deceleration, thrust level settings. A linear motor and no deceleration mechanism greatly reduces operating noise. 

iB-Zero

5-Port Manifold Solenoid Valve

Thin and lightweight,easy assembly,6 fittings,and 3 flow rate models can be combined in one manifold.

Contact us today! 800-228-2790. We'd be happy to provide more information and schedule a demo!

MiR1000 is now here!

MIR 1000

MiR1000 is designed to automate and optimize the internal transportation of heavy duties and pallets. With a payload of 1000 kg, this is MiR’s most powerful robot, and even in highly dynamic environments it can transport heavy loads without any exterior safety measures.

This collaborative robot is a safe alternative to traditional forklifts and trucks. Another advantage of the MiR1000 is that it does not need to be manned, so it optimizes the transportation of pallets and frees up employees for more valuable tasks.

• Collaborative and autonomous: it maneuvers safely around all kinds of obstacles
• Advanced technology and sophisticated software enable the robot to navigate autonomously and choose the most effective route to its destination
• Equipped with the latest laser-scanner technology and that delivers a 360-degree visual for optimal safety
• MiR1000 can be deployed with pallet lifts from MiR and can pick up, transport and deliver pallets automatically

For more information about the MiR1000, give us a call at (800) 228-2790!

Marking and Coding systems are now available!

BestCode's complete range of IP65 rated marking and coding systems are simplified to allow anyone to operate, which minimizes operator touches, extends time between human interaction, and lowers total cost for your company.

BestCode is proud to announce its next generation of marking and coding which is the NExt Series 8. This generation offers high speed, non-contact, and continuous ink jet printing systems. 

NExt Series 8

• Print high speed, reliable lot/date, sell-by date and other identifying marks and codes on a wide range of substrates, including plastic, glass, paper, and more

Some features of bestCode products are:

FreakyFast Printing

• Coding speeds above 2000 feet per minute 

True Non-Contact Printing

• Ink throw distances from .5'' (12mm) up to 2'' (50mm)

Color Touch Screen

• Always on
• Vivid display with large intuitive buttons and status indicators 

The Best Sensor For Your Food Production!

Banner Engineering's T18-2 Series sensors are the next generation of self-contained photoelectric

sensors. Their IP69 epoxy encapsulated housing, ensures the strength and reliability and are ideal for use in washdown and thermal shock environments on food production lines.

To receive FDA approval, the T18-2 passed a ECOLAB test, in which, the sensor was submersed in a range of chemicals for 28 days. The plastic material ensure that the casing will not weaken by temperature cycling since it expands and contracts at the same rate and each product is ultrasonically welded.

Along with that, they have superior performance with better fluorescent light immunity, improved color sensitivity, and higher excess gain.

Key Features:

• Shatter-resistant for use in the most rugged environments
• IP69K epoxy encapsulated circuitry
• Housing is made of all certified FDA-grade durable plastic
• Sensor is ultrasonically welded together to create a single piece made of the same material, ideal for environments with rapidly changing temperatures
• Smooth, improved design for a more hygienic sensor
• Complete sealed and leak-proof construction

For more information about the Banner T18-2 Series, give us a call at (800) 228-2790!

Detection That Can Save You Money

Manufacturing facilities know the expenses of equipment repairs and production downtime, but what if you could take a proactive approach to prevent both as well as keep costs down? Prime Controls has developed a solution that can prevent a $20,000 to $100,000 repair!

In most equipment, if more than one sheet is fed into the machine, it damages tools and dies. That is why for over 25 years Prime Controls have made Double Sheet Detection an essential component of manufacturing. The sensors protect machinery by ensuring that only one sheet of metal is entering into a process. 

The Double Sheet Detection is perfect for automation, robotics, automated destackers, sheet feeders, and in-fixture (poke-a-yoke) applications. Along with that, the solution is perfect for the canmaking, automotive, appliance, and other metal forming industries.

The Double Sheet Detection can easily be set up and they can sense a wide range of metals, such as:

• Steel
• Copper
• Aluminum

For more information about the Double Sheet Detection solution, give us a call at (800) 228-2790!

You Are Invited!

We are pleased to announce that the first C&E Automating America Expo of 2019 is coming up in Murfreesboro, TN on May 21st and in Louisville, KY on May 23rd!

Our team of specialists and suppliers will be stopping by both cities for one day to share the latest industry trends, offer educational seminars, and have product demonstrations in real time!

The event is free and lunch is included.

Educational Seminars:

Manufacturing Traceability: Archiving Your Process
Tech savvy manufacturers are capturing images and data throughout their manufacturing process so that they can refer them when an issue arises. What did the product look like when it left your factory? Hosted by C&E Vision Specialist, Tony Belter

Collaborative Robot Safety Strategies
Collaborative robots are capable of working side by side with humans. How safe are they and what do you need to consider implementing this next generation technology? Hosted by C&E Safety Specialist, Steve Wright

Fluid or Electric? Forcing The Issue
When it comes to moving things around within your equipment, you now have more options than ever before. What should you consider for your process? Hosted by C&E Technical Manager, Jay Swank

Pushing The Factory Floor Into the Cloud
Industry 4.0 Technology is digitally transforming manufacturing. Access, analyze, and visualize your factory, providing your business with a competitive edge. Hosted by C&E Automation Specialist, Brad Hart

Mobile Robots: Keeping Manufacturing Moving
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are rapidly changing the way parts move through production and provide greater flexibility and deployment than AGV's. How do these new robots differ from their prehistoric predecessors, and how do they interoperate with people? Hosted by C&E Robotics Specialist, Chris Bramlage

Collaborative Robot Safety Strategies
Collaborative robots are capable of working side by side with humans. How safe are they and what do you need to consider implementing this next generation technology? Hosted by C&E Safety Specialist, Steve Wright

Panel Design: Simplified
Time is money, as the saying goes. With modern panel design you can speed up manufacturing and add diagnostics and operate smarter than ever before. Hosted by C&E Controls Specialists, Paul Kamenca and John Pipkin

Manufacturing Traceability: Archiving Your Process
Tech savvy manufacturers are capturing images and data throughout their manufacturing process so that they can refer them when an issue arises. What did the product look like when it left your factory? Hosted by C&E Vision Specialist, Tony Belter

For more information about both events and to register, go to the Automating America official page.

Switch To The Safest Option

Fortress Interlocks is a leader in machine safety specializing in keeping the people in the facility safe as well as increase productivity. The quality of their products is the reason why we would like to introduce the ncGuard line of non-contact safety switches.

These non-contact safety switches that can be used to automatically turn off power of machinery and prevent machinery from starting when the door of a hazardous area is open with the goal of keeping personnel safe. The ncGuard line incorporates both magnetic and RFID technologies.

Along with that, they are easy to install, extremely long-lasting and require minimal maintenance. These switches may be applied to many applications in the manufacturing, power, process, and transportation industries.

The line is currently composed of 6 products:

• FM Range - Magnetic Safety Switches
• FE Range - Magnetically Coded Safety Switches
• NCS Range - IP69K Solid State Hall Effect Sensors
• FS Range - Generic Code RFID Safety Switches
• FR Range - Individually Coded RFID Safety Switches
• ATOM - RFID Safety Interlock

The Safety Feature You Need!

Larco created a line of long-lasting safety mat systems that are essential for any manufacturing facility. The Industrial Safety Mats are ideal to endure the harshest environments and have a 4-year warranty. They are composed of a heavy-duty electrode assembly and durable outer shell that not only makes them durable, but they can also withstand as much as 3,000 psi without deforming or tearing.

Requiring only a light load for activation in normal foot traffic, they are:

• Impact resilient
• Abrasion resistant
• Totally submersible
• Slip & stain resistant

Larco has recently added a new feature to their Industrial Safety Mats line that allows manufacturers customize their orders to fulfill their specific safety needs, be attention grabbing, and to promote their brand or safety message without any setup fees!

The 12" x 12" graphic inserts are ideal for heavy foot and vehicle traffic since they are printed on the back of a .75 mil thick, clear polyvinyl material that shows through to the mat surface. Along with that, businesses can include custom-built logos to be included with their message.

If you would like to learn more about this essential safety feature for your facility, give us a call (800) 228-2790!

Scan Even The Most Difficult Barcodes!

The ABR Series imager-based barcode readers by Banner Engineering is the best solution to read even the most difficult to read 1D and 2D barcodes. For example, the ABR Series detects barcodes

printed on highly reflective surfaces, low quality, and damaged codes.

Along with that, Banner developed the Barcode Manager, an easy-to-use software that can connect, configure, and monitor multiple barcode readers. The ABR Series users can choose a one-step process for automatic setup and an advanced option that provides full access to device settings for full configuration.

The line of barcodes was developed with the automotive, electronics, packaging, material handling, food, beverage, and pharmaceutical companies in mind, but it can also benefit other industries.

Common Applications

• Device/Component traceability
• Direct part marking (DPM)
• Quality assurance
• Work-in-progress tracking
• Automated line changeover
• High-speed process control
• Package sortation and shipping
• End-of-line palletizing
• Primary and secondary package verification

We would love to demonstrate how the Banner Engineering ABR Series can benefit your production. For more information, please call (800) 228-2790.

Safety Has Never Been So Easy!

We want you to keep you informed about the latest technologies in the manufacturing industry,
especially when it comes to the safety of your employees.

That is why we developed a Cobot Safety seminar that feature:

• Yaskawa Motoman HC10 Collaborative Robot demo
• Banner Engineering safety product showcase
• Risk assessments
• Hands-on robots session

Do not miss the seminars coming up on February 26th - Columbus, OH and March 26th - Nashville, TN!

Meet the Banner Engineering Q5X Series!

The Banner Engineering Q5X Series is composed of high-power mid-range sensor that detects even the most challenging targets while saving time and costs. The device comes in a versatile IP67 rated housing that can be mounted outside of hazardous areas and it can detect the most acute angles from 9.5 cm to 2 meters away.

The Q5X can verify multiple conditions and with one single device you can:

• Detect clear and reflective objects
• Detect black targets against a black background
• Detect black targets against a shiny metal background
• Detect multicolor packaging and targets of all colors

The Q5X Series can be programmed via on-board user interface, remote teach, IO-Link, or optional sensor display. Besides the easy programming, the solution also offers real-time distance feedback that enables easy troubleshooting and is error proof.

Applications:

• Part in place inspections
• Part motion complete
• Detection of black plastic, leather, and rubber parts
• End of line pallet detection
• Shrink wrap detection
• Carton full/empty
• Box, tote, and pallet detection
• Detection of construction materials (timber, plywood, sheetrock, steel, asphalt, etc.)

The GraceSense Hot Spot Monitor Keeps You In Business

Did you know that downtime in a manufacturing facility can cost an average of $9,000/minute? And the cost is even higher for automotive plants costing an average of $22,000/minute.

Defective equipment is serious business and manufacturers already use proactive methods, such as routine inspections and infrared equipment to measure potential hot sources with the goal of preventing equipment failure. The semi and annual inspections are not ideal because it requires trained inspectors to physically open the electrical enclosure which puts them in potential danger, data may be inaccurate, and there is a chance that the equipment integrity may be affected.

Another method facilities use are Infrared (IR) Cameras, which are a great tool to identify any temperature anomalies, but they are not always easy to read and they require qualified and certified thermographers to perform the work. Along with that, inspections with this tool are usually performed during non-peak hours, which means that the data might not be accurate.

With accuracy and safety in mind, Grace Engineering developed the GraceSense Hot Spot Monitor (HSM) to decrease the amount of downtime and remotely monitor the temperature of essential equipment, such as:

• Busbars
• MCCs
• Drive panels
• Switchgear
• Bus ducts
• Etc.

Along with the continuous monitoring of equipment temperature, the HSM also offers simple installation and operations personnel do not need any form of special training or certificate to set, monitor, record, and retrieve the temperature data of critical connections in the electrical equipment in the facility.

The HSM is the newest and best technology that not only keep the equipment running, but also keeps personnel safe. For more information about the HSM, give us a call at 800-228-2790 and we would love to demonstrate how it can be ideal for your facility.

ERD30 Electric Cylinder Case Study

We pride ourselves in specializing and representing Tolomatic products due to their quality and excellence. Recently, we read about a customer who was looking to remain compliant with the regulations from the industry, but also needed to maintain the same quality in their product along with long service life for the new components.

Tolomatic was approached by a cheese company to replace their hydraulic cylinder due to contamination concerns from the possibility of leaking hydraulic fluids. The solution was an all stainless steel ERD30 electric cylinder with an IP69K rating combined with a motor. The actuator featured a roller screw to provide the customer with the long service life they required.

This success story is just one of my many and we would love to talk to you about how Tolomatic products can help your production. Give us a call at (800) 228-2790.

Turck Expands Its RFID Offering With A New UHF Handheld Device

Turck has expanded its RFID offering with an economical UHF handheld device. The PD20 handheld provides a lightweight, easy-to-use smartphone RFID reader system. The handheld device houses a UHF antenna and connects to the user's smartphone via the audio port. Additionally, Turck is providing a basic, multipurpose Turck RFID app for their iOS and Android mobile devices. As with all of Turck's handheld RFID solutions, it can be used in conjunction with Turck's BL ident® RFID system.

• Mobile reading and writing of RFID data carriers
• Handheld with UHF antenna
• Connection to the host device via 3.5 mm jack plug
• Includes Turck RFID app for reading and writing of data carriers - custom app available on request
• Permanent lithium-ion 1800 mAh battery
• Protection class IP20

For more information, please call C&E at 800-228-2790. Thank you. 

Detection That Works

Prime Control’s DS150 is a double sheet detector that offers detection of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The manufacturer developed a smart product that displaces the need to continuously recalibrate. After the initial calibration, the DS150 is able to detect single and double sheets as well as defective ones. Operators are aware of defective metal sheets from the blinking light sequence in the indication panel. The detection solution improves your bottom line, boost product quality, and ramps up manufacturing efficiency.

The DS150 is ideal for sheet feeders for the automotive, can making, and other metal-forming industries. It operates on 120 Volts AC or 240 Volts AC @ 50-60 Hz power.

The DS150 detects:

• Aluminum
• Steel
• Tinplate
• Stainless steel
• Copper
• Brass
• Other metals

Features:

• Dual probe
• Detects ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• Provides flexibility for broad range of thickness applications and metals
• Thickness ranging: .05 mm – 6.35 mm
• Basic and affordable option
• Automatically adjusts signal based on material type
• Multi-gage double detection without calibration changes
• Push button calibration

We would love to send you more information about this solution and talk about how it can impact your business. Please contact us at (800) 228-2790.

Industry 4.0 Is Here

Rittal is offering innovative options on products like the Blue e+ line of cooling units and chillers that have IoT capability.

IoT capability allows chillers and cooling units to be part of Industry 4.0 applications. With the technology, sensors have continuous communication with the cloud and a connection to external monitoring or energy management systems. Along with that, units can be accessed remotely and predictive maintenance are based on the provision of data and networked communications.

Benefits of IoT Interface:

• Central module in the intelligent networking of Rittal products
• Series connection of up to 5 IoT interfaces possible
• Uncomplicated connection of up to two Blue e+ cooling units or chillers
• Compatible with up to 32 CMC III sensors and the smart monitoring system
• Relevant ports and status displays are readily visible and accessible to the user on the front
• Simple integration to existing monitoring systems
• Compact housing for simple installation in existing enclosure systems
• Mounting on a top-hat rail or on the rear of the cooling units
• Power supply via direct 24 V DC connection                

Rittal’s IoT interface supports:

• OPC-UA
• SNMP
• Modbus TCP
• CANopen

We would love to send you more information about this technology and Rittal’s products. Please give us a call at (800) 228-2790.                                                                                                                                                               

Looking for a new way to light your facilities? We have the solution for you!

Meet the Banner HLS27 LED Strip Light for HazardousLocations, a cost efficient, reliable, and durable solution. The Banner HLS27 series is ideal for harsh indoor and outdoor applications due to the sturdy aluminum housing encased in a shatterproof, UV-stabilized, polycarbonate shell.

This line of products is available with the option to display two colors in one device, making it ideal for mobile vehicle, machine status, and vision lighting applications. Along with that, the lighting system comes with a built-in temperature protection, in which, the light dims to any temperature above 50 °C to be protected against heat and protect product lifetime.

We would love to tell you how this product can benefit your facilities. Please call us at (800) 228-2790.

Mobile Industrial Robot (MiR) is Changing The Game

Although robots have been improving a wide variety of industries all over the country, many facilities have concerns regarding expenses and programming of the new technology.

Metro Plastics Technologies, Inc. felt that they should share how the MiR200 autonomous robot has impacted their business. The manufacturing company has been a provider of superior custom molding services since 1975. Since that time, the business has grown significantly and with that, they faced new challenges. One of those was how to transport material within the plant to different stages of production without delaying the delivery time of the project to the customer. It all changed when they were introduced to the MiR200 autonomous robot.

With its simplicity to program, durability and ability to work on its own, employees were free to focus on the tasks that will result in the best products. The company quickly realized that the autonomous robot is the most cost and time effective solution. Along with that, the robot has completely eliminated fork lift traffic and the plant has become a safer work environment for employees.

According to the manufacturing company's Project Coordinator Emma Morris, mapping the entire production floor only took 2-3 hours and changing the programming to adjust to the plant’s needs that come with time is extremely easy.

Metro Plastics Technologies, Inc. is one of the many businesses the MiR robot has impacted. If you would like to learn how the MiR autonomous robot can improve your facility, give us a call at (800) 228-2790.

Encoder Products Company Offers The Latest In EtherCAT Communication

Encoder Products Company (EPC) has been a leading designer and world-wide manufacturer of motion sensing devices since they opened their doors in 1969. Throughout the years they have maintained that legacy by designing the latest and best products in the industry, which is why EPC has recently released two versatile encoders suited for applications where Ethernet-based connectivity is required.

The Model A58HE, a 58 mm encoder in a hollow bore construction, and the Model A58SE, a 58 mm shaft encoder available with either a clamping flange or a synchro flange, were specifically designed to endure harsh factory and plant environments while working with the efficiency of EtherCAT and multi-turn absolute encoders.

Along with all of the advantages both models will bring to production, EPC also focused on designing a line of products that would make installation easy and straightforward. According to EPC’s Technical Sales Manager and electrical engineer Sarah Walter, “[the encoders] plug directly into a network with minimal prerequisites, and work in various configurations, including daisy-chaining, and redundant-ring configurations that can continue communication in event of a line break.”

The A58HE and A58SE encoders offer:

• EtherCAT Deterministic Communication (CoE, FoE, and EoE)
• Multi-turn resolution up to 43 bits
• Up to 16 bits of single turn resolution
• 58 mm diameter housing
• Bores sizes up to 0.375" or 15 mm
• Shaft diameters up to 0.375” or 10 mm
• Durable magnetic technology
• Proven turns counting technology with no gears or batteries
• Operating temperature range of -40° C to 85° C
• Sealing rating of IP65 (on A58SE, 10 mm shaft comes with IP67 sealing)
• Continuous digital position monitoring
• Ability to retain absolute position after a power outage
• Meet CE/EMC Standards for Immunity and Emissions

For more information about this product, please contact us at 800-228-2790. Our sales team would love to stop by for a demonstration and show how this line can improve your production.

As If We Couldn’t Love Autonomous Robots More!

Packaging Digest interviewed Mobile Industrial Robot (MiR)’s Vice-President of Sales Ed Mullen for the article Robust Mobile Robot MovesPallet Loads Independently. The article focuses on how the new MiR500 assists operations to become safer and more efficient by having the ability to easily transport more than 1,100 pounds at speeds of nearly 4.5 miles per hour.

During the detailed interview, Mullen shares that the MiR500 is the biggest and fastest robot that the company has developed to this day. The robot has an all-metal, durable material that will continue to work even when maneuvering through shallow water puddles and it is ideal for the transportation of heavier pallets.

Along with that, the MiR500 has an anti-slip surface and a low center of gravity that guarantees the safety of the materials being transported throughout the facility. According to Mullen, “the MiR500 can be equipped with pallet forks, conveyors, a robot arm or other options to support a range of applications, which also underlines that the MiR500 is user friendly and flexible.” In other words, with the MiR500 you have a world of possibilities!