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Automation September 2013


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Total Average Net Circulation for July-December 2012 was 11,561


ISSN 1472-1244


Contents… NEWS


4. ABB wins $27m offshore automation contract 5. UK robot sales on the increase 6. Membership boom for the CLPA


INDUSTRY FOCUS: METAL PRODUCTS 12. MES solution helps to enhance manufacturing operations


FEATURES Materials Handling & Conveying...


15. Picking without slipping 16. Bespoke system for nuclear waste transfer 18. The changing needs of high end retailers


Packaging Machinery...


21. Tray-less solution at the core of packing savings 22. Still making the grade 24. Putting new techniques on the MAP


Datateam Business Media Ltd London Road Maidstone


Kent ME16 8LY


Tel: 01622 687031 Fax: 01622 757646 www.datateam.co.uk Registered in England No 1771113


PLCs & Industrial PCs...


26. Taking the next logical step 29. Rapid response saves the day


Communications & Networking... 30. Opening the gateway to Asia


Tracking & Traceability... 33. Modern detection for old mill 34. Technology for distribution centre


Exhibition Preview...


36. Vision UK - what’s in a name? 38. Photonex 2013 - who, what, where?


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The paper used in this magazine is obtained from manufacturers who operate within internationally


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TECHNOLOGY FILE 40. Fibre amplifiers deliver stability and resolution


Comment


It is worth remembering that the printed version of Automation magazine is not the only way to keep informed of what’s happening in the industry. Full versions of some of our news stories can be viewed online by following the links at the end of the individual story. If you are viewing our digital issue (which is also available as a free download via our website), these links are fully interactive and will take you directly to the story. You can also follow us on Twitter (@CI_AutomationUK) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/automationmagazine).


We have a packed issue this month featuring the latest from the world of materials handling & conveying, packaging machinery, PLCs & industrial PCs, tracking & traceability, plus a preview of the Photonex exhibition taking place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on the 16th-17th October. Joe Bush - Editor


Editor Joe Bush


Publishing Director Hannah Dedman


Tel: 01622 699194 jbush@datateam.co.uk Tel: 01622 699175 hdedman@datateam.co.uk


Advertisement Manager Kelly Byne


Tel: 01622 699195 kbyne@datateam.co.uk


Classified Sales Executive Jodie Allingham


Studio Manager Paul Forster


Classified Designer Kirsty Hood


Production Manager Claire Noe


Tel: 01622 699126 jallingham@datateam.co.uk Tel: 01622 607962 Tel: 01622 607967 Tel: 01622 607963


Circulation Enquiries Capsule Publishing Services Tel: 0333 577 0801 E: datateam@capsule-group.com


SCHUNK www.gb.schunk.com T: 01908 611 127


Lending an industrial helping hand


EXHIBITION PREVIEW: Photonex 2013 Cover Story


In 1983, SCHUNK introduced the world’s first standardised industrial gripper. The ‘industrial hand’, as it was known, was the starting point for a fast


development of gripping systems which still continues today


SEPTEMBER2013


MATERIALS HANDLING & CONVEYING


Picking without slipping


PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR MANUFACTURING EFFICIENCY PACKAGING


MACHINERY


Putting new techniques on the MAP


Next month... Features in the October 2013 issue of Automation will include: Machine Building & Frameworks Robotics & Motion Control • Wireless Technology • Industry Focus: Automotive Supply Chain • Special Supplement: Machine Vision Systems Automation SEPTEMBER 2013 3


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