SHOWCASE
latest UK logistics firms to benefit from improved flexibility and operational performance after installing a bespoke loading system manufactured by Thorworld Industries. The semi-permanent system – comprising a ramp, platform and dock levellers, bolted to the ground outside its warehouse facility in Evesham – provides IDS with an alternative to a permanent loading dock, something that the company was unable to install due to operational restrictions. Thorworld designed a solution specifically for IDS, comprising a ramp, large platform and two dock levellers, accessorised with all the appropriate safety aids such as handrails, antislip surfaces and dock bumpers. The system enables loads to be forklifted out of the warehouse, before being safely ramped to a waiting trailer, with the process reversed for deliveries. In addition, a hinged barrier with locking gas spring permits goods to be (un)loaded from ground level where required.
loading system W
Thorworld Industries Ltd Tel: 01246 260981 Web:
www.thorworld.co.uk
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orcestershire fresh produce transport company IDS Transport (UK) Ltd has become one of the
Semi-
Survey reveals cost of ownership and lack of experience as major obstacles to advance of robotic automation in the UK
A
recent survey of UK manufacturers carried out
on behalf of ABB Robotics has revealed that concerns over cost of ownership and lack of experience in implementing and using robots are preventing many companies from investing in robotic automation. The survey received responses from 221 companies of all sizes, including SMEs. Of these, 134 are not currently using robots, with 65 ruling out introducing a robot in the near future. When asked to specify their reasons, 21 cited cost of purchase and ownership and 38 gave lack of experience as major reasons for shying away from investing in robotic automation.“The survey reveals the need for more to be done to educate UK manufacturers both about the case for investing in robots and the help available in the market to enable them to get the most from their investment,” says Mike Wilson, General Industry Sales and Marketing Manager for ABB’s UK Robotics business. “Despite significant falls in the cost of robots and robot systems in recent years, there is a lingering misconception that robotic automation is prohibitively expensive for UK companies, particularly in the SME sector.” “There is real evidence to show that an investment in a
New Safety Certification Service for the Process Industry
safety-related controls to assure purchasers that their product functions according to the required performance levels set out in IEC 61511. The initial phase of the new TÜV SÜD service includes a gap analysis process to ascertain if the safety
T
component will achieve the required SIL or performance level, or if other measures must be taken before certification. This will minimise the certification process phase, saving safety-related control manufacturers costs and reducing time to market for newly designed products. Paul Laidler, Business Director for Machinery Safety at TÜV SÜD Product Service, said: “If a safety related control function does not have the required integrity, it may fail unexpectedly and the machine will lose function, or worse, injure an operator. Any claim of functional safety for a component, subsystem or system should therefore be independently certified to one of the recognised functional safety standards. Our new certification service will help manufacturers to assure customers in the process industry that their safety control system will reduce the risk to the required level once installed.”
TUV SUD (UK) LTD
Pro-Lift T
Tel: 01489 558100 Web:
www.tuv-sud.co.uk enter 808
ÜV SÜD Product Service today launches a UK-based Safety Integrity Level (SIL) certification service for the process industry. This will enable manufacturers of
Advertorial
robot can often be recouped within just 12 to 18 months. This, coupled with the ready availability of training and support services from many UK robot suppliers and their partners, means that many companies in the UK could be missing out on the very real benefits of introducing robotic automation to their processes.” Indeed, the survey highlights a clear divide between the experiences of those who have used and benefitted from robotic automation and those who have yet to try it. Key benefits reported by the 87 respondents that are currently using robotic automation include reduced operating costs (75 percent), improved product quality and consistency (68 percent) and increased production output rates (75 percent). M“The survey results show that those companies that are seeing real benefits from their use of
robotic automation are highly likely to make further investments in additional robots,” says Wilson. “Of the 87 respondent companies currently using robots, 75 percent were either likely or highly likely to invest in additional robots in the next 18 months.” To help companies to assess the scope for introducing robotic automation into their processes, ABB offers a free, no-obligation Productivity & Efficiency Appraisal service. Lasting half a day, the appraisal includes a visit by an ABB engineer who will help to spot potential areas where robots could help deliver productivity
and efficiency
ABB Ltd Tel: 01908 350300 Web:
www.abb.com
for Wise Men
Three Free Gifts
C
astle Group Ltd, a market leading provider
of health and environment training, has launched three new One Day Courses in Vibration, Noise, and Hazardous Substances. The courses are designed to provide delegates with a broad understanding of each technical subject. Housed at Tankersley Manor, Sheffield; the courses cover how to deal with any issues regarding Noise at Work, Vibration at Work, and Air Sampling for the COSHH regulations. Delegates, in addition to learning how to ensure their staff are operating safely (and legally), also receive a free measurement device on each course they attend!
• HAVS Course - 20th May 2014 - Receive a free HAVI. Worth £59.95!
he innovative Shoulder Dolly ‘Pro Lift’ lifting strap is now available from Packaging Aids t/a Packer Products. The Pro Lift is ideal for two people in industry moving
heavy and awkward loads, including furniture, machinery, and building materials. The sturdy harness fits comfortably over shoulders and uses natural leverage to make the load seem lighter. With a carrying capacity of up to 450kg, the Pro Lift
professional model is ideal for movers, hauliers, warehouse operatives and workers in industry. Each kit includes two padded harnesses made from breathable mesh and nylon webbing with metal tri-snaps and tension buckles, one 3.6m x 12.7cm nylon lifting strap, manual, carry bag and DVD. The Pro-Lift is strong, durable, and fully adjustable to the object being carried, making moving safer,
easier and more efficient. Packer Products
Tel: 01268 885885 Web:
www.packer-products.co.uk / FACTORYEQUIPMENT
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• Noise Course - 21st May 2014 - Receive a free Noise Activated Warning Device. Worth £49!
• Air Sampling Course - 3rd June 2014 - Receive a free Anemometer. Worth £55
The courses are £195 per person per course, book two courses for £295, or all three for £395.
This £395 provides you with: • Three full days training with complimentary lunches
• CPD points • A certificate of attendance • And all three gifts (of a value over £160)
Castle Group Ltd Tel: 01723 584250
Web:
www.castletrainingacademy.com enter 810
FACTORY EQUIPMENT | APRIL 2014 29 savings.
To try the calculator, please visit
http://new.abb.com/products/robotics/roi-calculator.
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