Advertorial
SHOWCASE
Survey reveals UK companies still unsure about applying robotic automation to low volume processes
New Range of Horizontal Firetube Boilers
Fulton Limited is launching the FB range of rugged, robust and reliable
I horizontal oil or dual-fuel firetube
its RBC range, boilers
installations and for
n response to demand for boilers with capacities greater than the 4,787 kg/h of
in
Europe. The introduction means that Fulton can now offer customers a range of traditional three-pass, wetback firetube boilers that can be configured for gas,
either
steam or hot water applications. Commenting on the launch of the new horizontal firetube range, Fulton’s sales and marketing manager Carl Knight says: “The FB range is ideal for a variety of applications including large-scale laundries that currently rely on Fulton horizontal boilers to provide a steady supply of steam for ironers, presses, washers and tunnels; as well as companies requiring steam or hot water for space heating; food, plastics and chemical processing;
and pharmaceutical and bio-fuel
production.” The eight boilers in Fulton’s new highly-efficient FB range include two FB-S models with outputs of 4,699 kg/h and 6,266 kg/h and operating pressures of 12.8 barg, and six FB-C models with steam outputs from 7,810 kg/h to 25,000 kg/h at 10.34 barg.
Fulton Tel: 0117 972 3322 Web:
www.fulton.co.uk
enter 825
recent survey carried out on behalf of ABB Robotics UK reveals that many UK manufacturers have yet to be convinced about the suitability of robotic automation for low volume or bespoke production processes. Of the 221 companies that responded to the survey, 134 are not currently using robots. When asked to specify their reasons, 27 percent of these respondents identified themselves as operating low volume or bespoke processes which they did not deem as suitable for robotic automation.“The unfortunate flipside of the success of robotic automation in the automotive industry is that it has led to a popular belief that robots are only suitable for mass production processes,” says Mike Wilson, General Industry Sales and Marketing Manager for ABB’s UK Robotics business. “This couldn’t be further from the truth. Developments in robotic technology have made robots more flexible than ever, enabling them to be quickly switched between completely different products and processes.” “There is no reason why the same flexibility and agility which enables packaging producers to use the same robots to handle dozens of differently sized and shaped products cannot be readily applied to producing engineered products,” adds Wilson. “While producing an engineered product may be a world away from handling a package, the underlying principle is the same – namely that a robot offers a highly flexible and efficient means of handling different processes and / or products, especially when compared to fixed-purpose machinery.”One example of this is agricultural machinery producer, Shelbourne Reynolds. The Suffolk-based company originally installed a robotic welding cell to handle the welding operations involved in the production of low volume articulated hedge cutting tractor attachments. In order to maximise its investment, the company then decided to expand the duties handled by the cell to include working on other products, freeing up manual workers to handle other manufacturing tasks on other product lines. Convincing more UK manufacturers to embrace automation is one of the key recommendations of a new report by the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group (APMG). Prepared with the help of leading figures in industry, including representatives from companies, institutions and Government, ‘Making Good: A study of culture and competitiveness in UK manufacturing’ addresses the problems currently impeding the progress of UK manufacturing companies, including a reluctance to automate. To help companies to assess the scope for introducing robotic automation into their processes, ABB is offering 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 savings.
A ABB Robotics Tel: 01908 350300
New version of Columbus® III CAD/CAM Programming & nesting software
programming and nesting software optimized for plasma, oxy-fuel, laser and waterjet cutting. This latest version of Columbus III offers many new features and updates to make programming easier and more efficient, improve material utilization, increase productivity, and streamline workflow. The new release provides improved CAD functionality with a standard shape library that makes it easier and faster to create part programs using an extensive collection of pre-defined part geometries. Columbus III version 1.2 enables parts to be imported from an existing assembly without the need for customized import filters, providing more efficient data exchange from Columbus to ERP, better production control and easier integration. The integration into complex ERP systems is no longer a costly customizing process. The new software improves remnant creation by automatically optimizing the remnant cut geometry on the existing layout. This simplifies the creation of remnant plates while maximizing material utilization.
E ESAB Tel: 0800 389 3152
Automated Fluid Dispensing Systems
offer reliable operation with excellent repeatability
• Precise and consistent application of adhesives, sealants and lubricants
• Three- and four-dimensional motion control for dispensing of dots, stripes, arcs, compound arcs and patterns on different planes • Quick set up and easy programming thanks to specialized PC dispensing software and CAD download capabilities • Flexibility of working either as a stand-alone system or a key part of an automated solution
EFD International, Dunstable, Beds. UK Tel: 01582 666334 Email:
europe@nordsonefd.com
32 MAY 2014 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT Web:
www.nordsonefd.com enter 828 Web:
www.esab.co.uk enter 827
SAB, a world leader in welding and cutting technologies, announces the release of Columbus® III version 1.2, a powerful CAD/CAM
cable glands for hazardous areas
New Exd
ew flame proof Exd metallic cable glands have been added to the Kopex-Ex product range for hazardous areas. The glands can be used with armoured SWA, and SWB cable when connecting to junction boxes, enclosures and lighting includes a number of new design features to enhance ease of use and maintenance. The new Kopex-Ex d Double Compression Cable Gland
N range is available in
brass, nickel plated brass and stainless steel 316. Approved to a wide range of international standards, including EN/IEC 60079 and offering IP 66 and IP 68 protection, these glands can be used in hazardous area Zones 1,2 21 and 22. A comprehensive range of cable sizes can be accommodated. In introducing the new glands, Kopex-Ex has addressed a number of key requirements. The design now includes a simple flick on overcone to accommodate cable, steel wire armour or braid and keep installation times to a minimum. The internal design of the gland has been improved so that cable can be threaded through more easily and retained firmly in place. Multiple sets of inserts are provided to cater for a larger range of cable sizes.
Kopex-Ex Fax: 01675 464276 Web:
www.kopex-ex.com
enter 829 / FACTORYEQUIPMENT Web:
www.abb.com/robotics enter 826
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