TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION
ADVERTORIALS
Robust feed U82 wire feeder offers unmatched combination of advanced process controls and extreme durability
ESAB’s Robust Feed U82 wire feeder includes a full suite of advanced process control functions that help users increase competitiveness through consistent weld quality and appearance, address workforce skill issues, improve productivity and reduce operating costs. The feeder accepts 200- and 300-mm wire spools and is designed to work with ESAB’s Aristo® 500ix and Aristo Mig 4004i Pulse power sources. The Robust Feed U82 combines the extreme durability of a portable, enclosed feeder and the
precision and control of a shop-style feeder. Its PreciDrive wire drive system delivers better arc starts and stops without backlash. Large diameter (38 mm) drive rolls offer more gripping area and provide more pushing force without deforming soft cored and aluminium wires. It handles solid wires up to 2.0 mm and cored wires up to 2.4 mm and feeds wire at speeds of 0.8 to 25.0 m/min.
A bespoke solution for the UK’s largest refractory manufacturer
The challenge Derbyshire-based DSF Refractories & Minerals (DSF) is the largest shaped refractory manufacturer in the UK, producing heat-resistant materials for extreme-temperature applications, including the lining of glass furnaces and petrochemical reactors. For over 10 years, DSF had used a counterbalanced machine to load and unload large
refractory blocks from its kilns but frequent issues were causing production downtime and costly repairs. Additionally, the machine’s stabilising attachment often damaged the refractory blocks and loads were sometimes unstable. As this was an older machine that did not have power steering, this caused operator fatigue, which was highlighted by DSF as a possible safety risk.
Objectives Following an introduction to DSF by Endeavour Forklifts, Roburtrucks began the design of a machine that would deliver the following objectives: • Incorporate power steering • Grab refractory blocks safely and securely • Ensure load stability when moving across uneven floors • Be comfortable for operator use • High reliability for continuous operation
Solution Roburtrucks designed and manufactured a highly compact counterbalanced Stacker, featuring a unique securing clamp. The machine provides a lifting capacity of 1000kg (or 800kg with the removable clamp) and delivers two operational uses. As well its bespoke functionality, the removal of the clamp enables the machine to be utilised as a conventional counterbalanced Stacker for other purposes in the factory. In order to prevent damage to the refractory blocks, the lifting clamps designed and
engineered by Roburtrucks were coated with Secutex® multi-functional geotextile, which allows some leniency in the material to ensure secure grabbing characteristics.
Results The new machine was quickly proven to increase productivity for DSF through the secure handling of refractory blocks weighing up to 600kg. Able to operate safely and efficiently across uneven floors, the bespoke solution addressed all previous health and safety concerns. Equally, the reliability of the new machine has proven significant with no downtime incurred to date. Russell Ferns, Health and Safety Officer, DSF Refractories & Minerals, commented: “From the introduction to Roburtrucks by Endeavour Forklifts through the design and build
process, delivery and driver familiarisation, the service we have received was second to none. Nothing was too much trouble for the Roburtrucks team and this was a challenging project. We had experienced a number of previous failed attempts to get the right piece of kit for the specific purpose we needed but Roburtrucks delivered on its promise that the truck would meet all the desired objectives. Our long-term relationship with Mark Bann from Endeavour Forklifts meant that we were able to trust his judgment when recommending Roburtrucks to our company, which proved to be an excellent partnership.”
To arrange a free initial consultation for any materials handling project, email the Roburtrucks team at
sales@roburtrucks.co.uk
Roburtrucks 0800 298 2980
https://www.stanleyhandling.co.uk/roburtrucks/
ESAB
www.esab.com
OMRON Introduces D41 Series
High-Coded Safety Door Switch The device helps prevent industrial accidents caused by human errors
OMRON has announced the launch of D41 Series Safety Door Switch that reduces the risk of interlock devices being deactivated, for a safe and worry-free production site. Safety components perform their safety functions only when properly used. Some industrial accidents were caused by tampering with interlocking devices used for safety guards, although they could have been prevented. There is an effort to standardize prevention of tampering. Many countries have therefore implemented EN ISO 14119:2013 that defines the measures required to minimize defeat of interlocking devices. This is becoming the global standard to prevent accidents.
Reducing the risk of defeating by using high-coded systems Thanks to the built-in function in the D41 to prevent deactivation in the switch itself, companies can reduce the risk of defeating their protection guards. In the "high-coded" safety door switch, the combination of sensor and actuator is fixed by pairing with more than 1,000 variations available.
Key features of the Non-Contact D41D • The compact design fits into tight spaces inside machines and does not hinder entry through openings
• D41D matches with machine design while providing excellent versatility of mounting • Pairing of all series-connected switches can be done at once, reducing design and commissioning time
Key features of the Guard Lock D41L • Hygienic design that prevents water and foreign matter from collecting and the ECOLAB- certified detergent resistance allows for easy and quick cleaning • High tolerance for guard misalignment
OMRON 01908 258124
www.industrial.omron.co.uk/en/home
FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | OCTOBER 2021 65
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