Hot Off the Press

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Robotics Industry Off to a Record Start

North American robotics companies enjoyed one of the industry’s strongest opening quarters ever, according to the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), Ann Arbor, MI. North American robotics companies received orders for more than 5000 robots, valued at $344 million, through March, a 27-percent increase compared to the same period in 2011 and a 30-percent increase in dollars. Also, during the first quarter robotics companies shipped 4605 robots valued at $299.6 million, the best opening quarter ever for shipments, according to RIA president Jeff Burnstein. “Activity is especially strong among automotive OEMs and tier suppliers,” says Burnstein, “where robot orders jumped 42 percent in the first quarter over a year ago. In fact, automotive-related orders accounted for 65 percent of the new orders in the first quarter of 2012. Nonautomotive orders grew six percent.”

RIA is online at www.robotics.org/.

 

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Interplex Reel-to-Reel Division Earns TS 16949

Interplex Etch Logic, Attleboro, MA, a division of Interplex Industries, has earned ISO/TS 16949 certification, recognizing its ability to provide automotive customers with chemically etched products that meet rigorous quality and reliability standards. Interplex Etch Logic manufactures etched filters and other components for automotive applications, as well as for customers in the medical, electronic, aerospace and consumer markets; www.interplex.com/etchlogic.

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CTL Line Installed at High Steel

High Steel Service Center, Lancaster, PA, has installed a ½- by 72-in. cut-to-length line from Red Bud Industries, Red Bud, IL. Included is an adjustable Suregrip stretcher-leveling system featuring metallic grippers that prevent slippage when running high-strength or oily material. Stretcher frames can automatically adjust to a multiple of the part length to avoid double stretching. And, to optimize throughput, the line runs in the start-stop mode for heavier material and with a loop for material to 0.315-in. thick, to allow higher speeds while providing tight tolerances on length and squareness. More at www.redbudindustries.com/.

 

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