Page 25 - MetalForming February 2016

Cloud-Based Predictive Air-Quality Control System
RoboVent trumpeted eTell, a predictive control system for air-quality equipment that reportedly improves energy effi- ciency, prolongs filter life and reduces operational costs. The
cloud-based program, which RoboVent claims to be the first of its kind in the industrial-filtration industry, uses advanced analytics to learn a plant’s processes and trends, and make auto- mated adjustments to improve system performance.
www.robovent.com
Electrocoating Promises Increased Edge Protection
MetoKote Corp. highlighted new Powercron AdvantEdge electrocoating technology, engineered to provide improved protection of cut, stamped or formed edges on sheetmetal parts. The e-coat, made available through PPG Industries, reportedly offers several performance advantages over e-coats formulated with conventional metal-based catalyzing tech- nologies. These include curing at temperatures as low as 320 F to reduce energy use and related carbon emissions, as well as good workability, smooth film appearance, enhanced throwpower and good corrosion resistance.
The e-coat material, a cationic-epoxy product formulat- ed with a proprietary metal-free catalyst that eliminates the need for dibutyl tin and other scarce or restricted heavy metals as catalyzing agents, proves ideal for commercial uses such as automotive parts and accessories, heavy-duty equipment, agricultural equipment and fasteners.
www.metokote.com
Box-Making Platform
Can Ease Shipping Operations, Cut Costs
Box On Demand caught the eye of attendees looking to economize shipping operations with its Compack 1.4, a scalable, small-footprint box-making platform. Multiple- box output, hundreds of preprogrammed box styles, and multiple feed inputs are standard on the platform. The sys- tem also features Panotec high-speed cutting-head tech- nology designed for longevity and minimal maintenance.
The technology is an ideal solution for companies looking to minimize shipping costs, especially those from excess dimensional-weight charges. By creating the right-sized box for each shipment, manufacturers can save on corrugated material, shipping costs, and void-fill expenses.
Automated 3D Scanning, Measurement and Gauging
Exact Metrology partnered at FABTECH with Perceptron, a provider of automated dimensional-inspection and gaug- ing products using traditional industrial robots for inline and near-line applications. Perceptron showcased its new AutoScan Collaborative gauge that brings automated 3D scanning, dimensional measurement and dimensional gaug- ing to the shop floor. AutoScan combines the latest Collab- orative technology with Perceptron’s Helix Smart Scanning sensor technology in this product.
The robotic system seen at FABTECH, which replaces hard gauges and handles a variety of parts, eliminates the need for traditional robot safety fences and can be pro- grammed via manual guidance. Fully automated, the gauge offers high-speed inspection with no part preparation, sprays or stickers required, and can be operated by those without metrology expertise.
The Helix 3D scanning sensor features robust industrial- grade construction along with programmable laser lines and scan volume. Vector software included in the unit pro- vides real-time status monitoring, an extensive SPC report- ing package, visual alignment, automated feature extraction and configuration via CAD files if needed.
www.exactmetrology.com
Power Source Optimizes Robotic Welding
Fronius launched the Trans Process Solution Intelligent (TPS/i) power source, designed for rapid, repeatable robot- ic welding. Fronius engineers enhanced the Digital Revolu-
tion system architecture to cover and address all major influencing factors crucial to the welding process, and the addition of the new SpeedNet communication protocol report- edly doubles reaction speed and decreases processing
time.
In addition to con- stant-voltage and pulsed- GMAW, the modified dip transfer-arc LSC (low spatter con- trol) and the modified pulsed-arc PMC (pulse multi-control) processes give robotic systems a significantly higher level of arc control, say company officials. A penetration stabilizer ensures that penetration remains constant even during stickout fluctuations, by adjusting the dynamic wire feeder to maintain a consistent current value. An arc-length stabi- lizer keeps optimum arc geometry during changes in the
weld-seam profile or weld-pool temperature.
www.fronius.com
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www.boxondemand.com