TPT January 2007

A utomated S ystems for H andling, B undling & P ackaging

Also required was universal use of the vacuum-gripper system to pick up complete layers of up to seven tubes or other configurations by the individual positioning of the vacuum beams or rows of suction pads. In addition, safe and efficient operation by a single person was necessary, with suitability for use in multi- shift operation. The handling solution implemented consists of a wall crane with chain hoist, which has a working area of X = 4,000mm (up to 9,000mm would be possible), Y = 6,000mm and Z = 2,340mm.

tubes. The crossbeams, which also act as vacuum reservoirs, hold the tubes securely, even in the case of a power failure, until they can be lowered safely.

tube, pipe, bar, round bar, bundles, coils, billets, and ingots. The Slingofer range includes automatic mechanical tongs, horizontal hydraulic and motorized coil- lifting tongs, roll tongs, coil tilters, and other specialized equipment. These systems are designed to increase production, maintain product quality, and ensure quicker cycles/ shifts and smaller stocking areas. With quality material handling solutions, the company has supplied almost 4,000 lifters to companies worldwide. All Slingofer products are custom-made and manufactured mainly for the needs of steelworks, mills and ports with high production, severe working conditions or intense handling procedures.

J Schmalz GmbH – Germany Fax : +49 7443 2403 259 Email : schmalz@schmalz.de Website : www.schmalz.de

Lifting and handling equipment solutions

It is vital to operate an efficient and safe procedure of material handling, lifting and storage. Slingofer Meccanica SpA, Italy, offers lifting and handling equipment solutions for handling issues in works, plants and mills. Established in 1961, the company’s range is designed for a host of products including

Slingofer Meccanica SpA – Italy Fax : +39 364 531577 Email : slingofer@slingofer.it Website : www.slingofer.it

Automated tube bundling and packaging machinery Burlington Automation, Canada, manufactures tube bundling and packaging machinery along with a complete line of tube finishing equipment. The tube bundling and packaging

systems are supplied in different configurations depending on the application. Tubes are formed into hexagonal and rectangular patterns by overhead gantry robots and either packaged into reusable bins or strapped for shipping. The company’s tube packaging systems can accommodate a wide range of tubes ranging in size from 0.5" to 12" diameter and 20" to 80ft in length. All changeovers are automatic which means that the machine can change from packaging one size of tube to another through the touch of a button on the operator interface.

› The handling system with adjustable vacuum crossbeam for handling aluminium tubes

The vacuum crossbeam is designed so that the distance between the rows of suction pads can be quickly adjusted, with a single operator control, between 30mm and 100mm. 240 individual FSG-type suction pads are mounted at carefully selected intervals on the beam. The individual main beams of the vacuum- gripper system are connected to the vacuum generator by separate hoses in order to permit them to be traversed separately for handling different tube configurations. The crossbeams also act as vacuum distributors, thus reducing the number of hoses needed. Suction pads which become worn or damaged can be replaced quickly, without the need for tools: they are simply pulled off and a new pad is snapped into position. The vacuum is provided by a central vacuum pump. The entire handling operation is now more efficient, flexible and safe. Long tubes can be precisely positioned, without bending or sagging, and the suction pads permit universal use of the system for all types of

› Burlington provides a range of machinery including this bundling system

Burlington is also known for its heavy duty and reliable tube handling equipment. Based on solid engineering experience, gained from equipping complete plants, the company provides handling systems that singulate, store, unscramble, cross transfer, rotate and convey any tube shape or length from one process to another efficiently, quietly and with no damage to the tubes. Also available from Burlington is a full line of tube finishing equipment that includes multi-head gang saw systems, scarf blow out, deburr, washing and end-finishing machines.

Burlington Automation Corp – Canada Fax : +1 905 333 1477 Email : paulk@burlingtonautomation.com Website : www.burlingtonautomation.com

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007