Saturday, December 09, 2006

Fluid power equipment ranges sourced in one guide

By collecting the most popular items of fluid power equipment from the UK's best-known suppliers Wyko has brought them together into one easy to use guide, including technical specifications.


Wyko has broken the mould of fluid power supply and answered the prayers of many engineers by collecting the most popular items of fluid power equipment from the UK's best-known suppliers and brought them together into one easy to use guide. Everything from part numbers to pictures, technical specifications and dimensional drawings are included. Featuring products from Festo, Bosch Rexroth, IMI Norgren, Eaton Vickers, Pall, Asco Joucomatic, Gates and many more, the catalogue is available free from Wyko direct.

It also includes information on a range of Wyko Fluid Power Services such as hydraulic power pack design and build, OEM kitting of hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies alongside useful information on whether to repair or replace a failed item.

Paul Lynch, Wyko's General Manager - Fluid Power Services comments, 'we have really taken time to make sure this catalogue delivers what people need.

There are so many manufacturing sites and machine builders in the UK that use a wide range of pneumatic and hydraulic equipment and are frustrated by not being able to reference parts in one place, let alone buy them from one supplier.

We aim to have provided a comprehensive reference guide to the most popular items and sizes used, across a range of brands unique to this catalogue.

Our customers can cut costs by reducing search time and keeping administration to a minimum.

Wyko's level of product availability is unparalleled within the industry with over 10million items in stock and this is reflected by the new catalogue.

A multi-brand approach means that Wyko customers are able to choose parts from a wide variety of leading manufacturers for use in both replacement applications and volume assembly operations.

Technical support and a complete 'port-to-port' fluid power solution service from design and specification to assembly, installation and maintenance completes what is an unrivalled fluid power offering.

The catalogue is supported by Wyko's national branch network, supported in-turn by the largest specialist team of hydraulics, pneumatics and filtration engineers in the UK.

This team provides comprehensive specification and problem solving advice to the Wyko branches and customer base.

From simple product identification to installation and compatibility advice, the new Fluid Power Catalogue complements the existing range of market leading products and services available from Wyko.

Flow restrictor valve gives fine speed control

Poppet-type flow restrictor valve serve hydraulic machine applications requiring fine control of the speed of operation, and that means precise setting of hydraulic fluid flow.

Many applications of hydraulic machines require fine control of the speed of operation, and that means precise setting of hydraulic fluid flow, often at different rates for extension and retraction hydraulic cylinders. Sterling Hydraulics' J02B2 flow restrictor valve has been developed for just this type of application. The J02B2 is a poppet type flow restrictor valve with an integral reverse flow check valve.

The valve provides for controlled flow in the forward direction with free flow in the reverse direction.

With the restrictor fully closed it acts just like a conventional check valve with leak-tight shut-off (less than 3 drops/minute) in the forward direction and low pressure drop (around 5 bar) in free reverse flow.

By screwing the adjuster open, the forward flow can be set accurately to any desired rate up to the 16 l/min capacity of the valve.

The standard adjuster is screw set, but handknob and tamperproof versions are also available.

Fitting J02B2 valves on both the inlet and exhaust cylinder connections allows extension and retraction to be set independently so that, for example, a hydraulically actuated jaw can be closed slowly but opened rapidly.

The standard aluminium line body can operate at up to 210bar, and a zinc plated steel version is available for pressures up to 420bar.

Contamination tolerance is excellent, although pre-filtration to 25 microns is recommended.

The J02B2 valve is 8-2 industry common cavity compliant, and all are manufactured and assembled at Sterling Hydraulics' UK factory and receive 100% testing prior to despatch.

With operations based in both Europe and the USA, Sterling Hydraulics is now recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture of screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and custom manifold blocks.

More than this, Sterling Hydraulics has a reputation for working closely with customers to find the best solutions for their specific hydraulic requirements.

Sterling Hydraulics' products are available internationally via a network of over 30 distributors covering Europe, Africa, the Pacific Rim, and the Middle East, with an additional extensive distribution network across North and South America.

For full details of Sterling Hydraulics' cartridge valve visit their web site or take advantage of their engineering application assistance service by talking to one of their experienced Sales and Applications Engineers to solve your hydraulic valve requirements quickly and effectively.

Friday, December 08, 2006

Flush-faced couplings conform to ISO 16028

Flush-faced couplings that meet ISO 16028 have been designed for leak-free connection and disconnection where spillage of hydraulic oil could cause an environmental hazard.

Parker Hannifin has extended its range of flush-faced couplings with the introduction of the new FEF and FEM Series. They have been designed for leak-free connection and disconnection where spillage of hydraulic oil could cause an environmental hazard. Both series meet the dimensional requirements of ISO16028 and are available with BSPP threads in sizes from 1/4 to 1in.

The FEM series also meets the test requirements of ISO16028 and is available with metric threads.

The FEF and FEM variants are interchangeable with many of the couplings used in the industrial, agricultural and mobile markets.

They are especially suited to on-road service vehicles and construction equipment such as excavators, rock hammers and drilling rigs.

With this extended range, Parker Hannifin now offers one of the broadest choices of quick couplings for the protection of the work place and conservation of the environment.

High flow solenoid valves provide flow reversal

High flow directional solenoid valves are designed to operate double acting cylinders, bidirectional motors and any other load which requires flow reversal.

High flow directional solenoid valves are designed to operate double acting cylinders, bidirectional motors and any other load which requires flow reversal. The Motion, Drive and Automation Exhibition in Hall 021 at the forthcoming Hannover Fair, Germany, ranks as the world's largest and most important event for fluid power and power transmission and control sectors. hannover fair will see the European launch of Sterling Hydraulics' new high flow directional solenoid valves.

The range includes the GS04 59 00ND two position unidirectional valve with high flow capability and the GS04 57 three position, four way, tandem centre spool valves with twin solenoids, designed to operate double acting cylinders, bidirectional motors and any other load which requires flow reversal.

The new high flow directional valves, like all Sterling Hydraulics' valves, are available as 10-4 common cavity compliant or to customers' specifications, and can be supplied in anodised aluminium or zinc plated steel.

The latest addition to Sterling Hydraulics' highly successful range of proportional flow control valves, the JP0631, will also be on show for the first time.

These valves control flow in proportion to the electrical current applied to the solenoid.

Solenoid coils can be supplied to customer specifications and Sterling Hydraulics will be launching their new CA and CC Series coils, which are available in 1/2in and 5/8in sizes with integral Deutsch connectors to IP69K standards.

The coils are fully waterproof and are symmetrical, so that they can be reversed without affecting performance.

And Stand E15 is the place to see Sterling Hydraulics' new accumulator charging block for hydraulic braking systems.

The custom built block incorporates a unique unloader valve, which detects low pressure in the accumulator and gives an hydraulic signal to load the pump.

It allows the system scan to be adjusted independently of any other system settings, so that the operation of the accumulator can be optimised in terms of the frequency of pump loading cycles and valve operations.

For double accumulator applications, the charging block can be fitted with Sterling Hydraulics' three port inverse shuttle valve which automatically retains accumulator pressure in the event of a catastrophic failure like a ruptured hose.

In addition to the range of new products, including load control valves, Applications Engineers from Sterling Hydraulics will be on hand to help visitors to the stand to find design solutions using both standard valves and custom-designed manifold blocks.

With operations based in both Europe and the USA, Sterling Hydraulics is now recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture of screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and custom manifold blocks.

More than this, Sterling Hydraulics has a reputation for working closely with customers to find the best solutions for their specific hydraulic requirements.

Sterling Hydraulics' products are available internationally via a network of over 30 distributors covering Europe, Africa, the Pacific Rim, and the Middle East, with an additional extensive distribution network across North and South America.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Electronic alarms protect sensitive hydraulics

Column level indicator has electronic alarms for level and temperature of oil reservoirs on expensive equipment such as earth moving or construction machinery.

Hydraulic system oil level and temperature management is a crucial factor in plant maintenance, especially in high performance equipment and in warm climates. This is addressed by the Elesa HCX/E+ST column level indicator with electronic alarms for level and temperature of oil reservoirs on expensive equipment such as earth moving or construction machinery. The HCX/E+ST is specifically designed to give a clear visual indication of oil level and incorporates a minimum fluid level alarm as well as a maximum temperature alarm (normally set at 800C) with standard 2 pin connector and may operate with AC or DC.

For OEM's who provide equipment overseas, or for operations in hot climates and look to safeguard vulnerable equipment in these unusually high temperatures, the HCX/E+ST offers a valuable level of protection.

Whether conditions involve continuously high temperatures or where equipment is used on narrow operating margins, this level indicator offers a simple safeguard against expensive repairs and downtime.

Electronic alarms protect sensitive hydraulics

The ZA4-series is Enerpac's newest high-pressure hydraulic air-driven pump designed for in-plant, industrial applications and medium to large construction projects.

e ZA4-series is Enerpac's newest high-pressure hydraulic air-driven pump designed for in-plant, industrial applications and medium to large construction projects. The new ZA4 pump features the Z-Class high efficiency pump design-a design known for its higher oil flow and bypass pressure. Whether powering a cylinder or operating a tool, the ZA's industry-leading hydraulic flow at 700 bar will improve productivity in any application.

And, because of their ATEX 95 certification, the Enerpac ZA Pumps are safe for use in environments such as refinery, petro-chemical and oil and gas processing.

Reservoirs come in 4 to 40 litres capacities.

A sight gauge on the 4 and 8 litres models and a level gauge on the larger reservoirs allow quick and easy oil level monitoring.

The manual control valves on ZA4-series pumps come with built-in user adjustable pressure relief valve.

Standard models are available to fit most applications and custom configurations, when required, are available from an extensive ordering matrix.

The optional heat exchanger warms exhaust air to prevent freezing and cools the hydraulic oil.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Hydraulics equipment range extended

Kurt Hydraulics has expanded its offering to include a complete line of couplings and hose, and these products are directly interchangeable with other brands and crimping systems.

Kurt Hydraulics has expanded its offering to include a complete line of couplings and hose, making Kurt the new alternative in the hydraulics industry. Directly interchangeable with other popular brands and crimping systems, all Kurt Hydraulics couplings and hose meet SAE specifications. With over 35 years experience manufacturing hydraulic connectors, Kurt now offers over 1500 items manufactured at their U.S.

based facility.

Kurt Couplings are manufactured to the highest quality for both industrial and commercial applications including construction, agricultural, mining and plant maintenance equipment.

Kurt's hydraulic hose products include SAE 100R1, R2, R16, R17, R12, 4SH, and R13.

Stainless steel Teflon SAE 100 R14 hose is offered for high temperature and corrosive fluids along with barrier refrigerant hose, jack hose, and SAE 100R4 suction hose.

Couplings are offered in hundreds of configurations and sizes.

Included in the Kurt coupling line are metric hose couplings, R2 reusable couplings, spiral hose couplings, JJ R13 couplings, and Teflon, R5, and beadlock couplings.

Kurt offers 95 percent out-of-stock fill rates, competitive pricing and fast delivery.

High pressure sensor has temperature output

High pressure rated sensor for hydraulic cylinders, rated for up to 500 bar, offers piston position sensing and temperature acquisition for comprehensive monitoring and diagnostics.

New from Balluff Limited for 2005 is the new BHS high pressure rated sensor for hydraulic cylinders, rated for up to 500 bar. It offers both piston position sensing and temperature acquisition for implementing comprehensive monitoring and diagnostics functions. This is the right sensor wherever the cylinders are subjected to high temperatures, such as hydraulic cylinders on high temperature injection moulds or other high performance hydraulic systems whose hydraulic fluids can reach high temperatures.

The model BHS B135V-PSD15-S04-T01 sensor features both a normally open switching output and an integrated temperature sensor for detecting the cylinder temperature.

The measured temperature is provided as a voltage value (1-5.5V) on a separate analog output.

With a length of 78mm in a standard M12 housing, the sensor can also be retrofitted for temperature monitoring functions on hydraulic cylinders with piston position sensing.

A combination O-ring/support ring seals the area between the pressurized and pressureless area.

The nominal switching distance is 1.5mm at an ambient temperature of up to 120 deg C.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

High pressure pumps designed for bolting

Electric torque wrench pumps are designed to deliver ease of handling and use, higher oil flow and bypass pressure, cooler running and require 18% less current draw than comparable pumps.

Building on the outstanding performance of the Z-Class product line, Enerpac is proud to introduce the ZU4T-Series Electric Torque Wrench Pumps. Like other pumps in the Z-Class family, the ZU4T Electric Torque Wrench Pumps are designed to deliver ease of handling and use, higher oil flow and bypass pressure, cooler running and require 18% less current draw than comparable pumps. These pumps are ideal power sources for all hydraulic torque wrenches.

The pumps are offered in two maximum operating pressures: 700 and 800 bar; and the reservoir capacity is 4 to 8 liters.

Heavy-duty bearings extend pump life by reducing friction, reducing surface loading and lowering bearing stresses.

The pump's high-strength, moulded composite shroud protects motor and electronics, while providing an ergonomic, non-conductive handle for easy transport.

Remote control units with low-voltage pendants provide additional safety for the operator.

Brush design lasts four times longer than current designs and features an 'auto-stop' shunt to prevent commutator damage from normal brush wear.

Auto cycle feature provides continuous cycle operation of the torque wrench as long as the advance button is pressed.

(Pumps can be used with or without auto cycle feature.) The LCD readout provides pressure display and a number of diagnostic and readout capabilities never before offered on a portable electric pump.

The pump's powerful 1.25kW universal electric motor provides high power-to-weight ratio and excellent low voltage operating characteristics.

Pressure relief valve is rated highly under PED

The latest addition to a range of CE marked pressure relief valves is fully compliant with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 976/23/EC) and is rated to the highest level, Category IV.

The latest addition to Sterling Hydraulics' range of CE marked pressure relief valves is the A04B2*CE. Like their leading CE marked A04J2 valve, the new valve is fully compliant with the pressure equipment directive (PED 976/23/EC) and is rated to the highest level, Category IV. The PED relates specifically to equipment which has a high stored energy level.

This includes, for example, nitrogen-charged accumulators that retain pressurised oil for release on demand, to operate an hydraulic service, such as a vehicle braking system.

Category IV covers a variety of applications including hydraulic fluid power equipment.

A major element of this category is the stored energy rating of the system, as dictated by the volumetric capacity and the operating pressure.

Full details of category ratings and whether equipment needs to comply with the PED can be found in the Conformity Assessment Tables in Annex II of the PED.

In particular, Sterling Hydraulics' CE valves meet the requirements of Modules B and D of the PED.

Module B is the EC type examination, in which a representative sample of products from a production batch is independently checked for compliance.

Module D covers quality assurance for production, final inspection and testing, as described in the EC type examination certificate or the EC design certificate.

Category IV is the highest safety level defined by the Directive, and equipment rated for Category IV is also suitable for use in systems with hazard ratings which fall into Categories I, II and III.

To meet the Category IV rating, equipment must be safe; must meet essential safety requirements covering design, manufacturing and testing; must satisfy appropriate conformity assessment procedures and must carry the CE mark.

The CE (Conformitee Europeenne) mark is a compliance symbol awarded by the Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE) which recognises that the product meets all the requirements of EU legislation for safety to the consumer and the environment.

'European safety requirements are defined in the Machinery Directive, together with the appropriate European Standards,' says Laurence Card, Sterling Hydraulic's Principal Valve Engineer, and a member of the BFPA/BSI Technical Committee for fluid power products, 'Only a machine that carries the CE mark is guaranteed to meet these requirements, and can be traded in every country of the European Economic Area'.

' That may sound like bureaucracy, but if a contractor allowed the use of non-CE marked construction equipment and an accident occurred as a result, he could face serious consequences'.

' The CE mark on our relief valves means that OEMs in the European Union can incorporate these valves into their own CE marked machines with total confidence.' The A04J2 is a high flow bi-directional relief valve that can handle pressures up to 350bar and flows up to 120 litre/min in either direction'.

''It is a very popular valve,' says Card, 'Although discussions with our OEM customers suggested that higher pressure ratings would be needed in the future.' The latest demand has been for a uni-directional valve, of less complex design and not necessarily bi-directional flow capability.

Its poppet-style construction ensures low leakage whilst the hardened working parts provide for maximum durability.

The new uni-directional A04B2 relief valve is rated to 420 bar with a flow capability of 100 l/min.

Like the A04J2, it is a direct-acting valve and has the same rapid response time.

Both valves fit into an industry standard 10-2 common cavity and have a tamper-proof setting feature as standard.

With operations based in both Europe and the USA, Sterling Hydraulics is now recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture of screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and custom manifold blocks.

More than this, Sterling Hydraulics has a reputation for working closely with customers to find the best solutions for their specific hydraulic requirements.

Sterling Hydraulics' products are available internationally via a network of over 30 distributors covering Europe, Africa, the Pacific Rim, and the Middle East, with an additional extensive distribution network across North and South America.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Digital hydraulic controller is freely configured

Digital hydraulic controller can be freely configured, features integral field bus communication, is in Eurocard format and includes free Windows set-up software.

HACD - digital hydraulic controller from Rexroth - can be freely configured, features integral field bus communication and is in Eurocard format. Included are free Windows software for setting, position, pressure or velocity values and real time oscilloscope for rapid and accurate machine setting. The HACD is used as controller card for one or two closed control loops.

It can also be employed as command value card for generating, linking and normalizing signals.

Applications can be realized be linking predefined functions.

By simple configurations the user can implement: * Open loop controlled traversing.

* Closed-loop pressure/force control.

* Alternating control (HACD with two closed control loops only).

Further programming knowledge is not required.

Open and closed-loop control algorithms that are tailored to the requirements of hydraulics help to achieve optimum characteristics of the individual drive.

* Predefined function blocks - applications can be built using predefined function blocks.

No programming knowledge is required.

* Complex profiles can be achieved by using up to 32 blocks - each block contains command and control parameters, and blocks can be triggered by a variety of conditions, configured with PC interface software.

Examples of trigger conditions: state or digital inputs, analogue signals comparison, completion of dwell time.

* Control algorithms optimised for hydraulic axes - PIDT1 controllers with optional state variable control.

Each controller parameter is configurable and can enabled/disabled as required.

Parameters can be selected on a block-by-block basis.

Control can be switched between open loop and closed loop on a block-by-block basis.

* Configuration can be optimised for a variety of hydraulic devices - optimised valve characteristics selected from the predefined valve database.

Additional features of overlap jump, spool jump and creep/residual velocity are available.

* Analogue and digital feedback - incremental and SSI digital and voltage/current analogue sensors can be used.

* Complex signal processing - mathematical functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and Boolean functions (minimum, maximum, limiter) can be used for signal processing.

* Ramp generator - up and down ramps for acceleration and deceleration with S curve capability are included in the controller.

Ramp parameters can be selected on a block-by-block basis, or controlled by external analogue signals.

* Positional control - Fast accurate and repeatable positioning to within microns - Perfect profile following, for improved products - Fine control of speed and position via operator interface - Open and closed loop movements easily obtained - Position guaranteed under high load variations - Heavy loads moved smoothly and precisely to their final position.

- Multiple cylinders operating together with great accuracy - From stand-alone to PLC control over Profibus with 1 unit.

* Force/Pressure control - Accurate and repeatable pressure control to within 0.1% - Simple control of ramp and final pressure settings - Fine control of set pressure via PLC or direct operator input - Low cost control using a single pressure transducer with multiple set points and ramps - Sophisticated control using a combination of position, load and pressure transducers for more complex systems.

* Velocity control - Stable speed control despite varying load conditions - Fast response and high accuracy for all operations - Very slow to extremely fast speeds can be resolved - Speed variations can be selected by PLC or locally - Velocity profiles can be easily configured and modified - Real time monitoring and speed limit detection in built.

* About Bosch Rexroth - the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch, Germany, achieved sales of EUR 3.7 billion in 2003 with 25,700 employees.

Under the brand name of Rexroth the company offers all relevant drive, control and motion technologies: from mechanics, hydraulics and pneumatics through to electronics and the associated services.

The global player is a competent partner to around 500,000 customers in over 80 countries and an extensive supplier of components and systems for industrial and factory automation and mobile applications.

Affordable hydraulic power units supplied quickly

By combining standard base power units with application specific modules, premium quality modular hydraulic power units can be made and supplied in two weeks,

Rapid delivery, cost reduction and design flexibility - these are the key benefits of Bosch Rexroth's new programme of premium quality modular hydraulic power units. By combining standard base power units (pump, motor and reservoir assembly) with application specific modules, lead-time - including manufacture and delivery - can be two weeks. Application potential for these hydraulic power units stretches from the metal and paper processing industries to the aerospace and automotive sectors.

Designed to suit demanding industrial environments, the power units can integrate with systems including tube and pipe-bending machinery, metal cutting and forming equipment, presses and even wind power generators.

Bosch Rexroth's Standard Power Units product manager, Paul Hills, explained how customer demand drove the programme development: 'In all areas, customers are under pressure to reduce costs while delivering quality products on shorter lead-times.

With increasing UK demand for small to medium-size power units, Bosch Rexroth applied two years of engineering resource to developing a dedicated production line and harmonised product range optimised for rapid delivery, product quality, design flexibility and affordability.

'From confirmation of technical specifications delivery performance is now measured in weeks rather than months, yet market analysis shows that cost remains competitive with smaller power unit manufacturers.

Optional three-year warranties underpin our faith in product quality.' Designed to comply with ISO/DIN industry standards and manufactured in an ISO9001 certified facility, power unit specifications include: 20 to 630 litre reservoirs; 2.9 to 145 litre/min flow; 0.37 to 75kW power; and pressure up to 315 bar.

Dedicated literature, CAD files and an on-line quotation facility ease power unit selection.

For documentation, contact information and a list of sales partners, customers can visit the company Web site.

During the design, engineering and application phases, a dedicated direct Bosch Rexroth sales force and national network of sales partners provides support.

For export markets, the power units carry international warranties supported by Bosch Rexroth's global service network and presence in over 80 countries.

Paul Hills concluded: 'This range offers affordable, quality Bosch Rexroth hydraulic power units to customers when they want them and how they want them.'

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Hydraulics seminar examines productivity role

Shell UK Oil Products Limited (Shell) is gathering together some of the UK's leading industrial companies in the East Midlands for a one-day technical seminar examining hydraulic systems.

Shell UK Oil Products Limited (Shell) is gathering together some of the UK's leading industrial companies in the East Midlands on June 27 for a one-day technical seminar examining hydraulic systems and their effect on productivity. Hosted by Shell at the National Fluid Power Centre (NFPC) in Worksop, the seminar will bring together expert hydraulics specialists from Bosch Rexroth and Eaton, as well as Shell lubricants companies and the NFPC itself. Throughout the day, detailed, technical sessions will demonstrate how the demands of modern machinery and components can affect efficiency and the role of healthy, well-managed hydraulics systems in increasing productivity, said the company.

Andrew Gibson, marketing manager, UK and Ireland for Shell Industry Lubricants, explained: 'As the needs of industrial companies change, more sophisticated equipment is required that is smaller, can operate at both higher and lower operating conditions and demands longer oil drain intervals.

That makes it more critical than ever for manufacturers to ensure their hydraulic systems remain healthy with high performance hydraulic oils and effective lubrication management practices.' Aimed at manufacturers and end users of hydraulic equipment and service companies, the programme includes presentations from NFPC, Rexroth, Eaton and Shell lubricants companies, including a presentation from Shell on a 'Cradle to Grave Approach to Lubricants'.

Delegates will have the opportunity to consult the experts during a question and answer session at the end of the seminar as well as a tour of the NFPC before the meeting breaks for lunch.

Andrew Gibson continued: 'The seminar is ideal for managers and engineers at all levels who are concerned about the common problems associated with hydraulics systems, such as corrosion, contamination, sludge build up and filter blocking.

These problems can lead to serious commercial issues, including equipment damage, increased maintenance requirements and expensive downtime and the one day seminar will help delegates understand the practical solutions that can help them avoid these threats to their business and enhance production efficiency.' Registrations are limited to four applications per company but some places are still available.

Cross beam system transfers parts smoothly

A cross beam transfer system for use with tandem press lines or large single presses provides fast, accurate and safe parts transfer between presses up to 8.5m apart.

Systems integration and parts handling specialist, Gudel UK has launched RoboBeam, the latest addition to its advanced range of work transfer and positioning solutions for high speed presswork applications. Developed as a cross beam transfer system for use with tandem press lines or large single presses, RoboBeam provides fast, accurate and safe parts transfer between presses up to 8.5m apart. The system features an extremely rigid, modular design, which accommodates components and carriers weighing up to 120kg.

RoboBeam also combines high precision parts location with the ability to accelerate components at up to 40m/sec2 to a maximum horizontal velocity of 8m/sec; to provide jerk-free synchronised parts transfer at up to 18 cycles/min.

The system can be freely programmed in all axes - for complete application flexibility - and provides up to 400mm component lift.

A maximum vertical lift of 1150mm is available for tool changes and, like the company's PressTrans and Gull Wing transfer systems, RoboBeam can be supplied as both retrofit or original equipment options for most press types.

In addition, the new system can be combined with Gudel's range of blank de-stacker units or RoboFlex gantry mounted robot system to provide completely integrated floor-to-floor presswork material handling solutions.

About Gudel UK - Gudel UK provides a comprehensive range of automation systems integration services based on the company's high precision work handling solutions for components weighing from a few grams to several tonnes.

Systems are typically used for high volume metal working, assembly or manufacturing applications - in particular within the automotive, logistics, warehousing, pharmaceuticals machine tool, aerospace, defence, electronics and process sectors.