Supply Chain Spotlight

Raymond Corporation has introduced two new Raymond Model 7200 (and Model 7300 lift trucks, which are available in Reach-Fork and Deep-Reach configurations.

The manufacturer said the Design of the new models incorporates Raymond's "hallmark design philosophy Eco- Performance" which is an approach to designing and engineering lift truck solutions for maximum economic and ecological benefits -- as well as optimum productivity, stability and maintainability.

Its new Models 7200 and 7300 are application-driven to address customers' narrow aisle storage needs and highvolume applications with a broad range of battery compartment configurations, from 14.12 to 21.12 inches, with AC lift standard on all reach trucks.

In addition, updates to these new-model reach trucks include strong ductile iron, bolt-on, baselegs that ensure reliable load support, which is now standard across the entire product line. With the Raymond ACR System delivering more uptime, fewer battery changes and lower maintenance costs and helps move more product faster in narrow aisles.

Susan Comfort, product manager for narrow aisle products at Raymond, said: "With every new lift truck, Raymond is innovating its design, and the new Model 7200 and Model 7300 lift trucks are no exception.

"The new trucks have tested well in performance and maneuverability, with field testing customers calling this their truck of choice."

Elsewhere, MHI has announced the dates for its material handling, logistics and supply chain show, ProMat 2017, which will be held April 3-6, 2017 once again at Chicago's McCormick Place.

For the first time, ProMat will have exhibits in both the South and North Hall of McCormick Place with more than 850 exhibitors showcasing their solutions on ProMat's two show floors totalling over 350,000 square feet of manufacturing and supply chain solutions.

These exhibits will represent all segments of the material handling and logistics industry, from traditional, manual equipment to computerized, automated systems.

The ProMat show floor will be divided into solution-specific sections: Equipment and components for manufacturing/ assembly logistics solutions, fulfillment and delivery solutions, and information technology (IT) solutions. Two new solution centers will be introduced at ProMat 2017, autonomous vehicle solutions and sustainability solutions.

The 2017 show will also feature a comprehensive educational conference including keynotes and show floor educational seminars led by industry experts and leading authorities and will again include its "highly regarded and prestigious International Buyer Program" which provides matchmaking for interested buyers and sellers through an International Business Center located in the show hall.

Columbia Machine has launched the latest addition to its series of highspeed palletizers in the form of the HL6200.

The standard HL6200 package includes Category 3, Performance Level D safety components that utilize "fully integrated upper and lower guarding", full height light curtains, dual slot automatic hoist pins (patent applied for), ergonomic low step-height machine access, level interior rollers surfaces and interlocked hoist area access doors.

Fortress trapped-key access components are also available to allow for OSHA compliant minor servicing, which keeps employees safe while still meeting production demands by providing convenient and safe access when needed, the manufacturer said.

It added: "Unparalleled in flexibility, the HL6200 combines Columbia's easy to operate Product Manager HMI, bi-parting stripper apron and modular construction into its compact footprint.

"Users can effortlessly create and modify layer patterns, view and export production reports, adjust drive speeds and timer settings, access manuals and schematics all through the HMI.

"The bi-parting stripper apron, combined with the case stops in the row forming area, allow the HL6200 to create gaps both front-to-back and or side-to-side.

"The modular construction found in Columbia's new series of high level palletizers increases the flexibility of the HL6200 by allowing for standard speed enhancements such as a dual infeed or conversion to an inline configuration to meet future line speeds. These features on the HL6200 create the ultimate palletizer that is guaranteed to meet both current and future production requirements."

For Hirschmann Automation and Control (PAT) it has introduced the iScout PRS90 wireless indicator, which is designed to improve productivity in lifting applications and meet industry standards for indicating devices.

The iScout PRS90 features a 4.3" colour graphic display with "user friendly" navigation allowing the operator to easily set limits and modify sensor configurations. Its flexible design allows for monitoring single or up to eight sensors including combinations of load, anti-two block, boom angle, and wind speed, and incorporates "proven sensor" technology that is used in applications throughout the world.

Elsewhere, Mallard Manufacturing Corporation has introduced Mallard Work Cells, mobile carton flow work stations, which range from between 32" and 60" wide and can be moved "where and when they're needed" for organized FIFO parts storage and assembly set-up.

These are considered ideal alongside conveyor assembly and carousels, short run manufacturing, automotive and small parts packaging.

"The Work Cell is flexible - easily customized for quick SKU or shelf changes using Mallard Dyna-Flo, Dyna-Flo (HD) and Cart-Trak carton flow tracks. Shelves have infinite vertical adjustability.

The Mallard Work Cell is a cost-effective solution to otherwise costly production and process shifts or changes," the manufacturer said.

Banner Engineering has recently introduced the TL70 wireless tower light, which combines the company's "industry-recognized" tower light family with its field-proven Sure Cross wireless technology.

The tower light is said to provide "superior monitoring and visual status indication" for remote applications, general and machine status, mobile call for parts, mobile work stations and other applications where wired solutions are not costeffective, practical or possible.

Matt Hahn, technical marketing engineer for lighting at Banner Engineering, combining the versatility of its modular tower lights with the reliability of its Sure Cross wireless technology, the TL70 wireless provides a "unique lighting solution".

He added: "With high-visibility indication and remote, two-way operation, users can achieve real-time communication to enhance monitoring applications."