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Drilling Technical Services Develops Die Cut Thin Film Blank Accumulator with Siemens Motion Control

VR Series “cut and stack” accumulator utilizes leading-edge motion control products to efficiently transfer film blanks from point of cutting to positioning in counted stack

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Drilling Technical Services Inc. (DTS) in Milford, Ohio is machine builder specializing in the mid-width and narrow web press market. Its sister company, Pre-Owned Press & Parts Solutions, offers full reconfiguration engineering and remanufacturing services, plus full installation and commissioning on pre-owned presses

As a machine builder specializing in the design, engineering and system integration of narrow and mid-web label solutions as well as flexible packaging and folding carton machinery, Drilling Technical Services (DTS) of Milford, Ohio sees this global industry from many perspectives.  Much of the machinery and equipment solutions devised by DTS end up on the production lines of major label and filmic product producers worldwide.  Recently, company owner Joe Drilling and his team had one of those “light bulb moments” where a specific market need could be addressed by a better solution.

It involved the delicate world of thin film substrate processing and the need for a high-speed cut-and-stack solution.

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The VR Series “cut and stack” accumulator stacker machines for thin film in-mold label (IML) substrate processing features Siemens HMI, drives and servomotor technology to handle the delicate thin film substrates processed, with precision, accuracy, high speed and with fast changeover for the machine user

As Joe Drilling explains, “The primary challenge was to create a solution that took into consideration the unique environmental and material factors of each customer.  The materials our machines process are normally very thin film products that accumulate static quite easily.  Due to their structural instability, it always requires special transport

techniques to convey these products from the point of cutting to the point of positioning in a counted stack.”  Superior blank control throughout the process, converting blank shapes in multiple streams and integrating the equipment into continuous print cut processes or offline converting systems further complicated the challenges.

DTS team handles the design, engineering, build and line integration of the company’s various machine types for customers in the label, film, packaging and printing industries

DTS team handles the design, engineering, build and line integration of the company’s various machine types for customers in the label, film, packaging and printing industries

Further, the DTS team saw the industry trends toward smaller footprint equipment, greater energy savings, quick changeover and portability.  Collectively, these factors presented a daunting set of circumstances to Drilling and his design staff.

DTS realized the control scheme on the machine would be vital, so they turned to their longtime partner Siemens for assistance.  Through the integration of high-precision Sinamics drives and Simotion motion control, coupled with the complementary suite of Simotics servomotors and Simatic HMI touchscreen product, the VR Series of in-mold label (IML) accumulator stacker machines began to take shape.

Unique blank shapes are accumulated in 1, 2 or 3 streams on a small footprint machine requiring only 3’ x 4’ of floor space, capable of handling web widths from 13”-26”.  The VR Series machines from DTS provide end users with simple matrix separation, while diverting scrap at the process start-up or as a component in the overall quality inspection system.  The machines can create serialized groups through a “bottom up” stack format with total static control, so they can be utilized in a normal press room environment. DTS VR Series  IML Accumulator Pic 600 dpi

Noting the high-precision servo technology and motion control accuracy of the Siemens equipment onboard the VR Series, Drilling observed, “The axes communication and control are also extremely compact and this facilitated our designing a very portable machine with quick changeover capability, something our customers consistently demand.”

DTS further relies on the Siemens international sales and technical support teams, as this builder’s equipment is found in labeling, printing and converting plants worldwide.  Drilling notes his company has received a high level of consistent service, application engineering assistance and support from the Siemens personnel and affiliated contractors.

Joe Drilling has a pride in his company that’s classic American entrepreneur.  After years at a leading label machine builder, he founded DTS as a virtual engineering company specializing in the mechanical, electrical and process engineering of mid-width and narrow web printing, drying, converting, RFID and digital print equipment.  DTS has a particular emphasis on web transportation, die-cutting and laminating solutions.  As the installed base grew and in response to current market conditions, Drilling founded a second company in Milford, Pre-Owned Press & Parts Solution LLC (POPPS), specializing in the evaluation, reconfiguration, remanufacturing, sale, commissioning and servicing of pre-owned presses.

Another vital component of the business models at both DTS and POPPS is the engineering of energy recovery systems for containment of utility costs, an ongoing challenge in the printing and labeling industries.  The two companies primarily serve the needs of the flexible packaging, folding carton, tag and label, health and beauty, wine and beer, plus other label market segments.

For more information on this story, please contact:

DRILLING TECHNICAL SERVICES INC.
6062 Kells Lane
Milford, OH 45150
Phone:  513-831-2952
Fax:  513-831-4825
Web:  www.drillingtechservices.com
Email:  jdrilling@drillingtechservices.com
Attention:  Joe Drilling, President

or

SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
Drive Technologies — Motion Control
390 Kent Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL  60007
Phone: 847-640-1595
Fax: 847-437-0784
Web:  www.usa.siemens.com/motioncontrol
Email:  SiemensMTBUMarCom.industry@siemens.com
Attention:  John Meyer, Manager, Marketing Communications

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Gas-heated Walk-in Oven from Grieve

889rtNo. 889 is a 350ºF, gas-heated walk-in oven from Grieve, currently used for curing carbon/epoxy components hung on monorail tracks at the customer’s facility.  Workspace dimensions of this oven measure 36” W x 282” D x 48” H.   350,000 BTU/HR are installed in a modulating natural gas burner to heat the oven chamber, while a 10,000 CFM, 7-1/2 HP recirculating blower provides combination airflow to the workload.

This Grieve oven has 4” insulated walls, top-mounted heating chamber, aluminized steel interior and exterior, plus five (5) monorail tracks mounted at the top of the oven’s workspace.

All safety equipment required by IRI, FM and NFPA Standard 86 for gas-heated equipment are included on this walk-in oven, including a 325 CFM, 1/3-HP powered forced exhauster.

Controls on No. 889 include a digital programming temperature controller and 6-point strip chart recorder with 1-point air temperature, 2-point vacuum and 3-point load temperature recording capability.

For more information, please contact:

THE GRIEVE CORPORATION
500 Hart Road
Round Lake, Illinois 60073-2835
USA
Phone: (847) 546-8225
Fax: (847) 546-9210
Web: www.grievecorp.com
Email: sales@grievecorp.com
Attention: Frank Calabrese

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Hennig Introduces 2-1/2” Pitch Steel Belt Chip Conveyors

Hennig Long Conveyor

Hennig Long Conveyor

Whether the application involves producing/removing chips or moving parts/scrap pieces, Hennig can provide the chip conveyor for all machine tool requirements.  The company’s new 2-1/2” pitch steel belt can be made for most applications in the field when the standard 1-1/2” pitch belt is not effective for the particular conditions present.

Conveyors from Hennig, a leading supplier of chip conveyors to the global machine tool market, can be manufactured in widths from 4” to 80”, depending on the need.  The unique Hennig belt hinge is designed as one continuous piece, whereas many competitive brands do not have this feature.  The manufacturing of these belts is done on Hennig’s in-house press equipment.

Hennig recognizes the special requirements needed when designing a parts conveyor on which direct loads contact the belt.  Impact plates are just one of the many options to be considered when customizing a conveyor for these applications.

Hennig Parts Conveyor

Hennig Parts Conveyor

Chip volumes can also vary between applications, so speeds and sizes are always evaluated by Hennig’s engineers.  Special incline covers (top hat design) can be included when larger amounts of stringy/balled chips are to be evacuated from the machine.

As adjunct to this new 2-1/2” pitch steel belt conveyor, Hennig also offers complete filtration systems, as needed.  The company’s Chip Disc Filtration (CDF) systems can also be used with the new 2-1/2” pitch conveyor.  These systems can filter down to 25 microns and additional bag filters can be included to achieve the through-spindle requirements on most machine applications.

Hennig Large Conveyor

Hennig Large Conveyor

Whether the need involves moving chips into a hopper, evacuating larger volumes of chips through a plant wall into a truck/dumpster or hauling scrap parts from the machine, Hennig can assist machine builders and end users alike with any specific requirements.

Innovations and new developments in machine tool design present myriad opportunities for the engineers at Hennig (www.hennigworldwide.com), who have been designing and producing custom machine protection and chip/coolant management products for state-of-the-art machine tools for over 50 years. Hennig products are designed to protect against corrosion, debris and common workplace contaminants. Hennig has manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Germany, Czech Republic, France, Brazil, India, Japan, China and South Korea. Its North American repair centers are located in Machesney Park, Ill.; Chandler, Okla.; Livonia, Mich.; Blue Ash, Ohio;  Mexico City, Mexico; and Saltillo, Mexico.

Hennig Wide Conveyor

Hennig Wide Conveyor

For more information, contact:

Tim Waterman
Hennig Inc.
9900 N. Alpine Rd.
Machesney Park, IL 61115
(815) 316-5277
info@hennig.ame.com
www.hennigworldwide.com

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Hennig Tall Conveyor

Hennig Tall Conveyor

European Contact:

Hennig GmbH, Überrheinerstr. 5, 85551 Kirchheim, Tel. 49 089 96096140

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Buck Benefits from Hunter Mold Handling Lines

Custom configured solution from Hunter allows major Pennsylvania foundry to integrate mold handling line with other brands of automatic molding machines 

See the video HERE.

 Schaumburg, Illinois (USA) – The Buck Company is an ISO 9001: 2008 Certified foundry in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, near Lancaster and nestled in the Susquehanna Valley near the Maryland border.  Here, ferrous and non-ferrous castings of ductile, gray and malleable iron, as well as aluminum and brass are poured in medium and long runs to produce a wide variety of end products for the agricultural, metalworking, materials handling, marine, military and other market segments.

A challenge was presented to Buck’s longtime molding machine supplier, Hunter Automated.  Another brand of molding machine had been acquired at Buck for a particular use in the non-ferrous foundry.  Hunter was asked to provide a mold handling line for the particular conditions and footprint available at Buck and to devise a “handshake” mechanism to interface with this new machine.

It was determined that the best solution for the floor space and pouring equipment logistics was a Hunter HLH linear mold handling line.  However, the pouring height of the Hunter line did not match the mold discharge height of the other machine brand, so an elevation change mechanism was needed to accommodate the difference between the mold’s exit height from the machine and its placement onto the pouring line section of the Hunter line.

The solution was found in a walking beam (boardless) conveyor line devised and patented by Hunter, combined with an articulating arm and elevator mechanism that could raise the mold onto the pouring line for loading of the weight and jacket, all without risking mold shift.

As the mold exits the machine, in this case at Buck, a series of walking beams gently sequence the molds forward to the elevator station.  The “traffic cop” on this conveyor is a plurality of proximity sensors, used to monitor each location along the conveyor section and coordinate with the pouring operation, so mold collision and back-up are avoided.  As pattern changes are made, work breaks occur or melts are prepped, these sensors remain in operation to protect the integrity of the process.

Once the mold reaches the end of this standard boardless walking beam conveyor section, an articulating arm and elevator mechanism gently raise the mold to the standard height of the Hunter handling system.  Achieving this result saved Buck considerable manpower in materials handling, plus floorspace and capital investment, while allowing this Hunter customer to maintain high productivity in this section of its non-ferrous foundry operation.

As Dean Martin, sales manager for Hunter, explains, “We had a meeting of the minds with the automatic molding machine builder and we worked out a feasible plan to solve the handshaking issues presented by this production scenario.  There were really no serious setbacks or conflicts, as we had the common goal of satisfying Buck’s requirements with the optimum production results plus an on-target budget.”  He further described how the machine builder and Hunter’s seamless working relationship helped develop this transitional walking beam (boardless) conveyor system.

Buck used the expertise of its projects manager Art Tout and non-ferrous foundry superintendent Steve Ward to work with the molding machine builder and Hunter to achieve the best solution.  As Steve noted, “The Hunter linear line was more practical than the rotary turntable design, which we also have in another section of the foundry.  With a smaller footprint and relatively low maintenance, it was a good solution.”  He joked, in describing the way Hunter worked with the machine builder, “They played well in the sandbox together.”

The typical mold being handled on this line weighs 400-500 lbs. (181-227 kg), having been produced on the molding machine with a 20” x 24” plate dimension.

Matt Sullivan, president at Buck, discusses the unique solution devised for the mold handling with Dean Martin, sales manager for Hunter

Matt Sullivan, president at Buck, discusses the unique solution devised for the mold handling with Dean Martin, sales manager for Hunter. View the video from this sit-down HERE

Buck President Matt Sullivan observed, “We were very impressed by the way everyone responded.  The machine builder and Hunter actually needed very little input from us.  We’d presented Hunter with some very tight floorspace restrictions and they worked hard to overcome the challenges for us.  We had good experiences with the HLH lines in other parts of the foundry in the past and we were confident it would do the job here, even being modified.  We knew the HLH would work from morning to night with few, if any, problems.   The option of going vertical with the mold cooling was vital, given the floorspace.” He also noted the installation and the modification of the overall system was seamless.

Martin concluded by noting, “…the boardless conveyor system used here at Buck, while a special modification to our standard board conveyor design, was completely designed, engineered and built by Hunter personnel.  We’ve used this solution and others at several companies since the Buck install, with very satisfactory results.”

Hunter holds several patents on the unique features of its mold handling systems, which can be utilized with any boardless molding machine.

For further information on this announcement, interested parties may contact:

HUNTER AUTOMATED MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive
Schaumburg, Illinois 60196-1094
USA
Phone: +1 847 397 5136
Email: sales@hunterfoundry.com
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Attention: Bill Hunter or Dean Martin

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New Sinamics Startdrive Enables the Seamless Integration of Sinamics G-Drives Into TIA Portal

Sinamics Startdrive from Siemens now enables seamless integration of the drive system into the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal

Sinamics Startdrive from Siemens now enables seamless integration of the drive system into the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal

CHICAGO — Siemens announced today that the latest version of the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal now gives users the ability to commission and configure Sinamics G120 drives using Sinamics Startdrive.

As an engineering framework designed for maximum efficiency and ease of operation, TIA Portal offers seamless integration of the drive system using Version 12 of Sinamics Startdrive. This allows users to quickly and easily configure Sinamics G120 drives from a single graphical user interface.  The same applies to drive parameterization, which is easy-to-handle thanks to the use of graphical screens.  The task-based sorting of drive functions reduces the start-up time for users as they are guided directly to functions via the specific task.  As with the Simatic programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in TIA Portal, the Sinamics drive is also displayed as a station in the project navigator.  Simotics motors can be easily integrated into the engineering framework via Sinamics Startdrive. In addition, optimized safety function views have been integrated into Startdrive to ensure efficient commissioning of safe drive systems, which means that engineering for standard and safety-based programs can be implemented with TIA Portal.

Efficient drive engineering in TIA Portal is possible thanks to the identical handling of controllers, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and drives.  Sinamics G120 drives can be configured in the same manner as an existing controller.  The hardware catalog stored in the program can be used to add components.  Bus connections can also be made via simple drag-and-drop.  Since TIA Portal’s library is used, uniform data storage and consistency are assured.  Existing parameterization can be reused in the same or in a different project via the library.  Additionally, since the power module is easily replaced via drag-and-drop menus, engineering can be quickly modified even when power requirements change. This saves time when implementing follow-up projects.

Communication settings are uniform for every device as a part of the integrated device and network configuration, avoiding duplicate entries and consistency errors.  The package includes the Profidrive drive profile for all industry-based applications, as well as Profisafe for failsafe communication.  Using Step 7 Motion Control to optimize interaction between the Simatic S7-1500 controller can reduce the time and effort involved in engineering and Sinamics G120 drives. The uniform application engineering for controller and drive includes a guided configuration and parameterization of Sinamics drives and allows fast access from the Portal view.

Sinamics Startdrive permits intuitive and efficient drive diagnostics.  Information and status messages are displayed without the need for programming.  As part of the uniform display concept, status messages for the drive are available in plain text in TIA Portal, the CPU display, the HMI and the web server.  Detailed information can be called up in the diagnostic and online editors, which support fast troubleshooting and help to significantly reduce downtimes.

The new Sinamics Startdrive features an integrated trace function to optimize motion sequences and increase application productivity.  Up to eight signals can be monitored in two separate trace jobs simultaneously.  User guidance is identical to Simatic-S7-1500-Trace, with controller and drive traces being managed centrally in TIA Portal, making the complete diagnosis possible without the need for an additional tool.  Since the motion sequences are intuitively recorded and optimized, there is less mechanical stress on the machine or system.

Siemens is continuing to develop TIA Portal with the intention of opening up the intelligent engineering framework for more and more hardware components.  The ultimate goal is to reduce the time and effort required for engineering, thereby, maximizing efficiency in order to boost user productivity and competitiveness.  TIA Portal’s intuitive and efficient software architecture allows users to design every engineering and production process throughout the entire value chain from one single screen.

For more information about Siemens solutions for the conveyor and material handling industry:

SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
Drive Technologies — Motion Control
390 Kent Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL  60007
Phone: 847-640-1595 Fax: 847-437-0784
Web:  www.usa.siemens.com/motioncontrol
Email:  SiemensMTBUMarCom.industry@siemens.com
Attention:  John Meyer, Manager, Marketing Communications

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Siemens Introduces The New Sinamics V20 Drive for Basic Applications

With its new Sinamics V20 drive, Siemens offers a single-axis drive for basic applications, which is easy-to-install, easy-to-operate and makes it easy to save money

With its new Sinamics V20 drive, Siemens offers a single-axis drive for basic applications, which is easy-to-install, easy-to-operate and makes it easy to save money

CHICAGO — Siemens introduced today its new single-axis Sinamics V20 drive for basic applications featuring short commissioning times, easy operation and excellent cost and energy benefits.  The Sinamics V20 comes in four frame sizes covering the performance range from 1/6–20hp and is used to operate pumps, fans, compressors and conveyor systems, and is also used for simple drive tasks in the processing and handling industries.

This compact drive can be connected directly in-line and mounted as a push-through installation in addition to the conventional wall-mounting method.  Since no further modules or add-on options are required for operation, the installation time is minimized.  Additionally, the integrated Basic Operator Panel (BOP) enables trouble-free on-site commissioning and operation.  Besides the universal serial interfaces that allow for easy connection to Simatic PLC controllers, a Modbus interface is also included for communication with third-party controls.  Pre-built connection and application macros are used for facilitating application-specific settings.  For units with power ratings higher than 10hp, a braking resistor can be connected directly to integrated braking chopper.

Operation of the new Sinamics V20 drive is just as easy as its commissioning.  Parameters that have been optimized for one application can easily be transferred to other units using SD or MMC cards via the BOP interface or the battery-operated Parameter Loader — even without powering up the drive. The current firmware can be easily loaded as well.

Tailored inter-connectivity and application macros (i.e. for pumps, fans and compressors) provide the correct settings for the particular application.  The Keep Running Mode automatically adapts the Sinamics V20 drive to the power supply to achieve higher availability when operated on unstable networks.  In this mode, line fluctuations are compensated for internally and error messages are acknowledged autonomously.  Due to the enhanced cooling concept and coated PCBs and electronic components, the Sinamics V20 is extremely rugged, both electrically and mechanically, making the unit reliable even in harsh environments.

The demand-driven regulation of the motor speed also provides increased energy savings even for basic applications. The Sinamics V20 is equipped with an energy-optimized control mode (ECO-mode) for increased energy efficiency.  ECO-mode automatically adapts the magnetic flux in the motor to the optimum operating point.  In addition, the DC link coupling enables efficient energy utilization of drives grouped together.  Further, the Sinamics V20 can be set to hibernation mode, which prolongs the service life of the motor and also reduces system component wear (i.e. pumps). Additionally, by displaying real-time energy consumption on the operator panel display, the operator always has the drive’s energy and cost efficiencies in focus at all times.

For more information about Siemens solutions for the conveyor and material handling industry:

SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
Drive Technologies — Motion Control
390 Kent Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL  60007
Phone: 847-640-1595 Fax: 847-437-0784
Web:  www.usa.siemens.com/motioncontrol
Email:  SiemensMTBUMarCom.industry@siemens.com
Attention:  John Meyer, Manager, Marketing Communications

 

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NOARK Enters North American Market at AHR 2013, Booth 5700

NOARK ENTERS NORTH AMERICAN MARKET AT AHR 2013, BOOTH 5700

A name you may not yet know, but NOARK Electric provides reliable products and efficient solutions to intelligent power and energy systems worldwide. This global supplier of electrical components and intelligent control systems will be presenting an assortment of UL 489 Listed circuit breakers, relays and contactors at the upcoming AHR Expo in Dallas. This show represents the company’s first trade show in the North American market.

The NOARK value proposition centers on products that improve the profitability and maintain the highest levels of performance for customer end products, through the combination of local support with local inventory, exceptional value and superior product quality, backed by the industry’s first 5-YEAR WARRANTY.

Among the many offerings to be displayed at AHR Booth 5700 will be the following NOARK products:

  • 9B1N-DIN Rail Miniature Circuit Breakers
  • 9B1H-Thermal Overload Relays
  • 9B1E-Definite Purpose Contactors
  • 9B1A-Definite Purpose Contactors
  • 9M1-Molded Case Circuit Breakers
  • Ex9C-IEC Contactors
  • Ex9R-Overload Relays
  • Ex9C-Definite Purpose Contactors

ALL ABOVE NOARK PRODUCTS ARE UL489 LISTED.

Booth personnel will include Paul Xu, VP of Strategy & Marketing, Ken Hilborn, Sales & Marketing Director, Tony Diaz, Product Marketing Manager and Kirk Wilson, West Region Manager.

NOARK Electric, Inc., the North American headquarters of the company, was previously located in Rockford, IL and, due to its rapid growth and inventory commitments, has recently moved to a larger facility in Oak Creek, WI, just south of Milwaukee.

The company is currently in the process of establishing a representative and distribution network to serve its primary markets, which include the building trades and electric panel board builders in various industries.

A global supplier, NOARK currently operates four R&D centers, three distribution centers, 15 office locations and employs over 1000 associates. Sales currently exceed $2 billion worldwide.

For more information, please stop by booth 5700 at AHR Expo or contact:

NOARK Electric, Inc.
9817 South 13th Street
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Phone: 414-304-8189
Website: www.noark-electric.com

Tony Diaz
Email: tony.diaz@noark-electric.com

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James Tool Achieves AS9100 Registration and Completes Facilities Expansion

North Carolina job shop seeks to diversify and expand customer base in aerospace and other markets; boasts “large shop ability, small shop agility”

James Tool began as a five-man machine shop in 1987, founded by James “Bud” Toner and has grown steadily, over the years. Today, under the leadership of Bud’s son Jeff Toner, the shop has become a supplier of quality machined components to Fortune 500 companies and prime suppliers to the aerospace, heavy equipment, automotive, oil & gas, nuclear and transportation industries. James Tool currently comprises three manufacturing centers, namely engineer/build hydraulic workholding, CNC production machining and precision short run CNC machining. The shop recently achieved the highly valued AS9100 registration for its manufacturing protocols and processes.

As Jeff Toner explains, “We were driven by a need for market diversification and expansion of our current business, building on the strengths established from our aerospace success. Our goal is to secure more business in market sectors that demand the same precision and production efficiencies as our aerospace customers.” He also explained how the company, already recognized for its in-house engineering of hydraulic workholding systems and its precision CNC machining capabilities, sought to obtain the AS9100 registration as a further value-add to its current and potential customers in the aerospace market, one of the fastest-growing manufacturing sectors in the Southeast.

James Tool produces parts in prototype, one-off, short run and production quantities, using 4- and 5-axis CNC machine tools, from high and low carbon steels, nickel alloys, aluminum, stainless, thermoplastics and engineered aerospace materials alike.

In seeking the AS9100 registration, the company engaged in a rigorous process that included reviewing and understanding all the standard requirements, evaluating all current processes, gap analysis program (GAP) utilization, revision and implementation of all necessary processes, procedures, manuals, documentation and training, as well as the ongoing evaluation and continuous improvements in the processes and protocols used at James Tool.

In assessing the current state of the company, Toner observes, “We use state-of-the-art CNC machine tools of the latest generation, plus highly advance metrology solutions to achieve and maintain consistent part quality. We have 5-axis vertical machining centers, high-speed milling centers and multi-pallet workstations. In addition, we offer wire EDM, thermal deburring, CNC torch cutting, vibratory stress relief and a black oxide coating system in-house.” To enable this expansion of services and in anticipation of future growth, James Tool took a bold step in the current economy and recently completed additions and expansions onto its statewide facilities in North Carolina. One new facility in Morganton is 30,000 square feet, while another facility houses a new training complex for the company’s workforce, currently over 120 employees. Overall, James Tool now occupies in excess of 100,000 square feet of manufacturing and service facilities in Morganton and Columbus, North Carolina.

CAD (SolidWorks®) and CAM (MasterCam®) programming is all done in-house to support the CNC machining at James Tool.

Looking to the future for James Tool, Toner concludes, “We are a very pro-active company. We make a decided effort to acquire the latest machine tools and other technologies, so that we can continue to provide our customers the very highest quality products in the fastest possible turnaround times. Hand in hand with the machining and metrology advancements, however, must be a corresponding program of training for our current and future employees. Highly trained people create a better environment, where high quality work, safety and production efficiencies lead to the very best experience for our customers. This is an ongoing commitment at James Tool.” The new AS9100 registration and substantial investments made by the company in both new machinery and new facilities are further evidence of this fact, according to Jeff Toner.

For more information on this story, please contact:

James Tool Machine & Engineering, Inc.
130 Reep Drive
Morganton, NC 28655
Phone: 828-584-8722
Fax: 828-584-8779
Web: www.jamestool.com
Email: sales@jamestool.com
Attention: Jeff Toner, President

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New Managing Director for Hunter Asia/Pacific Operations

peter_liMr. Peter Li will assume the new position of Managing Director for all Hunter Asia Pacific Operations, effective February 1, 2013.  Hunter is the world leader in automated matchplate molding machinery and mold handling lines for the foundry industry.

Peter Li’s 16-year career with Hunter has been dedicated to sales and manufacturing management in the Asia Pacific (A/P) territory. He was instrumental in the successful development of the company’s China operation, “Hunter Automated Machinery (Shanghai) Ltd.”  Today, Hunter builds machinery and other equipment in China to serve the A/P market.

Peter will be responsible for A/P marketing and manufacturing programs, including the Shanghai plant, the expansion of our agent network and the integration with new partners where necessary for Hunter to compete effectively in the local markets.

For further information on this announcement, interested parties may contact:

HUNTER AUTOMATED MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive Schaumburg, IL 60196
Phone: (847) 397-5110
Fax: (847) 397-8254
Email: info@hunterfoundry.com
Attention:  Bill Hunter, CEO
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Connect with Hunter Foundry online:  yt gplus thomasnet

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JetSlinger from Hunter

JetSlingerJetSlingerTM
– Impact-assisted flask filling, adjustable for cope and drag
– Venturi action air amplification for sand mixture dispersion
– Perpendicular flask filling, superior to side blow fill, no shadow effect
– Improves mold production up to 300% on selected jobs
– Better pattern definition, uniformity of mold hardness and surface finish
Available as standard equipment on new Hunter automated matchplate molding machines.
Retrofit your existing XL machines, too!
The Hunter JetSlingerTM device, an air amplification apparatus, based on the Venturi principle, accelerates the sand into the cope and drag flasks on the Hunter XL machines.  Currently in Beta testing, this device creates a powerful vacuum and jet exhaust drawing the sand mixture through an array of nozzle assemblies built into a manifold mounted directly below the Fillaerator blades and then slinging the sand into the flask.
With a perpendicular fill, this impact-assisted device produces molds more quickly and with substantially improved surface quality, owing to the powered pre-compaction of the sand.  This action results in greater uniformity of mold density and wall hardness, without sacrificing the accessibility and flexibility of a gravity fill machine.
The JetSlingerTM achieves a flask filling operation that compensates for mold quality limitations often caused by the flowability of the sand and pattern configuration during the high-pressure squeeze cycle.
In contrast to the conventional blow fill machines, there is no shroud, seals or vented flask assemblies required, along with the attendant maintenance. Further, the JetSlingerTM allows far greater flexibility and access needed to produce various castings with the use of chaplets, ram-up cores and exothermic risers.
The JetSlingerTM was invented by company president Bill Hunter and the U.S. Patent Number US7819168B2 has been issued.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

HUNTER AUTOMATED MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive Schaumburg, IL 60196
Phone: (847) 397-5110
Fax: (847) 397-8254
Email: info@hunterfoundry.com
Attention:  Bill Hunter, CEO
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Connect with Hunter Foundry online:  yt gplus thomasnet

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