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Tag Archives: Machine

Harmonics in Power Systems

Causes, effects and control

This whitepaper covers definitions, harmonic generation, effects of harmonics and control of harmonics. It also addresses general awareness of power system harmonics, their causes, effects and methods to control them especially when these harmonics are related to variable frequency (or adjustable speed) drives.

Click to view the whitepaper

For more information, please visit www.usa.siemens.com/motioncontrol

For specific product information and inquiries, call (800) 879-8079 ext. Marketing Communications or send an e-mail to: SiemensMTBUMarCom.industry@siemens.com.

Siemens Industry Sector is the world’s leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products, solutions and services for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the sector enhances its customers’ productivity, efficiency and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services Divisions as well as the Metals Technologies Business Unit. For more information, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/industry.

The Siemens Drive Technologies Division is the world’s leading supplier of products, systems, applications, solutions and services for the entire drive train, with electrical and mechanical components. Drive Technologies serves all vertical markets in the production and process industries as well as the infrastructure/energy segment. With its products and solutions, the division enables its customers to achieve productivity, energy efficiency and reliability. For more information, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/drivetechnologies.

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Devulcanization: REP Group Acquires Watson Brown HSM GmbH

Corbas – REP international, leader in the rubber injection molding machine with the head office being located in Lyon-Corbas, France, has just concluded the acquisition of the patented HSM devulcanization technology on an exclusive right basis, as well as the devulcanization center Watson-Brown HSM-Berlin. This center is equipped with an operational devulcanization line and a test laboratory operated by a team of 6 persons.

centreberlin

Bruno Tabar, CEO of the REP group announces that “REP International will carry on with the development of the HSM technology, its implementation in the center of Berlin and promote a sales offer of devulcanization machines and a devulcanization service on the international market with compounders and processors“.

A resolutely promising eco-process 

Watson Brown HSM Berlin becomes so far the 7th subsidiary of the REP group, the 6 others being involved in the sales and after-sales of REP presses throughout the world. This take-over confirms REP’s readiness to extend their offer, as accentuated through their new corporate baseline “Rubber in motion”.  Aiming to work beyond the injection of rubber and devoted to the tradition of innovation at customers’ service, REP has developed a technical and commercial partnership with Watson Brown HSM the purpose of which is to devulcanize rubber production scraps and reintroduce them into the production chain.

After a series of validation tests conducted in REP’s customer plants it was established that the process is technically performing and economically efficient. That’s when REP decided after many years of collaboration to integrate Watson Brown HSM in their group.

But what is the HSM devulcanization process? 

This patented process applies to any kind of uncontaminated rubber production waste. Once the compound is devulcanized, it is reintegrated into the basic compound. This results in significant savings on both compound and waste disposal costs.

Watson Brown has developed a patent for devulcanizing cured rubber. Controlling the strain applied to the compound by the HSM machine causes the rubber to be devulcanized by preserving properties which are very close to the initial compound.

This is a 100% thermo-mechanical process without adding any further substances or chemical agents and is performed at low temperature, in order to prevent the characteristics of the devulcanized rubber from being altered.

From the devulcanization service to the series machine

REP relies on their industrialization capacities, their experience and geographical international presence to develop the commercialization of HSM machines.  The HSM structure and its components being very close to those of a press, REP has the capacities to industrialize and manufacture these machines.

With the acquisition of the intellectual property and the plant of Watson Brown in Berlin, REP is developing a devulcanization machine offer intended for compounders and rubber processors in addition to the existing devulcanization service.

HSM

What do the activities of Berlin’s center consist in?

Berlin’s devulcanization center is equipped with a laboratory to run tests on samples intended for customers who are willing to test the process based on their own compound, so as to validate the properties before running industrial HSM tests. The existing capacities grant the center the ability to service all customers who want to devulcanize and reintegrate their scraps back into production, in order to substitute them for one part of the basic compound, resulting in a drop in operating cost.

For companies interested in implementing the tests, a few kilograms of scraps will be sufficient to conduct the lab tests resulting in data on the elongation, tensile strength and rheology of the samples. After the test, the customer receives back the processed compound for assessment. It is then possible to conduct production tests to test the final parts on an industrial scale.

logo_k2013_14_B57_e_low_resTaking the green path towards responsible production; making upgraded scraps become raw material!

Rendezvous at the K2013, Hall 14, Booth B57, October 16-23!

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

REP Corporation
8N740 Tameling Court
Bartlett, IL 60103-8146
Phone:  847-697-7210
Fax:  847-697-6829
Web:  www.repinjection.com
Email:  tgraham@repcorp.com
Attention:  Tim Graham, President

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Rep Names New Regional Sales Manager

Responding to growth in sales and expanded market opportunities, industry leader in rubber injection presses adds to staff 

John “JR” Mohl REP Corporation

John “JR” Mohl
REP Corporation

Bartlett, IL – REP Corporation announces the appointment of John “JR” Mohl to the position of regional sales manager, effective immediately.  JR will cover select regions of the country, representing the full line of rubber/TPE injection presses and other processing equipment built by REP, the longtime world leader in rubber molding technology.

Commenting on the appointment, REP Corporation President Tim Graham observed, “We have been experiencing considerable growth in our business, with new machine orders from many of our longtime customers and also the acquisition of new customers who’ve come our way as the result of the new equipment offerings in our suite.  We know JR will be a real asset to our efforts in the field.  He also obviously has the right genes for the job,” Graham joked in reference to the new employee’s father, John Mohl, also a REP regional sales manager and an acknowledged expert in rubber molding technology.  John will be speaking at the upcoming International Elastomer Conference in Cleveland on various aspects of the molding and curing process.

A resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, JR Mohl comes to REP with 15 years experience in various customer service and sales roles.  He holds a degree in Aviation Flight Science from Western Michigan University, where he is currently enrolled in the MBA program.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:
8N740 Tameling Court
Bartlett, IL 60103-8146
Phone:  847-697-7210
Fax:  847-697-6829
Web:  www.repinjection.com
Email:  tgraham@repcorp.com
Attention:  Tim Graham, President

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WHEN TWINS SEE DOUBLE, PRODUCTION ONLY IMPROVES

STAMA WILL BE AT IMTS BOOTH 8966

STAMA unveils a new concept in multi-spindle machining

 

The “2 Plus 4” principle has represented the most economical and efficient means of multi-spindle machining in manufacturing. STAMA has implemented this principle, with 2 spindles and 4 clamped workpieces, in hundreds of existing projects worldwide, resulting in radically reduced cost per part scenarios for its customers. In today’s highly competitive market, however, STAMA has recently conducted discussions with its customers concerning greater factory floor utilization and “non-productive” capacity, leading to the question, are more than 2 spindles – perhaps even 4 – for the simultaneous machining of workpieces, economically more reasonable?  This challenge has sparked an interesting development at STAMA, the 4-spindle TWIN2 concept that’s now being introduced to the world market for multi-spindle machining applications.

In answering this 2 vs. 4 question, a shop must first verify which productivity upsides will be realized by this concept.  Figure 1 below shows the productivity benefits with a 4-spindle solution on completely different manufacturing processes with different primary machining times. Contrary to the “logical” expectations, the 4-spindle solution with 4 clamped workpieces doesn’t result in double the output, compared to a 2-spindle production with 4 clamped workpieces. In the relationship between the primary machining time and the overall cycle time of the process, the actual output will usually increase by 60% to 70% by adding 2 more spindles. Individual exceptions with short time-consuming machining operations can reflect an increase of more then 80%, according to STAMA research.

While twin spindle machining needs to double the capacity of the tool magazine, the four spindle solution requires a tool magazine to handle four times as many tools. The STAMA MC 531/TWIN² is equipped with 56 tool places in the standard version, for example, with options for magazines up to 120 tools.

One major key in four spindle machining, with short tool-to-part contact times, is the load and unload sequences of the workpieces. In such cases, as long as the machine isn’t equipped with a quick automatic loading/unloading system, pendulum machining is more advisable.  This ensures parallel machining time while loading new workpieces. Time for loading and unloading can then be as long as the actual cycle time of the machine. This will also result in less time when the operator is interacting with the machine, thereby allowing the operator to run multiple stations in a work cell set-up, while keeping a constant touch time protocol on each machine.

Under these conditions, for many workpieces studied by STAMA and its customers, the “4 Plus 4” solution can result in major cost per part reduction. With over 25 years’ experience in TWIN spindle technology, the simplicity of a common Z-headstock for twin spindles from STAMA is well accepted and proven technology worldwide. The simplicity of this system is also used throughout this new TWIN² technology. Incorporating a state-of-the-art tool presetter, even single spindle manufacturing challenges with high accuracy demands can be realized with multi-spindle technology. The outstanding productivity and high workpiece quality achievable are the benchmarks by which STAMA TWIN spindle centers are known. The expansion to this 4-spindle TWIN2 machining center technology is the logical consequence of the company’s latest research and machine development strategies.

Already in full production use at a STAMA customer in one of the BRIC markets is a new four-spindle TWIN2 machining center, currently doing ABS housing manufacturing and connecting rod machining. This success for STAMA evidences the simplicity and practical application of the company’s highly productive manufacturing equipment.

Excellence in Manufacturing…the keystone of STAMA

STAMA America is the U.S. subsidiary of STAMA Maschinenfabrik GmbH in Germany.

For more information or to arrange a demonstration, please contact:

STAMA America 1063 Hawthorne Drive Itasca, IL 60143 Phone: (630) 233-8101 www.stama-america.com simon.knecht@stama-america.com

Simon Knecht, Director of Sales

PR agency contact: Tim Daro Bernard & Company 847-934-4500 tdaro@bernardandcompany.com

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Siemens Presents New Innovations That Enhance Machine Tool Productivity

CHICAGO, IMTS — At this year’s International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, Siemens will introduce new solutions and services for machine tool manufacturers and end-users.  Under the theme, “Productivity in motion,” the presentation will focus on turnkey solutions for the job shop, aerospace, automotive, mold and die and medical manufacturing industries.

For machine tool builders and end-users, Siemens will exhibit the newest innovations in CNC (computer numerical control), motor and drive technology as well as new value-added services ranging from condition monitoring and manufacturing IT to innovative solutions for CNC training and machine tool retrofit.

SOLUTIONS FOR THE JOB SHOP

For the job shop, the new Sinumerik 828D numerical control will be presented for the first time in the United States.  Perfect for mid-range machine tools, the Sinumerik 828D is designed to address the needs of complex milling and turning machines in the job shop segment.  It combines CNC, PLC, operator panel and axis control for six CNC measurement circuits in a single, robust operator panel.

The Sinumerik 828D is capable of full graphical, high-level language command and supports ISO programming that is customary in the United States.  The new control is ideal for single-part and small-batch production.  Programming time can be further reduced for small-batch production with the use of the ShopMill and ShopTurn graphical workstep programming system, while high-level language programming can be used in conjunction with programGuide to significantly reduce programming times for large-scale serial production.

With the introduction of the Sinumerik 828D, modern PC and mobile phone technology is now available to the mid-range machine tool.  Extensive online help animations and a new type of input prompting system with moving picture sequences provide the basis for exceptional user convenience. USB, Compact Flash (CF) card and Ethernet ports enable high-speed data transfers onto storage media or integration of the control system into corporate networks.  Through the use of its Easy Message functionality, the Sinumerik 828D offers production status monitoring by text messaging (SMS). Depending on the recipient’s profile setting, the machine will transmit information about workpiece machining status, report on the tool condition currently in use and send machine maintenance bulletins to a mobile phone, anytime and anywhere.  These combined functions are designed to help keep machine downtime to a minimum.

SOLUTIONS FOR AEROSPACE

For the aerospace market, the new Sinumerik 840D solution line is the latest in CNC technology that increases performance and user productivity.  The Sinumerik 840D sl is a universal and flexible CNC system featuring the innovative Sinamics S120 drives that can be used for up to 31 axes.  It is a distributed, scalable, open and inter-connecting system offering a wide range of specialized functions for milling, drilling, turning, grinding and handling technologies.

The Sinumerik 840D offers users innovative features that increase productivity on the manufacturing floor, especially the challenging segments of high-speed and five-axis aerospace machining.

SOLUTIONS FOR AUTOMOTIVE

In the automotive industry, Siemens continues to solidify its position with the Transline System Solution, the solution for automotive powertrain.  This system integrates diverse metalcutting technologies such as milling, drilling, turning and grinding, and the assembly of powertrain parts, under a common system architecture.  Since its implementation in 1993 at the Mercedes Benz NVM engine plant in Bad Canstatt, Germany, Transline has grown to become a recognized standard of excellence in the United States among both OEMs and end-users.

Based on the new Sinumerik 840D solution line and Simatic PLC, the Transline solution line transforms the company’s concept of “productivity in motion” into a real world application for total factory automation.  By specifying Transline, machine tool users benefit from faster start-up times, better equipment serviceability and increased productivity.

SOLUTIONS FOR MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE

Condition Monitoring and Manufacturing IT are two value-added services that are continuing their introduction to the U.S. machine tool market.

Condition Monitoring is an internet-based service from Siemens that supports maintenance processes while simultaneously forming a platform for cross-company service and support between OEMs and machine operators.  Services can be configured over secure Internet connections from anywhere in the world via a standard PC, an internet connection and a web browser.

Manufacturing IT solutions from Siemens provide software tools for fast, easy integration of machines in a production network, while ensuring that production planning, scheduling and execution is always problem-free and based on the very latest data.

An entire line of powerful software modules for production machines ensures optimum integration of the machines in the IT-environment and supports a wide range of different functionalities including:

  • Production data management (MDA / PMT / PDA)
  • Numerical control program management (DNC)
  • Tool management (TDI)
  • Maintenance management (TPM)
  • Service management (RCS)
  • Computer interfacing (RPC)

SOLUTIONS FOR CNC TRAINING

SinuTrain, the Siemens package of CNC training software on CD-ROM, provides milling and turning machine operators with a high degree of practical hands-on experience, prior to using the CNCs on their actual machines.  It is designed to run on Windows XP operating systems and is the optimal solution for machine tool control-identical simulation training.

With SinuTrain, actual NC programs are developed and simulated, using a direct connection to the company’s CAD systems to further speed the program generation protocol.  In this way, machine tool operators not only learn the control language commands, but they also visualize part programs on a P

C screen that are identical to the actual machine screen.  As a further benefit, programs generated through SinuTrain on the PC software can then be used on the machines.

Other exhibits on display in the Siemens booth include the new 1FK7 high-inertia and 1PH8 servomotors, integrated motor spindles, linear motors and direct-drive torque motors that contribute to the increase in machine performance.  The exhibition will also focus on machine tool retrofit, field service, customer service, spare parts and repair, all of which support the machine tool manufacturer and end-user.

For product information and inquiries:

SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
DRIVE TECHNOLOGIES
MOTION CONTROL
MACHINE TOOL BUSINESS
390 Kent Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: 847-640-1595
Fax: 847-437-0784
Web:  www.usa.siemens.com/cnc
Email:  SiemensMTBUMarCom.sea@siemens.com
Attention:  John Meyer, Manager, Marketing Communication

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SiemensCNC or Twitter:  www.twitter.com/siemens_cnc_us.

Siemens Industry Sector is the world’s leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products, solutions and services for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the sector enhances its customers’ productivity, efficiency and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services Divisions as well as the Metals Technologies Business Unit. For more information, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/industry.

The Siemens Drive Technologies Division is the world’s leading supplier of products, systems, applications, solutions and services for the entire drive train, with electrical and mechanical components. Drive Technologies serves all vertical markets in the production and process industries as well as the infrastructure/energy segment. With its products and solutions, the division enables its customers to achieve productivity, energy efficiency and reliability. For more information, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/drivetechnologies.

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Pneumatic Cylinder Rod Locks Hold Platform For Workers At RV Assembly Plant

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., (AME) Rockford, IL offers its line of Amlok® cylinder rod locks for a variety of applications in myriad industries.  One recent and innovative installation is on the worker lift platforms at a major RV manufacturer in the Elkhart-Goshen, Indiana area, home to that industry’s leading producers of motor homes, fifth wheel campers, trailers and other vehicles.  According to the customer, the results of this installation have included more stability in the platforms, which frequently bear the load of multiple workers, considerable raw materials and all the tools necessary to perform the various assembly operations.

At this manufacturing location, unlike a conventional parallel orientation assembly line, the frame and the axles move perpendicular to the work stations, on rail track-mounted dollies.  Owing to the highly customized nature of the RV industry, it is frequently necessary for one-off assembly operations to be performed in sequence, as the content of a day’s quota.  Plus, given the height of the units, these work platforms are invaluable assets to the production process at the company.  In this case, work platforms were engineered and built to enable faster access from both sides of the unit.

With the work platform concept, the units can now be rolled from one station to the next, allowing the various build-ups to occur in sequence.  As each step in the manufacturing process is completed, the entire work platform is raised. Because of the length of the platforms, (up to 30’) and the weight load bearing requirements (typically several hundred lbs. of materials and 1-2 workers per side), stability was a key issue.

One of the engineers at the integrator comments, “We’d seen the cylinder rod lock concept in a trade magazine article and contacted Advanced Machine & Engineering to discuss our needs.  On each corner of the lifting system, the rod lock would need to attach to the platform and a separate rod installed for the Amlok.”

The Amlok® design, originated by AME, allows free movement of the cylinder during normal operation.  When the lift system is stopped or when air pressure is lost, the locking mechanism secures the load in position until released by the return of air pressure.  The positioning of the work platform is entirely controlled by the workers and is infinitely adjustable to the desired height for their cutting, routing, forming and riveting of the various materials used for construction and assembly of these RV units.  Each 1-3/4” diameter rod is mounted to the floor of the factory and the rod lock follows it, riding along a guide mechanism designed by the integrator and AME engineers, in cooperation with the factory workers at the plant.  Upon completion of work at each station, the platform is raised to the top park position, where the Amlok is engaged in the locked condition, the RV unit is transported to the next station and the platform is loaded with the next unit’s required materials.  Each worker’s complete toolbox remains on the platform throughout the work shift.

The Amlok rod locks used in this application are the company’s fourth generation design and prevent the typical problems encountered with most large scale air movement systems, namely, over-travel, bouncing, drifting and reverse travel.  The patented intensifier mechanism of the AME rod lock is spring-operated to lock and is released by normal 60-160psi air lines.  These devices were deemed both cost-effective and functionally desirable for the work platform application at the RV builder.

On this project, AME supplied the rod locks, mounting brackets and all hardware, while the integrator supplied the controls, pressure valves and all pneumatic circuitry to match the plant’s existing air lines, which were substantial, given the number of air tools used in the manufacturing process here.

Following the installation, the RV builder commissioned an independent engineering firm to fully certify that the work platforms met all relevant codes.  This certification has been received.

Worker satisfaction with the system and the platform stability has been found to be very high, as well.

For technical questions on this story or the Amlok devices, please contact Ken Davis (ken@ame.com) or Shane Hatfield (shane@ame.com), the AME engineers on the project.

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., is a manufacturer located in Rockford, IL, serving the Machine Tool Industry with precision components and accessories, including spindle interface components, workholding devices, and, through our sister company, Hennig, machine enclosures, chip removal and filtration systems.  The Fluid Power – Safety markets are served with cylinder rod locks and safety catcher devises; and the Production Saw market with our Amsaw carbide saw machines and Speedcut blade products.  AME has manufacturing partners and customers around the world and across the U.S.  To learn more, visit www.ame.com.

Hennig, Inc. design and produces custom machine protection and chip/coolant management products for state-of-the-art machine tools.  Hennig products are designed to protect against corrosion, debris and common workplace contaminants.  Manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, China and South Korea.  Repair centers are located in Machesney Park, IL; Chandler, OK; Livonia, MI; Blue Ash, OH; Mexico City, Mexico and Saltillo, Mexico.  To learn more, visit www.hennigworldwide.com.

For more information, contact:

Tim Waterman
ADVANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING CO.
2500 Latham St.
Rockford, IL 61103
Phone: 815-316-5277
Fax: 815-962-6483
E-mail: info@ame.com
Connect with AME online: yt wp twit li gplus fb

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Stotz Air Gages and Measuring Systems Becomes Part of Advanced Machine & Engineering’s Family of Products

Advanced Machine & Engineering (AME) in Rockford, IL, is excited to announce that they have become the exclusive North American distributor for Stotz Measuring Systems, which includes air and electronic gaging devices.

Stotz Feinmesstechnik GmbH has been a leader in gaging technology for almost 60 years.  They design, manufacture and sell air-electronic gages and control devices.  They are constantly striving to improve their designs and develop new products to solidify their position as a leader in new measuring technology.  Numerous patents within the last few years have solidified their position as a trendsetter for new measuring technology and pneumatic measuring systems.  Their diverse customer base covers many industries, including manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive, aerospace and medical industries.  Stotz gages can be manufactured to measure I.D., O.D. out-of-round, straightness, parallelism, perpendicularity, flatness, taper, match grinding applications and many other geometric tolerances.  Air gaging is a very easy-to-use method of measuring and requires no special training, plus it is non-contact technology, so it does not mark the parts.  The measurements are extremely accurate and very fast.  There are no mechanical moving parts; therefore, air gages have a very long life expectancy.  The gages, coupled with the Stotz advanced line of air-electronic columns, make the integration into a user’s measuring system an easy transition.  This is true for both simple table top systems as well as more complex robotic measuring cells with feedback to machine tools as well as integrating with an SPC program.  Some common parts that are measured using air gages are fuel injection components, transmission components, hydraulic components, bearings, connecting rods, crankshafts, camshafts, valve seats, hip stems, surgical screws and many different tapers such as HSK, CAT, BT, KM, Morse and Jacobs, both the male and female portions.

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., is a manufacturer located in Rockford, IL, serving the Machine Tool Industry with precision components and accessories, including spindle interface components, workholding devices, and, through our sister company, Hennig, machine enclosures, chip removal and filtration systems.  The Fluid Power – Safety markets are served with cylinder rod locks and safety catcher devises; and the Production Saw market with our Amsaw carbide saw machines and Speedcut blade products.  AME has manufacturing partners and customers around the world and across the U.S.  To learn more, visit www.ame.com.

Hennig, Inc. design and produces custom machine protection and chip/coolant management products for state-of-the-art machine tools.  Hennig products are designed to protect against corrosion, debris and common workplace contaminants.  Manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, China and South Korea.  Repair centers are located in Machesney Park, IL; Chandler, OK; Livonia, MI; Blue Ash, OH; Mexico City, Mexico and Saltillo, Mexico.  To learn more, visit www.hennigworldwide.com.

For more information, contact:

Tim Waterman
ADVANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING CO.
2500 Latham St.
Rockford, IL 61103
Phone: 815-316-5277
Fax: 815-962-6483
E-mail: info@ame.com
Connect with AME online: yt wp twit li gplus fb

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“We’re really rethinking our rep/dealer/distributor force, in this internet age. What are your thoughts?”

Question:

“We’re really rethinking our rep/dealer/distributor force, in this internet age. What are your thoughts?”

Our President’s point-of-view…
Some companies, having actually received orders off their online rfq forms, have stumbled into thinking they no longer need those vital links (no pun at all, believe me) in their sales chain, namely, their reps, dealers, distributors or even their offshore agents.  They tell us the age of the internet obviates the need for such personnel and the corresponding cost.

They are just plain wrong.

For numerous reasons, not the least of which are the local representation in a business community by someone who’s known to it AND the corresponding frequency of contact made, you all need these folks fronting your product message.  For years, we’ve told our industrial clients that they’re not in the mail order or retail business.  That’s as true today, even in the age of instant online purchases and even, I admit, in the age of one client who sold an $88,000 piece of equipment directly from their website to a company they’d never sold previously.

Your front line troops are exactly that, your first line of attack (or sometimes defense, when the internet rumors fly) in the market.  Beyond sales contacts, they provide customer assistance in many, often unseen ways.  We’ve worked for dozen of electrical clients over the years and there is no industry with a more multi-layered distribution channel to reach the various OEM, contractor and end user segments of that huge market.  Quite naturally, the electrical market was one of the first ones we serve where clients began to think they could do quite nicely, eliminating a link in the sales chain.  The smart ones have realized it’s not true, as each played and still plays a vital role in product delivery, but even more-so in product conditioning, product persuasion, product positioning and product promotion.  Yes, just as their advertising, PR, direct/blast emailings, trade shows and other promotional tactics do, the reps, distributors and wholesalers in the territories each play a role in helping the overall marketing communication effort succeed.

Companies who overlook that fact are just dumb and will likely suffer the consequences of such short-sighted thinking.

The same applies to you capital equipment companies and even you contract manufacturers who might consider eliminating your reps or dealers.  “Gee, Tim, we build a lot of custom stuff and our engineers can handle most everything online.  We really wonder if those other guys are necessary.”  The answer is a resounding YES.  It’s a collateral consequence of the internet that MORE companies who once sold locally or regionally can now do business nationwide, even worldwide, owing to the online communication channel.  However, along with this broader business base come all those “local” factors that must be taken into account.  These might include local electrical codes, shipping restrictions, installation challenges and, on the international scene, currency and other cultural considerations.  Having at least some regional representation can be very helpful in this process.

One longtime client of ours devotes an entire page of their catalog to extol the virtues of their reps, detailing the company’s philosophy for their use.  Call me, I’ll share it with you, as I’ve handled the client personally for 35 years and wrote that page myself!
-TD
email Tim

Our Director of Social Media’s point-of-view…
The point of social media is to make you and/or your company MORE accessible, not less human.  Social media should be used to help give your company and your products life and a personality.

Human connection; having a real person answer questions, solve problems and attend to clients or potential clients needs is still a necessary part of a thriving business.

One should not replace the other, they should work hand-in-hand to support each other.
-Wendy
email Wendy

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REP CALLS FOR A PITCHOUT! Injection press builder offering molders up to $40,000 credit for scrapping old machines

REP Corporation, the longtime leader in injection presses for rubber and TPE molding, announces the start of a new credit program, effective immediately and running through July 31, 2010.  Molders who validate the scrapping of their older presses can earn up to $40,000 in credit against the purchase of any new REP machine, during this period.  The announcement was made today by REP President Tim Graham, at the company’s Bartlett, Illinois headquarters, near Chicago.

Graham detailed the offer, saying it would apply to any make or model of rubber or TPE injection press.  REP requires the molder to validate the scrapping of their old machine, thereby earning a predetermined credit, based on the old machine’s age and condition.  The credit, up to $40,000, can then be applied to the purchase of any new REP injection press in the G9 series.

He further noted the advantages of a new machine.  “Besides the higher quality parts a molder can produce, owing to the level of mold mechanics, material flow and control sophistication, a new press consumes less energy, has less downtime and less maintenance requirements, so it stays in production.  Even REP presses from our earlier generations cannot match the productivity and resulting profitability of a new G9 machine.  That’s not a brag, it’s a fact and it’s one we can document,” he said, noting the new machines offer better molding strategies, improved ergonomics and faster payback for the customer.

“It’s an offer you can’t refuse,” Graham joked.

REP Corporation is responsible for all sales and service in North America.  However, this offer is being made to rubber molders worldwide by REP, based in Lyon, France.

For more information, please contact: REP CORPORATION 8N470 Tameling Court Bartlett, IL 60103-8146 Phone:  847-697-7210 Fax:  847-697-6829 Web:  www.repinjection.com Email:  tgraham@repcorp.com Attention:  Tim Graham, President

PR agency contact: Tim Daro Bernard & Company 847-934-4500 tdaro@bernardandcompany.com

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HAN-KWANG INTRODUCES FULLY AUTOMATIC TUBE CUTTING LASER SYSTEM

Model TL 6015 Tube Cutting Laser System

Automated loading and parts handling system complement state-of-the-industry laser and machine control technology

Han-Kwang USA announces immediate availability of its new Model TL 6015, a tube cutting laser system capable of handling 24’ long, 6.5” diameter workpieces up to 1/4” wall thickness in mild steel and 0.200” in stainless steel.  Equipped with a powerful 2.5KW Panasonic laser and a versatile Siemens 840D CNC to control all functions of the machine, the TL 6015 can significantly increase the tube production in any department or shop, especially when used with Han-Kwang’s proprietary “Flex 3D” tube cutting software .  The unit comprises an automatic bundle loading system with tube V-support, auto-centering rotary chucking system, laser cutting station and automatic parts removal station.

Maximum positioning speed on this new laser system is 4700 ipm for the X-

Han-Kwang S5 Cutting Head, featuring Auto Focus Control; adjusts focal length of cutting lens to automatically compensate for material variations and rapid changeover

axis and 120 rpm for the rotary A-axis.  Max acceleration rate is 1G, while the laser beam is precisely controlled by the unique Han-Kwang Auto Focus Control (AFC).  This AFC technology allows the machine to automatically adjust the focal length of the cutting lens to accommodate variations in the materials being processed or changes in material feed, which eliminates the downtime normally associated with manual adjustments.

A new generation of sensing board in the S5 laser cutting head on the TL 6015 translates into faster cutting speeds on round, square or rectangular shapes.

In a recent design modification, the entire loading section of the machine has been enclosed, as depicted in the attached illustration.

For more information or to arrange a demonstration, please contact:

HAN-KWANG USA INC. Phone:  630-916-0200 Web: www.hankwang.com

Agency contact: Tim Daro Bernard & Company tdaro@bernardandcompany.com www.bernardandcompany.com

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