Machinery Update July / August 2020

36 MACHINERY UPDATE JULY/AUGUST 2020 www.machineryupdate.co.uk
Feature: Automation, robotics & vision systems
Sturdy and
yet flexible
mounting
For anyone experiencing problems
in reliably mounting cameras, lights,
sensors and robotic tools in an industrial
application, Alrad Imaging says it has the
solution via its Swivellink mounting system.
These special mounting arrangements can
save users time and money because they
offer easy to assemble, robust mounting
systems which are designed to neatly
route all cabling internally.
Solutions are available to mount several
products including cameras, sensors,
monitors and robotic arm components
as well as mounts for workbenches and
tables. Mounting plates are available for
all makes of cameras, smart cameras and
also vision systems.
“Not only will they offer you multiple
configurations, but the creative approach
means they can be manipulated as you
wish,” explains technical sales director
at Alrad, Ian Alderton.
Swivellink is now offered in three
different sizes, XS, Standard, & Heavy
Duty, and they can be supplied in metric
or imperial (the Heavy Duty version
is only available in imperial sizes.)
A selection of products is also available
for robots. These include a range of
pedestals, mounting plates and teach
pendant holders for general mounting
of all manufacturers’ arms and also for
some specific manufacturers such as
Fanuc, Universal and Yaskawa.
The Swivellink product line has
been used for hundreds of different
applications in all types of industries
and, says Alderton, the goal has always
been to intelligently design a sturdy yet
flexible product line that will solve any
automation problems.
T 01635 30345
W www.alrad.com
Alrad Imaging supplies the Swivellink options
The IP69K-rated ACOPOStrak is built for washdown using hot water at up to 80deg C
Keeping foods
on clean track
B&R Automation has developed its track
system to withstand high pressure cleaning
Production and packaging
machinery used in the food
and beverage industry must not
only be easy to clean, but also
highly resistant to aggressive
substances. Powerful cleaning agents
and scalding hot water are extremely
effective at killing bacteria and germs
– but over time can take their toll on
machine components. These challenges
are further compounded as the
individualisation trend gains momentum
in the food and beverage industry.
KEEPING COMPONENTS SAFE
Machine builders and operators are under
pressure to produce goods efficiently in
small batch sizes and intelligent track
systems containing permanent magnets
and other components, play a part in this.
However, these must never come into
contact with water or other liquids.
This has so far made track systems out
of bounds for the food and beverage
industry but, says Alan Conn, md
of B&R Automation in the UK,
the time has now come to equip food
and beverage machinery to meet
the new individualisation trend
demands of its market.
Therefore, B&R is now offering its
intelligent ACOPOStrak system with
IP69K protection. “The shuttles and
segments of the new washdown variant
are constructed of stainless steel,
securely welded and resistant to
corrosion,” says Conn. “The IP69K-rated
ACOPOStrak is built for high-pressure
washdown cleaning using hot water
up to 80deg C and is also fully protected
against dust ingress.”
A completely enclosed stainless steel
housing prevents even the tiniest
ambient particulate matter from
penetrating into the interior of the
shuttles and track segments which
keeps the permanent magnets perfectly
safe, even during washdown.
T 01733 371320
W www.br-automation.com