Full suite of M12-ready solutions latest from Pfannenberg

Global manufacturer of thermal management and signaling technologies Pfannenberg Inc., recently announced their full product range is now available with M12 readiness. This includes its audible, visual, combination and stacklights products. With this latest addition of M12 connectable BR50 Stacklights, Pfannenberg is the only North American provider to offer a full suite of M12 ready signaling solutions, the company says. Installation is significantly faster with M12 technology, as it removes the need for an electrician or electrical installer. It requires no expertise, which makes installation faster and cheaper for the customer. Connection also can easily be undone, so power does not need to be switched off to perform maintenance, saving time and money. The full range of Pfannenberg’s M12 compatible devices include the PATROL series sounders, PYRA flashing and LED lights, combined devices with flashing light and sounder, and INTENSE BR50 stacklights, the company notes. Pfannenberg’s signaling devices become plug and play ready for low voltage applications because of the addition of the M12 cordset. The M12 connectors offer pin compatibility and flexibility, allowing the devices to be set up to suit the precise signaling needs, and all Pfannenberg M12 signaling devices are pre-assembled and wired for quick installation, it says. The company notes that customers must simply mount the device to their machines and plug in the M12 wire connection.

Canopy launches first product

Canopy, the result of a 2022 joint venture between ADT and Ford, has launched its first product: Canopy Pickup Cam. The smart vehicle security startup was created in response to an increasing number of tradespeople and truck owners losing valuable tools, equipment and gear to theft, the company says. A connected security camera for pickup trucks, the Canopy Pickup Cam was designed to provide real-time truck bed monitoring when the vehicle is parked and the owner is away. It provides customers with a complete view of the truck bed, with a 180-degree wide field of view, captured in HD. “Traditional security measures, such as lockboxes, cables and covers add unnecessary time and effort to the work day,” said Canopy CEO Christian Moran in a statement. “The harsh reality is most people who use these products don’t find out about a theft until it’s too late. At Canopy, we saw these problems as an opportunity to redefine vehicle security. We combined the benefits found in smart home technology with our automotive and AI expertise to deliver a great connected experience for vehicle owners.” The camera works along with the Canopy Security app, and allows users to view live video and past recorded events. The product requires a subscription, which is sold separately.

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces new smartphone solution for Class I, Division 2

Pepperl+Fuchs, a global manufacturer of mobile devices for hazardous areas, introduced the Ex-Cover 6 Pro D2. This solution is for workers in Class I, Division 2 areas. The Ex-Cover 6 Pro D2 was built on the strengths of the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro and is certified for use in potentially volatile settings. It’s designed to help those in industries such as oil and gas and chemical to work faster and more efficiently, while also staying safe, it says. The product offers the durability that frontline workers need, with integrated features such as Samsung Knox customization and management capabilities, push-to-talk, barcode scanning and more, to assist in a streamlined workflow. The company says the Ex-Cover 6 Pro D2 is durable and challenges the status quo of what a smartphone built for industry needs to be. “It’s specifically designed for hazardous work environments where collaboration, productivity, data security and employee safety are paramount,” it notes. The device’s degree of production ensures it can handle dust, dirt, sand and water, as well as withstand a drop of up to 1.5 meters. It’s reliable in humidity, extreme altitudes and other severe environmental conditions.

KROHNE set to showcase instrumentation products at Process Expo Chicago 2023

KROHNE Inc. is set to showcase its line of instrumentation products at Process Expo in Chicago from Oct. 23 to 25. KROHNE will highlight the OPTIMASS 7400, the OPTIWAVE 3500 and 6500, and the OPTIFLUX 6000. Each product’s unique applications to the food and beverage industries will be highlighted. The OPTIMASS 7400 is a Coriolis mass flowmeter, ideal for food and beverage applications with high accuracy mass flow and concentration measurement. With a single straight tube design, it’s ideal for viscous and dense fluids. The OPTIWAVE 3500 radar level transmitter is fit for use with liquids with hygienic requirements. The technology offers continuous, non-contact level measurement in small and narrow vessels, thanks to its 80-GHz radar and flush-mounted Lens antenna. KROHNE’s OPTIFLUX 6000 series of electromagnetic flowmeters are used for both basic and advanced hygienic applications. They provide a cost effective and precise solution for production processes or dosing and filling in the food and beverage sector. The company says it has a strong commitment to the food and beverage industry, “with a dedicated division that compromises a global team of industry specialists.”

ROSS releases new high-speed disperser

ROSS’ line of High Speed Dispersers are designed to mix powders into liquids, breaking down particle agglomerates and generating fine stable dispersions, the company says. The mixers make an array of batters, thin pastes and slurries. The HSD-15 High Speed Disperser is a floor-mounted model that features an air/oil hydraulic lift, with a telescoping cover that allows for the end user to mix different batch sizes and prevent stratification. The cover also keeps the vessel covered throughout the mixing cycle, containing dust and vapors for improved outer safety and cleanliness. The disperser blade, which is 12 inches, operates up to 1590 rpm, inducing “vigorous turbulent flow within a low viscosity batch, creating a vortex into which dry ingredients can be poured for fast wetting,” the company notes. As the batch thickens or increases in volume, the blade speed may be adjusted to maintain the vortex and rate of material turnover. The cover also features a 1/3 hinged port, which ROSS says is “for the easy addition of powders into the 150-gallon stainless steel mix vessel.” PLC controls are easily operated from a 7-inch HMI display, allowing operators to program and run recipes based on speed, time and hydraulic lift raise/lower cycles. The disperser features safety limit switches to prevent operation of the mixer while in the raised position or without a mix vessel in place.

Global multi-industry manufacturing leader Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) announced a succession plan for its ITW leadership team. Christopher A. O’Herlihy, currently serving as vice chairman of ITW, is slated to become president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2024. O’Herlihy also will become a member of the ITW Board of Directors on that date. Scott Santi, who has served as ITW’s CEO since 2012, will step down.

Glenroy Inc., converter and printer of sustainable flexible packaging, announced the acquisition of a cutting-edge printing press from Windmoller & Holscher. With the acquisition of the 10-color MIRAFLEX II, it marks a huge step in enhancing print quality and customer satisfaction, the company says. “At Glenroy, we are continually searching for ways to elevate our performance and exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Keith Trzebiatowski, printing process manager, in a statement. “The investment in the W&H 10-color MIRAFLEX II printing press exemplifies our dedication to delivering top-notch sustainable flexible packaging solutions. We are confident that this technology will open up exciting possibilities for our company and our valued customers.”

Sustainable packaging solutions company Graham Packaging received certification under GreenBlue’s Recycled Material Standard (RMS). Graham is the first company in the United States to implement multi-site certification for mass balance under the RMS, it notes. “This certification empowers us to incorporate higher levels of post-consumer recycled content, delivering sustainable packaging solutions to our customers,” said Tracee Auld, chief strategy and sustainability officer at Graham, in a statement. “The traceability, third-party verification and flexibility provided by the RMS are invaluable tools that reinforce Graham’s commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility.”

Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas (Logisnext) recently celebrated the groundbreaking for its new production facility in Houston, Texas. The new facility will support the manufacturing of key electric warehouse products — from Cat lift trucks to Mitsubishi forklift trucks. “The material handling industry is rapidly changing, and we’re proud to be on the forefront of this change,” said Jay Gusler, executive vice president of operations at Logisnext. “We’re committed to investing in our manufacturing capabilities and new product development to ensure we continue providing our customers with the most advanced, yet sustainable, electric products and solutions in the future.”

HDA Architects, provider for beverage wholesaler’s facility needs, completed a 28,000-square foot expansion and renovation for Mike Hopkins Distributing in Brenham, Texas. “Having multiple options for expansion, HDA was the perfect partner to guide us through our choices and set us up for not only short-term, but also long-term success with our expanded facility,” said Mike Hopkins Jr., president of Mike Hopkins Distributing, in a statement. “HDA’s design allows us to grow in our SKU count as well as remain flexible to adapt to whatever new technologies are coming in the future.”