New robot from Yaskawa ‘extremely fast,’ space-efficient

Yaskawa Motoman unveiled the GP8L robot, featuring a versatile and extended reach. The six-axis robot was designed for “extremely fast performance in a compact footprint” and to maximize floor space, leading to greater efficiency in production, the company says. The GP8L is best for packaging duties like high-speed bin picking and induction. Additionally, the bot excels in the areas of assembly, dispensing, material handling and machine tending, the company notes. With its slim body style, the GP8L can “delve deeply into tight workspaces,” and its wide wrist motion range “eliminates interference,” it says. The robot has extremely fast axis speeds, with the ability to accelerate quickly, which can improve application flexibility for various industrial functions. Because of its space efficiency, the GP8L requires minimum installation space. It can be placed near other bots and work pieces with a floor, wall, tilt or ceiling mount. The GP8L, like other GP-series robots, is controlled with a YRC1000 controller, which doesn’t require a transformer for input voltages ranging from 380VAC to 480VAC, the company notes. The GP8L has an IP54 body with a payload capacity of 8 kilograms. Its horizontal reach is 1,636 millimeters and its vertical reach is 2,894 millimeters.

Benchmix 10 from Admix is for all industries

Global manufacturer of industrial mixing equipment Admix Inc. recently launched the Benchmix 10, a high shear lab mixer. The patented Admix Rotosolver, a high shear mix head, is included in the Benchmix 10. The patented mix head is designed especially for high efficacy of wetting out and dispersing powders, eliminating agglomerates and creating homogenous mixtures and emulsions, the company says. The compact-yet-powerful benchtop unit boasts a mixing capacity as much as 1 gallon (4 liters) and mixing speeds as fast as 9,300 revolutions per minute (RPM), it notes. In 10 minutes or less, homogenous, agglomerate-free product can be achieved with the Rotosolver mix head, it says. Used by thousands of processors globally, the Rotosolver design provides a balance between shear and flow for an efficient operation, the company notes. Larger and small upper impellers are included, and they can be mounted to the mixing shaft for even more flow in the mixing container, it says. “The Benchmix 10 is a critical component to any manufacturer interested in product development, formula optimization and guaranteed scale up,” said Patrick Lakin, director of sales and marketing, in a statement. “We’re excited to bring the Benchmix 10 to market because it meets the needs of the vast majority of customers across all industries.”

New easy to use and maintain shredder from Franklin Miller

Franklin Miller Inc. has been providing reduction technology, such as shredders and wastewater treatment systems, for more than 100 years. With three generations worth of experience, the newest technology from the company comes in the form of the TASKMASTER XL. The pallet shredder effectively can shred pallets in their entirety, nails included, which reduces bulk volume, the company notes. It comes with stand, hopper and automatic reversing controls. The streamlined design features a directed coupled gear drive, making it simple to operate, the company says. This shredder has no drive belts, so there is no need for re-tension, it adds. The enclosed hopper design automatically directs the pallet into the cutting chamber, it notes. Auxiliary discharge conveyors are among the optional equipment to convey the output to a waste container, as well as an infeed conveyor for a fully automated system.

Smart Vision Lights releases intense, compact external light

LED illumination solutions manufacturer Smart Vision Lights (SVL) announced the release of its JWL150, the company’s first product in its new Camera-to-Light (CTL) series. The JWL150 was designed to be an intense, yet compact, light source with an integrated camera mount. The company says it is compatible with most major machine vision cameras and can be connected and controlled through the camera’s trigger output. “In machine vision applications that require powerful, direct illumination in space-constrained environments, the JWL150 delivers long-distance, high-output light that can connect directly to most cameras on the market,” said Steve Kinney, director of training, compliance and technical solutions at SVL, in a statement. The field light has a working distance of 500 millimeters up to 2,000 millimeters, with 10-, 14- and 30-degree lens options and Multi-Drive technology built in. The JWL150 can provide constant light or be triggered following the camera’s exposure signal, it adds. The camera’s batwing design can illuminate a larger area compared with built-in lighting systems. The OverDrive mode will deliver up to six times the continuous power with a low-latency response, the company says.

Brother Mobile Solutions unveils updated PocketJet printer series

In August, printing provider Brother Mobile Solutions Inc. (BMS) released the PocketJet 8 series, a suite of next-generation, full-page PocketJet printers. With almost 30 years of printer production, BMS’ PocketJet 8 series builds upon the legacy of reliable, functional printers, it says. The PocketJet 8 series of printers includes updates in print speed and quality, USB Type-C connectivity and a wider range of compatible media, such as thicker paper and labels, all in a slim, lightweight and portable design, the company notes. “Whether mobile professionals are printing invoices, citations, delivery labels and more, it no longer makes sense to rely on stationary technology and stale business processes when your workforce has to keep moving,” said Ravi Panjwani, vice president of BMS, in a statement. “PocketJet printers have long been a staple of on-the-go workers, and the new enhancements to the PocketJet 8 series now enables them to connect and print even faster, with options that seamlessly connect and fit with virtually any tech stack.” Additional updates to the PocketJet in the 8 series include detailed graphics, complex barcodes and QR codes, and simplified connectivity compatibility.

Chicago-based Siemens’ low-voltage NEMA motor business recently was set to be purchased by the technology company ABB. The motor business has “established manufacturing operations in Mexico to support future growth,” ABB says. The acquisition will strengthen ABB’s already-strong North American customer base, especially with the experienced teams of sales, operations and management, it adds. “We have long appreciated the quality and design of these motors,” Jesse Henson, president of ABB’s NEMA motors division, said in a statement. “Now that we have met the leadership team behind them, I am even more confident that together we can grow our combined businesses faster than either of us could have alone. We look forward to adding the Siemens low voltage NEMA portfolio to our existing offering of ABB and Baldor-Reliance industrial electric motors.” The acquisition is slated to be completed in the second quarter of next year.

Dallas, Texas-based Pallet Logistics of America (PLA) has obtained TaylorMade Pallets & Logistics. TaylorMade is the largest independently owned pallet company in Central/South Texas, boasting a 17-acre facility in San Antonio and a highly diversified customer base, the company says. The addition brings PLA’s asset network to 77 facilities, it notes. “We are honored to join the PLA family of companies,” Byron Evans, CEO of TaylorMade, said in a statement. “Our entire team is looking forward to offering South Texas an even broader array of pallet and logistics services through PLA’s expansive network and capacity.” Kyle Otting, PLA’s CEO, added that family-owned and operated TaylorMade’s efficiency, dedication and commitment to their customers “have earned them their position as one of the leading pallet operators in South Texas.”

Global manufacturer of mixing equipment Admix Inc. recently was recognized as one of the 2022 Best Companies to Work For by Business NH magazine. The Londonderry, N.H.-based company produces mixing equipment for an array of industries, including the beverage industry. The winning companies were judged on engagement surveys completed by employees, which were administered by The Employee Engagement Group. “It is an honor to be recognized as a Best Company to Work For,” Mike Rizzo, CEO of Admix, said in a statement. “We are extremely proud to offer a rewarding workplace culture and highly competitive benefits to our employees. This accolade is a testament to our commitment to providing a supportive environment that truly values its people and encourages their ideas and contributions.”

Last month, Houston-based Meridian Adhesives Group announced that it would be acquiring Design Polymerics. Acquired by Lyle Davis in 1993, Design Polymerics is a manufacturer of “high-performance sealants, adhesives, insulation mastics and indoor air quality products,” the company notes. During the past three decades, the company has steadily grown and become a leader in the HVAC, insulation and indoor air quality industries, it says. “We are very excited about joining the Meridian team,” Davis said in a statement. “We believe Design Polymerics found the perfect partner to continue its growth and technical experience in our industry. We look forward to implementing manufacturing capabilities throughout the United States to better serve our customers while introducing new, innovative products to remain a leader in the HVAC, insulation and IAQ industries.” The addition of Design Polymerics brings Meridian’s portfolio to 17 acquisitions.