Trimble positions for manufacturing

Trimble's new IC 5000 optical positioning system for material-handling applications is a distance-meter based industrial positioning system, which it claims offers over a 30% increase in productivity over older systems.

The new version of Trimble's ICS 5000 optical positioning system was designed for controlling industrial vehicles in rugged, material-handling applications such as in a warehouse, manufacturing plant, or storage facility. The system integrates advanced infrared distance measuring technology with a microprocessor-based control interface. According to Trimble, the integration of the feedback device and the positioning controller in one unit allows for a sophisticated motion control approach that translates into shorter move times with less engineering effort.

The ICS enables vehicles such as bridge cranes, AS/RS cranes, elevators, transfer cars, plating line hoists, and other warehousing vehicles to follow an optimal move profile, according to David Larsson, Manager of Factory Automation, Trimble. "Final positioning is exact, with the ICS 5000 decelerating the vehicle to the desired destination without hunting or creeping," he said. According to Larsson, other systems use a multiple speeds control deceleration and a creep speed for final positioning, which make them take longer to get to the final destination.

A destination look-up table, referred to as station locations, can be stored with the ICS 5000 to simplify communications. Velocity, acceleration, and positioning tolerance can be altered at any time during operation without affecting positioning. Designed with a wide range of control options, the system can be configured for one of three control algorithms ranging from self-learning closed loop (essentially PID) to distance feedback only.

The ICS 5000 is compatible with various motor drives and communication protocols, including its new DeviceNet option, ASCII, Profibus-DP, Modbus, INTERBUS, and DF1. It has no mechanical parts to wear out and is totally sealed and washable.

- Jean L. Broge

Arnco proves itself in flatproofing

The SuperFlex flatproofing material from Arnco is suitable for applications in which the tire must be heat resistant and function similar to an air-filled tire.

Arnco flatproofs off-highway tires used in steel mills, scrap yards, land fills, coal mines, construction sites, and other environments that are hazardous to conventional pneumatic tires. Arnco's flatproofing involves replacing the air in pneumatic tires with a patented liquid polyurethane that is pumped into the tire through the valve stem, curing into a resilient, synthetic rubber-like core in 24 hours. According to the company, its system works in any tire with a sound casing and eliminates flats, blowouts, and other damage that can occur from nails, glass, or sharp objects.

The company currently supplies RePneu and RePneu II for medium deflection and HeviDuty for minimum deflection under heavy loads. Before selecting the most appropriate fill material, a certified Arnco dealer must know the application for which the vehicle is being used as well as whether the vehicle will sustain punctures, sidewall injuries, or both; whether ride is important; whether tire flexing is a problem; the load carried by the equipment; travel distance; the speed of the equipment; etc. RePneu is most suitable for severe tire applications that result in sidewall cuts and punctures. It is also the best material for high-speed overload applications because it runs cooler, extending tire carcass life, claims Arnco. RePneu II is an all-purpose material for general hazardous-environment applications.

The material used for HeviDuty operates similar to a solid tire with little or no flexing. With a durometer of 55 Shore A hardness, it is very heat resistant, but its hard ride limits its usage to straddle cranes, slag haulers, shield haulers, aerial lifts, and scrap yard loader tires.

Arnco has also recently introduced SuperFlex, which has a unique formulation designed for maximum deflection and is the most suitable product to use when ride, footprint, and flotation are needed. It protects both operator and machine from vibration and jolting, increases tire life and performance, adds ballast, and maintains proper tire pressure and footprint shape. These features make SuperFlex the most effective choice for skid steers, mining vehicles, ATVs, mowing sweepers, graders, trenchers, ditchers, and front-end loaders.

In addition to its flatproofing properties, Arnco claims its polymers increase tire lift by operating at lower temperatures than alternative products. Cooler running filled tires last longer and provide the best value in terms of operating cost per hour, according to Arnco engineers. Solid tires and inserts transmit loads directly to the axle and suspension of the vehicle, resulting in a harsh ride and possible premature failure of vehicle components. Arnco claims pneumatic tires filled with its polymers retain their ability to absorb shock and distribute load evenly throughout the tire carcass.

- Jean L. Broge