Tag Archives: Factory Automation

Components, Computers, Engineering, Factory Automation, Industrial, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Equipment, Industrial Supplies, Machinery & Tools, Measurement, Mechanics

New Diagnostics Instrument for High Volume Semiconductor Manufacturing Environment

InnerSense Ltd., a leading global developer and manufacturer of precision auto-diagnostics instruments for the semiconductors industry, introduced a new system for eliminating handling-related yield loss in 300mm wafer process tools running high volume production.

The new system, coined SMW2, consists of a 300mm wafer instrumented with sensitive three dimensional vibration sensors, and a “Smart FOUP™” that serves as a recharge and communication station, as well as a clean storage container. The “Smart FOUP” employs contact-less recharging and data transfer that enable the system to interface with standard robotic wafer handlers and be operated with minimal interruption to the production line.

Yigal Tomer, InnerSense’s Co-CEO, commented, “The new system is based on six years of excursion control experience. Built on our successful Smart Wafer technology, it brings to the high volume production environment the monitoring ability that has enabled predictive maintenance and statistical analysis of tool condition, previously available in engineering mode only.”

In addition to 3D vibration sensing and FOUP-based, contact-less reader/recharger station, the SMW2 features advanced analytical tools that facilitate troubleshooting, SPC-based trend identification and tool-to-tool comparison. These tools allow even untrained operators to use the system effectively to enhance the availability of expensive wafer process equipment.

ABOUT “SMART WAFER” TECHNOLOGY
A semiconductor wafer is typically handled hundreds of times during its manufacturing process. Collisions and rubbing against other objects may result in edge cracks and back scratches. Uneven or abrupt lifting may cause skidding and misalignment, or even dropping the wafer inside the tool. Particles generated in mechanical contact cause contamination. In total, handling related defects are believed to cause over 30% of wafer yield loss.

Instrumented with sensitive multi-axial accelerometers, InnserSense’s Smart Wafer travels just like a production wafer through the entire path in the process tool and record the vibrations and tilting it experiences during the various handling operations. The recorded data is analyzed to pinpoint problem sources and detect mechanism deterioration to trigger predictive maintenance. By providing quantitative and statistical information on a regular basis, the Smart Wafer becomes a valuable tool for Advanced Equipment Control (AEC). The resulting enhanced yield and productivity translate to significant cost savings.

Via EPR Network
More Industrial press releases

Design, Engineering, Factory Automation, Industrial, Industrial Design, Industrial Goods, Industrial Services, Industrial Software, Industrial Supplies, Inventory, Manufacturer, Supply Chain

Datacraft Solutions, Inc. And Danaher Corporation Announce Strategic Partnership

Datacraft Solutions, Inc., the lean manufacturer’s partner for building cost-effective digital supply chain replenishment networks, has successfully completed the third installation of its lean manufacturing solution for the Washington, D.C.–based Danaher Corporation, a leading lean manufacturer and has finalized agreements to implement in three more facilities over the next three months.

Datacraft Solutions, Inc. And Danaher Corporation Announce Strategic Partnership

Signum is an automated digital supply chain technology that reduces inventory levels, increases productivity, continually improves process flow and provides realtime, visual and collaborative communication in the supply chain. Signum is delivered securely over the Internet without the need to install and maintain complex, expensive software.

Brian Burnett, the Vice President of the Danaher Business Systems Office (DBSO) and Procurement says, “A key performance indicator we measure across the Danaher businesses is inventory turns. When inventory turns consistently improve, a lot of the right processes are in place. We are excited about our partnership with Datacraft Solutions because they provide us with “low barrier to entry,” state of the art technology with which we can easily standardize across our organization. Datacraft enables us to integrate with our diverse back office systems, so we can leverage our existing processes and technology and move into production, quickly realizing results.”

“Datacraft’s approach is to work with the world’s premiere lean leaders to develop and operate businesses that generate outstanding financial returns”, said Stephen Parker, Datacraft CEO. “Our strategic partnership with Danaher draws on a joint commitment to develop world class inventory supply chain execution systems which yield unprecedented inventory turnover while supporting micro-short customer delivery cycles. This collaboration will be compelling not only for our companies, but also for our industries, our partners and, of course, for consumers”.

For more information on Datacraft Solutions’ products and services for building cost-effective digital supply chain replenishment networks, visit www.datacraftsolutions.com.

Via EPR Network
More Industrial press releases

Electric, Engines, Factory Automation, Handling Equipment, Industrial, Industrial Equipment, Machinery, Transportation & Handling, Trucks

Electric Reach Trucks Offer Substantial Advantages Over Pantograph Trucks

If you’re a company that currently operates pantograph reach trucks, you’re likely seeking higher residual capacities at high lift heights in narrow aisles, as well as fewer repairs to the load wheels and the reach mechanisms on your vehicles. If so, the ETM/ETV 214/216 mast-moving AC reach trucks f r o m Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp. are an excellent solution for you.

The increased load capacity and lift height of these trucks is a direct result of their design function, which inserts and removes loads by moving their masts rather than extending or retracting their forks via a pantograph mechanism. “The absence of a pantograph contributes greatly to improved operator confidence and productivity, since the view afforded the operator through the mast and fork carriage is much better, and the fork tips are easier to see,” adds Greg Mason, General Manager of Products and Training at Jungheinrich.

The ETVs differ f r o m  the ETMs in having more widely spaced outriggers (also called base-legs). Both models offer a choice of mast tilt, but the wider ETV is also available with fork tilt above certain lift heights. In addition, both chassis are available with patented mast-reach cushioning, which means the reaching and retracting of the mast assembly is smooth and precise. Integrated side-shifters are a standard feature on the trucks.

“Another way the ETM/ETV trucks differ f r o m pantograph designs is that the operator sits down to drive the vehicle. This configuration is ergonomically preferable in operations where the operator stays on the truck for long periods of time rather than constantly getting on and off,” states Greg Mason. The operator compartment has a low entry height, and the seat, armrest, and steering wheel are all adjustable. The trucks’ centrally-located MULTI-PILOT control lever activates all hydraulic functions, as well as travel direction and the horn. The controls are organized in a logical, highly visible manner, providing greater efficiency via the potential for simultaneous use of two hydraulic functions (e.g., lifting and reaching). The operator display is also centrally-positioned, and clearly shows both operational and safety-related data. It allows various travel programs to be selected or adjusted at the touch of a button.

Since the load wheels on these mast-moving reach trucks have a large diameter, they can negotiate rough floor surfaces better than those on most pantograph models. This means a longer tire life due to less wear, and reduced potential for damage – as well as a smoother ride. And the Curve Control program on the ETM/ETV trucks automatically reduces travel speed when cornering for added stability. This type of speed reduction is not typically found on pantograph-style reach trucks.

Jungheinrich’s proprietary 3-phase AC technology, present in the trucks’ drive, lift and steering systems, offers users higher efficiency and longer operating times per battery charge. Less maintenance, or downtime, is the result of the absence of carbon brushes, brush springs or commutators in the AC motors. Another key operational benefit of AC technology is that it leads to powerful acceleration and quick directional changes without hesitation. Energy reclamation during braking is a standard feature on the trucks, and energy reclamation during load lowering is an option.

For more information about these reach trucks, contact Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp., 5601 Eastport Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23231. Call: 804-737-7400. Fax: 804-737-7467, or, visit the website at jungheinrich-us.com.

About Jungheinich
Jungheinrich is the world leader in warehouse logistics technology. Founded over fifty years ago, the company has grown f r o m its beginnings as a European manufacturer of materials handling equipment to an international supplier of industrial trucks, warehousing technology and materials-flow products. Today, it is a major supplier of forklift trucks around the globe, and offers a complete range of materials handling equipment, rack systems and services related to manufacturing logistics.

Jungheinrich’s growth has been due in large part to the high value it has always placed on leading-edge design and technological innovation. This is seen, for example, in the company’s proprietary 3-phase AC motor and controller technology, and in a host of productivity and ergonomic enhancements. Jungheinrich has more than 120 strategically-located service support centers and store operations in the U.S., and sales and service companies in countries around the industrialized world.

Via EPR Network
More Industrial press releases

Control, Engineering, Engineers, Factory Automation, Industrial, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Equipment, Manufacturer

Online technology resource now available for automation integrators looking for information on how to use and integrate OPC technology into their manufacturing process

The OPC Training Institute (OPCTI) recently launched an online resource center focused on standards-based OPC technology used in process control and manufacturing automation. The center caters to automation personnel, integrators, process control engineers, IT architects and others involved in industrial data connectivity.

The purpose of the online center is to support those who want to use and integrate OPC Technology. The online center offers a breadth of free OPC resources including multimedia tutorials, whitepapers, product reviews, webcasts and software downloads.

The resource center can be found on the OPC Training Institute website at www.opcti.com.

What differentiates the OPCTI resource center from others is the focus on technology integration – not technology development. OPCTI is the only vendor-neutral company that offers information for integrators. Other similar organizations tend to focus primarily on the programming and development of OPC applications or the sale of OPC products. OPCTI does not develop or sell products, which leaves them to focus 100% on education and the integration of OPC technology.

“There is something for everyone,” says Randy Kondor, founder of the OPC Training Institute. “Whether you’re new to OPC and are looking for an introduction, or are an experienced integrator faced with a specific error message, our goal is to provide answers.”

Kondor goes on to say, “much of the content is provided by OPCTI’s professional instructors. We also work with OPC vendors to find out about their individual offerings and refer people to their technology solutions. For example, if you’re looking for a specific software application, we’ll tell you what is available on the market and provide you with a link to instantly download the product to test it out. Our resource center grows daily.”

Since its inception in 1996, OPC has grown and is used extensively throughout the world today. As OPC gains in popularity, so does the demand from integrators for information. OPCTI offers resources covering many aspects of OPC technology including security, DCOM configuration, sharing data between control systems, troubleshooting and industry best practices.

About OPC Technology
OPC technology is the fastest growing industrial connectivity standard among automation professionals with well over 15,000 available OPC applications supported by over 3,000 companies. OPC is a global industrial connectivity standard that enables process control and manufacturing applications to communicate with each other using an interoperable, reliable and secure connection. OPC enables manufacturing environments to host a multitude of applications created by a variety of vendors.

About the OPC Training Institute
OPCTI is a global OPC training company with workshops in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Unlike other companies that offer vendor-biased information, OPCTI focuses strictly on training and does not sell its own products. OPCTI is the only company endorsed by OPC Foundation member companies to award the Certified OPC Professional (COP) designation.

Via EPR Network
More Industrial press releases

Bearings, Cable & Wire, Calibration & Testing, Casting Molding Machining, Chemicals, Coating & Laminating, Components, Composites, Computers, Contactors, Control, Controllers, Design, Electric, Engineering, Engineers, Engines, Fabrics, Factory Automation, Fans, Fiber, Firmware, Fluid Handling, Gas, Hardware, Heat, Heavy Industry, Hybrid, Industrial, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Equipment, Industrial Goods, Industrial Services, Industrial Supplies, Inventory, Lubricants, Machinery, Machinery & Tools, Maintenance, Manufacturer, Material Handling, Materials, Measurement, Mechanics, Motors, OEM, Oil, Optics, Packaging, Parts, Performance, Petroleum, Plastics, Power, Pumps, Quality, Relays, Robotics, Safety, Sensors, Software, Standards, Starters, Switches, Synthetic, Systems, Wireless

Welcome to EPR Industrial News

EPR Industrial News is a new blog, part of EPR Network, that is going to be focused on and will be covering the industrial news and stories from press releases published on EPR Network.

EPR Network (EPR stands for express press release) is one of the nation’s largest press release distribution networks on Web. The EPR’s nationwide network includes 12 State based PR sites, one major PR forum and a number of industry specific PR blogs and what started as a hobby on Internet years ago turned out to be a rapidly growing business today. EPR Network is also known as one of the most trusted (human optimized, published, edited and monitored, spam/scam/low quality PR content free) PR sites on the web with more than 10,000 company and individual press releases distributed per month. EPR Network is putting your press releases on top of all major search engines’ results and is reaching thousands of individuals, companies, PR specialists, media professionals, bloggers and journalists every day.

EPR Network has thousands of clients around the world including global 500 corporations like Hilton Hotels, Barclays Bank, AXA Insurance, Tesco UK, eBay/Skype, Emirates, just to name a few. The network’s PR web sites are currently reaching from 150,000 to sometimes 500,000 unique visitors per month while our viral reach could possibly go to as much as 1M people per month through our presence across various social media sites. EPR Network was established in 2004 and as of May 2008 it had more than 800,000 press releases (pages) published on its network.

If you have a press release to be distributed, you can do it over here: press release distribution