Modern materials for distribution centers Washington DC

To streamline operations at the loading dock, the SGV DockPro automated trailer loading system uses automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to load trailers. The system operates 24/7 with AGVs that pick up loads from the floor, conveyors, storage aisles or racking. Standard over-the-road trailers may be loaded with no special dock equipment. The AGVs navigate with laser guidance, using a rotating scanner to detect reflective targets mounted throughout the facility. Additional sensors allow the vehicles to navigate inside the trailer and position loads while accommodating trailer variations. The computer-controlled system reads bar codes, RFID and other product identifications to facilitate product movement while interfacing with the WMS for improved inventory accuracy. FMC Technologies, 215-822-4300, www.fmcsgvs.com, Booth 2607.

The Robot portable, semi-automatic stretch film wrapper wraps loads of any size and weight in less than one minute. Battery powered at 24 volts, the unit wraps 250 to 300 loads between charges. Features include a built-in battery charger, spool carriage with powered pre-stretch rollers, automatic film cutter and a control panel that offers pre-stretch ratios adjustable up to 250%. Options include a film break alarm and a 30-inch film carriage. The unit wraps loads up to 86 inches tall. Aetna Group USA, 678-473-7896, www.aetnagroupusa.com, Booth 122.

The wheel-based Power Chock vehicle restraint system works independently of a truck's rear impact guard to restrain vehicles at the loading dock?including trailers with lift gates. The system includes a large?18-inch high?tensile steel chock set at the end of a counter-balanced arm. The chock is placed in front of the vehicle's rear wheel on a grade-level ground plate. To provide a clear message about loading safety to dock employees and truck drivers, the unit also incorporates a communication system of interior and exterior building lights, sensors and an alarm. GMR Safety, 450- 968-0299, www.gmrsafety.com, Booth 3308.

Returnable, reusable and environmentally friendly wire mesh containers safely and economically protect heavy or high-value products. Featuring heavy gauge wire and reinforced understructure, these containers provide years of useful life in any shipping, manufacturing orwarehouse application. Stackable and collapsible for cost-effective return shipping to domestic and international origins, the containers are offered in six sizes and hold up to 4,000 pounds. Other features include a half-drop front gate for easy access and a galvanized final finish. Custom sizes, capacities, powder-coat colors, internal dividers, caster wheels and label tags are offered as options. Atlas Material Handling, 888-650-9473, www.atlaswire.com, Booth 2522.

Fortis lift trucks are offered with multiple powertrain configurations to meet specific application requirements and optimize productivity, dependability and cost of operations. The series' capacity ranges from 2,000 to 15,500 pounds. A choice of cushion and pneumatic tire classes and engines powered by gas, LP or diesel fuels may be specified. Features include electronically controlled powertrain, CANbus system electronics, advanced cooling systems and reliable hydraulics for improved dependability and lower operating costs. The trucks' DuraMatch transmission offers automatic deceleration, controlled rollback on ramps, controlled power reversals and auto-speed hydraulics with automatic inching control to help operators move loads more efficiently with less fatigue and product damage. Hyster Company, 252-931-5679, www.hysteramericas.com, Booth 1400.

For fast, easy creation of custom protective packaging cushions, the Instapak pedestal molding system works with the Instapak 900 series handheld foam dispenser to form cushions without mold cavity depth limits or minimum wall thicknesses. The system simplifies the molding process by raising the engineered mold image out of the molding cavity for quick placement of packaging film. Eliminating the need to tuck a large flat sheet of packaging film into the mold cavity before dispensing liquid foam into the mold, the system simplifies and speeds up the molding process. Sealed Air, 800-648-9093, www.sealedair.com, Booth 1000.

The Transporter 2007 conveyor for use in freezer applications down to -20°F works with automated storage and retrieval systems to transfer pallet loads from the mainline conveyor. Pallets are presented to the stacker crane within a 0.25 inch tolerance. Replacing four pieces of conventional conveyor equipment, the conveyor eliminates the need for hydraulic lift tables at the stacker crane interface and 75% of the drives. Features include single piece construction with pre-wired electrical devices. All major components are easily accessible for maintenance. Lauyans & Co., 502-774-2200, www.lauyans.com, Booth 1325.

Featuring four-way lift truck and pallet jack entry for quick, efficient handling, the heavy duty distribution pallet's lightweight construction reduces shipping costs. To cut storage space requirements and return shipping expense, the pallets are fully nestable. An oval leg shape limits the impact zone for fork tines, while the pallet's design reduces fractures and increases deck stiffness and durability. Granville Composite Products, 800-350-4660, www.granville.cc, Booth 1022.

Two handheld bar code scanners are offered. The 3800 linear series readers are built to withstand many years of drops, vibration, extreme temperatures and other abuse. The scanners also include ergonomic features and high-read-rate performance. The 4000 2D series can read any linear or 2D bar code, and captures digital images for electronic signatures, paperless document processing and other applications. SICK, 800-325-7425, www.sickusa.com, Booth 2408.

The Lift Boss wire rope hoist is offered in 3 or 5 ton capacities. Intended for Class C service, the hoist features 20 or 30 foot lift capability, 15 feet-per-minute lift speed, and a four-pull hook load block. Outfitted with a worm gear reducer drive, the hoist travels on forged steel heat treated crown treads, accommodating 4 to 8.05 inch flanges. Spanco, 800-869-2080, www.spanco.com, Booth 2536.

As an eco-friendly packaging system, the Smart Karton eliminates the need for void fill by using a special recyclable film which is glued to the box. The film seals the product tightly in place, forming a secure inner pack which prevents theft of items including DVDs, video games, jewelry and fashion goods. During shipping, the film prevents product movement to eliminate damage claims and improve customer satisfaction. The shrink wrap pack automates labor-intensive packing lines to reduce costs. Smart Karton, 636-724-8181, www.smartkarton.com, Booth 2439.

An integrated slotting solution for warehouses and distribution centers addresses the need for continuous improvements to best handle an increased number of small, frequent orders with a shorter planning horizon. Through an animated Web tool, the system guides effective decision-making. Total visibility is achieved through graphs and charts that show results and measurements. Simulation uses real data and provides analysis of different scenarios. An integrated simulator generates a preview of productivity gains and subsequent cost savings before the slotting is executed. This can create gains in productivity and service levels while reducing day-to-day operation costs. Softeon, 703-356-8727, www.softeon.com, Booth 1637.

Multiple deep automated storage and retrieval systems for mini-loads can store totes up to 12 deep for maximum use of warehouse space while reducing building footprint. The systems combine single, double or multiple deep in the same aisle. Ideal for smaller product or parts handling, the systems handle a variety of product units, including boxes, cartons, bowls, trays, flat bottoms or single unpackaged goods. Westfalia Technologies, 717-764-1115, www.westfaliausa.com, Booth 1835.

The Diamond horizontal carousel for high-speed order picking and sortation features a non-proprietary control system for smooth rotation unaffected by unevenly distributed weight. Standard controls are on a tether, allowing the operator to plug into the carousel as required. The POWERdepot vertical carousel features a dual-chain guidance system to maximize cube utilization and allow for multiple carrier depths, clear heights and widths and a maximum carrier capacity of 2,200 pounds. Diamond Phoenix, 207-784-1381, www.diamondphoenix.com, Booth 1622.

Ideal for loading and unloading trailers?and for transporting loads over short and medium distances?the 4,500 pound capacity EJE electric walkie truck has a turning radius of 58.7 inches. Features include a 24V-150Ah industrial battery with integrated charger and AC drive motor and controller. The truck's short head length of 19.4 inches combines with the ability to operate the unit with the handle in the upright position for effortless pin-wheeling of loads inside a truck trailer. Rounded fork tips and hardened, bulldozer-grade steel pallet entry slides ease pallet entry, while steel exit rollers ensure smooth pallet exit. An ergonomic control handle incorporates raise and lower functions on both sides. Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp., 804-737-7400, www.jungheinrich-us.com, Booth 1408.

To reduce product damage, contain labor costs and improve operational efficiency, fork automated guided vehicles store and retrieve 5,000 pound pallet loads and reach up to 30 feet high. The units provide flexibility for picking and depositing loads to a variety of station types and elevations. They also work with conveyors, load stands, racking and floor locations. Directed by the supplier's control software to handle traffic control and order processing, the system integrates with an existing WMS. A turret model operates in 6 feet aisles and reaches up to 35 feet high. HK Systems, 262-860-7000, www.hksystems.com, Booth 1518.

The paperless, real-time order fulfillment PickCart with voice system merges batch picking with a cart and voice-directed technology for efficient discrete order fulfillment of low- to moderate-volume split case items. The cart's four shelves hold shipping cartons or containers for multiple orders. Each cart can accommodate up to 40 orders, depending on the product sizes, and the cart operator wears a voice terminal powered by the supplier's PickDirector software. Orders are released from the software, directing operators along the most efficient pick path. At a pick location, operators confirm arrival via check digits or bar code scanning. Dematic, 877-725-7500, www.dematic.us, Booth 2634.

The IntelliSort I-Watch sorter maintenance program monitors all aspects of a sorter to keep the system running. The program offers early and accurate problem recognition and analysis. A chain stretch monitor measures chain sag and automatically realigns unevenly stretched chain. Problems with oil application are detected and addressed, alerting personnel before sorter damage occurs. To display current and historical data about sorter operation and maintenance, the program uses InControlWare software to yield predictive information about sorter chain life and oil consumption. Intelligrated, 513-701-7363, www.intelligrated.com, Booth 2400.

Offered in four new models, the SmartCart automatic guided cart is guided by magnetic tape for easy conversion of existing warehouse and manufacturing facilities to automation. The low-cost SmartCart Model 50 for light-duty applications transports parts, picks orders or moves pallet loads up to 500 pounds. The Model 300 tugger transports loads up to 6,000 pounds. Available for use with a roller conveyor to deliver loads to and from a stretch wrapper and palletizer, the Model 300 single conveyor SmartCart also moves loads around a facility. Finally, the Model 300 counterbalanced fork transports loads to and from stretch wrapping systems and palletizers without a roller conveyor?and can be used to place loads on the floor. Jervis B. Webb Company, 248-553-1000, www.jervisbwebb.com, Booth 1602.

Offered in 13 industry standard sizes, divider box containers include easily added vertical and horizontal dividers, allowing them to be configured for any product size, shape and quantity. This maximizes capacity, increases part protection and prevents part migration. Injection-molded of high-density polyethylene, the units come in four colors: dark blue, red, grey and light blue. Features include large label areas on multiple sides, a set of cardholder snaps, availability in electrostatic discharge safe materials, security tie and hang tag holes, multiple divider heights for layering and compatibility with racking and shelving. The containers hold up to 40 pounds. LEWISBins+, 877-975-3947, www.lewisbins.com, Booth 1827.

The DrawTite roll-up door withstands high wind loads while providing fast entry and access. The door's tensioning system maintains a seal under gusts up to 70 miles-per-hour on a 10 x 12 foot door, preventing the curtain from blowing out of its guides. Areas within a facility that have high positive/negative pressures are also ideal door applications. Features include a 0.5 hp external motor that reaches speeds up to 36 inches per second, optimized shaft speed, ball bearing construction and simplified jack-shaft reduction for long life, custom braking and soft start acceleration. A progressive tensioning device ensures smooth operation and enhances security. Goff's Enterprises, 800-234-0337, www.goffscurtainwalls.com, Booth 723.

Label Holder systems organize racks, shelves, bins, totes, drawers, workstations and all types of storage media. Used on racks, carousels, flow racks, floor storage or in low temperature areas, the holders help designate contents. Typical return on investment time is less than 12 months. Aigner Index, 800-242-3919, www.aignerindex.com, Booth 3225.