PRODUCT REVIEWS
Digital transformation solutions in focus
Konica Minolta Business Solutions ( UK ) Ltd . appeared at the Make UK National Manufacturing Conference 2024 on 27 February 2024 at the QEII Centre in London . Konica Minolta ’ s team outlined how its solutions can help manufacturers to fully embrace digital transformation .
Its portfolio includes its range of Video Solution Services ( VSS ); the CoboVox Intuitive Voice-Enabled Cobot Programming Application for collaborative robots ( cobots ); professional print solutions for labels and packaging as well as Managed Content Services ( MCS ) for document lifecycle and business process management .
The National Manufacturing Conference provides a platform for delegates to hear from inspirational speakers and share best practice . Along with its stand , Konica Minolta ’ s Dr . Bahadur Ibrahimov , Head of
Manufacturing & Robotics , was a guest speaker with a presentation on how digital transformation solutions are already evolving in the manufacturing sector along with the opportunities and benefits offered .
Konica Minolta ’ s Video Solution Services combine Mobotix ’ s camera technology with powerful artificial intelligence ( AI ) for visual quality inspection as well as safety ( checking for potential fires ) and security ( monitoring for unusual behaviour or unexpectedly missing items ) at manufacturing facilities .
“ This includes checking for defects or anomalies , such as the contamination of boxes on a production line and alerting the management team so that action can be taken or even directly instructing the automated line to separate the affected items , raising quality and boosting efficiency by avoiding unnecessary stoppages . These visual inspection solutions are perfectly placed to help tackle production wastage or the loss of customers through quality issues , along with preventing potential injury and the theft of products or machinery ,” said the company .
The Konica Minolta CoboVox team also appeared on the Konica Minolta stand to illustrate its powerful and simple-to-use voicecontrolled programming and control application for collaborative robots .
“ Fast , intuitive and easy to set up , CoboVox enables anyone to programme the cobot using natural and simple voice commands ( with no expert knowledge required ), making it perfect for manufacturers looking to rapidly change or update tasks in a busy production facility ,” concluded the company . n
www . konicaminolta . co . uk
Coating for maintenance and repair
Sherwin-Williams , a global manufacturer of paint and coatings , has launched its latest maintenance and repair product , Repacor™ . SW-1000 , a “ 100 -per-cent ” volume solids coating is designed for “ the safe , quick and cost-effective maintenance or repair of steel structures ,” according to the company .
“ Repacor™ SW-1000 is the result of a three-year research project to develop a coating solution that would simplify maintenance and repair work on offshore wind steel structures . This innovative new product has been developed with the safety of the applicator at the top of mind , as potentially dangerous high-level rope access coating applications can be made easier . Compared to the two-three layers needed with traditional technologies , it requires only a single layer coating , dispensed easily using a simple application gun , without the need for mixing ,” explained Claus Ackfeld , Product Manager , Sherwin-Williams .
Traditional coating systems require multiple coats of anti-corrosive coatings and durable topcoats , whereas Repacor™ SW-1000 has all these properties built into a single coat of 500-micron dry film thickness . Despite the single coat , it is expected to mimic the original performance of offshore wind structure coating systems , which are typically applied in paint shops under controlled conditions .
“ Repacor™ SW-1000 also boasts a cure time that is around four hours faster than alternative aerosol systems . The unique cartridge application process means the applicator can effectively work from a backpack , so only needs to make one journey to carry out the task , and waste packaging is also minimised ,” explained the coatings specialist .
“ Compliant with NORSOK M-501 — the offshore industry standard for selecting coating materials , surface preparation , application procedures and inspection for protective coatings — Repacor™ SW-1000 meets the highest standards in anti-corrosion protection . Only the most effective regime can result in longer periods between maintenance and , as a result , reduce costs . Repacor™ SW-1000 is entirely VOC-free as well as being free of carcinogenic , mutagenic
and reprotoxic ( CMR ) substances and 100 percent volume solid ,” added the company .
“ Repacor™ SW-1000 is transforming the maintenance and repair of wind turbines ,” concluded Neil Wilds , Global Product Director , Sherwin Williams . ‘ However , although it is used predominantly offshore , it is also an excellent solution for onshore industrial environments if a simple-to-apply , high-performance , durable and cost-effective coating is required . The fact that a single coat gives the same anti-corrosion and durability performance as a two- or three-coat aerosol system makes Repacor™ SW-1000 a genuine game changer .” n
http :// protective . sherwin-williams . com
78 | ismr . net | ISMR April 2024