PRODUCT REVIEWS
Mobile robot milestone
Kivnon , a global producer of industrial mobile robots , has manufactured and installed its 5000th robot , representing a significant milestone in its history . The Spanish company designs , manufactures and implements mobile robots that are designed to enhance material-handling efficiency across various markets including automotive , food , logistics distribution and retail applications .
“ We started in 2009 with a vision for new ways to improve intralogistics operations in production centres , warehouses and distribution centres along with a team of talented experts in material handling and robotic engineering . We are proud and excited to announce that we have now manufactured our 5000th mobile robot ,” said Juan Prieto , CEO of Kivnon .
Kivnon ’ s product portfolio includes small vehicles that tow carts or carry the load directly , tractors and autonomous forklifts .
“ The vehicles move materials and goods in factories , warehouses and distribution centres . Navigation systems allow them to drive safely and efficiently in work areas without the need for an operator ,” explained the manufacturer . In late 2009 , Juan Prieto and Luis Gómez , co-founders of Kivnon , registered the brand and designed their first mobile robot , the K10 model . Growth continued as global economic tensions eased . In 2017 , the company began its international expansion , entering new sectors such as logistics and pharmaceuticals .
“ Creating Kivnon was a visionary gamble that has paid off . Automating material logistics flows is making a visible difference in all sectors . For example , in one of our applications in the automotive sector , it helped transform assembly plants into open and organised lines ,” said Prieto .
Today , as digital transformation and the advance of Industry 4.0 increasingly bring warehouse and distribution centre functions to automation , Kivnon manufactures and deploys around 1000 mobile robots per year , reaching a total of 5000 units today . Growth has been driven by the success of
its K05 Twister model , which automates the transport of medium loads in confined spaces as well as its expansion of distribution channels and commitment to simplifying logistical processes .
“ We are constantly attentive to automation trends and the future . We develop new products based on the improvement of our technology to offer even better solutions to our customers , including leveraging the full value of Industry 4.0 , AI and Machine Learning for logistics ,” concluded Luis Gómez . n
www . kivnon . com
Ultrashort pulse laser marker for metals
FOBA ’ s new F . 0100-ir marking system creates deep black markings on medical stainless steel , titanium or plastics . Its adjustable pulse width and its 10-watt laser power are designed for precise results on various surfaces . In combination with FOBA ’ s validation-ready process solution , the F . 0100-ir provides benefits especially for medical-device manufacturers .
“ The ultrashort pulse laser marks in deep matt and non-reflective black without generating significant heat input on the workpiece . Even through further processing steps , such as passivation , the marking remains reliably legible and corrosion resistant . Due to the very short pulses down to the femtosecond range , in combination with high pulse energies , the system marks various stainless steels , titanium and a variety of plastics ,” outlined FOBA .
When developing its ultrashort pulse laser system , FOBA placed particular emphasis on its ability to be integrated into the proven FOBA workflow .
“ For our customers , it is of course crucial that our lasers achieve consistently reliable marking results . But they also trust that the entire process is highly dependable , and a new marking system must keep up with that ,” said Philipp Febel , Director , Product Management , FOBA .
The integration of a capable , compact and very flexible laser source was the company ’ s top priority during product development .
“ Our laser system offers adjustable pulse widths for specific material requirements . This is not a matter of course in the ultrashort range ,” added Philipp Febel . “ The laser head is so compact that we can integrate it into our M-Series marking workstations . That is often a requirement by our customers .”
“ Since the system is air-cooled and uses hardly any consumables , it requires little maintenance . In addition , the high marking speed in combination with our established camera and software solutions enable lean and efficient part manufacturing ,” he added .
FOBA offers sample markings with the new USP marking system . Marking applications from medical-device manufacturing , automotive component production or
electronics are suitable . Materials that are usually marked with other wavelengths , such as UV , can also be considered . Detailed advice on the best possible marking configuration will be part of the service .
FOBA Laser Marking + Engraving is a brand of ALLTEC Angewandte Laserlicht Technologie GmbH and one of the leading suppliers of advanced laser-marking systems . FOBA develops and manufactures marking lasers for integration as well as laser marking workstations with vision-assisted marking workflows . With its worldwide sales and service branches and its headquarters near Lübeck / Hamburg ( Germany ), ALLTEC / FOBA is part of the Danaher Corporation . n
www . fobalaser . com
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