Sepro Group Opens Sales Office in Singapore; Names Jimmy Teo as Regional Managing Director

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In yet another step towards growing its business in Asia, Sepro Group, La Roche sur Yon, France, is opening a sales operation in Singapore, to be managed by Jimmy Teo, a long-time plastics industry veteran and experienced business manager who joined the company at the beginning of February. Teo is responsible for expanding sales not only in Singapore, but also Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand as well as South Korea and Japan.

By opening a direct sales office in the region, Sepro signals its ambition to expand its presence and market share in South-East Asia. Sepro’s other Asian enterprises include Sepro China, located in Shanghai, which opened in 2011. It has and will continue to serve customers In the Greater China Market. Sepro also has a technical service center in Shanghai, China, and another in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In India, Sepro robots are sold and serviced by Labotek Plastics Auxiliaries India Pvt. The Company is also actively seeking distributors or agents in other Asian countries.

As one of the leading global suppliers of robots, Sepro equips all injection-molding-machine brands from 50 to 5000 tons, whether new or already installed. Sepro’s complete solution includes robots with 3, 5 or 6 axes of motion and all are controlled by the same Visual platform.

JIMMY TEO

The new Sepro Managing Director at Sepro Singapore has a diploma in mechanical engineering, accounting and finance and completed a Master of Business Administration degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University. He held senior management and business development positions with several companies, including almost 20 years with Wittmann Battenfeld where he ultimately managed businesses in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. He has successfully managed start-ups in those countries as well as Thailand.

“Jimmy Teo, has vast experience in the plastic industry,” noted Xavier Lucas, Chief Sales Officer for Sepro Group, ”taking on top level responsibility for new ventures, company management and business development. He is an excellent team player and we believe he is the ideal person to help Sepro expand in Southeast Asia and elsewhere.”

Of further interest is the fact that, immediately prior to joining Sepro Group, Teo assisted in Singapore’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, holding overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations of a temporary dormitory and managed swab operations island-wide.

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Glycon Announces Top Management Changes

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Jeffrey A. Kuhman, founder and owner of Glycon Corp, Tecumseh, MI, has announced major changes to the senior management structure of the Company, a leading manufacturer of feedscrews and related components for plastics processing machinery.

Jonathon L. Kuhman becomes President and Chief Operating Officer and John M. Phelan, formerly General Manager and Corporate Counsel was promoted to Vice President and General Counsel. Jeff Kuhman, who founded the Company in 1978 as Great Lakes Feedscrews, remains as Chairman. The changes became effective as of January 22, 2021, the date of the Company’s Annual Board Meeting.

Glycon has been an innovator in screw design for injection molding, blow molding and extrusion, injection non-return valve design and predictive maintenance technology. Additionally, the Company has a major focus on plastics sustainability, working on innovative technology to improve the processability of new bio-sourced polymers and recyclability of conventional hydrocarbon-based plastics.

Previously Vice President of Engineering, Jon Kuhman graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. where he majored in Economics with a minor in Physics, graduating in 1995. He played varsity football for 4 years and received the prestigious Bernie Olin Award his senior year. He joined Glycon Corp. after graduation and worked on the floor in the manufacturing operation. In 1997, he joined the engineering team where he learned screw design and was instrumental in refining the design of Glycon’s highly successful QSO® non-return valve. In addition, Jon is recognized as one of the industry’s bright young stars in the field of injection and extrusion screw design.

In his new position, Jon will be responsible for all operations and continue to lead the Company in technical innovation and customer service.

John M. Phelan joined Glycon Corp. in June of 2000 as Regional Manager. John graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1989 with a BS degree and from The University of Toledo College of Law in May of 1997. He was promoted to General Manager and Corporate Counsel in 2009. His new responsibilities as V.P. and General Counsel will include working with Jon Kuhman in planning and managing future growth, as well as all personnel and legal functions including recruiting, hiring and training of new employees and advancement and training of current employees.

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Conair Updates Mini-DeDuster® C-50 Separator; Eliminates Moving Parts and Adds Built-In Level Sensor

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In a major redesign of the patented DeDuster® C-50 separator, Conair has simplified operation, eliminated wear-prone moving parts, and improved processing of regrind, which can be very dusty. The system, which nominally processes up to 50 lb/hr (22.5 kg/hr), is unbeatable when it comes to removing lightweight dust, angel hair and streamers from otherwise high-quality pelletized feedstock and regrind being fed to plastics processing machines. If not removed, dust and other lightweight fractions can cause cosmetic problems in molded or extruded products, including haziness, gels and black spots, as well as mechanical flaws and housekeeping problems.

Major design improvements include an adjustable, pneumatically driven vibratory feeder that replaces a paddle-style metering device, which was prone to wear, and which had occasional problems feeding regrind. With the vibratory feeder, regrind flows smoothly and there are no moving parts in contact with the material and, thus, no chance of wear. The feed rate is adjusted via a knob that regulates pneumatic pressure driving the vibrating tray.

Designers also created a wider opening through which solids flow inside of the DeDuster. The previous smaller opening was prone to bridging with regrind particles even as small as ¼ inch (6.4 mm). Now, with the larger opening, the DeDuster can typically process regrinds up to 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).

The other enhancement is a built-in level sensor that shuts off the feeder when the hopper below is nearly full. This is important because the DeDuster cannot operate in a flood-feed condition. With the previous generation of the product, users needed to know the precise volume of the hopper and demand of the processing machine and then manually adjust feed rates to prevent over-filling.

The Conair DeDuster C50 commonly achieves residual dust content of <50 ppm for fines smaller than 500 micron and 100% streamer removal. It is extremely lightweight, weighing just 40 lbs (18.2 kg) and requires only 13.25 inches (337 mm) of additional headroom above the feedthroat of the molding machine or extruder and loading or drying hoppers. It features stainless steel construction, 110 or 220 V operation and only consumes 7 CFM (12 m3/h) compressed air at 90 psi (6.1 bar) pressure.

PLUG-AND-PLAY
Once mounted on the processing machine, the Conair DeDuster C50 requires only a single-phase AC power connection and tubing connected to plant compressed air. A simple on/off switch starts the unit and feed rate is set with a rotary knob. Another knob can be used to adjust the desired level of dust removal.

As raw material enters the unit from a standard hopper loader or receiver, the vibratory tray regulates the flow into the de-dusting chamber. The compressed air is introduced directly from the plant-air system and split into three streams. The first drives the vibrating table, while a second stream passes through an ionizer before entering the body of the DeDuster where it creates turbulence and breaks the electrostatic bond between pellets and the dust/angel hair. As the heavier, clean pellets continue through the feedthroat into the processing machine, the third air stream passes through a venturi and draws the lighter contaminants into a mini-cyclone so that they fall out of suspension and into a clear catch bin. The air is exhausted through a filtered outlet.

The effectiveness of the system is immediately visible as the undesirable components accumulate in the clear catch bin. The DeDuster C50 separator yields clean dust-free pellets, which makes it ideal for medical processors and others that cannot accept imperfections in finished parts. Fines and streamers can also clog IMM melt-flow paths and accumulate on extruder screws and dies. These problems cause costly downtime. Payback can be expected in about a month based on reduced scrap levels and reduced processing-machine maintenance.

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Sepro Group Names Charles de Forges New CEO

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Charles de Forges brings almost 20 years of experience in senior management roles at business-to-business companies to his new position as the executive head of Sepro Group, the robot and automation supplier headquartered in La Roche-sur-Yon, France.

“We took our time in finding our new CEO,” said, Eric Radat, President of Sepro Group, “but, in Charles de Forges, we have found the right person to help guide Sepro into the future. He has a dynamic personality, and he is very customer-focused. He has experience in managing businesses both large and small, and he understands the special nature of a family-owned business like Sepro. He also has an entrepreneurial spirit, having started his own 3D printing company, so he knows what it is to dare and overcome challenges. In short, I trust his leadership.

With a graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering degree, de Forges has gained a wide business experience in industry in sectors such as packaging, luxury, cosmetics, automotive and aerospace and has worked internationally in Europe, the USA and Brazil.

“Sepro is a fantastic example of a family owned company, proud of its regional roots while being a world leader in robots and automation,” de Forges stated. “I am very happy to join a company full of exciting projects, along with a dynamic and ambitious team. I am looking forward to taking part in the future of this company and to make it grow even further as a robotics leader.”

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Sepro Completes Redesign of its Success Range; Three Models Offer Optional Five-Axis Operation

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Having demonstrated a prototype of a new, general-purpose 5-axis robot (the Success 22X) at the K 2019 trade fair, Sepro Group has now finished the redesign of the entire range, which can serve injection-molding machines from 20 to 700 tons. Three of the units can be optionally equipped with a 2-axis servo wrist co-developed with Yaskawa Motoman, to create a 5-axis Cartesian design that brings both flexibility and economy to the market.

Originally introduced in 2011, the Success Range has become Sepro’s best-selling robot family. For the first time, the speed and precision of 3-axis servo operation became available to molders with simple pick-and-place applications and simple downstream operations. Success units were the first truly affordable robots to offer enhanced capabilities, with all of the quality and reliability for which Sepro is well-known.

In addition to aesthetic changes, including sleek, streamlined styling, the latest Success robots have an extended standard demolding stroke and, for the first time, a long-demolding (LD) configuration is available that adds 200mm to the stroke. In certain applications, this can allow a robot of a given size to serve a higher-tonnage molding machine than previously possible.

In some models, the maximum horizontal stroke has been lengthened, and a telescoping vertical arm is also available to extend that movement by as much as 200mm.

Sepro engineers also have returned to the use of cam follower bearings for linear motions of the new Success robots. Developed and patented by Sepro some years ago to handle the heavy payloads and long strokes on the large robots, they are now standard on all Cartesian robots. This recognized technology provides more even weight distribution and smoother operation compared to linear bearings and also is more tolerant of dust and other contaminants.

Success Line X

As noted above, the three largest robots in the Success Range (covering IMMs from 80 to 700 tons) are available in a 5-axis-servo ‘X’ configuration that adds speed, flexibility and user-friendliness compared to 3-axis robots with pneumatic wrists.

The full-servo wrist on Success Line X robots is a feature previously found only on more technological robots, including the Sepro 5X Line of small and mid-size robots, and 7X Line of large robots, both of which feature a 2-axis servo wrist developed in partnership with Stäubli Robotics.

“Among other advantages,” explains Claude Bernard, Product Marketing Director, “the all-servo wrist can be easily adapted with simple digital commands, guaranteeing greater flexibility and faster production changeovers — approaching Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) methodology. We believe this represents the future of Cartesian robots.”

Unlike pneumatic wrists, servo motors have positional sensors that allow the robot to know exactly where the wrist – and gripper mounted to it — are positioned at all times. In fact, the robot can move in all 5 axes at any time with complete control. This allows the robot to complete complicated motions. Thus, it becomes easier to extract a large, complex part with minimal clearance between mold halve or tie bars, or to position parts for secondary operations. At the same time, it becomes possible to use simpler end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), since the servo wrist more easily compensates for minor misalignments.

Many of these complex part-manipulation tasks have historically been assigned to 6-axis articulated-arm robots. However, because they are a Cartesian or linear robots, the 5-axis Success X robots offer faster intervention into the mold space for shorter cycle times, while delivering the flexibility inside and outside the mold otherwise associated with an articulated unit. Set-up and operation are highly intuitive and programming was designed to fit the unique needs of injection molding.

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New Conair SmartFLX™ Conveying Control Offers Auto-Configuration, Easy Installation, Cost-Saving Diagnostics

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Conair’s new SmartFLX™ conveying control introduces a new system architecture with a more powerful PLC processor, faster and clearer communications, a Universal I/O panel structure, and an intelligent configurator that simplifies and reduces costs for system design and installation, system expansion, and remote diagnostics. Best of all, by leveraging these improvements, many users will be able to adopt the SmartFLX system at a lower capital cost and with lower long-term operating costs than current FLX-128 systems.

Originally introduced in 2009, the FLX conveying control was developed as a “flexible” alternative to complex, large-scale control systems. Users could start small with a basic system of just 8 loaders and 2 pumps (with one back-up pump), and retain the flexibility to increase capacity and capability over time. The original FLX system provides such high-level functions as multi-source/multi-destination loading, ratio loading, reverse common-line conveying for regrind recovery, fill sensing, and more. Over the years, the option to start small has remained, but the maximum capacity of the FLX system has expanded to the point that, when fully loaded, it can manage 40+ pumps, 128 receivers, and 256 controlled sources. In 2018, Conair offered users the option to add slow-speed, dense-phase Wave Conveying™ and Smart Services™ monitoring capabilities to the FLX system.

SmartFLX Architecture supports new, intelligent features

The new “smart” FLX conveying control system incorporates all of the FLX system capacity noted above, but does so with a new system architecture that is easier and more cost-effective to configure, install, manage, and expand,” says Nick Paradiso, Conair’s Product Manager, Conveying Systems. “We named this system SmartFLX because this new platform supports intelligent features: system self-configuration to aid installation, system simulations and modeling to manage system growth, and self-diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities that eliminate most on-site service calls. The SmartFLX platform will also be the foundation for a wide range of new product additions to be launched around NPE ’21.”

A 10” high-resolution color monitor displays the new SmartFLX user interface, the product of extensive user testing, optimizes menu presentation and keystrokes associated with common user tasks. The interface incorporates a context-sensitive Help system that provides specific instructions for each screen presentation. It operates atop a new PLC processor and software, with all system intelligence centralized in the system’s main panel for easy, single-point software upgrades.

The new SmartFLX architecture separates communications into two channels. Control and diagnostic signaling for Conair equipment travels on a channel built to the lightning-fast, ultra low-noise Powerlink™ standard. This new standard, developed to support crystal-clear data communications in noisy industrial environments, operates at a speed that is more than 6,000 times faster than older communications protocols (e.g., 0.00045 milliseconds vs 3.0 milliseconds). All third-party equipment, as well as system reporting functions, are carried on the second data communications channel, which operates using the versatile and proven Modbus communication protocol.

A key cost-saving feature of the SmartFLX architecture are “universal” system I/O panels. These enable any factory-configured SmartFLX system main panel (and remote or utility panel, when needed), to accept and operate any type of I/O — analog or digital, alarm or HMI, Wave Conveying valves or sensors, or pumps/receivers/loaders/ratio valves — in any available slots. This innovation means that the SmartFLX system can now support greater overall capacity – up to 40+ pumps, 256+ receivers and 500+ controlled sources and all available features – using just three I/O panel types.  Operating the same features and equipment – many of which were added to the original FLX control following its introduction – would have required purchase and configuration of up to eight different, dedicated types of I/O panels.

Configurator helps installation, expansion, and troubleshooting

Also unique to the SmartFLX system is a software-based system configurator that simplifies everything from system design and ordering, to installation and expansion, to operations and maintenance/troubleshooting. When provided with initial conveying system and equipment requirements, the configurator can automatically develop an optimized conveying system plan, delivered in a set of current, complete system configuration files. These revision-controlled files can then be used to generate a complete bill of materials, suitable for project ordering, plus detailed electrical schematics and “point to point” I/O maps to guide installation and wiring.

Should system growth be required, the SmartFLX configurator can automatically identify available panel and I/O capacity, assess whether this capacity will be sufficient to meet the additional need, then provide an optimized installation plan.  When the installation plan is accepted, the configurator automatically updates all system configuration files so that every detail of the latest installation is preserved.

For help with complex troubleshooting or questions, customers can share current system configuration files with Conair support personnel. Armed with a functional replica of their customer system created by the SmartFLX configurator, Conair personnel can evaluate performance, review equipment duty-cycle data, test alternate settings, or identify fault conditions remotely, without the need for an in-person visit. Then, as issues are resolved, changes can be saved into updated system configuration files and transmitted for uploading by the customer. This breakthrough in remote diagnosis and troubleshooting capability promises huge savings in the cost of system support since, in most cases, on-site service calls can be eliminated.

Looking ahead, Paradiso adds that new SmartFLX product additions are already in the pipeline, with the first to be introduced at NPE ’21. These involve inventory management, line proofing, enhanced system diagnostics, and new Wave Conveying automation.  “Several of these products will be introduced virtually at NPE ’21, and we welcome everyone to visit online to learn more.”

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IPEG Acquires Long-Time Conair Partner Phoenix Systems

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Phoenix Systems Corp., a Tustin, CA, supplier of high-volume conveying systems for plastic pellets and powders, has been acquired by IPEG Industrial Group, Cranberry Township, PA parent company of Conair and other leading brands serving the global plastics-processing, waste-recycling, and industrial heat-transfer markets. Financial terms of the deal, which closed on December 21, 2020, were not disclosed.

For more than 20 years, Conair, a global manufacturer of auxiliary equipment for plastics processing, has been collaborating on specialized powder conveying and railcar unloading equipment and technology with Phoenix. The company and its products will now become part of Conair, which already has an extensive family of material-handling equipment.

IPEG President Kirk Winstead said the acquisition “bolsters Conair bulk material-handling capabilities and enhances its ability to serve customers in certain industries, like packaging, which consume high-volumes of material. With that,” he continued, “we also acquire the applications knowledge and intellectual property, which will allow us to more easily develop new products and extend the line further.”

For his part, Leroy Johnson, former owner of Phoenix Systems, feels “fortunate to have had a very successful working relationship with Conair for many years. Conair’s emphasis on excellence in customer service and satisfaction aligned closely with my belief that putting the customer first builds strong and loyal customer relationships.   As I considered retirement, it was a natural progression to transition my products into the Conair brand.”

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Robot Maker Sepro Group is at Your Service

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Following the recent guidelines established by the French government in response to the current rebound of COVID-19, Sepro Group is maintaining its momentum and is open and fully operational, says Xavier Lucas, Chief Sales Officer.

The robot and automation manufacturing plant, as well as the logistic center in La Roche-sur-Yon, are working at 100% of capacity, while meeting and even exceeding the health-safety rules and recommendations. Employees who are able to work from home are doing so and all sales, administrative and technical service personnel remain available via telephone and video conferences.

Other commercial operations in Europe, North and South America, and Asia are serving customers, while following health and safety procedures consistent with local regulations and corporate policy. Customer Training Centers, including the two Sepro Academy training centers in France are welcoming guests, as are other centers in Germany and the United States. Depending on local circumstances, training may be conducted in person or virtually.

Customers and others interested in Sepro robot and automation technology are also invited to visit the Sepro “Virtual Showroom,’ which recently went online at https://www.sepro-group.com/sepro-virtual-showroom-2020. In the Virtual Showroom, you can explore the entire Sepro robot portfolio, including:

  • The completely redesigned Success Range of 3-axis, and now 5-axis, affordable general-purpose robots
  • 3- and 5-axis robots in all sizes
  • 6-axis robots, co-developed with industry leaders: Yaskawa Motoman and Stäubli
  • Smart data services including Live Support, a live hotline support feature designed to reduce downtime

Most robots can be viewed in 3 dimensions, so visitors can study them closely, rotating them through all angles and perspectives, and getting brief text descriptions of key features and capabilities.

 

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Robot Maker Sepro Group is at Your Service

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Following the recent guidelines established by the French government in response to the current rebound of COVID-19, Sepro Group is maintaining its momentum and is open and fully operational, says Xavier Lucas, Chief Sales Officer.

The robot and automation manufacturing plant, as well as the logistic center in La Roche-sur-Yon, are working at 100% of capacity, while meeting and even exceeding the health-safety rules and recommendations. Employees who are able to work from home are doing so and all sales, administrative and technical service personnel remain available via telephone and video conferences.

Other commercial operations in Europe, North and South America, and Asia are serving customers, while following health and safety procedures consistent with local regulations and corporate policy. Customer Training Centers, including the two Sepro Academy training centers in France are welcoming guests, as are other centers in Germany and the United States. Depending on local circumstances, training may be conducted in person or virtually.

 

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In a Year With No Trade Fairs, Sepro Group Launches a ‘Virtual Showroom’

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One of the world’s largest suppliers of robots and automation solutions for plastics injection molding, Sepro Group has assembled a vast array of equipment and technical expertise in a ‘Virtual Showroom’ (https://www.sepro-group.com/sepro-virtual-showroom-2020 ) that will be online at least until the end of this year. The showroom even allows visitors to view robots in 3 dimensions.

“Despite the cancellation of all trade fairs due to the Covid 19 pandemic,” explains Xavier Lucas, Chief Sales Officer for Sepro Group, “we feel it is important to keep in touch with our clients, our partners and all who seek to automate their production lines. Although it appears only online, we expect it to present a comprehensive view of Sepro technology… almost as if it were a real trade show stand.”

In the Virtual Showroom, visitors can explore the entire Sepro robot portfolio, including:

  • The completely redesigned Success Range of 3-axis, and now 5-axis, affordable general-purpose robots
  • 3- and 5-axis robots in all sizes
  • 6-axis robots, co-developed with industry leaders: Yaskawa Motoman and Stäubli
  • Smart data services including Live Support, a live hotline support feature designed to reduce downtime

Perhaps the most exciting feature allows visitors to click into a 3D virtual display where they can study Sepro robots, rotating them through all angles and perspectives, and getting brief text descriptions of key features and capabilities. A menu bar let users choose which robots to study.

Another section of the showroom gives visitors the opportunity to schedule socially-distanced face-to-face discussions with Sepro technical experts on seven different topics about robots and automation in the plastics industry, or simply to share ideas about current and future projects.

Visitors can schedule presentations on the following subjects:

  • How to reduce downtime with preventive maintenance
  • Fast troubleshooting” best practices and tools
  • What EOAT do I need for my application? Discover My Gripper, Sepro’s comprehensive catalog of EOAT components that allow you to build tooling both simple to complex.
  • New affordable robots: Success and Success Line X
  • Why multi-axis (5 and 6 axis) robot solutions are more flexible.
  • Solution by Sepro: the unique Sepro approach to complete turnkey automation systems.

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