Compact power keeps the presses rolling
1 min read
Hawker XFC batteries from EnerSys are being used in a new project with automated guided vehicles (AGVs) manufactured by JBT Corporation for handling print reels and other loads at a commercial printing plant in Sheffield, UK.
JBT Corporation chose the Hawker units because of their compact size/shape, heavy duty performance, and quick/on-demand charging, without the need for maintenance.
JBT's Sheffield customer produces magazines and other items for newspaper colour supplements which are wound spirally onto large, two metre diameter reels as they are printed at the plant which operates around the clock. It wanted an automated method of moving these reels between the printing, assembly and packing areas. Each reel typically holds thousands of magazines and weighs up to 1400kg.
JBT integrated 10 AGVs into the Sheffield print operations where an on-board laser-based guidance system keeps the AGVs on predetermined paths. The position of each AGV is also communicated to an on-site management control system so that operation of the fleet can be continually optimised. Obstacle detection on the AGVs is supplied by additional laser based sensors which bring the AGV to a safe stop before it contacts any obstacle that might be in the its path.
