OnRobot's Virtual Event for Manufacturing Features FPE Automation's Justin Takaka, Presenter
Machine tending is one of the fastest-growing areas in which collaborative robots are contributing to global success. Our very own Justin Tanaka will be speaking at the OnRobot virtual global event for manufacturing. He will talk about machine tending and the ways it can improve quality, save you money, address labor issues and so much more. Don't miss Justin, together with Tomenson Machine Works' Alex Roake, as they share a real life success story that is as relevant as it gets in today's business landscape.
Discover how to leverage collaborative robots (cobots) to maximize ROI. During this hands-on conference, we will help you find the right process strategy for your enterprise’s automation so that you can become more efficient. Increase productivity, solve labor challenges, reduce margin of error and make your place of business safer, all by implementing cobots.
OUR EXPERTS CAN HELP
save you money
retain workers
improve quality
increase productivity
Businesses of all sizes are discovering the significant benefits of automation.
Join our expert team for an interactive conversation about collaborative robots and how they can benefit you. Seize the opportunity to see the technology in action with live demos.
MIG/TIG welders: you are invited to bring a part with you. Although our packed agenda doesn’t allow us to test individual items on-site at JWCC, the engineers at Melton Machine or Computech will bring your item back to their state-of-the-art facility with them. After the presentation, they will connect with you to show you a live, proof-of-concept demo of your part being welded by a collaborative robot.
Who should attend?
If MIG or TIG welding is a part of your internal processes and you'd like to know more about where your industry is headed, this special event is an excellent fit for you. We will also have Universal Robots' ActiNav Automated Bin Picking system on display, so members of your team who deal with pick & place operations may also benefit from accompanying you to John Wood Community College on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 from 8:00-11:00 am.
FPE Automation Has Completed the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) "Back to Business" Certification
To assist Illinois businesses to safely reopen in the wake of COVID-19, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) offers a voluntary "Back to Business" self-certification for business that meet a certain criteria. This self-certification is designed to educate businesses on best practices around getting their operations running safely in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. FPE Automation has completed the certification process and will remain committed to the safety of employees, visitors, and the surrounding community.
What does certification mean for FPE Automation?
It means FPE Automation is operationally compliant and committed to operating safely and responsibly. The certification covers these key areas of operation:
•Basic infection prevention
•Physical space modification
•Infectious disease planning
•Employee monitoring
•Workplace flexibility
Completion of the certification program shows that FPE Automation is making every effort to maintain a safe work environment.
If you have a transfer press, we have good news for you. Recent developments are going to make your life much easier. PHD Tri-Axis Modular Press Tooling Components are a pre-engineered, complete turn-key solution. Simpler, stronger, and more economical than heavy, cumbersome dedicated rail or plate mount systems. Take a look.
Year-end Tax Incentives: Automation can be a game-changer for your business.
Per Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code, U.S. businesses are allowed to take a 100% tax deduction for qualified equipment and off-the-shelf software that is put into service by December 31. For a lot of companies, Q4 is typically a time to do an internal audit to make sure all available incentives are leveraged. Incentives like these have already resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in tax credits for American manufacturers.
Whether it is collaborative or industrial robots, vision systems, safety equipment, temperature screening or other COVID-related precautions, or other equipment, FPE Automation can help you put the latest innovations in place that you need to operate more efficiently. But hurry, even with efficient manufacturing and short lead times, there isn’t much time left in the year.
Year-end Tax Credits: 100% Deduction for Automation Equipment
You may have heard that it is less than that. That may be because, prior to the enactment of TCJA, businesses could deduct only 50% of the value of the equipment in year one. The good news? Now businesses can take advantage of the 100% bonus depreciation on qualified property through 2022.
Businesses making capital purchases can take advantage of this opportunity to cut their tax liability in year one, and reinvest the savings into the business at a faster rate. FPE Automation can help you with the automation equipment. Contact us for details. Your qualified tax professional can help you with the rest, or we can put you in contact with one of our trusted partners to help you get started. Watch the related video here.
Robotiq, a global manufacturer of plug and play components and end-of-arm tooling for collaborative robots, and a UR+ partner has named FPE Automation as an expert partner for 2020.
Jomy Vadakumpadam, Automation Controls Division Manager, accepted the award on behalf of FPE Automation. “Robotiq has proven to be an equally excellent partner with FPE Automation this year" he said. "We were able to overcome several of the hurdles are all facing in today’s business climate thanks to their sales & engineering support.”
"This award is a true accomplishment on a few different levels." added Sandia Harrison, Director of Marketing. "FPE Automation's talented automation controls team has done truly cutting-edge work in the field of collaborative robotics this year. Coming from an end-of-arm-tooling industry leader like Robotiq, it is an honor to receive this. Even more so in a year where the business and economic climate is so uncertain. Companies everywhere are turning to cobots to compensate for labor shortages, and to keep employees and their working environment safe. This shows the positive impact that can have. At FPE Automation, we are confident that our partnership with Robotiq will only continue to grow. We're so grateful to accept this expert partner award."
For Robotic and Vision Implementations: Choose your project manager, based on the complexity of your implementation.
With robotic integrations becoming more and more straightforward, you may opt to handle the project. If you don’t have the resources in-house, or the time, you can choose to rely on FPE Automation for expert assistance.
For more complex applications, or when there is already a turnkey solution out there that is right for you, FPE Automation has established relationships with certified systems integrators (CSIs) who can offer even more, in terms of possibilities.
Automation and Food Safety: A New Video Explains How the Experts at FPE Automation Can Help
Today's food processing involves a careful balance.
Keeping things clean is the number one concern in food and beverage processing operations, because food safety is crucial. Machine designers have to incorporate components that meet industry standards and comply with important regulations.
Safety is the most important consideration, by a longshot. Still, efficiency can't be overlooked. In order for companies in the food and beverage industry to stay competitive, there is also a constant drive for smarter automation, faster turnaround and less downtime.
That's where FPE Automation can help.
FPE Automation can help your design engineers in their effort to balance the need for safety, and the need for efficiency.
We can help you streamline your processes. So, while you are protecting against corrosion, making sure you have washdown capabilities and can effectively prevent bacterial growth, we can also help you operate faster, with greater accuracy and less maintenance.
We can help you automate with smart electric actuators, IMA Food Grade Servo, clean conveyors and other advanced technology.
FPE Automation also has a wide array of the food-grade components you need every day, like stainless steel fittings and ball valves, hygienic guarding, washdown actuators and many more products that are compliant with OSHA safety standards.
For safer, smarter food and beverage automation, FPE Automation has you covered!
Murrelektronik Introduces a New Field Guide to Cables Brochure
In the field of sensor/actuator connectivity, Murrelektronik offers an extremely wide range of cable types (PVC, PUR/PVC, PUR, Robotic and TPE, colors (yellow, gray and black) and lengths (0.1 to 100m).
Murrelektronik has created this guide to walk you through the various cordsets they offer. For more detailed information on a particular style, contact FPE Automation or visit, shop.murrelektronik.com to download data sheets or CAD files.
Latest News: Jennifer Muzzo is Promoted to Accounting Manager
FPE Automation is excited to officially announce that Jennifer Muzzo has been promoted to Accounting Manager. This newly created role gives Jennifer the recognition for her hard work and training that has made her a valuable asset to our management team. Jennifer came to FPE a little over 5 years ago with the desire to complete her Accounting Degree and used her knowledge to grow her position. She has far surpassed our expectations and continues to grow and bring new ideas and innovation to our company. She works side by side with our Controller and is continually learning and shaping the future of our accounting department.
Congratulations, Jenn!
Automation Implementation Covered in a Special Webinar: Robotics, Vision, Tax Credits, ROI and more...
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 10:00 am CDT
With: Tracy Lustyan, Managing Director, AlliantGroup and Justin Tanaka & Kurt Vaeth, FPE Automation Experts
A realistic look at the financial and operational hurdles of automation, and how to overcome them with the least amount of effort. Join FPE Automation and special guest Tracy Lustyan from AlliantGroup for this special webinar. AlliantGroup is one of the nation's experts in tax deductions and incentives. In this special webinar, we will take a detailed look at funding that is available through Federal R&D tax credits. Funding that can put automation within your company's reach. With the financial hurdles out of the way, the experts from FPE Automation will briefly cover what comes next - implementing automation; the benefits, avoiding common pitfalls, achieving success and getting a real return on your investment.
This webinar is ideal for anyone in a manufacturing or production environment who is fiscally responsible for process improvements.
Industrial Sales at FPE Automation, Inc. | Industrial Robots, Vision Systems, AI and More
FPE Automation is now hiring industrial automation sales engineers in Illinois and Missouri. If you're seeking a long-term position at an organization that continues to invest in people, technology and infrastructure this may be a great fit for you!
New Transition Plates from PHD Connect Universal Robot Directly to PHD Linear Actuator
Need a 7th axis for extra reach?
A new transition plate from PHD allows a UR collaborative robot to be directly attached to the new ESU series electric belt-driven linear actuator. PHD offers a transition plate for all Universal Robot models, taking machine tending to a whole new level.
Switching to the new PA Series may provide more favorable
pricing and better features, like adaptive cushioning.
The PA Series NFPA actuator from Bimba provides a versatile, cost effective solution for a variety of applications. Its lightweight construction and modern design are combined with flexible mounting configurations and several standard features. Included benefits like the Auto-Cushioning System and magnetic piston allow the PA Series simple installation and operation, reducing complexity and promoting longer machine life.
FPE Automation can provide an in-depth analysis that can help you make an informed decision regarding whether the new PA Series Actuator is the right fit for you. Contact us for more information.
Congratulations to Jason Vilmer: PHD Top Performer for July 2020
This month, Jason Vilmer, from FPE Automation's St. Louis office, was in the spotlight for his recent work at an injection molding operation.
Jason is the winner of a PHD Inc. Top Performer award for a a solution he and the team helped design for a vertical lift of a robot for a palletizing application. PHD sized and designed the transitions to support the overhung payload. The result was a success.
In this particular production environment, getting quick delivery and support was critical to the success of this project. PHD Inc. and FPE Automation were able to make that happen.
Powerful solutions that transform businesses, automation that saves valuable resources (like money and labor), and technology that streamlines operations. Nothing short of that can be called award-winning in these unusual, tight-margin times. For that reason, extra congratulations are in order for FPE Automation's Jason Vilmer this month!
Introducing the LS20-B: High performance and long reach. Ideal for high-payload applications.
Adding to Epson's growing SCARA lineup, the LS20-B rounds out the LS-B Series which also includes the LS3-B, LS6-B and LS10-B. A substantial upgrade from their original LS Series, the “B” Series features a batteryless encoder, outstanding accel/decel rates, a built-in camera cable and new top-of-arm layout for easy equipment mounting. The LS20-B is ideal for heavy payloads and high-inertia applications and provides a high performance solution with features including proprietary Residual Vibration technology and intuitive Epson RC+® development software. LS20-B SCARA Robot
Experience various cobot applications and live chat automation experts at The Cobot Expo
July 28-30, 2020 From Universal Robots, the world's #1 collaborative robot company: This digital experience will feature over 25 Universal Robots partner demos and 15 informative keynotes. Learn about various cobot applications including welding, machine tending, autonomous bin picking and end of line packaging. Hear from various automation experts about safety, ROI and service. Register today and join us July 28-30 to experience cobots and live chat experts! MORE INFO/TO REGISTER
With: Leena Antony, FPE Automation Controls Division
ActiNav, the new and revolutionary 3D bin picking kit for collaborative robots by Universal Robots, combines real-time autonomous motion control, cobots, vision and sensor systems in one easy to use, fast to deploy and cost-effective kit. FPE Automation had the first and one of the only live ActiNav demos in-house in the Midwest. During this webinar, our in-house expert, Leena Antony will demo ActiNav and show you how a lot of the complexities of bin picking have been eliminated. That's groundbreaking, because it puts this technology within reach of companies of all sizes.
FPE Automation is Distributor of the Month for June 2020
FPE Automation is awarded for their work in a food processing plant, implementing MAC's MIO67 Fieldbus technology to replace valves that were consistently failing.
FPE Automation’s Steve Moore beat out tough competition to install large process valves at a food processing plant. The previously installed valves from a different manufacturer were failing at an increasing rate with the customer wanting to replace them with an updated solution. They were looking to upgrade their control system to communicate with the valves via Ethernet IP.
Steve and MAC Boss Specialist, Scott Massie, presented MAC’s MIO67 technology to the maintenance and engineering teams who bought a small stack to familiarize themselves with.
FPE Automation’s Controls Group (Jomy Vadakumpadam) provided programming and other technical support.
Their team effort paid off. The food processor reports that the valves are functioning perfectly and valve failures are no longer a constant headache.
Congratulations to Steve Moore, Scott Massie and Jomy Vadakumpadam!
Re-opening following a pandemic is a new experience for all of us. Getting back to a new normal is something we can't afford to get wrong. Remaining closed prolongs the negative impact COVID-19 has already had on our businesses and the economy. On the other hand, rushing to re-open could be unsafe and disastrous to our workforce. FPE Automation has been a trusted sensor specialist for decades. FPE's experts, including presenter Tom Mathew, will take a look at thermal imaging systems being used for body temperature scanning as people enter your facility.
Introducing the new PV12 Pulse Valve by MAC Valves
The family of MAC Pulse Valves has been a game-changer in the world of dust collection. The PV series patented design valve works better, is more efficient, fails less often saves energy costs and produces a quick ROI.
• Vertical oriented bonded spool for superior reliability and low leakage
• 93 Series Pilot for consistent and high speed shifting of main valve
• Internal and external pilot configurations for use in high and low pressure applications
• Valve base accommodates 180˚ and 90˚ degree inlet/outlet orientations in 2-1/2” and 3” pipe sizes
• 175Cv
Drop-in Solution
Building on the success of the MAC Pulse Valve Series, the PV12 combines high flow and best in class performance with a form factor that is equally suited to retrofit and new machine builds. The base can accommodate inline and right angle plumbing, while the valve itself is adapter friendly.
Performance and Value
MAC Pulse Valves are known to deliver higher and more consistent pulse magnitude as compared with diaphragm valve technology. This performance, combined with the longer life and low leak characteristics of a bonded spool pulse valve, translate to lower total cost of ownership.
Art Gesell/FPE Automation is the winner of the PHD Inc. Distributor of the Month Award for June 2020
John Ross, Vice President of North America Sales for PHD Inc. announced today that Art Gesell is the recipient of their top award for June 2020. Here is what he had to say*:
Art worked with an aerosol can producer to replace non-U.S.-made cylinders on a machine. In seeing the application firsthand and understanding that the old standard piston rod was too soft for the application, Art was able to offer that observation to the PHD Unique Solutions team. Through discussions with the customer’s industrial engineer and PHD's Unique Solutions group, Art was able to offer the customer a drop-in replacement with improved strength rod material, which was failing on the old cylinder. Delivery was also an issue previously. PHDdelivered a solution in only three weeks.
PHD excels at providing productivity improvement solutions. It's possible we can offer you more than a lower cost drop-in replacement. Please reach out to FPE Automation if you'd like to take the next step.
FPE Automation's Steve Moore also receives recognition in June
Congratulations also go to Steve Moore, who made the PHDTop Performers list for his work in the medical field.
*Without changing the overall meaning, specific details have been eliminated to protect the anonymity of 3rd parties.
FPE Toolbox Explainer Series Webinar: Automation as a Solution for Packaging FPE Automation teams up with IRIS Custom Solutions, a Woodridge, Illinois-based Universal Robots Preferred System Integrator, for this live webinar.
Manufacturers are finding that turning to collaborative and industrial robots for packaging, palletizing and other functions makes sense in a multitude of ways. We will show you how and why turnkey systems are making huge impacts on production floors all over the Midwest. In this webinar, FPE Automation's Jomy Vadakumpadam, teams up with Karl Koenigsberger from IRIS to give you a look at actual, workable solutions you can implement to save money, resources and time. Live Q&A follows where we will answer your questions. MORE INFO/REGISTER
Gabriel Meyer and Brian Einzig - PHDTop Performers for May 2020
The FPE Automation team would like to congratulate Gabe Meyer and Brian Einzig - PHD, Inc. top performers for May 2020! These are crucial and challenging times in the packaging industry. They know they need to leverage new automation technology in order to remain profitable. Gabe and Brian helped two Midwestern manufacturers do just that. They recognize that their continued success depends on manufacturing strategies like these. If you believe that your operations could use similar optimization, please feel free to reach out to us.
The FPE Automation team created a virtual tour of their two authorized, state-of-the-art training and technology facilities.
FPE Automation has two technology and training facility locations. One is in the greater Chicagoland area, located in Elk Grove Village, near Chicago's O'Hare airport. The other is in Sunset Hills, Missouri, and serves the greater St. Louis region.
When they opened, the two facilities were among the first of their kind in the world. Today, they feature capabilities and product demos not available anywhere else in the region.
Here at FPE Automation, we feel that the education of our customers and their employees is paramount in the successful implementation of In Plant Automation, in particular Collaborative Robots, Vision and Motion Control.
Each location features a spacious area with a Universal Robot collaborative robot, a vision camera and a conveyor at every workstation for hands-on training. Interactive classes take place on a regular basis. FPE Automation training is factory certified and taught by field experienced instructors. We offer authorized Universal Robots CORE training, and it doesn't end there. You can learn about machine vision, safety and numerous other industry hot topics at FPE.
In addition to training, both facilities feature a state-of-the-art technology center. There, we demo and test today's cutting edge automation, like vision systems, the latest industrial robotics, 3D bin picking, ai and more. Visitors can see the products at work in person, or we can schedule an online virtual meeting for you. Whether you need a proof of concept, or just want to check out the technology, we can make that happen.
Tech support and service are a particular strength of ours. That's because we have a team of award-winning application specialists to assist you. They're among the best in the business, and they're here to help.
All of this is designed to increase your comfort level and success of the automation implementation at your facility. The goal is to increase your company's efficiency and profitability through smart automation that makes sense.
All of us at FPE Automation would like to say thank you to our customers. FPE opened its doors in 1963. It is through your continued loyalty through the years that we were able to make the investment in these two facilities. That allows us, in turn, to better serve you. For that, we are extremely grateful.
We hope you enjoy this virtual tour of our technology and training centers with us today! We look forward to working with you soon.
This unique team of two experts with specific expertise in the welding and cobot sectors will explain how you can solve labor shortages and minimize risk of injury by using collaborative robots to perform welding tasks. Josh Pawley from Vectis and Jomy Vadakumpadam will talk realistically about the benefits of cobot welding and how you can make this turnkey system a reality for your business without automation hurdles. The webinar will feature a live welding example and we will show the teach pendant/UR Cap right on screen during the demo.
Map/Directions to the John Wood Community College Workforce Development Center
