Twelve exhibitors won Visionary New Product Awards at the 2017 AWFS fair. The awards recognize creativity and innovation, as well as leadership in green/environmental product development. Entries were evaluated on quality, production impact, practicality, innovation and ease of use.

Productivity and Product Innovation

Power Tools

Shaper Origin by Shaper Tools is a compact, hand-held CNC router that merges computer vision with real-time corrective motor control that helps keep cuts precise their cutting path. Using a visual marker system, it creates a map to track its position relative to the workpiece, according to the company.

“Among many of its features, it most notably enables cuts similar to large-format CNC routers, but at a fraction of the size and cost and without requiring any prior experience. It is available at pre-order pricing of $1,699 for a limited time.”

For more, visit www.shapertools.com.

Productivity Awards

Hardware

Lockdowel EClips fasteners are affixed to drawer slides enabling complete, tool-less installation in a fraction of the time, improving speed on cabinetry assembly, according to the company.

For more, visit www.lockdowel.com.

Machinery under $50,000

LT-2D3D-C Laser Templator by Laser Products Industries allows the user to template and complete an on-site measuring job in under 15 minutes, says the company.

“It is designed to increase efficiency and accuracy while reducing your production costs and headaches caused by other methods of templating. It’s ideal for countertops, backsplashes, cabinets, stairs, shower enclosures, tub decks, windows or more and carries an accuracy of plus or minus .0625”.”

For more, visit www.laserproductsus.com.

Machinery Over $50,000

Dürr Ready2Spray paint robot by Enhancement Technologies consists of a small six-axis robot equipped with high-end paint application technology.

“The system is completed and pre-commissioned by Dürr at its manufacturing plant, making it ready to spray upon arrival at a customer’s site. The technology is available in different configurations, which is tailored to individual customer’s needs.”

For more, visit www.durr-northamerica.com.

Product Innovation Awards

Components

Tresco Lighting Snap Panel Lighting by Rev-A-Shelf, sold in 12” x 12” squares, can be cut down to 3” x 3” squares and connected back-to-back, or via jumper cords, to create whatever shape is needed, according to the companies.

“The Snap Panel system’s unique customization combined with high light intensity and a multitude of color temperatures provides the ideal solution for any backlighting application that requires a uniform light output.”

For more, visit www.trescolighting.com.

General

Universal Dust-Free Router Hood by Oneida Air Systems is a router accessory that captures nearly all of the dust, chips, and shavings generated by portable routers, according to the company.

“Molded from clear polycarbonate to offer both excellent clarity and superior durability, it installs easily in minutes using the router’s existing hardware and includes a quick-release hose connection port for simple storage. Its universal fit enables it to be used with most fixed-base and plunge style routers from major brands.”

It sells for $29.99. For more, visit www.oneida-air.com.

Industry 4.0 Software

Osync Machine Analytics by C.R. Onsrud is a point-and-click user interface that delivers big-data predictive analytics, over-the-air updating and seamless integration throughout the manufacturing process, according to the company.

“More than just machine-monitoring software, Osync enhances the control you have over throughput, maximizing material yields and streamlining processes.”

For more, visit www.cronsrud.com.

Industry 4.0 Technology

Lean Robot Cell by SCM consists of a Morbidelli M600 nesting work center, a Stefani edgebander and a drilling center.

“The cell uses standard, high performance, easy-to-use machines, operates automatically when the job is launched and has been specifically designed to integrate with the customer’s production management system. The result is a system that can perform all the various machining stages, from semimachined panels to machined panels,” the company said in a statement.

For more, visit www.scmmgroup.com.

Power Tools

Apollo TrueHVLP Precision-6 Turbo Paint System by Apollo Sprayers lets the painter atomize high-viscosity, high-solids paints and coatings with the soft, warm air from turbo technology, thus reducing the amount of coatings sprayed and ultimately reducing pollution, all while maintaining production speeds, according to the company.

For more, visits www.hvlp.com.

Raw Materials

AKF sanding material with Rombex Technology by Uneeda features a rhomboidal-coated pattern that allows for increased dust extraction while dispersing heat from friction more evenly and efficiently, according to the company.

“AKF delivers a longer lifespan compared to conventional abrasives which translates into longer machining time and fewer line stops to replace worn materials. It is one of the most cost-effective and environmental friendly material available as it lasts longer and produces fewer scraps in the process.” For more, visit www.uneeda.com.

Software

Virtual Vision 3-D by Next Wave Automation is an affordable and easy-to-use 3-D laser scanner allows the user to quickly map any object in 3-D that is placed on the CNC table to create a model. Users can then accurately engrave, carve or 3-D print using that 3-D model, according to the company.

The product will be available in early 2018 and sell for about $1,000.

For more, visit www.nextwaveautomation.com.

Tooling

Leitz Brilliance Cut Circular Saw Blade eliminates the need for grinding or polishing for acrylic glass (PMMA), polycarbonate panels (PC), and other plastics and compound materials, such as wood, saving you the time and expense of additional finishing work.

They are available from stock with diameters of 350, 380, 400 and 450 mm for all standard panel sizing sawing machines, according to the company.

For more, visit www.leitztooling.com.

This article originally appeared in the September 2017 issue.