News Archives - Atlas Technologies

September 7, 2022

Advanced Tool Processing

Atlas Technologies, a division of Stonebridge Technical Enterprises, Ltd. announced today it has been awarded an order for a 60 Metric ton capacity, tracked transport cart. The Order was awarded by a First Tier International Automotive supplier that is providing an advanced tool processing cell to a major US Automotive Manufacturer. The Atlas Transport cart is used to bring tools into an out of the processing cell. The Cart Design uses Atlas standard components and sub-assemblies but has customized alterations in order to meet the specific mechanical and safety requirements of the cell.

“Atlas is thrilled to be a part of this order that will implement new technology in die processing” states Brandon White, Sales Account Manager of Atlas. “We continue to look for new applications for our heavy duty material handling equipment. Supporting the efforts of other Tier One suppliers is a constant focus for Atlas using our product lines that are easily adapted to many applications. We anticipate that our efforts with Tier One suppliers will be successful and lead to repeat orders of this type.”

The Cart Contained in this order contains the following features:

A large, flat top, deck with an extensive array of tool locating holes for use with bull nose pins
A sub floor cat track cabling system for power and communication cables. This sub floor system is covered by a steel table top chain.
A unique array of safety scanners and light curtains to assure safe operations.
Controls integration between the cell controller and the Cart PLC.

Atlas has engaged in the design and manufacturing of specialized products that have served Manufacturing for in excess of 50 years.

Published by elysium48436 in News, Press Releases

September 7, 2022

Transfer Rebuild

Atlas Technologies, a division of Stonebridge Technical Enterprises, Ltd. announced today it has been awarded an order to rebuild a Flex 3000 Electronic Press Transfer and Tooling rails from a Tier One automotive supplier.

“Atlas built this Flex 3000 17 years ago and have provided parts and service for the unit through the entire span of use”, states Bill Rogner, Sales and Applications Consultant for Atlas Technologies. “We estimate that the unit provided approximately 48 million cycles during this time. During this initial 17 years of use, the mechanical components of the transfer were repaired or replaced as required an the machine was mechanically in good condition. Unfortunately, many of the controls components had become obsolete and became difficult to obtain. The risk for loss of production was steadily increasing”

Atlas took delivery of the Flex 3000 after building a new main panel and HMI Panel utilizing Allen Bradley’s latest processing (Compac Guard Logix), Drives (Kinetix 5700) and motion control. The Transfer was cleaned, wired, piped, and went through a debug process. The Transfer was shipped back to the owner, reinstalled, and launched into production. See pictures of rebuild at Atlas’s facility in Fenton, MI.

Atlas has engaged in the design and manufacturing of specialized products that have served Manufacturing for in excess of 50 years.

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Tags: Electronic Transfer, In-Press Transfer, Press Transfer, Transfer

September 7, 2022

Electronic In-Press Transfer

Atlas Technologies, a division of Stonebridge Technical Enterprises, Ltd. announced today it has been awarded an order for a New Flex 1500 Electronic Press Transfer and Tooling from a world leading appliance manufacturer.

“Our customer contacted Atlas with a challenge to work together on this transfer press program that utilized an Existing Press that originally ran Progressive Dies”, states Bill Rogner, Sales and Applications Consultant for Atlas Technologies. “We also received orders for transfer tooling that is used to run a family of parts.”

Atlas designs and builds 4 models of Transfers, all utilizing Allen Bradley’s latest processing (Compac Guard Logix) and motion control (Kinetix 5700). This order constitutes the third Atlas transfer sold to this OEM and the first transfer in this particular plant. This transfer is being provided with Atlas S125 universal receivers and (4) sets of S125 adaptors and gripper tooling.

“We Provide a full range of services to support the equipment we provide.” explains Bill Rogner. “The comprehensive scope of work includes:

Design and build of the equipment including shipping to the end user’s plant.
Installation @ the end users plant.
Integration design work with the die builders.
Integration controls design work with the press and other automation.
Field Start-up of the transfer without tooling.
Field Start-up of the individual die sets and transfer tooling sets.

Atlas has engaged in the design and manufacturing of specialized products that have served Manufacturing for in excess of 50 years.

Published by elysium48436 in News, Press Releases

Tags: In-Press Transfer, Press Transfer, Transfer Retrofit

September 7, 2022

Three (3) Heavy Load Trackless Transport Carts

Atlas Technologies, a division of Stonebridge Technical Enterprises, Ltd. announced today it has been awarded an order for Three (3) 60 Metric ton capacity, trackless transport carts. This order makes for a total number of (6) trackless carts that this Automotive OEM has deployed at multiple plants in the US and Mexico.

This cart design is used to move heavy sheet metal dies and plastic molds to and from areas inside the plant where the tools are stored, repaired, or put into production. These carts reduce the need for overhead cranes, particularly long travels through congested areas in the plant. The carts are equipped with dual zone scanners that provide enhanced safety when moving these heavy loads.

“These carts utilize coordinated steering and drive speed algorithms that minimize drag and optimize drive efficiency,” states Dave Hense, President of Atlas. “The wheel drive and steering systems are all electric and are powered using available 48 Volt Batteries. There are several steering modes which gives these carts an amazing agility, considering the size of the payload. Articulated steering provides tight turn radii to navigating plant aisles and intersections. In one mode, the cart and payload can pivot about its own center making the cart versatile in the most demanding conditions.”

The cart has 8 load bearing wheels that spread the floor loads over a large area. The wheels are mounted to pivot joints that allow the wheels to follow the contour of the floor to eliminate uneven wheel loading. A remote battery charger are provided and an on board battery management system alerts the user when the batteries need a charge.

Atlas has engaged in the design and manufacturing of specialized products that have served Manufacturing for in excess of 50 years.

Published by elysium48436 in News, Press Releases

Tags: Die Cart, Heavy Load Cart, Trackless Cart, Trackless Transport Cart

September 7, 2022

Inductive Powered Heavy Load Transport Cart

Atlas Technologies, a division of Stonebridge Technical Enterprises, Ltd. announced today it has been awarded an order for an 80 US ton capacity, track mounted transport cart. This Order from a Major Automotive OEM is one of many track mounted cart that have been provided to automotive customers. This order is unique in that the cart employs a power system that provides significant operational advantages.

“During our 50+ years of providing high load rated transport carts, we found that customers wanted to avoid power being routed across or under the floor”, explains Bill Rogner with Atlas’s applications Dept. “We first addressed this concern by offering and providing battery powered carts. These carts eliminated the exposed floor routing of the power lines. We also learned over time, that some customers had difficulty in establishing battery maintenance and charging procedures. This latest order contains Atlas Third Generation of Track Mounted Cart design utilizing an Inductive Power System.”

The inductive power system utilizes a main panel that is located near the tracks. This Panel converts 480VAC to 600VDC PWM current. The current flows through conductors that are installed beneath the surface of the floor when the tracks are installed. The conductors are not exposed when the installation is complete. “Pickup(s)” are mounted to the underside of the cart. The Pickups draw power from the in-floor conductors and provide power to the cart mounted panel and floor drive.

Benefits of using Inductive power on Transport carts include:

Eliminates Power cables in Troughs, Cable Reels, or Catrack.
Eliminates the need for battery maintenance
Eliminates the need for battery charging completely
Eliminates the need to dispose of Lead Acid or other batteries.

Atlas Technologies has engaged in the design and manufacturing of specialized products that have served Manufacturing for in excess of 50 years.

Published by elysium48436 in News, Press Releases

Tags: Die Cart, Heavy Load Cart, Transport Cart

February 22, 2021

Blanking Line Upgrade

Press Release: February 2021

Atlas Technologies, a division of Stonebridge Technical Enterprises, Ltd. announced today it has been awarded a project from a Major North American Automobile Manufacture to upgrade a blanking line in one of its North American Plants.

“The upgrade order contains a high speed dual station overhead belt style blank stacker, new pallet and stack handling equipment, and new stacker controls. Proven Atlas product designs will be used to complete this order,” stated David Hense, President of Atlas Technologies. “This order, along with others we have received recently, assures a healthy level of business for Atlas.”

“Integration is the key to a successful launch of this project.” explains Bill Rogner, Sales and Applications consultant for Atlas. “We are required to interlock with existing equipment and the line supervisor control system. Our Sister company, Stonebridge Technical Services will play an important role in strengthening our Controls Engineering expertise for this project.”

Atlas has engaged in the design and manufacturing of specialized products that have service Manufacturing for in excess of 50 years.

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February 4, 2021

Special Design and Build is Atlas’ Business!

Press Release: February 2021

Atlas Technologies, a division of Stonebridge Technical Enterprises, Ltd. announced today it has been awarded a highly customized, heavy pay load material handling system for a United States based customer. The handling system will aid the end user by moving materials weighing up to 30 US tons, through a series of non-synchronized processes. The system is scheduled for shipment later this summer and will be installed shortly thereafter.

“The system contains transfer cart technology and deals with heavy loads. These requirements match perfectly with Atlas’ core strengths and engineering know how”, states Dave Hense, the President of Atlas Technologies. “We are excited about this order and the opportunities it represents.”

“Our client came to us with a rough concept for a “design to order” material handling system with special requirements to meet the objective of their processes.” explains Bill Rogner, Sales and Applications consultant for Atlas. “We engaged with our client’s design team during a Preliminary Design and Feasibility Study which helped answer many technical questions regarding the design and performance of the equipment. We also identified the impact the system would have on the facility. This allowed our client to develop an all-inclusive schedule and budget for his project prior to ordering the equipment”.

Atlas has engaged in the design and manufacturing of specialized products that have service Manufacturing for in excess of 50 years.

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February 4, 2021

In Loving Memory of Hal Potts

Atlas morns the lose of long time friend and employee Hal Potts. Loved and respected by all, Hal came to Atlas in 1988 and quickly proved himself as and one of the most ethical and hard-working men in the business. His career with Atlas brought domestic and international sales, business relationships, and high profile projects that helped shape the company. We’re greatly saddened to lose him.

Harold (Hal) M. Potts, born May 25, 1948, passed away on January 6, 2021 at the age of 72 from a short but valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Valarie; 2 children, Lisa Lopresto and Mike (Diana); 4 grandchildren; sister, Dawn (Dave) Kapral and brother, Daniel, who predeceased him; and many nieces and nephews.

Hal had a long career in industrial engineering and sales and was still employed by Atlas Technologies.

Ever the conscientious employee, Hal's real passion was boating. Hr became a licensed Captain and was happiest when he was on the water. He an Val had boat at the Detroit Yacht Club for many years, then at Toledo Beach.

Hal also loved to travel and was fortune to have traveled extensively over the past 40 years both for business and pleasure. His favorite trips by far were the many times when he and Val cruised the British Virgin Islands with friends and he was the Captain of their charter boat.

Eight years ago Hal became a licensed minister and performed many marriage services for family and friends. The ceremonies were very meaningful, including Hal's personal and loving comments.

Hal was a Master Mason since 1983 and a member of the Soujourners Lodge in Detroit.

Per his wishes, no funeral services were held. Instead he would like his friends and family to have a drink in his honor and share happy memories.

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February 4, 2021

Atlas Awarded Trackless Transport Cart Order

Press Release: July 2020

Atlas Technologies, a division of Stonebridge Technical Enterprises, Ltd. announced today it has been awarded an order for a 60 Metric ton capacity, trackless transport cart. This will be the fourth cart of this nature that we have provided to Automotive OEMs. This cart design is used to move heavy sheet metal dies and plastic molds to and from areas inside the plant where the tools are stored, repaired, or put into production. These carts reduce the need for overhead cranes, particularly long travels through congested areas in the plant.

“These carts utilize coordinated steering and drive speed algorithms that minimize drag and optimize drive efficiency,” states Dave Hense, President of Atlas. “The wheel drive and steering systems are all electric and are powered using available 48 Volt Batteries. There are several steering modes which gives these carts an amazing agility, considering the size of the payload. Articulated steering provides tight turn radii to navigating plant aisles and intersections. In one mode, the cart and payload can pivot about its own center making the cart versatile in the most demanding conditions.”

The cart has 8 load bearing wheels that spread the floor loads over a large area. The wheels are mounted to pivot joints that allow the wheels to follow the contour of the floor to eliminate uneven wheel loading. A remote battery charger are provided and an on board battery management system alerts the user when the batteries need a charge.

Atlas has engaged in the design and manufacturing of specialized products that have service Manufacturing for in excess of 50 years.

Published by elysium48436 in News, Press Releases

December 10, 2020

June 15, 2020

1965 saw the start-up of a company located, oddly enough, in Atlas Michigan. The company was dedicated to providing new concepts in automation and parts handling with a focus on the pressroom. During the early stages the concept of press room automation was developed and it is still used extensively around the world today.

Well, times have changed and technology has leaped forward, leading to advancements in all disciplines of the automation field.

Atlas Technologies, as we’ve been known now for more than 25 years, has once again made a giant move in keeping ahead of the times by aligning ourselves with Stonebridge Technical Enterprises, Ltd. and the Stonebridge Technical Services Division located in Fenton MI.

Since 1995 Stonebridge’s focus has been to provide the most up to date engineering and technical support services in the automation machinery field. This new alliance will afford both Stonebridge and Atlas the ability to draw from our combined expertise of over 50 years’ experience. Atlas will operate here forward as a division of Stonebridge Technical Enterprises, Ltd.

Atlas is committed to continue to service our customers with our core product base, and using Stonebridge engineering expertise will allow both companies to continue to grow in providing the best products and services possible.

Our name, contact information, phone contact, email, and web address will remain constant. We look forward to the exciting times that this new chapter affords us.

Atlas main office phone: 810-629-6663

Atlas website: www.atlastechnologies.com

Equipment Sales: Hal Potts, 810-714-2149 (direct)

Sales Representative: Dave Kuch, 810-714-2115 (direct)

Spare Parts, Service: Raelynn Prime, 810-714-2116 (direct)

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