PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, MAY 27, 2020 – The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) received funding from the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) to develop an Intelligent Flexible Manufacturing Cell, in 2019. Today, CCAM is pleased to announce Simplimatic Automation has joined HURCO, Mitutoyo, and Cisco as a partner on the testbed project.

Simplimatic Automation, headquartered in Forest, Virginia, develops smart and simple solutions that help solve the complex challenges faced in modern manufacturing. Simplimatic Automation offers conveyor systems, robotics, and custom factory automation to a variety of manufacturing, assembly, and packaging operations worldwide.

The Intelligent Flexible Manufacturing Cell concept is being built to advance communications standards for manufacturing cells. Simplimatic Automation will support the project by providing robotic materials movement equipment, enclosure fabrications, related software, and integration services.

“We are proud to have Simplimatic join us for this important project. The cyber-physical testbed will enable industry partners, standards organizations, and government partners to develop, test, and demonstrate new technologies, prove functional concepts, and test use cases that relate to flexible and distributed manufacturing processes,” said CCAM Intelligent Factory Research Manager, Dr. Tim Bakker.

“Simplimatic is excited to play a role in the CCAM laboratory. We are always interested in supporting efforts for domestic production,” said Simplimatic Automation, Director of Project Management, Stan Earley.

The three-year project milestones are regularly updated on the CCAM website.

About Simplimatic Automation

Simplimatic Automation provides industry-leading manufacturing, design, and automation solutions to the electronics, packaging, assembly, personal care, medical device, and laboratory automation industries. We are a Tier 4 Fanuc integrator. Our innovative technologies and proven expertise help manufacturers maximize productivity, reliability, and profitability.

Simplimatic is committed to developing smart and simple solutions that help solve the complex challenges faced in modern manufacturing, assembly, and packaging.

Simplimatic Automation is headquartered at 1046 W. London Park Drive, Forest, VA 24551, with an additional manufacturing facility in Rustburg, VA. Simplimatic also has engineering, sales, and service teams located in: Richmond, VA; Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas.; as well as Monterrey, Mexico; Chengdu, China; HCMC, Vietnam; Penang, Malaysia; Kulim, Malaysia. For more information, please call: 800-294-2003 or visit our website: www.simplimatic.com. Also, connect with us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Simplimatic Automation is currently producing equipment that will manufacture and transport microchips that will be used in ventilators in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

About CCAM

CCAM’s mission is to solve advanced manufacturing challenges. CCAM provides a resourceful and IP-friendly collaborative environment to create solutions for complex advanced manufacturing challenges. CCAM is the center of an ecosystem where academia, government, and industry partner together to create real economic value. CCAM plays an active role in the development of the most talented manufacturing workforce providing a substantial and diverse educational pathway. CCAM is located in a state-of-the-art research facility in Prince George County, Virginia. For more information, visit: www.CCAM-VA.com

Media Contact

CCAM: Betsey Odell (804) 722-3744

Simplimatic Automation: Lee Crawford (434) 385-9181 #1025

Forest, VA, April 17, 2020 – Simplimatic Automation has received a large order to provide automation for a production line that will manufacture components used within ventilators. One of Simplimatic Automation’s long-term customers received a large order from a leading health technology company. This particular company manufactures ventilators among other medical technology and is trying to keep up with the increased ventilator demand across the United States due to the COVID – 19 global pandemic. Mechanical ventilator systems are classified as life-critical systems and used for patients who are having trouble breathing or are not able to breathe on their own.

“Simplimatic is proud to be a small part of the solution in combating COVID – 19 in the United States” Tom DiNardo, Company President & CEO, said. “It is our hope that this automation line will help the end-user increase the production of ventilators which will, in turn, save lives.”

About Simplimatic Automation
Simplimatic Automation provides industry-leading manufacturing, design, and automation solutions to the electronics, packaging, assembly, personal care, medical device, and laboratory automation industries. We are a Tier 4 Fanuc integrator. Our innovative technologies and proven expertise help manufacturers maximize productivity, reliability, and profitability.

Simplimatic is committed to developing smart and simple solutions that help solve the complex challenges faced in modern manufacturing, assembly, and packaging.

Simplimatic Automation is headquartered at 1046 W. London Park Drive, Forest, VA 24551, with an additional manufacturing facility in Rustburg, VA. Simplimatic also has engineering, sales, and service teams located in: Richmond, VA; Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas.; as well as Monterrey, Mexico; Chengdu, China; HCMC, Vietnam; Penang, Malaysia; Kulim, Malaysia. For more information, please call: 800-294-2003 or visit our website: www.simplimatic.com. Also, connect with us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Simplimatic Automation PR contacts:
Lee Crawford
Marketing Manager
Simplimatic Automation
T: 434-841-6813
E: Lee.Crawford@simplimatic.com

Simplimatic Automation is proud to announce it is offering a new system financing program powered by Global Finance Group (GFG). This program provides Simplimatic customers with the ability to quickly finance new system purchases between $20,000 – $250,000 with no financial review. All offers are contingent on credit approval.

This financing program is designed to promote rapid growth for customers by providing flexible payment terms including no money down, no payments for 90 days, and payment schedules ranging from 1 – 10 years.

Other financing options are available directly from Global Finance Group (GFG) including structured financing up to $50 million USD, and Fair Market Value (FMV) leasing of capital equipment systems.

For additional information on this new financing program, please visit the Simplimatic System Financing page, or visit Global Finance Group to estimate terms.

College graduation season has arrived, and Simplimatic Automation is working diligently to recruit the best and brightest of new engineering talent. With demand for custom automation and robotics on the rise, Simplimatic Automation is investing in the next generation of engineers to develop their skillset and support our talented engineering veterans.

The process of recruiting and developing new engineering talent is vital for companies like Simplimatic Automation, and will only increase in importance as demand for engineering resources; both locally and nationally, continues to surge upward. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics demand for both electrical and mechanical engineering resources is expected to increase by 2 percent annually for the next decade as manufacturing continues to add automation technology.

“College recruiting is an important part of building a robust Engineering department,” Jason Detwiler, Simplimatic Vice President of Engineering, said. “Engineering students who come to Simplimatic as interns get a leg up because they get direct, hands-on exposure to every aspect of delivering engineered solutions to customers.  Simplimatic gives them an excellent, well-rounded experience to tout on their resumes.”

Simplimatic Automation works actively with engineering schools throughout Virginia and across the east coast of the United States to recruit electrical, mechanical, software, and controls engineers. Most recent graduates start their careers with Simplimatic as paid interns during the months preceding or immediately following graduation. Engineering interns get a unique inside look on how automation companies like Simplimatic operate and can use that knowledge to make long-term decisions about a future career.

Simplimatic is committed to delivering the best in material handling and robotic automation for our customers around the globe. The best method to ensuring this continues to happen is by maintaining an industry-leading team of engineering talent. Simplimatic is thankful to have engineering veterans and newcomers working together to help keep manufacturing smart and simple.

Please contact Simplimatic using the contact form below for additional information on our internship and recruiting efforts.

The Simplimatic team is preparing to demonstrate their robotic automation products at the upcoming Semicon West tradeshow July 10th – 12th. The event will feature several hundred exhibitors, like Simplimatic, who will be demonstrating to visitors the latest technological advances for back-end processes in the microelectronics, solar, and semiconductor industries.

Simplimatic has been serving customers in the semiconductor industry for more than 30 years. In that time, Simplimatic has built a reputation as the industry leader in moving PCBs, JEDEC trays, AUER boats, flexible media, magazines, and other goods related to electronics production. Simplimatic’s line of Cimtrak® board handling products and FANUC® Robotic Automation systems are most commonly used during many back-end assembly, testing, and packaging processes.

During the Semicon West show, Simplimatic will be demonstrating the brand new Fanuc® Sr3-iA SCARA robot housed in a Simplimatic® Robotic Assembly Cell. This modular production cell can easily be expanded to automate the many multi-step and repetitive manual processes performed during assembly and testing. At the show, this cell will be providing a “sweet” surprise to show attendees.

“This FANUC® SCARA display is going to be pretty impressive,” Kevin Welsch, Simplimatic Marketing Director, said. “The display is sure to have a lot of manufacturers thinking about how they can automate many of their manual production processes.”

You can see Simplimatic and the Fanuc® SR3-iA on display in the Moscone Center South Hall – booth #1723. Simplimatic will be on-site July 10th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 11th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and July 12th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, or to set up a private meeting with the team at the show, please contact the Simplimatic Sales team today.

‘Twas the weekend before Christmas, when all through the shop
every employee was busy, with orders that had dropped;

A pile of PO’s ready to be assembled with care,
to maximize ROI for those with little budget to spare.

Bright yellow robots lined the gleaming shop floor,
poised to be integrated in ways seen never before.

With the bang of a hammer and the twist of a wrench,
the assemblers worked magic with only plans and a bench.

As the last shift clocked out with newly-made freight in their crate,
shipping trucks were scheduled shortly after the break;

With the last project done, the foreman turned off the lights,
shouting “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

On Behalf of the entire Simplimatic Team, Merry Christmas!

Over the last several months, Simplimatic has seen tremendous sales growth within our line of Cimtrak® material handling and custom automation systems. This growth correlates with manufacturing’s continual drive to reduce production cost and Simplimatic’s ability to design, manufacture, and integrate custom automation solutions that do just that.

Simplimatic Automation has made three key additions to our Project Management and Sales teams in Q4 of 2017 in order to continue providing great service and support.

The month of haunted houses, pumpkins, scary movies, and trick-or-treating is upon us, but let’s turn on the lights at your manufacturing facility and dispel frights that are common to electronics material handling and automation for printed circuit board production.

If you’re ready to leave the fright behind and enjoy an improved production line using Simplimatic’s Cimtrak® electronics products, contact Simplimatic using the form below. Wake up from the nightmare that is PCB manufacturing without Simplimatic, and get back to the finer things of this season, like pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin-flavored cookies, pumpkin donuts, and of course, trick or treating (for pumpkin-flavored candy, obviously).

Simplimatic Automation, a leader in material handling and automation, recently programmed and integrated a palletizing FANUC© M-710iC/50H robot able to stack 20 cases per minute for a personal healthcare company.

The vibrant yellow robot features five axes and a 110 lb (50 kg) payload capacity enabling it to easily and quickly maneuver within its protective caging. The palletizing robot is fed a steady stream of 11 lb (5 kg) boxes by the customer’s conveyor which is fitted with Simplimatic’s custom box guide featuring case clamps to ensure proper positioning on the line. This guide is designed to fit the customer’s current manufacturing line and accelerate the customer’s ability to integrate the system smoothly into their facility.

The robot was programmed using the FANUC© ROBOGUIDE – Pallet Tool Turbo, allowing Simplimatic’s engineers to program precise case patterns, along with an impressive amount of error recovery off-line. The robot is able to quickly return to normal programming after more than 20 different error scenarios such as e-stop, dropped case, light curtain fault, wrong case count, lost vacuum, etc.

“In every instance, the robot started back up and continued on from where it left off based on the inputs from the operator,” Allen Bancroft, Senior Project Manager of Custom Automation, said. “I cannot say enough that this level of diagnostic information and error recovery is something Simplimatic should be extremely proud to have as part of our systems.”

Using the FANUC© ROBOGUIDE – Pallet Tool Turbo, Simplimatic programmed the system to easily adapt to any additional stacking patterns or changes the customer may desire after in-house installation.

“This robot really puts our customer in the driver’s seat,” Bancroft said. “Suddenly this massive machine is responding to them quickly with just the touch of a button and really streamlining their manufacturing process. They are thrilled that a taxing manufacturing process is now automated in a very reliable manner.”

The palletizing robot is an ideal addition to the Simplimatic line of custom automation equipment which allows businesses in a large range of factory environments to smoothly automate repetitive tasks. Simplimatic often provides conveyors and automation for mid-stream operations, but this system marked a successful expansion of Simplimatic’s custom automation equipment into downstream manufacturing processes.

“We’re very proud to add this robotic solution to our line of standard products,” Kevin Welsch, Simplimatic Marketing Manager, said. “We’ve been integrating FANUC© robots for years and it’s exciting to see us expand into palletizing applications.”

As the number of leads and sales continue to rise for Simplimatic Automation in Latin America, Simplimatic Automation, is pleased to announce the hire of Alex de Mucha as a sales senior account manager. Alex has more than six years of sales experience within the robotic and custom automation fields.

Alex will be staffing a sales office located in Monterrey, Mexico, and will support the Simplimatic sales effort throughout Mexico, South America, and at select accounts within the United States.

“We’re very excited to add Alex to the team,” Marketing Manager, Kevin Welsch, said. “His hire marks the start of major Simplimatic expansion into Latin American manufacturing, packaging, and assembly markets.”

In the few weeks since his hire, Alex has already had a chance to show off his skills at the most comprehensive packaging tradeshow in the U.S., Pack Expo Las Vegas.

“The trade show was extremely successful for us,” de Mucha said. “It was a great opportunity to show current and potential customers the diversity of products Simplimatic offers to companies across many different industries.”

During the show, Alex and other members of the Simplimatic Automation sales team met with several hundred prospective customers including several large accounts located in the country that he calls home.

“I had the chance to meet with many potential customers at the show, and I’m excited to help grow the Simplimatic installation base here in Mexico,” de Mucha said.

For additional information on this press release or the products and services that Simplimatic Automation provides, please fill out the form below.

The Simplimatic team is headed to Pack Expo, North America’s largest packaging trade show, in Las Vegas, September 25-27, and we can’t wait to show you what we’re bringing to booth #5003! In the land of wax museums, infamous casinos, and flashing lights, we know the draw to our futuristic advancements in packaging automation will fit right in. There are plenty of reasons to visit Las Vegas, Nevada, but we’re going to give you our top five reasons why we think you should stop by our Pack Expo booth while you are in town.

The Simplimatic team is preparing to demonstrate their trusted electronic handling and automation products at the upcoming Surface Mount Technologies Association International (SMTAi) tradeshow September 19-20. The event will feature more than 180 exhibitors, like Simplimatic, who will be demonstrating to visitors access to the latest technological advances in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing.

Simplimatic has been serving customers in the surface mount electronics industry for more than 30 years. In that time, Simplimatic has built a reputation as the industry leader in moving PCBs, ceramic and metal substrates, flexible media, magazines, and other goods related to the surface mount industry. Simplimatic’s line of Cimtrak® board handling products are most commonly used during the many phases of surface mount assembly, testing, and packaging.

During the SMTAi show, Simplimatic will be demonstrating a Cimtrak® Laser Marker with an integrated board inverter. This inline, multiple-axis laser marking system allows companies to permanently etch non-metallic surfaces with a high degree of speed and precision. The integrated inverter also allows the customer the ability to mark multiple sides without the need for external board inverting equipment.

The system has a fully integrated Keyence® Hybrid laser that is capable of 1D and 2D marks, bar codes, logos or images, as well as plain text anywhere within the 18″ x 20″ marking envelope. This machine is also equipped with an internal gantry to move the head to accommodate large and oddly-shaped printed circuit boards. “Our multiple-axis laser marker is a great selling product in the surface mount industry, and we’re excited to show off its capabilities,” Kevin Welsch, Simplimatic Marketing Manager, said.

With thousands of Cimtrak® systems installed at dozes of Fortune® 500 companies around the globe, Simplimatic has the experience and know-how to keep your SMT line simple and smart.

You can see Simplimatic and the Cimtrak® Laser Marker on display in booth #907, September 19th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and September 20th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, or to setup a private meeting with the team at the show, please contact the Simplimatic Sales team today.

This month, several members of the Simplimatic Automation team went to California to represent the company at the annual IPC APEX trade show. The event allowed the team to demonstrate Simplimatic’s newest automation and material handling equipment, make connections with customers, and reconnect with company representatives.

Simplimatic’s show booth displayed a large variety of equipment to serve the electronics industry such as an automated robotics assembly line, laser marking and board traceability system, and a Cimtrak® PCB material handling line.

Simplimatic’s robotics lines included two FANUC robots and a Universal Robot working together to simulate heat sink placement, box building, and product disassembly. The robots demonstrated a few ways to utilize custom robotic automation within the electronics industry. The system also featured custom controls, accessories, and custom end-of-arm-tooling for the robots. “When hearing how Simplimatic is able to design, engineer, and integrate custom systems the visitors often recognized an application within their own facility,” Kevin Welsch, Simplimatic Marketing Manager, said.

Along with the robotics system, Simplimatic’s Cimtrak® edge belt equipment caught the eye of many of Simplimatic’s current customers who commented on the extreme reliability and durability of their current systems.

The Cimtrak® material handling line included:

• Cimtrak® Vacuum Board Loader
• Cimtrak® Edge Belt Conveyor
• Cimtrak® Board Inverter
• Cimtrak® Workstation Conveyor
• Cimtrak® FIFO Buffer
• Cimtrak® Compact Magazine Loader

In addition, Simplimatic also demonstrated PCB marking using a Keyence® Hybrid Laser and board traceability using a Microscan® Vision.

The laser marking cell included:

• Cimtrak® Edge Belt Conveyor
• Cimtrak® Hybrid Laser Marker
• Cimtrak® Panel Scan

Both Cimtrak® lines gained a large amount of attention and customers often visited the booth seeking to update or further outfit their lines with the trusted systems on display.

“It is definitely encouraging when current customers tell us how much they appreciate the equipment and how they are looking to purchase more,” Welsch said.

During their time in California, the Simplimatic team was also able to meet with company representatives to discuss future sales goals. During this meeting, an award for Rep of the Year was presented to BarTron, Inc., Simplimatic’s rep located in the Midwest covering Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

“Simplimatic’s support of our customers is second to none,” Bob Papp, President and Owner of BarTron, Inc., said. “Simplimatic is a valued partner of BarTron.”

This year’s IPC APEX offered the chance to gain attention with the newest Simplimatic robotic systems, demonstrate material handling and automation equipment, connect with current and future customers, as well as foster relationships with Simplimatic’s growing representative network. The team’s trip to IPC APEX was a huge success and they look forward to the next opportunity to demonstrate their manufacturing systems which are designed to help companies across the globe Keep it Smart, Keep it Simple.™

Simplimatic Automation, a leader in material handling and automation, is preparing to demonstrate their trusted electronics equipment and robotics during the upcoming IPC APEX at booth 2123 at the San Diego Convention Center in California, February 14-16.

IPC APEX is a five-day event where professionals from across the globe participate in a technical conference; exhibition; and professional development, standards development, and certification programs. At this year’s event, Simplimatic will be demonstrating three demo cells which include a Cimtrak® SMT Board Handling Line, a Cimtrak® Laser Marking Cell, and a robotics line featuring a FANUC M-1iA, a FANUC LR Mate 200iD, and a Universal Robot (UR3).

 Simplimatic’s line of Cimtrak conveyor and automation products are world-renowned for their reliability and have a long history of moving printed circuit boards (PCBs), ceramic and metal substrates, flexible media, JEDEC trays, and other carriers since their debut in 1988. These products have an average service life of over 15 years and are in use by hundreds of SMT manufacturers around the globe.

 In addition to conveying products, Simplimatic specializes in the integration of robotics and automation equipment to automate repetitive, unsafe, or monotonous manual tasks for the electronics industry. Simplimatic is a registered integrator for FANUC, other robotic manufacturers, and works to pair customers’ production needs with a robot featuring the payload, reach, repeatability, and speed to accomplish the task reliably.

 At the show, Simplimatic’s Simpli-Flex® HD Tabletop Conveyor will transport a Raspberry Pi computer between robotic assembly processes. During the robotics demo, the Raspberry Pi PCB will first stop at a FANUC M-1iA that will place odd-form heat sinks on the device. After placement, a FANUC LR Mate 200iD will then carefully pick up the PCB, place it in a plastic case, and close the PCB enclosure to demonstrate electronics box building. Finally, at the end of the line, the UR3 will quickly remove the plastic enclosure, remove the heat sinks, and replace all the individual components to their original position on the conveyor pallet to allow the assembly cycle to begin again.

 “This robotic line will be a great way to show the versatility of robotics for the electronics industry,” Kevin Welsch, Simplimatic Marketing Manager, said. “Our robotic demo, coupled with our other Cimtrak® conveyor will be a sweet display of our capabilities for electronic manufacturers.”

 Typical robotic applications within the electronics industry include picking and placing, box building, inspection, and sorting. Simplimatic’s engineers can program any robot with a large variety of custom features, such as many error recovery scenarios, to ensure smooth integration and reliable operation within customers’ facilities around the world.

 At this year’s IPC APEX show, the Simplimatic team is looking forward to displaying their trusted material handling solutions for the electronics industry, paired with innovative robotics and automation equipment geared to ensure the efficiency and high throughput of any electronics production line.

Simplimatic Automation, a worldwide manufacturer and integrator of material handling and automation equipment, is working on the fifth system for the world’s leading provider of satellite-supplied broadband services. Thus far, Simplimatic has delivered and installed four automation systems that flawlessly integrate FANUC robotics, Simplimatic conveyor, and custom automation.

These robotic lines manufacture Outdoor Unit (ODU) and Indoor Unit (IDU) receivers which enable dependable satellite communications for homes and businesses around the globe. The lines successfully automate complicated and repetitive tasks previously performed by hand and have helped to achieve quality consistency and increased manufacturing throughput.

The fifth system, an IDU kitting cell, includes flat belt conveyors, a pallet destacker, hoppers for parts, and a FANUC LR Mate 200iD equipped with a Fanuc iRVision system.

The cell begins with an operator filling the three-basin hopper with an Ethernet cord, a power cord, and a DC power supply. The components then travel under the FANUC robot which is mounted to the top of the kitting cell. Using the iRvision system, the robot quickly detects each element and matches it with a diagrammed cardboard base placed on the conveyor from the pallet destacker. The three-component packs then travel along flat belt conveyor for shrink wrapping and packaging.

“Our customer is really excited with what we’ve created for them,” Project Manager, Paul McKinney, said. “We have been able to add an entirely new level of automation for them.”

These systems are a perfect showcase for Simplimatic’s high-quality engineering services, precise assembly practices, and dedicated integration and support. This multi-faceted level of support has ensured this company, along with many others, will return to Simplimatic time and time again for their material handling, automation, and robotics manufacturing and integration needs.

For every customer, Simplimatic designs, manufactures and integrates each system to achieve customers’ unique production needs. Even after integration, upgrades or questions are always a phone call away with Simplimatic’s 24/7 emergency phone support.

If your company is interested in creating a custom production line with Simplimatic’s expert engineering services, call our experienced staff of production managers and engineers at 800.294.2003.

For many decades Simplimatic Automation, a leading manufacturer and integrator of material handling and automation systems, has been providing the optical industry with efficient conveyor and optical tray handling systems.

Simplimatic’s line of Optitrak® and Simpli-Flex® material handling products help optical manufacturers simplify complex manufacturing challenges. To help customers remain on the cutting edge, Simplimatic has expanded its robotic automation products to serve customers in the optical industry.

The new Simplimatic® Lens Handling System was developed to automate order picking and placing for large volume optical operations. This robotic system can accommodate over 600 different SKUs (9000 lenses) and can pull product at a rate of over 420 pieces per hour. Simplimatic is a registered FANUC integrator and chose a six-axis FANUC LR Mate 200iD for this system. The LR Mate 200iD features the reach and repeatability to easily access the trays of lenses which are resting on slanted, gravity-fed shelves. The robot’s sensors rapidly read the tray’s SKUs, pick the correct tray, and place the product on nearby conveyor.

This automated system is paired with Simplimatic’s rugged Simpli-Flex® Tabletop Conveyor to provide simple line scalability to accommodate production changes. After picking, the trays are conveyed to an Optitrak™ Tray Stacker unit which is designed to stack the pulled trays for offline processing.
To ensure each piece of equipment functions as a unit the Simplimatic team used the highest-quality custom controls and system programming to seamlessly engineer the system to pick and deliver the lenses without marring. In addition, Simplimatic’s robotics are integrated with many custom error-recovery scenarios, allowing the robot to automatically restart operations after a number of possible manufacturing faults to prevent line downtime and increase throughput simultaneously.

This smart and simple Lens Handling System serves as another example of Simplimatic’s innovative solution to maximize customers’ line production, increase line reliability, and minimize worker error. The Simplimatic® Lens Handling System is planned to be integrated within the customer’s facility early 2017.

A team of Simplimatic employees recently returned from the largest packaging and processing trade show of the year, Pack Expo. At the show Simplimatic demonstrated Simplimatic® Beverage Conveyor; Simpli-Flex® modular conveyor; pucks from sister company, Advantage Puck® (APT); robotic puck handling; and a custom robotic palletizing system.

One of the products displayed at the show was Simplimatic® Beverage Conveyor. Simplimatic’s non-modular, stainless steel beverage conveyor systems are high-strength, high-speed, and easy-to-clean conveyor which has been industry standard well before the advent of the conventional extruded aluminum beam.  The system at Pack Expo conveyed a variety of canned beverages which were being singulated and recombined in a loop using Simplimatic’s non-modular, stainless steel mat-top components.

At the show Simplimatic also displayed a conveyor and robotic automation line to convey and handle brightly-colored, custom pucks from APT. The line also incorporated a Universal Robot (UR5) which was carefully picking a product from a puck based on color, rotating the product for inspection using a Cognex vision system, then replacing the product. Further in the line a FANUC LR Mate 200iD was removing products from pucks, then loading and unloading them from boxes to demonstrate automated case packing.

Simplimatic is a registered integrator for FANUC robotics. Simplimatic’s expert engineers match companies with a robot with the correct payload, repeatability, speed, and service life to accomplish tasks such as:

• Palletizing
• Picking and placing
• Cutting and adhering
• Driving screws
• Sorting
• And Much More

Simplimatic engineers often program robotics to provide custom manufacturing solutions to solve complex production problems. One example of Simplimatic’s custom solutions was displayed at Pack Expo with the FANUC M-410iB/140H palletizing robot equipped with Simplimatic’s custom end-of-arm tooling (EOAT).

The EOAT was carefully programmed to easily and reliably pick up more than 6 different products of assorted sizes, shapes, and weights. The custom EOAT used dual gripper heads (controlled with two servomotors) equipped with strong, yet flexible fingers to hold products. The heavy-duty, slim fingers worked in conjunction with extendable suction cups to place a slip sheet on an empty pallet then rapidly adjust to pick up the variably-sized products. Torque sensors allowed the robot to move rigid items such as boxes of beverages then rapidly adjust the grip force for more pliable items such as toilet tissue.

“The palletizing robot was a big hit at the show because it demonstrated how Simplimatic’s robotics are highly-customized, reliable, and flexible solutions to solve a large variety of production problems,” Kevin Welsch, Simplimatic Marketing Manager, said.

Simplimatic provides conveyor systems, robotics, and custom factory automation to a variety of manufacturing, assembly, and packaging operations worldwide. Simplimatic’s headquarters is located in Forest, VA with many sales and service locations across the globe to provide service and on-time delivery to any customer location.

As sales continue to grow and prospective leads pour in, Simplimatic Automation is proud to welcome Shawn Semer as vice president of packaging sales to aid in further promoting the company’s rapid sales growth and development.

Simplimatic specializes in the design, manufacture, and integration of material handling and robotic automation systems serving a variety of industries across the globe. Simplimatic is dedicated to the hire of individuals who diligently promote the company’s high business standards.

“Over the last few months I have had the opportunity to meet with many great companies but Simplimatic stood above all,” Semer said. “I find managements desire and approach to growth refreshing and well aligned with my personal beliefs.”

Shawn received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Goshen College and more than 20 years of sales, engineering and project management experience within the areas of packaging, palletizing, and robotics. He has held several influential roles in positions such as mechanical engineer, national account manager, sales manager, and VP of sales.

Shawn’s responsibilities include increasing sales close rates through collaborative selling between Simplimatic’s sales team and customers, increasing Simplimatic’s presence within the palletizing market, assisting the sales team with all robotic applications, and supporting the overall growth and success of the company.

“I am here because I believe strongly in the products you have designed and, more importantly, the people responsible for all aspects of the process,” Semer said. “I am very excited about aiding the company as they continually focus on the right industries, products, and projects to foster long-term success and continual expansion.”

Simplimatic proudly announces their new modular 20-lane pill dispending bed for pharmaceutical fulfillment. This RFID-controlled system provides turn-key material handling for puck-based vial filling. This system is exponentially scalable and is easily integrated into existing filling lines. Simplimatic’s Pill Dispenser Bed is compatible with Simpli-Flex™ and Simpli-Mat™ conveyors and other competitive side-flexing chains.

For additional information please visit the Simplimatic product page or contact us.

The Bionic Eagles, Altavista High School’s First® Robotics team has just qualified for the world championship in St. Louis, Missouri April 27-30, 2016. The team ranked 6th out of 105 teams throughout Virginia, DC and Maryland and qualified for the world championship by points during the district championship at the University of Maryland this past weekend.

The team was tasked with designing and building a 120lb robot in six weeks that could pick up and launch soccer ball “boulders” at a competitors fortifications. Less than 10 percent of all teams are eligible to compete at the championship level and this is the first time the Altavista team has qualified.

“The kids on this team are fantastic,” James Brown, Bionic Eagles, local engineering team mentor, said. “They are the best and brightest.”

The team has competed in three qualification rounds and three alliance selection rounds this year, with the following results:

In addition to this success, the team has won the Industrial Design Award from General Motors; the Excellence in Engineering Award from Delphi; and the Quality Award from the Motorola Solutions Foundation during the Chesapeake District Championships.

The team looks forward to what their simple and robust robot can accomplish at the upcoming World Championship.

“The atmosphere during eliminations is something unlike any engineering or science competition,” “This is an opportunity these kids will never forget.”

Simplimatic Automation is a proud sponsor of the Bionic Eagles, and other area teams participating in the First® Robotic and First® Lego League competitions.

“Sponsorship of this team really made great sense,” Simplimatic Marketing Manager, Kevin Welsch, said. “The Eagle’s tagline is ‘Made in America,’ and these students have a desire to see American’ made products performing competitively at the global level, just like the conveyors and robotics that Simplimatic manufactures right here in Central Virginia.”

According to Brown, the senior team members intend to pursue a future career in engineering.

“All of our seniors this year will be heading into technical careers, and plan to stay in Central Virginia,” Brown said. “I am certain that when these students graduate from college they are going to be coming back to the area and working, and eventually running, companies throughout the area.”

Simplimatic Automation, a global supplier of material handling and automation equipment, recently integrated a custom robotic cell for a customer in Denmark. The system includes three FANUC© robots, conveyor, and a completely customized 12-station indexing dial manufacturing system.

Simplimatic’s engineering team designed the rotating dial to perform 12 individual functions to fabricate an intricate medical device product. The system is designed to preheat and form a medical-grade plastic barrier and join a preformed 2-part seal, labeling the barrier with variable size options, and punching a mounting hole into the product. After mechanical assembly, a FANUC LR Mate 200iD robot removes the completed item from the dial and places it on a conveyor for final verification and packaging.

“The dial we created was a completely custom piece of equipment,” Waheed Chaudhry, VP of engineering, said. “Our customer identified a need within their facility and we designed the machine to create a solution to that problem, all while increasing their production speed.”

The system also incorporates vision, utilizing a SD Sony camera and an HD IP Basler camera positioned above a custom vacuum light table. Both cameras utilize FANUC© iRVision software which allows the cameras to locate the product, verify if the light table is clear, and ensure two barriers do not become stacked during production. The indexing dial, robots, conveyor, and vision systems work in tandem to satisfy exacting customer manufacturing requirements.

Simplimatic’s design was created to replace the customer’s manual processes and offers a wide range of production benefits. Using the autonomous system, the customer was able to double production throughput, increase consistent quality, and experience an expedient return on investment.

“It is very exciting to see these machines we’ve worked so hard to program come to life within a customer’s facility,” Klaus Wisskirchen, senior controls engineer, said. “The systems we create solve a complicated production line problem for our customers. It’s very rewarding.”

After shipment and integration, Simplimatic provides every customer across the globe with 24/7 emergency phone support and optional on-site service to ensure customer satisfaction for the life of the product.

Simplimatic Automation, a leader in material handling and automation is working together with Panasonic, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of electronics assembly equipment for surface mount technology (SMT), pin through hole (PTH) and microelectronics.

These two companies will be working together in the Panasonic Total Solutions Initiative that will debut during the upcoming IPC APEX Expo March 15-17. The initiative pairs Panasonic’s SMT assembly and bonding equipment with Simplimatic’s dual-lane, power width control (PWC) edge belt conveyor systems; aisle-way conveyor; and board buffering equipment. This equipment will work in conjunction with other automation machinery, to offer customers complete PCB assembly and processing lines.

“To have such an established and well-known player in the SMT industry promoting our products is huge,” Simplimatic Marketing Manager, Kevin Welsch, said. “We’re thrilled to be participating in this program. It’s exciting to know that our edge belt conveyor systems are perceived as being ‘industry best’ from another leader in SMT equipment.”

Through this initiative, Panasonic will offer customers a new level of integration which is unsurpassed within the industry. The Total Solutions program is designed to provide customers rapid integration and shipping to decrease overall lead time for new SMT lines. Panasonic knows through this initiative, customers will have products integrated correctly, prompt equipment arrival times, and support from companies like Simplimatic.

“All of our products are made in the USA and quality, as well as rapid shipping speed, is paramount to Panasonic,” Welsch said. “By teaming with Simplimatic, Panasonic customers will receive the highest quality material handling equipment, as well as fast and reliable customer support. All integration equipment will arrive on time and any necessary line changes and upgrades can be handled immediately. We want to do all we can to make automation a smooth process for companies. This initiative is our way of ensuring that smooth process.”

To gain customers’ attention with household products, companies often use containers that are eye-catching and oddly shaped to sell daily staples like shampoo and soap. Manufacturing these products often poses unique challenges because of the containers’ varying shapes and sizes. To solve the filling and handling problems these bottles pose, Simplimatic Automation offers a smart and simple solution through its complete line of custom product carriers and puck handling systems.

Custom injection molded carriers, or “pucks,” are used by many companies across a variety of industries. These pucks are used to closely hold and transport unstable products through the production process. They also function to standardize fill height of uniquely-shaped objects. With the use of pucks, companies are able to minimize costly and time-consuming line changeover while simultaneously increasing line speed, and throughput.

Simplimatic’s sister company, Advantage Puck Technologies (APT), is a full-service supplier of pucks to companies around the world. APT provides 3-D modeling and FDM prototyping coupled with fast and dependable customer service to supply companies with the highest quality custom-molded carriers.

Simplimatic manufactures a complete lineup of puck handling products which are designed to smoothly manage and control pucks before, during, and after manufacturing. These systems perform a variety of functions including smooth puck and product separation, accumulation, elevation and orientation changes, and product insertion.

Simplimatic Puck Handling Products Include:

• Simplimatic® Rotary Puck Inserter
• Simplimatic® Rotary Puck Remover
• Simplimatic® In-Line Puck Remover
• Simplimatic® In-Line Puck Inverter
• Simplimatic® Puck Line Loader
• Simplimatic® Puck Line Unloader
• Simplimatic® Puck Elevator
• Simplimatic® Gravity Lowerator
• Simplimatic® Puck Washer
• Simplimatic® Accumulation Table

Each Simplimatic product and system is designed, manufactured, and integrated to achieve each customer’s unique production needs. After integration, upgrades or questions are always a phone call away with Simplimatic’s 24/7 emergency phone support.

Simplimatic Automation, a leading supplier of material-handling systems, has acquired the Forest, Virginia-based Robotics integrator Dramco Machine Technologies (DMT). According to Simplimatic Automation CEO Tom DiNardo, “Dramco’s extensive robotics integration capability will significantly expand Simplimatic’s existing robotics program, and the addition will benefit the customers of both companies greatly.”

Dramco Machine Technologies manufactures a variety of automation and assembly systems for production manufacturing. DMT is most notably known for the design and integration of complex robotic solutions for the medical, automotive, pharmaceutical, and electronics industries. Both DMT and Simplimatic are authorized Fanuc Integrators.

“Dramco’s owners Don Maddox and Rick Bottoms have built a great company and their product offerings have always been well received by their customers,” says DiNardo. “Combined with Simplimatic’s knowledge and experience in the material handling industry, the potential for growth in robotic automation will be tremendous.”

The Dramco name will remain a product line, and all DMT employees will be relocated to Simplimatic’s new 60,000 ft2 Manufacturing facility in Bedford County, VA. Current DMT customers can expect the same great customer support, with additional products and services from Simplimatic Automation.

Terms of the sale are not being disclosed.

Simplimatic Automation is proud to welcome Sara Warrender as the newest member of their growing Marketing Department.

As Copy and Digital Content Developer, Sara will work to further the reach and recognition of the Simplimatic brand through developing and distributing pertinent, interesting, and SEO friendly information through a variety of media. Her primary tasks include development and maintenance of the Simplimatic website and constructing press releases, spec sheets, brochures, and catalogs.

Sara is a Lynchburg native and a senior at Liberty University, majoring in Communications Studies. She has gained experience working with Liberty’s Marketing Department and writing freelance for several local magazines. Sara looks forward to pairing her knowledge with the trusted Simplimatic brand to further the reach of the company through effective marketing techniques.

LYNCHBURG, VA, September 9, 2014 – Simplimatic Automation, LLC, a leading material handling and automation integrator, has announced it is now a member of FANUC Robotics America Corporations’ distribution network. This new relationship allows Simplimatic to expand its current offerings to include the latest, most advanced robots from FANUC, the leading robotics company in the Americas. “We are excited to be working with Simplimatic Automation to maximize their productivity and ultimately increase their competitive positions in the global market,” said Chip Wells, Southeast Regional Sales Manager of FANUC Robotics.

The combination of Simplimatic Automation’s electronics and semiconductor integration experience with the knowledge and expertise from FANUC provides customers with cost-effective, state-of-the-art robotic solutions for a multitude of material handling and back-end assembly applications. “As our customers look to reshore their products, there is a growing demand for cost-effective modular robotic designs that can handle a wide range of functions while reducing labor costs and improving quality and throughput,” said Tom DiNardo, President & CEO of Simplimatic Automation, LLC. “With this integration, our customers will have another reason to choose Simplimatic Automation for their specialty material handling systems.”

About Simplimatic Automation
Owned by Simplimatic Engineering Holdings, LLC, a business development and private equity firm, Simplimatic Automation has been a leader in material handling systems since 1965. The company designs and manufactures conveyor and specialty material handling systems and automation for the semiconductor, electronics, packaging, assembly, pharmaceutical and automotive industries. For more information, visit Simplimatic.com or call 434-385-9181.

About FANUC America
FANUC Robotics America designs, engineers and manufactures industrial robots and robotic systems for a wide range of applications including arc and spot welding, material handling (machine tending, picking, packing, palletizing), material removal, assembly, paint finishing and dispensing. The company also provides application-specific software, controls, vision products, and complete support services. After 28 years of success, FANUC Robotics maintains its position as the leading robotics company in the Americas. A subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan, the company is headquartered in Detroit, and has facilities in Chicago; Los Angeles; Charlotte; Cincinnati; Toronto; Aguascalientes, Mexico; and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Lynchburg, Virginia – November 5, 2013 – Simplimatic Automation – a leading provider of conveyors and automation for the semiconductor, electronics, packaging, assembly, pharmaceutical and automotive industries – announces its plans to build a 60,000-square-foot automation manufacturing facility in Bedford County, Virginia. The new center will be built on roughly 12 acres in the county’s 500-acre business park in the New London Business and Technology Center, located at U.S. Route 460 and Meade Road in Forest.

The company is consolidating its operations with this move to Bedford County, merging its existing sites and enterprises in both the greater Lynchburg area and in Sarasota, Florida. Simplimatic will ultimately invest more than $4 million in the project, which includes relocating up to 50 current employees to the new facility. “We’re very excited about breaking ground on this expansive facility,” said Tom DiNardo, Simplimatic President & CEO. “We ship our products all over North America, Asia and Europe. By merging our existing sites to one all-inclusive operations center, we can effectively streamline our processes and provide an even higher level of service and quality to our customers.”

Simplimatic Automation was formed in 2000 to acquire one of the operating divisions of its parent company, Crown Simplimatic. Since then, Simplimatic has also acquired Indiana-based Advantage Puck Technologies, which is now in Corry, Pennsylvania, and Florida-based MultiFlex Systems, which will be relocated from Sarasota to the Bedford site.

The Bedford County Economic Development Authority assisted Simplimatic with its land purchase agreement and its approval as a Tech Zone company. The agreements between the EDA and Simplimatic are tied to job growth and tax revenue targets, which the company has agreed to meet over the next several years.