Suhner Industrial Products LLC offers robot tools that can be mounted directly on the robot arm, ready for continuous use. The tools are compatible with all robot manufacturers. Operations that were previously not suitable for automation can now be automated. Tools are available for brushing, polishing, filing, belt sanding and tool spindles and are easily integrated. Applications for the tools include automotive manufacturing, deburring operations, stainless steel machining, drilling and tapping operations, and all areas of manufacturing and operations.

Metabo Corp.’s new catalog features detailed specifications for metalworking, cordless, concrete and masonry dustless solutions, woodworking tools, accessories and specialty and problem solver tools. Throughout the catalog, the key features and benefits of tools are highlighted and more tool feature icons make it easier for tool comparison at a glance. Product walk-arounds to category introduction pages and increased product explanations help make the catalog more user friendly. Category coding to the abrasives and carbide section assists in the selection of tool accessories.

FerRobotics Inc. developed the Active Orbital Kit 601 for large-scale sanding and polishing processes. The kit is an intelligent system package and can easily be adapted for all robot applications. This integrated eccentric sanding solution is for automated surface finishing of very large surfaces, and is also applied to the sanding and polishing of unstructured surfaces, such as vehicle bodies. This complete solution automates the industrial sanding process with individual control of rotational speed, contact pressure and feed rate.

Lawson Products Inc. announced its Blue-Kote soft material application flap disc, which grinds aluminum and all non-ferrous metals at high speed with minimal clogging or loading, while keeping the work surface temperature low. The Type 27 abrasive disc is 4.5-in. in diameter and available in 40 and 60 grit. The soft, longlasting, non-loading disc simultaneously grinds and finishes. Its net structure resists clogging on soft materials, and its sanded surface stays cooler and avoids burning the work surface. The disc can be used in pre- and post-weld operations.

Pferd Inc. introduced the Polinox fiber-backing disc, which has nonwoven abrasive flaps with fiberglass backing for facedown finishing work and is for working on large surfaces with variable-speed angle grinders. The disc uses aluminum oxide abrasive. Interleaved discs (PNZ type) come in two different grits while radial discs (PNL type) come in three different grits. The PNZ type creates a coarser surface finish and removes more material than the PNL type. Both are available in two diameters, 4 ½-in. and 5 7/8-in. arbors.

Chicago Pneumatic added Paul Olsowske as product marketing manager at the company’s U.S. headquarters in Rock Hill, S.C. Olsowske will oversee the launch and promotion of tools in the industrial tools segment in North America. “Paul knows our industrial clients want more than marketing information,” said Philip Warmbier, business line manager. “Being able to listen to their needs and get them to solutions that make sense — that’s where he’ll provide added value to the Chicago Pneumatic customer experience.” Chicago Pneumatic manufactures pneumatic and cordless tools for general and heavy industrial applications.

Weiler Abrasives’ new Tiger Pipeliner grinding wheels work right out of the box, aggressively digging in when grinding beads, facing the land or prepping transitions throughout the life of the wheel. The Type 27 wheels are available in 1/8-in. thickness, all with 5/8-11 threaded arbors, and in diameters of 4 ½ in., 6 in., 7 in. and 9 in. Tiger Mech Notching Wheels are capable of grinding the starts and stops of the weld bead without widening or scarring the narrower channel created by the mechanical pipe welding process.

Arc Abrasives Inc.’s Arc Premium Experience is a new quickchange disc machine that uses no glue. An integrated technology uses friction welding and perfectly centers the backing to the disc, resulting in a stronger bond and improved product quality. The new machine will help with the company’s new Arc Arrive 48-hour shipping program, which is specifically for the metalworking industry to provide the company’s in-demand products. The program offers simple pricing and supply chain transparency for distributors; consistent, dependable lead times without fluctuation; and reliable and prompt delivery that meets published shipping times.

Pferd Inc. appointed Rafael Astacio vice president, sales. Astacio will manage the overall sales operation in North America, including the development and execution of strategic sales plans, aligning sales objectives with the business strategy, forecasts and budgets. He was previously vice president, sales and marketing, for a robotics and automation equipment manufacturer for the construction industry