The MHEDA Journal Online profiles EOAT fabricator/assembler.

Press Release Summary:



The MHEDA Journal Online's 3rd Quarter issue profiles Dan Lucas of Bastian Solutions, who works in robotics division and is responsible for fabrication and assembly of End of Arm Tool (EOAT). According to Lucas, he could be working on "assembly, fabrication or electrical components" depending on the day's requirements. Article also points out need for strong communication with engineering department, as each assembly "may take as many as 50 steps and an entire week to complete."



Original Press Release:



At Work with a Material Handling Fabricator/Assembler



The MHEDA Journal profiles a fabricator/assembler of End of Arm Tools for engineered systems.

Dewitt, NY: The MHEDA Journal Online (http://www.TheMhedaJournal.org), is the leading online magazine for the forklift, conveyor, storage & handling, and general material handling equipment industries. The 3rd Quarter issue of the magazine is online now and features a profile of Dan Lucas, a fabricator/assembler at Bastian Solutions. Lucas works in the company's robotics division in St. Louis, Missouri, and is responsible for the fabrication and assembly of the End of Arm Tool (EOAT) for Bastian's robotic solutions.

Lucas has been working at Bastian for 18 years and has worn many different hats during his tenure. "Depending on the day, I may work on assembly, fabrication or electrical components for the End of Arm Tool," says Lucas. "I'm responsible for the mechanical and electrical assembly of EOATs and pallet conveyors. It is a difficult job, but seeing the finished product makes it all worthwhile."

The EOAT is known as the head of the robot. It is designed to move loads onto pallet conveyors and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. The systems can palletize a number of loads and are customized based on each customer's picking application. Different EOATs feature pneumatic grippers, suction cups, force sensors or vacuum gripping systems.

Because each EOAT is built from the group up, part by part, Lucas has to have strong communication with Bastian's engineering department. "Our engineering department creates a drawing that details how each machine will be put together. The assembly may take as many as 50 steps and an entire week to complete," says Lucas.

That assembly requires a diverse tool set. In addition to the engineered drawings, Lucas depends on a socket and ratchet set, wrenches, a drill and drill bits, and a bevy of electrical tools to work on the heavy-duty electrical component. Lucas must also be skilled in electric wiring, assembly and fabrication to accommodate the various components of the EOATs.

To learn more about Dan Lucas and his career as a fabricator/assembler, read the entire article on The MHEDA Journal Online. www.themhedajournal.org/index.php/2011/07/at-workfabricatorassembler/. The MHEDA Journal is published quarterly, in January, April, July and October. For more information, contact Steve Guglielmo, content editor of The MHEDA Journal, (315) 445-2347, email: steve@datakey.org.

About MHEDA
Founded in 1954, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its member journals (www.TheMhedaJournal.org), e magazines, newsletters and industry wiki (www.wikimheda.org), MHEDA connects the manufacturers of storage & handling, lift trucks and conveyor equipment and distribution leaders for the purpose of delivering optimal solutions to the users of those products. MHEDA publications are the industry's voice for all matters related to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning the movement and storage of all materials. A 501(c)3 organization, MHEDA members span all of North America.

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