What will you do with the data from ADAS?

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The 3D Future: Is It a Print?

Laser metal 3D printer. Photo: UPS Longitudes

E-commerce is all the rage these days, but inventory requirements for shippers may actually decline in the years ahead if 3D printing catches fire.

Anyway, that's the prediction of the authors of the latest State of Logistics report. They see this gee-whiz technology being used first and foremost by manufacturers to fabricate spare parts on demand and by retailers to personalize merchandise for individual customers.

Also known as “additive manufacturing,” 3D printing is still largely being used to accelerate product development (28%), offer customized products (16%), and increase production flexibility (13%), according to a 2017 survey by Sculpteo, which provides online 3D printing services.

Among big logistics players, Big Brown has already stepped up to the printer. UPS announced last year that it was launching “a distributed, on-demand manufacturing network” that links its global logistics network with 3D printers at 60 UPS Store locations in the U.S. The company said customers will place 3D print orders online and the work will directed to the optimal manufacturing or UPS Store location based on speed, geography, and product quality required. What's more, the orders can be shipped as early as same day

“UPS is a leader in bringing industrial-strength 3D printing to reality,” according to Stan Deans, president, UPS Global Distribution & Logistics. “By building this disruptive technology into our supply chain models, we also bring new value to our manufacturing customers of all sizes. Additive manufacturing technology is still developing rapidly so ‘manufacturing as a service' is a smart approach for many companies.”

In a recent blog post, Alan Amling, UPS vice president-- corporate strategy, suggests thinking of 3D printing “as the Uberization of manufacturing, where supply can be accessed anywhere in the world to produce goods at the click of button.”

Amling says the upshot ...Read the rest of this story

Graco’s Grease Jockey is an Automatic Lubrication System

Graco has launched its Electric Grease Jockey system, an automatic lubrication system designed for the trucking industry.

The Electric Grease Jockey's new lubrication pump features integrated controls that provide system health and status, low-level alerts, and motor burnout protection. The distribution meters were also overhauled allowing the entire electric-powered system to deliver NLGI #2 grease.

The pump features an integrated low-level sensor that automatically alerts the operator when lubricant is low. It comes in a compact design with a single mainline lubricant distribution system to allow for easier installation and service inspections.

“This pump is a unique offering on the market, with new features that deliver first-in-class reliability,” said Dan Jensen, Graco's lubrication equipment division global product marketing manager. “We engineered an impact, UV and chemical-resistant system that is protected from motor burnout and provides valuable feedback to fleet managers while reliably and consistently delivering NLGI #2 grease – a tough pump for a tough industry.”

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OTC Offers Bushing Adapter Kits for Hendrickson Suspensions

OTC has introduced new bushing adapter kits for Hendrickson front and rear suspensions in heavy duty applications.

The OTC 4250 Front Suspension Bushing Adapter Kit and 4254 Rear Suspension Bushing Adapter Kit are now available for select Hendrickson suspensions.

4250 Front Suspension Bushing Adapter Kit

4254 Rear Suspension Bushing Adapter Kit

The adapter kits include a custom plate, designed for an exact fit with suspension pieces, and custom adapters to align the tool properly and reduce the chance of damage to the bushings. The adapter kits are used with existing OTC Hendrickson Bushing Sets. OTC's Hendrickson suspension bushing tools feature a proprietary design that mounts directly to the vehicle suspension to reduce fatigue and make bushing service easier.

The 4250 Front Suspension Bushing Adapter Kit and 4254 Rear Suspension Bushing Adapter Kit are both now available through OTC's distribution partners.

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Replace Plywood With Ancra’s Poly Deckboards

Ancra International's Poly Deckboards are designed to replace plywood deck boards as a more durable solution.

Ancra says its Poly Deckboards are 50% lighter than typical plywood. The Poly Deckboards feature hand slots, providing better ergonomics for dock workers and allowing for better load optimization.

Tested for durability under load and vibration, Poly Deckboards are also splinter proof to withstand forklift abuse. Built with high density polyethylene, Poly Deckboards are also designed for low temperature performance, down to -40°Fahrenheit.

Manufactured for Lift-A-Deck II Systems or Standard E Beams and used on 16-inch or 24-inch beam centers, Ancra's Poly Deckboards feature a nesting design for stackable storage to create a second deck for cargo support that is resistant to moisture and adverse weather conditions. Manufactured using 100% recyclable polyethylene, customers can receive a residual recycling credit on the back end.

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John Bean offers new V-Series of wheel alignment systems

John Bean announced its V-Series of wheel alignment systems are designed to “help shops reduce alignment times while, at the same time, increase accuracy.”

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Thermo King offers products to help reduce emissions

Thermo King, a global manufacturer of transport temperature-control solutions and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, announced that it will offer an option for its truck and trailer products that will help lower the greenhouse gas footprint for North America customers.

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