ABB Flexible Automation has launched FlexPalletizer, a standardized automatic pallet handling, loading and unloading system. The system enables consumer goods manufacturers to rapidly adapt their palletizing function to meet changing packaging and product requirements.

The latest model from Atlas Copco Construction Tools completes the company's solid body breaker range. With a power of 600 joules and a weight of 290 kg, the new model offers one of the highest power to weight ratio's in its class, says the company.

The world's most advanced continuous production line for all concrete elements needed to build a house frame. This is how Finnish Acotec Ltd. describes its new universal prefabrication system, called Acotec Combi. The unit offers the entire functionality of the company's previous three lines. Thus, it can produce both non-reinforced and statically reinforced wall elements and slabs with a production speed up to 80 m2/h.

Patents have been granted in Europe and the USA for a plastic coating that can be used in packaging material both for liquid and dry food stuff cartons. Called Ensobarr, the new barrier coating created by Enso Paperboards is said to give packaging board superior protective qualities than conventionalplastic-based barrier layers and has comparable performance to aluminium foil. It is also reported to make the packages easier to recycle than conventional packages made of thick polymer or aluminium laminates1. The coating, now available for a range of packaging applications also meets the latest German monomaterial criteria that suggests a maximum limit of 5 per cent weight of other than the main material2.

A novel, multi-channel, fiber optic infrared thermometer breaks new ground in zoned process heating measurements typical of glass manufacturing and induction heating of metal components. Mikron Instrument Co.'s M680 system combines up to 4 sensors in a single electronic package with expanded temperature ranges in the overall span 150 to 4000 C, and short wavelength sensitivity. According to the company, these features allow temperature measurement in multiple zones at lower cost than several discrete sensors, and over a greater part of the process cycle than previously possible.

An agreement has been reached in which Haegglunds Drives, one of the world leaders in heavy hydrualic drive systems, will become part of Atle AB, the Swedish industrial group.In a deal worth an estimated £25 million, the company's current owner, Incentive, has decided to sell Haegglunds Drives to a group with a strong industrial and engineering focus.

Users can now select the most suitable air-driven gas boosters for specific applications quickly and accurately from Haskel International Inc.'s new electronic catalog. Available free on a computer disk formatted for MS-Windows, the catalog combines complete technical data with a selection guide.

Trelleborg's new fluid hose Scirocco-II is now on show. According to the manufacturer, a unique technical solution enables the conveyed material to float inside the hose.