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Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Have you seen the 6-axis robot in motion yet?
Doig now has a state-of-the-art EPSON 6-axis robot display in our Engineering Lab in Cedarburg. Come see how fast this baby operates! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to program. You’ll appreciate how one comprehensive software program handles all robot models. Bring your own application needs, and we’ll replicate it here.
Check out the new robot video on our website! Watch a standard EPSON 6-axis robot display conveyor tracking with a pick and place application.
First Class Performance at a Coach Fare
EPSON’s MicroPower Drive Controller
The EPSON Micro PowerDrive controller provides the ultimate experience in ease of use, compact size, and reliability…. all at an incredible low cost. With core performance features superior to many other robot vendors high end controllers, the EPSON Micro PowerDrive creates a whole new class of robot controllers for customers seeking the best mix of low cost and high performance. Some of the major features include:
- Low Cost and High Performance
- Fast Robot Cycle and Program Execution Times
- Compact Size (smallest 6-axis controller in the industry)
- Use as stand alone, PLC slave or with PC
- PowerDrive Servo System Ensures Maximum Robot Performance
- Industry Leading Ease of Use with EPSON RC+ Software
- Fully integrated options including: Microsoft .NET support, DeviceNet, Profibus, Additional I/O and more
Click here for more information on the Micro PowerDrive and its PowerDrive servo technology
MicroPowerDrive Controller Specifications
Lunch and Learn
In the mean time, would you like to learn more about EPSON Robots and even get some hands-on time? Sign up for our free Lunch and Learn!
We'll come to your facility, buy you lunch, and in less than 2 hours show your technical team how easy it is to install and program EPSON robots.
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Taking the lead with Tol-O-Matic
2002
2003
2004
2005
For the fourth year in a row, Doig Corporation was awarded the “Top Distributor” award from Tol-O-Matic. We’d like to thank our loyal customers and the remarkable Tol-O-Matic automation products!
Find The Differences
between the linear potentiometers and the Absolute Position Feedback.

Need Help?
Here are a few answers...
1. Full waste bin vs. empty
2. Guy is carrying a tool box instead of an employee reward
3. Box of switches on machine vs. none
4. Numerous switch cords on actuators vs. none
Click here for all 11 differences.
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The M word
Motion
The better you control it, the more money you make.
You’re interested? Let’s talk. ACTech Lenze offers a full range of exciting, money-making motion control solutions. From stand-alone, single components, to complete systems.
Introducing the Model 940 PositionServo with programming capabilities.
The Model 940 PositionServo is the one drive that has it all. From basic torque control to full programmability, you choose your level of control.
As a distributed drive/controller solution, the Model 940 avoids all of the costly cables and connections and puts the power of the motion controller in the same package as the drive.
The Model 940’s performance can compete with the highest-level motion controllers, but with a simple-to-use interface and clean Ethernet connection. If a centralized control scheme is preferred; the model 940 will out-perform any torque or velocity amplifier. All this for a better price!
When do I use the Model 940 SimpleServo?
Model 940 Features
Model 940 Specifications
Brochure and Catalog
Introducing the SMVector Series - AC Tech's innovative new inverter drive.
With its price, flexibility, and a power range of up to 20 Hp, the SMVector drive excels in environments where inverter technology was once considered too costly. This includes packaging machinery, food processing machinery, material handling/conveying systems, and HVAC systems.
The SMVector carries all the features required by demanding applications including four modes of operation (V/Hz, Enhanced V/Hz, Vector Speed, and Torque), high starting torque, auto-tuning, advanced low-speed control, and dynamic speed regulation.
For more details, go the SMVector webpage!
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Customer Profile: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
High-speed robot application for battery packager.
"Any assembly or packaging
company could use this type of
automation to reduce labor costs.”
Spectrum Brands, Inc is a global consumer products company
and a leading supplier of batteries, lawn and garden care products, specialty pet supplies and shaving and grooming products. This year, the company celebrates its 100th year in business. Rayovac, a division of Spectrum Brands, is the top selling rechargeable battery brand in North America.
Bruce Bierman, operations engineer for Spectrum Brands, has been with the company since 1992 and is currently responsible for machine and process design. He’s had past success using Doig’s quality products and exceptional service (see the Rayovac article from Fall 2004, pg 5. )
The Situation
Rayovac recently introduced a new 24 pack of AA batteries, and the demand has been sensational. Previously, Rayovac packaged batteries manually… but the labor was intense and costly, so they were forced to outsource the packaging. As Bruce claims, "Without automation, we can’t compete with outside packagers.” Because the demand for the 24 pack has been so extreme, Bruce recognized the need to have packaging completed in-house where they could control timing and output. Bruce’s challenge was to design a cost-effective way to place double AA batteries into retail packages. The solution needed to be adaptable to many package sizes with minimal changeover.
The Solution
Bruce knew he needed to use robotics in order to keep up with production needs. Because of past success, Bruce called Doig and asked if we carried a line of robotics. Mike Edminster, engineering manager for Doig, assured Bruce that we did! “Mike was instrumental with every step of the process from conception to implementation,” Bruce states. “Mike’s industrial automation knowledge and technical experience were key to sizing and sourcing the proper components.”
In late January 2006, Mike and Jay Hallberg of EPSON gave Bruce an onsite demonstration of EPSON’s 4-axis Scara robot. The product demonstration immediately sparked Bruce’s interest. EPSON went on to conduct a time study based on Spectrum’s tight specifications; the results confirmed that the Scara robot could meet the requirements. In March, Bruce and Mike attended the EPSON training in California (Bonus: EPSON issues a $750 training credit with robot purchase.) Bruce discovered that the Scara was very flexible and user-friendly. By using robotics, Bruce had less design work on his end and could use the robot in other applications down the road.
In April 2006, Spectrum Brands purchased the EPSON robot. They also purchased an AC Tech servo motor/drive and CGI gearhead to run the conveyor part of the process. It was around this time that a major Canadian customer placed an order for 100,000 packs. In just 9 short shifts, the EPSON application completed the order and satisfied their customer.
Overall, how did this solution benefit the company?
- Reduced costs
- Increased efficiency
- Faster Production
According to Bruce, “This machine runs 6 times faster and with 2 less people than our outside packager…. It dramatically reduced labor costs on a high volume product.” Plus, the payback for the robot was quick; the application will pay for itself well under the expected 6 month time frame!
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The Spectrum Team: Freddie Leal, Bruce Bierman, Bron Avilla and Duane Lou (not pictured) |
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2005 Product of the Year
B&R was selected by the magazine Control Engineering China for the "2005 Product of The Year Award."
The prize went to the APC 620 – B&R's new industrial PC generation. "The APC 620 from B&R was selected from hundreds of products because of its quality, usefulness for the industry, and the price/performance ratio," states David Cao, editorial manager at Control Engineering China.
"The new APC 620 is the result of many years of experience with the development of industrial PCs and countless applications. With a modular structure, many slots, and well thought-out placement of interfaces and drives - the APC 620 provides optimal adaptability and ergonomics. The physical construction is based on the results of extensive shock and vibration tests, which place high demands on the materials."
Want to know what all the hype is about?
Click here to learn more about the revolutionary APC 620 industrial PC.
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CTC's Next Top Model
Get the latest software technology!
Control Technology Corporation has released Version 2.0 for their popular OPC software. CTC OPC is a server application that provides high-speed data interchange between OPC clients and CTC controllers. New features of Version 2.0 are:
- CTNET protocol (“Raw Ethernet”) and serial-port-based communications are now supported in addition to the previously available UDP and TCP communication
- Support for quickly adding multiple (sequential) register-based tags
- Much faster data through-put
Find more OPC information here.
Blue Fusion Upgrades
The Blue Fusion model 5223 automation controller utilizes patented CTC technology to serve up interactive web based HMI projects. The 5223 offers advanced firmware and expanded memory allowing it to host more sophisticated web pages than the 5222 controller.
Model 5223 Features:
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Advanced version of CT webHMI
- 9MB Standard flash drive size
- Unlimited number of controllers HMI project can access
- Multiple register (block) read
- String table translator
- Encrypted multi-level security
- Multi-panel support
- Multiple language support
- User logon authentication
- Recipe manager
Contact your Doig sales team for the Blue Fusion today!
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Introducing Bob Brown
A big DOIG welcome to Bob Brown, Doig's new director of sales.
Bob Brown will be responsible for increasing DOIG’s business and managing sales teams. As Bob states, he looks forward to “helping others become who they are” through sales training, teamwork, and setting records. Bob has seen many sides of the sales and service industry with big name companies like IBM, Wang Labs, Octel, Wiltel, and SBC.
Bob lives in Hartland with his two teenage children, Todd and Kimberly. Outside of work, he likes racquetball, war history books and documentaries, and shows like Forensic Files, Psychic Detective, and Dog Whisperer. Bob’s mantra: “In the end, we will be remembered for how well we served and helped each other, not how much we had.” Not a bad philosophy for someone working towards your automation solutions!
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It's A Girl!
Ten tiny fingers, ten tiny toes
With love and grace, our Doig family grows...
Reese Evelynis welcomed with love by proud parents Cory and Heidi Peters and the rest of Doig.
She was born on May 22, 2006 at 1:12am weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces and stretching 20 ½ inches long.
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National Kids Month
Celebrating our kids’ accomplishments this October for National Kid’s Month!
Warning: shameless bragging ahead
John Donald’s daughter, Mindy, is a triple threat in cross country, basketball, and soccer. Her high school soccer team won state this year, and Mindy made 1st Team All-Conference.
Dave Kriescher’s son, Dante, is a tremendous pitcher. His team took 1st place at the Cal Ripken State Little League Baseball Tournament and are ranked 19th in the United States.

Pat Binder’s grandson, Cameron, is a super-star in basketball, soccer, and baseball. His team took 2nd in the Waukesha Little League Tournament.
Jennifer Rose’s son, Tommy, was selected for All Star Roller Hockey for 3 years in a row. He recently competed in the State Wars playoffs.
Bob and Dona Doig’s daughter, Cheyenne, has earned a 2nd degree red belt in karate. She will be the youngest black belt from Kid-Safe America! Karate Academy when she tests next year.
Tina Krause’s daughter, Kirsten, has become a master in bike-riding sans training wheels. She was successful at riding her pink princess 2-wheeler on her very first attempt, which included 50 feet of course grass, a successful turn-around, and return journey.
Heidi Peters’ daughter, Reese, is an expert at making friends with inanimate objects. Check out her posse.
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Sing With Us! Happy Anniversary...
Congrats to Doig employees celebrating anniversaries in 2006’s 3rd quarter!
17 years Shawn Butt, Warehouse
12 years Debbie Doig, Eng Assistant
8 years Dave Kriescher, Sales Eng
3 years Heidi Peters, Marketing Mgr
2 years Pat Binder, Inside Sales and Telesales Manager
2 years Kristina Sjoberg, Inside Sales
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