Second Quarter 2020Editor's Choice
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
A leading systems integrator for the automotive industry has adapted a Maxolution electrified monorail system (EMS) and 23 HK Series gear units for overhead trolley systems from SEW-Eurodrive for a major upgrade and expansion project. The major benefit for the client is that SEW-Eurodrive is able to supply the complete system, from the stationary control level to the sensors themselves. Maxolution allows for highly accurate simulation for trouble-free start-up, production support and project acceptance. The modular EMS is tailor-made for specific production requirements and is integrated seamlessly into the existing system.
McCormick Engineering system designer, Jaco Viljoen, points out that a great deal of control was needed on the hoist drives due to the high level of accuracy required. The HK Series consists of special gearmotors with integrated couplings, making them ideal for overhead trolley systems such as those deployed at automotive manufacturers.
The main project had two components, with one consisting of engine and gearbox delivery to the main line and the second a transfer system moving a half-built chassis overhead from one floor conveyor to another. Nine HK Series were used on the one part of the project and 14 on the other. The trolley and hoist units operate together seamlessly in terms of the total EMS at the plant.
When the automotive manufacturer called for secondary hoist brakes to be installed for added safety precautions, SEW-Eurodrive was again able to help. This resulted in a significant cost saving for the client.
PC-based control for additive machine tools Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
IRPD is a specialist in additive machine tools. Development is heavily focused on high system throughput and consistently high process quality. This goal was achieved with the help of PC- and EtherCAT-based control and drive technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...A guide to common hydraulic system contaminants CT Hydraulics (Nqoba)
Editor's Choice Hydraulic systems & components
Every engineer, machine designer and maintenance professional understands that the heart of any reliable hydraulic system is its fluid. But the moment that fluid is compromised, your system’s life expectancy and your peace of mind drop dramatically.
Read more...Compressed air piping design Artic Driers International
Editor's Choice Pneumatic systems & components
When designing a compressed air pipeline, remember that size matters. The internal size of the pipe, along with the pressure and air volume, determine the velocity of the compressed air in the pipeline.
Read more...Top questions about pressure gauges SA Gauge
Editor's Choice Pneumatic systems & components
Some questions never go out of date, and in our industry, a few have been asked for decades. At SA Gauge, we hear them every week. Here are the ten questions we hear most often, and the practical answers that can save time, money and frustration.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE unveils world class facility in Gqeberha SEW-EURODRIVE
News & events
: In a landmark event in the Eastern Cape attended by key customers and industry leaders, SEW-EURODRIVE officially opened its expanded state-of-the-art facility in Gqeberha, marking a major milestone in its strategy to strengthen regional support and deepen its footprint in the region.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE transforms drivetrain uptime with predictive maintenance SEW-EURODRIVE
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The DriveRadar IoT Suite from SEW-Eurodrive is an ideal solution for industrial condition monitoring. This powerful ecosystem of intelligent sensors, edge devices and cloud-based analytics ensures that customers have full visibility and control of their operations.
Read more...A technological leap with the proportional valve terminal Festo South Africa
Editor's Choice
Festo continually makes bold technological leaps to keep pace with global advancements. Controlled Pneumatics is redefining the boundaries of compressed air technology to meet the demands of today’s most advanced applications.
Read more...PC-based control optimises robotic parts handling on plastics machinery Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
NEO is a cartesian robot developed by INAUTOM Robótica in Portugal for parts removal on plastics machinery. Its aim is to increase system productivity. NAUTOM Robótica has entered into a strategic partnership with Bresimar Automação to increase the working speed of the cartesian robots using advanced control and motion solutions from Beckhoff. The result is a comprehensive, future-proof automation solution for its entire family of cartesian robots.
Read more...Heavy impact, smart control Axiom Hydraulics
Editor's Choice Hydraulic systems & components
Every now and then a project lands on your desk that’s equal parts heavy machinery and fine control - a tantalising mix for any engineer. A client approached Axiom Hydraulics with a project exactly like this.
Read more...Driving fluid power forward
Editor's Choice
The National Fluid Power Association is developing its latest Industrial Technology Roadmap for 2025, showing how hydraulics and pneumatics are changing to meet new industrial demands.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.