2nd Quarter 2018Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Tectra Automation designed, manufactured and commissioned a servo-driven automotive press for Auto Industrial (AI). The application-specific press is used by AI to assemble various front suspension linkages for a local range of light commercial vehicles in such a way that it produces one part every 40 seconds for 22 hours a day.
Tectra Automation was responsible for every aspect of the press aside from the tooling, which was manufactured in-house by the client. To facilitate the production of one part every 40 seconds, a Rexroth L25 motion PLC was used with control provided by a Rexroth VEP40 HMIK with on-board PC. Tectra Automation designed and manufactured the control panel as well as the operation software. The Rexroth EMC-125-HD electromechanical cylinder, driven by an MSK101D servo motor, was selected for control instead of using a hydraulic cylinder due to its cleanliness, high degree of controllability and operational quietness.
“The press has an integrated load cell to control and record the press-in force in order to guarantee consistent quality,” explains general manager, Kevin Lombard. “The ram is guided by Rexroth heavy duty linear bushes running on hardened and ground linear shafts. The rotary table is driven by a Rexroth MSK050C servo motor driving a GTM planetary in-line gearbox. By utilising various sensors, the program will alert a supervisor in the event of an operator error. Any parts not conforming to the required press-in force specification will require intervention to ensure that no rejects pass through the system.”
The mechanical structure was subcontracted to longstanding Tectra Automation customer, Machine Tool Promotions, (MTP) and assembled on its premises. From here, final assembly and testing took place at Tectra Automation’s facility and the press was subsequently delivered to the client. Project duration was only four months and commissioning took place onsite over a fortnight. The first week of operation was dedicated to on-the-job operator training and technical training for maintenance and supervisory staff was conducted simultaneously.
“We kept Auto Industrial constantly informed of the project status and liaised with them regarding proposed changes and additional features,” Lombard concludes. “They appreciated this professional approach and we were subsequently commissioned to engineer a customised wheel stud press for another of their local automotive clients.”
Next-generation oil-free motor systems with active magnetic bearings
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
WEG and SpinDrive are collaborating to integrate SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s market-leading electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution.
Read more...Direct drive with integrated control Vepac Electronics
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The PSD 40 direct drive is a mechatronic system with integrated control, bus interface and absolute measuring system, with no battery required.
Read more...AI-powered on-premises analytics for industrial drives Siemens South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Siemens is introducing a new on-premises analytics solution for industrial drive systems. The software enables users to evaluate drive data entirely within their own infrastructure and meet stringent data-sovereignty requirements.
Read more...Hydrostatic machine base for ultra-precision grinding centre
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hyprostatik Schönfeld has developed a high-precision hydrostatic machine base for a new ultra-precision grinding centre for Optotech. The machine platform enables a previously unattainable combination of dimensional accuracy, dynamics and surface quality in the ultra-precision grinding of optical surfaces.
Read more...Innovative drive system for smart logistics Horne Technologies
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With its new DualGear, Faulhaber presents a high-performance drive system with high dynamics, robustness and precision in a compact, diameter-compliant design.
Read more...Proportionate specification for hazardous locations
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
As automation spreads deeper into processing, handling and transport operations, motors are increasingly required to operate in spaces that sit on the edge of hazardous zones.
Read more...Redefining compact motorsport driving simulators
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Leading driver-in-the-loop simulator manufacturer, Ansible Motion has introduced the Delta T1 Sport, the first in a new class of motorsport simulators that offers high-fidelity dynamics, ultra-low latency and a fully immersive experience, all within a compact footprint and accessible price point.
Read more...The shopping cart that knows the way Horne Technologies
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
How can visually impaired and blind people shop independently in a supermarket? VIRAS supplies the answer: an autonomous shopping cart developed at the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences.
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.
printer friendly version