The Port Elizabeth branch of specialist crane and component manufacturer, Demag, has been supplying its unique Demag Mono-Rail System (DMS) to the South African automotive industry for the past decade.
The South African automotive industry has a specific need for robust and heavy-duty linear overhead materials handling solutions. DMS has been developed specifically as a modular solution to meet such customer requirements. “When we designed the system initially we were looking to cater for increased throughput in terms of cycle times, while taking safe working loads into account,” comments Demag project engineer and technical sales representative, Niki Mizen. “Our success with the system over the past decade has marked our long involvement with many of the major automotive OEMs in South Africa. This success has largely been attributable to our focus on being innovative and flexible.”
DMS is complementary to the KBK light crane system, which consists of suspension monorails for overhead materials handling requirements. The main features of DMS are as follows:
• Ease of installation due to its light aluminium construction.
• Silent and smooth operation from polyurethane wheels running on aluminium (no metal flaking).
• High transfer speeds.
• Accuracy of positioning.
• Low maintenance and running costs.
• Locally manufactured to European standards.
Low maintenance requirements are due to the fact that there is no metal to metal contact on any moving parts. This in turn enhances the robustness of the entire system. “Our aluminium system uses polyurethane tyres to prevent metal-on-metal flaking, which makes it ideal for applications such as automotive body shops and paint shops,” Mizen adds. “The system developed by Demag Port Elizabeth has been supplied worldwide for many years. The quality of the system has generated invaluable exposure for us on a global basis. This is a total solution for the automotive industry that has stood the test of time.”
Another feature of DMS is that it can be fully or partially automated. Demag can supply a total solution for whatever components need to be picked up, for any end-products that need to be transported or assembled. DMS is fully customisable to utilise specific branded components required by the end-user, such as switchgear and PLCs. Industrial wireless communication allows for seamless integration between the hoist and the main control panel.
The fact that this is a modular system means it is flexible enough to cater for a range of parameters. Such modularity also allows for easy transportation or shipping via 12 metre shipping containers. “This is a solution-orientated system that can be designed to fit any factory layout,” Mizen continues. “Our considerable success in this regard has been due to the fact that we not only supply the best solution for our customers, but that we are able to offer a total turnkey system, including all the conveyors and accompanying storage retrieval machines.”
Demag Port Elizabeth’s first major international customer was General Motors Egypt. “When the General Motors global operation heard what we had achieved in South Africa to date, it directed an enquiry for a specific solution from the Middle East to us. This not only entrenches our reputation for quality technology, but also consolidates our presence as a major international player. The fact that we can carry out complete turnkey projects means that Demag Port Elizabeth is in the unique position of being a one-stop shop,” he concludes.
Demag Cranes is one of the world´s leading providers of material handling equipment and enjoys a leading position in global markets. The Johannesburg-based South African division of Demag Cranes specialises in the design and manufacture of cranes and components.
For more information contact Richard Roughley, Demag Cranes, +27 (0)11 897 8123, richard.roughly@terex.com, www.demagcranes.co.za
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