Tectra Automation, a member of the Hytec Group of companies, has supplied Bosch Rexroth components to Denel Dynamics. The components are being incorporated into a qualifying rig which is being used in the telemetry testing of a sub-system for Denel’s A-Darter: a new air-to-air combat missile.
The qualifying rig consists of two separate systems: a linear guide system, and a stable platform. The stable platform runs along the linear guide system. With both systems working in unison the qualification rig forms an exceptionally stable closed loop mechatronic system.
Due to the precise nature of the equipment being qualified, the test rig needs to be exceptionally precise. “The tolerances we are working with here are incredibly fine. We are using a stabilising system which incorporates a standalone helium neon laser to ensure that the sub-system travels in a perfectly straight line and remains absolutely level. By using Rexroth components on both the stable platform system and the linear guide system, we have managed to achieve the precision required to ensure the qualifying rig performs to the exceptionally high standards of the weapons industry,” says Jaiveer Waghmare, aeronautical engineer and project manager, Denel Dynamics.
Savings
“Using off-the-shelf components has resulted in massive savings on manufacturing costs and more importantly on time. If we were to design and build the entire system ourselves, the process involved to achieve a finished product would take months. Now the process has become as simple as designing the rig, and picking up the phone to order the parts,” says Waghmare.
Linear guides
The linear guide system utilises Rexroth LF 20 S linear guides, which consist of linear bushings, linear shafting and aluminium profiling. “The aluminium profiling is incredibly robust in design; we could not have made a better choice for the lateral guide system. The T-nut connectors allow for additions and adjustments to be made to the rig with absolute accuracy and efficiency,” explains Waghmare.
The system is supported on adjustable Rexroth support stations. The support stations are positioned one metre apart down the entire length of the qualifying rig, allowing the rig to be compensated accurately for any deviations in ground level.
The system utilises a Rexroth motor and belt drive system to propel the stable platform and subsystem at a velocity of 0,2 metres per second.
Stable platform
The stable platform utilises a quadrant filter in combination with the free standing laser to achieve a constant reference point. The signal is then sent to a digital signal processor which utilises the data generated by the quadrant filter to stabilise the platform. The stable platform uses Rexroth servo-motors, couplings and ball screws to correct for misalignments with accuracy within 0,5 microns.
Move with care!
Moving the qualifying rig around Denel’s premises and to the testing site is not a project for the faint-hearted. As a result of the fine tolerances involved in this system, there is a chance of damaging the linear guides through improper handling. Damage would never be seen with the naked eye, or even detected with standard equipment. The damage would however, be evident in the test results.
“This is why we have enlisted Tectra Automation’s expertise to assemble, disassemble and transport the qualifying rig,” explains Waghmare.
For more information contact Harry Steyn, Tectra Automation, +27 (0)11 971 9400, [email protected], www.tectra.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 971 9400 |
| Fax: | +27 11 971 9440 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.boschrexroth.africa |
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