A well implemented multi-axis manufacturing system has the potential to cut production time and throughput. It can also improve quality and profits.
However if poorly implemented, this same system can cause additional expenditure when it comes to rework, redesign and maintenance costs.
By taking total cost of ownership into consideration, customers can avoid paying more than planned when purchasing a linear motion system. Tectra Automation recommends a three-phase plan to simplify the cost evaluation of these major assets.
Design, specification and research
The cost of pre-purchase activities such as design, specification and research depends on the time taken to select the appropriate linear module suited to the requirement. If the system is larger than the application requires, both money and space are wasted. Online sizing tools such as Bosch Rexroth’s CMS configurator take a lot of the guesswork out of selecting the right modules for the overall system.
Purchasing
Purchasing activities start once the linear motion system is selected and designed into the application. Some companies can provide a single part number for a complete, multi-axis electromechanical system. The ordering process is made simpler and easier by reducing numerous parts down to one and this leads to further time savings throughout the approval, procurement and receiving process.
A significant amount of time can be spent on assembling and starting the system, so it is important to choose a system that is easy to install and does not require complex startup procedures. In conjunction with pre-assembled systems, Bosch Rexroth offers user-friendly human machine interfaces (HMIs) and programming protocol that save time and money by providing machine builders and end users with simple open-based programming options.
Bosch Rexroth also offers a range of complete, preconfigured Cartesian motion systems to save users time and money in the implementation of Cartesian robotic systems.
Maintenance
Maintenance is often overlooked by machine designers and customers. Yet, similar to purchasing a vehicle, it is one of the most important considerations.
The system life (metres or revolutions travelled) is often defined with no load applied to the system. Even when a small load of 50 kg is applied, the life of the components can be reduced by up to five times compared to the calculated figure with no load. For a machine with 1 metre stroke travelling at 1 m/s for 16 hours a day, this equates to approximately one full year of life that is lost. If the scheduled replacement of the linear motion system is every three years, then a lost year of life increases the replacement frequency by 33%. It is important to read and understand the manufacturer’s fine print.
Maintenance and replacement costs can be reduced even further by choosing a system that incorporates full contact seals. This preserves lubrication inside the moving components and prevents contamination from entering. It is also important to choose a system with easy to access lube ports or the capability of using an automatic lube system.
Repairs and upgrades are a necessary activity when attempting to increase the performance of a system. This involves changing or upgrading only one or two components of the linear motion system. For this reason, it is advisable to go for a system with interchangeable components that make it easier to effect repairs by allowing end-users to replace just one, instead of several components. Bosch Rexroth’s eLINE allows users to replace only the necessary parts and to switch from cam roller blocks to standard eLINE blocks.
For more information contact Kevin Lombard, Tectra Automation, +27 (0)1) 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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