New technology for reconfigurable assembly systems
3rd Quarter 2012Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Tectra Automation, has joined forces with the Mechatronics, Automation and Design Research Group (MADRG) of Stellenbosch University’s Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering to conduct research into reconfigurable assembly systems (RAS).
With automation support from Tectra Automation, and under the supervision of Professor Anton Basson, the MADRG has established a laboratory-scale RAS to develop the expertise required to implement this system in the South African market.
From l: Masters’ students Chibaye Mulubika, Anro le Roux and Professor Anton Basson showcase the TS2-Plus conveyor system.
“The distinguishing feature of RAS is that the systems are aimed at producing a wide variety of products, in contrast to the more conventional approach where an assembly system is designed to produce large volumes of nearly identical products,” explains Professor Basson.
Most of South Africa’s manufacturing exports are aimed at niche markets, implying that relatively small volumes of high variety products are produced. Manual assembly is readily adaptable to product variety, but the quality requirements for exported goods are often difficult to meet with manual labour alone. In order to best meet these demands, a good combination of manual and automated production is required for the South African manufacturing industry.
A key subsystem of the laboratory RAS is the Bosch Rexroth TS2-Plus pallet-based conveyor system, provided by Tectra Automation. Its ability to direct the movement of pallets along various paths, as directed by product changes, is essential for the system’s reconfigurable assembly ability. Its modularity also facilitates future changes to the layout to accommodate new stations or changed production requirements.
Apart from conveying different types of media, including polyamide belts, toothed belts, flat top chains and accumulation roller chains, the TS2-Plus also provides an abundance of specific units including curves, transverse conveyors, position and drive units. In addition, the time and effort spent on planning and designing can also be reduced to a minimum thanks to the predefined macro modules.
Other benefits of the TS2-Plus include:
* A high maximum load of up to 100 kg per workpiece pallet.
* Workpiece pallet sizes ranging from 160 x 160 mm to 1040 x 800 mm.
* Four types of conveying media, which can be combined together to meet the needs of the assembly process.
Another challenge taken on by Anro le Roux, a Masters student in Mechanical Engineering, is to develop control strategies that will enhance the re-configurability of the ‘transport system’, which mainly comprises the TS2-Plus conveyor system.
“One aspect of the challenge is the optimal use of the read/write capabilities of the Bosch Rexroth RFID system to increase robustness, decrease the ramp-up time after reconfiguration, and improve diagnostic information for the cell control system,” says Professor Basson.
MADRG and Tectra Automation are currently planning a follow-up project to take the technology from the laboratory into industry.
Precise detection of complex rotational movements Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The EP3751-0260 EtherCAT Box module by Beckhoff connects an acceleration sensor with an inertial measurement unit - a gyroscope. This provides accurate detection of acceleration and rotational motion in addition to shock, vibration and tilt measurement, both as preprocessed values and as raw sensor data.
Read more...Energy management system for electrohydrostatic actuation systems
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
In the machine manufacturing industry, more drive systems are being converted from servo-hydraulic throttle to electrohydrostatic actuation systems. The four-quadrant capability of the electrohydrostatic pump unit and servo drive used in this technology, in combination with the new Moog energy management system, allows regenerative power flows generated during braking or pressure relief to be stored and reused.
Read more...Drive solution for stacker reclaimer
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hägglunds Drives South Africa recently completed a retrofit project on the bucket wheel of a stacker reclaimer at Richards Bay Coal Terminal. The project entailed replacing a gearbox drive solution with a direct drive solution from Hägglunds Drives SA.
Read more...Kamoa-Kakula power pack order for SEW-EURODRIVE SEW-EURODRIVE
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With well over 100 units already delivered, SEW-EURODRIVE is set to continue supplying Ivanhoe Mines’ prestigious Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Read more...Seven ways to reduce production downtime on the plant
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Production downtime is one of the biggest risks in the manufacturing industry. Follow these seven tips to reduce machine downtime in your production line.
Read more...The time is now to implement a motor management strategy Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Motor management plays an all-important role in controlling motor energy costs in various industries, segments and applications. Research and practical experience have consistently shown that effective motor management practices can result in significant energy savings, reduced operational costs, and improved overall system reliability.
Read more...Rapid overhaul of compressor motors ACTOM
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Marthinusen & Coutts Zambia was requested by a smelter based in the Copperbelt to provide an in-country repair solution for its two critical 4,5 MW compressor motors. The company was given only three weeks in which to overhaul and commission the motors.
Read more...PC-based motion control on a labelling machine Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
For 50 years, Bausch+Ströbel in Germany has been developing packaging and production systems for the pharmaceutical industries. The company’s goal is to offer the best technical and economical solutions for the challenges of modern industry. Its new ESA1025 labelling machine shows how this is achieved with PC-based control from Beckhoff as the central motion controller.
Read more...Thrust for hybrid electric flying
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Several leading academic institutes in Germany are collaborating on the future of hybrid electric flying. The partners are researching an entirely new propulsion system for medium-range aircraft with up to 35 passengers.
Read more...Precise knowledge for precise applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Aerotech has been supplying standard product solutions such as motors, drives, controls and positioning tables since 1970. Customised motion subsystems include positioning systems on granite structures with undercarriage and vibration isolation, and also external measurement systems.
printer friendly version