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.
Axial piston pump series for next-gen hydraulic applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Moog has launched its new AXP Axial Piston Pump Series, a next-generation hydraulic solution engineered to deliver optimal performance, reliability and cost efficiency for industrial applications.
Read more...World’s hottest engine
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Scientists have built the world’s smallest engine. It’s also the world’s hottest. It could provide an unparalleled understanding of the laws of thermodynamics on a small scale, and provide the foundation for a new, efficient way to compute how proteins fold.
Read more...Next-gen planetary gearboxes SEW-EURODRIVE
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Leading the way in planetary gear unit innovation, SEW-EURODRIVE is extending its reach across a growing range of industries, delivering the advantages of this powerful technology through locally engineered solutions that ensure faster lead times.
Read more...Just-in-time approach for component delivery on green power plant
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Space is often the primary consideration when undertaking construction work at power plants. Modular construction techniques, along with the precise coordination and delivery of components to site, are the most effective methods to ensure power plant projects proceed smoothly.
Read more...Beckhoff’s XPlanar boosts productivity in medical device assembly Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The intelligent transport system, XPlanar from Beckhoff provided the basis for an innovative system concept allowing the specialists at Automation NTH to reduce the space requirement of an assembly machine for medical diagnostic devices by a factor of 10.
Read more...Smart features increase crane safety
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The newly launched Konecranes S series hoist offers a large bouquet of smart features which not only increase lifting device safety but also deliver a higher level of operator protection.
Read more...Redefining industrial lifting
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The Konecranes S-series hoist redefines industrial lifting through its integration of a ground-breaking synthetic rope with smart features, a lifting capacity of 20 tons, and the ability to adapt to diverse girder configurations.
Read more...Seven years of uninterrupted service
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
A set of hydraulically operated Corflex pinch valves, installed in 2018 at a major North African gold mine, has delivered in one of the continent’s most demanding slurry-handling applications.
Read more...New generation soft starter ranges Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Schneider Electric has launched its new generation Altivar ATS430 and ATS490 soft starter ranges in Anglophone Africa, the latest innovations in motor control technology.
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