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.
Control without complexity Axiom Hydraulics
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
In an era where precision, performance and smart control define industrial success, the right driver can make all the difference. At Axiom Hydraulics, we’ve seen firsthand how the Sun Hydraulics XMD series transforms hydraulic systems, from mining and construction to agriculture and automation.
Read more...Planetary gear units for high torque requirements SEW-EURODRIVE
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Packing a compact design, along with high torque and low-speed outputs, the new SEW PPK and SEW P2.e planetary gear units from SEW-EURODRIVE offer new capabilities in continuous heavy-duty applications where space is at a premium.
Read more...Medium voltage drive for enhanced energy efficiency and process optimisation Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its cutting-edge Altivar Process ATV6100 medium voltage (MV) drive range, designed to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability across various industries.
Read more...Servicing the electric motor sector
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.
Read more...Powerful high-precision hexapod
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.
Read more...Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities. Independence is the name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom.
Read more...Industrial gear units for mixing and agitating processes Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Nord Drive Systems encompass modular drive configurations that ensure optimum performance of mechanical speed control for specific applications in almost every industry.
Read more...PC-based control for a food capsule and pod packaging machine Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
For TME, a machine builder specialising in the packaging of powdered foods, Beckhoff’s PC-based control technology offers unlimited opportunities when it comes to performance and innovative capacity in terms of flexibility, scalability and openness.
Read more...New torque sensors for fastening applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Sensor Technology, a global leader in innovative torque and load measurement solutions, has launched its latest advancement in torque sensing technology.
Read more...Miniature position sensor for precision motion control applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The ILPS-13Z Series miniature linear variable inductive transducer position sensor is designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability for a wide range of industrial and laboratory applications, including automotive R&D, motorsports, motion control, medical, military and aerospace.
printer friendly version