Tellap recently called on automation solutions provider, Festo, to assist in ramping up production output on its MK 1 sleeve assembly machine, followed by the re-design and fabricating of a new MK 2 model. Tellap supplies recyclable plastic sleeves to replace the wooden pallets generally used to stack one ton bags of product. The plastic sleeves are necessary as wooden pallets cannot be exported and they also add to the weight of goods when transported.
Tellap was already using Festo PLC equipment and DGC pneumatic linear drive technologies together with hot air blowers on its current MK 1 assembly machine, and thus was confident that Festo could assist in its new automation project.
“The customer’s requirements were multi-faceted,” explains Johan Bester, sales engineer, Festo. “Firstly, the newly incorporated chain drive system needed to be positioned accurately in various positions, which would require some recipe handling by the PLC for the different sizes of sleeves. Secondly, the new machine needed to be much more compact in order to fit into a 6,7 metre container for ease of transport and deployment. Lastly, the machine needed to be fully flexible during setup, allowing the operator easy access to the different recipes, speeds and other requirements.”
For clamping, bending and alignment, the specifications for the MK 2 required Festo pneumatic cylinders, as well as the compact and modular MPA-FB-VI and FED-501 operator interface. The modular design of the MPA-FB Intelligent valve terminal facilitates maximum flexibility right from the planning stage and offers maximum ease of servicing during operation.
The system consists of manifold blocks and valves. The manifold blocks are screwed together and thus form the support system for the valves. They contain the connection ducts for supplying compressed air to and venting from the valve terminal, as well as the working lines for the pneumatic drives for each valve. Each manifold block is connected to the next using three screws. Individual terminal sections can be isolated and further manifold blocks inserted by loosening these screws. This ensures that the valve terminal can be rapidly and reliably extended.
The MPA-FB intelligent valve terminal further offers a flow rate of up to 700 l/min and reliable operation with a manual override to reduce downtime. The CPX diagnostic interface for handheld devices allows channel-orientated diagnostics down to the individual valve. This unit is quick mounting with lower selection, ordering, installation and commissioning costs. Furthermore, the MPA-FB intelligent valve terminal is easy to service through replaceable valves and electronics modules.
Originally the design engineer did not specify Festo motors for the chain drives. However, during one of the final project meetings the benefits of using only one supplier were pointed out to the customer. Having been given the opportunity to quote on the chain drive motors, Festo recommended the EMMS-AS-70 servo motors with 900 precision low backlash planetary gearboxes with 30:1 ratio from Neugart.
This offer of a turnkey solution led to Festo providing the one-stop shop for service, spares and backup that the customer was looking for. Wherever its machines are sent, Festo has a presence close by to provide spares and service. In addition, remote assistance via Internet is set up on a dedicated laptop computer that travels with the machine.
Tellap is already planning the MK 3 model of its sleeve assembly machine, which will incorporate a Festo CoDeSys CPX PLC communicating CAN bus with all the associated servo motor controllers. Festo EGC toothed belt electromechanical axes will replace the chain drive systems, CDPX operator interface and MPA valve terminal.
“As part of our complete automation solutions we aim to provide everything from a single source,” concludes Bester.
For more information contact Tracey Swart, Festo, 0860 033 786, [email protected], www.festo.co.za
| Tel: | 08600 FESTO (33786) |
| Fax: | +27 11 974 2157 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.festo.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Festo |
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