As part of a R64-million, European Union-sponsored genetic sample processing system (GSPS) being built for the South African Police Service's (SAPS's) Pretoria forensic laboratory, Tectra Automation will be supplying linear-automation equipment in the form of four 10 m long Rexroth linear modules type CKR25-200, each of which will have a Rexroth AR8 articulated robot attached.
"The project is a first for us," says Tectra's divisional manager, Kevin Lombard. "We usually supply the Rexroth range of standard linear bearings and ball screws to a system integrator, which assembles and installs the equipment. However, for the SAPS project, the linear modules were designed for integration with the standard AR8 robot."
The linear module is a good example of a growing trend in automation towards the use of ready-made components with the linear guidance and drive already incorporated, Lombard explains. "In this case, instead of the customers designing and manufacturing a system from standard linear bearings, belt drives and aluminium profiles, we were able to save them time and money, as the CKR25-200 is a standard product with integrated linear guides and belt drive."
Although customers still use Rexroth linear bearings and ball screws to make special-purpose machines, more companies are beginning to use combined linear guides with drives, as Tectra Automation can offer a complete system with the motor, drive, control and pneumatics.
The main contractor for the SAPS project is German-based Tecan, which will supply the laboratory and testing equipment for the GSPS. This presented a logistical challenge, as the local system integrator, Pretoria based Vertex Automation, had to design and manufacture the equipment to integrate with the testing equipment supplied by Tecan. The commissioning is taking place in Germany, with Vertex having to travel to Germany to assemble the linear equipment. The stringent time schedule of the project is a further challenge, as the EU requires that it be completed by the end of 2005. "Fortunately, because of the 'plug-and-play' concept by which the linear modules are designed, the equipment has an exceptionally short start-up time," Lombard points out. "Lately, we have been finding that customers are more inclined to use products that have high initial expenditure but minimal start-up time and ease of use, resulting in lower overall ownership costs."
Tectra Automation has supplied equipment for the SAPS project valued at some R4 to R5 million including linear bearings, robots, PLCs, servo drives and pneumatics. So far, three of the linear modules have been commissioned, and the fourth is in the process of off-line programming.
For more information contact Kevin Lombard, divisional manager, Linear and Assembly Technologies, Tectra Automation, +27 (0) 11 971 9400, [email protected], www.tectra.co.za
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