Festo has supplied Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) with four automated systems for clamping and releasing trolleys used to carry car seats on the company’s production line. To avoid disrupting the C-Class production, the systems were installed and commissioned after hours.
Festo supplied ADN 50 compact cylinders, air pilot valves, VZ timers, air preparation units and foot valves. Each system controls a break shoe which allows the trolleys to be retained in position until required. Once a trolley is needed on the production line, it travels under the force of gravity down an inclined ramp. There it is released as required to provide trim for the corresponding vehicle unit.
“These systems work independently but parallel to each other, handling about 10 trolleys each at any given time. If you watch all four systems in operation you get the impression that the trolleys are dancing in unison. This level of precision has reduced the risk of accidental damage caused by runaway trolleys,” says Schwulst.
Festo selected ADN compact cylinders for the application. Schwulst explains, “The ADN compact cylinders are manufactured to ISO 21287 standards and are 50% more space efficient than standard cylinders. However they still provide the same amount of force as a standard cylinder. This makes the range ideal for applications where space is limited.”
Monitoring vibration allows for equipment longevity Iritron
Other technologies
Unscheduled downtime and maintenance on machines is often a source of frustration for many companies active in industrial manufacturing as it results in loss of process and productivity, which in turn equates to loss of revenue.
Read more...Building resilience in extreme environments
Other technologies
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Read more...Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment Festo
News & events
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an exciting future.
Read more...Extending oil drain intervals
Other technologies
In a recent field study, African Group Lubricants tested the performance of Mobil Delvac Modern MX 15W-40 Super Defense engine oil under rigorous operational conditions. The goal was to extend the oil drain interval while maintaining optimal engine performance and reliability.
Read more...Latest advance in automotive cooling fluids
Other technologies
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in vehicle design and increasing demands for enhanced performance and durability. These changes are bringing a marked shift toward formulations that offer improved heat dissipation and robust corrosion resistance.
Read more...Advancements in wire rope testing
Other technologies
Being able to get instant, real-time and portable detection of wire rope flaws can make a significant difference for operational teams. There have been a number of significant technological advancements and tools entering the market that help wire rope operators detect and resolve problems faster.
Read more...Complete solutions for the die casting industry
Other technologies
Die casting is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten metal into a mould to produce complex, high-precision components. FUCHS Lubricants South Africa addresses the evolving demands of the die casting sector through continuous product innovation and development.
Read more...Rethinking common approaches to wire rope lubrication
Other technologies
: Wire ropes are hard-working components in many different applications, from mines to lifts, ports, construction sites and drainage systems. Correct lubrication of wire ropes is absolutely critical because wire ropes are more than just cables, they are intricate machines composed of interdependent parts in constant motion.
printer friendly version