Harvey Roofing, a division of Macsteel and a leading provider of roofing solutions, has announced a significant milestone in its commitment to innovation and advancement in the industry. Through a strategic partnership with industrial robotics manufacturer Yaskawa, Harvey Roofing is set to revolutionise its roof tile production process, leveraging a unique prototype product and cutting-edge robotics solutions to enhance efficiency, quality and sustainability.
As the demand for high-quality roofing materials continues to grow, Harvey Roofing recognises the need for an innovative approach to upgrade its current manufacturing process. “After the successful rollout of our prototype product and funding for our business case, we had to approach various suppliers to make this a reality,” says Frikkie Erasmus, business unit executive at Harvey Roofing Products. “Our choice for robotics boiled down to addressing safety concerns, increased efficiency and accuracy, and extended lifespan of the robots.”
Harvey Roofing’s relationship with Yaskawa pre-dates this project as the company previously implemented feeding robots for its roofing products, resulting in high efficiency and reduced scrap. Now the roofing company aims to upgrade the production line of one of its most innovative products, Harvey EcoTile. Constructed from a mineral polymer composite, the EcoTile is a sustainable solution for an industry that has seen minimal improvement in centuries. Harvey EcoTiles are lightweight, strong, weatherproof, paintable and maintenance-free.
“Yaskawa sealed the deal with their innovative solutions, prompt response, reputation and positive existing relationship with Harvey Roofing,” explains Erasmus. “We wanted to make the changes necessary to be competitive on the world stage when comparing cost per unit.” Following the successful extrusion of composite slabs, Yaskawa will handle the downstream elements, automating the production process from start to finish.
Overseeing the installation and setup were two technicians and one project leader from Yaskawa, working alongside Harvey Roofing’s own project leader and specialist. The relationship between the roof tile leader and robotics experts is at an exciting stage, with both companies invested in improving efficiency, and plenty of room for further development to match demand. For now, Harvey Roofing is poised to meet its automation goals with innovative industrial robots from Yaskawa, while delivering superior sustainable products like the Harvey EcoTile to its valued customers.
The mechatronic approach to designing motion as a system
Motion Control & Drives
Mechatronics is something engineers have been working toward for decades, designing machines where the mechanical, electrical and control systems work together as one. What’s changed is the level of sophistication we can now achieve, and the expectation that we should.
Read more...Lowering a steam generator into a nuclear power plant
Motion Control & Drives
With different contractors working on the same site operating a wealth of machinery and equipment, effective planning and communication are critical to ensure a successful nuclear construction project.
Read more...Self-tensioning system improves pump reliability in tough operations
Motion Control & Drives
OST-Africa has developed the E-Base system, which is a precision-engineered belt drive base system, developed to optimise tension, alignment and efficiency in pump and motor applications in mining and heavy industry.
Read more...Building Zayed National Museum with one of the world’s largest land-based crane
Motion Control & Drives
To build Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum, the construction team focused on a modular approach that could reduce work at height, accelerate build time, and limit disruption across an active construction site with multiple trades and tower cranes operating at the same time.
Read more...Positioning system for format changeover in machines Vepac Electronics
Motion Control & Drives
The PSE 30x-8 positioning systems from Vepac are intelligent, compact drives for the automatic adjustment of auxiliary and positioning axes comprising an EC-motor, gear, controller, measuring system and several bus interfaces or IO-Link interface.
Read more...Wind energy in the Black Forest
Motion Control & Drives
For more than 20 years, numerous wind turbines have stood in the Black Forest and are now receiving a performance boost through repowering projects.
Read more...Kollmorgen advances linear motor safety and performance
Motion Control & Drives
Kollmorgen Corporation has released the next update for the SafeMotion Monitor (SMM) firmware, SMM 3.0. This upgrade expands functional safety support for linear motors and linear axes, helping machine builders implement functional safety in industrial applications that require safety.
Read more...PC-based control for additive machine tools Beckhoff Automation
Motion Control & Drives
IRPD is a specialist in additive machine tools. Development is heavily focused on high system throughput and consistently high process quality. This goal was achieved with the help of PC- and EtherCAT-based control and drive technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Major software release for Parker PSD servo drives Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Parker Hannifin has released its PSD servo drive family delivering new control modes, advanced synchronisation functions and performance optimisations designed to improve throughput, accuracy and system efficiency in demanding industrial applications.
Read more...Robotic positioning system drastically reduces changeover times Beckhoff Automation
Motion Control & Drives
At the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, California, an advanced robotic system by Square One Systems Design and Beckhoff speeds up high-energy physics experiments.
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