At the last technology evening, Albert Louw, mobile control systems specialist from ifm electronic, gave a presentation on control systems for mobile machines, applicable to all mobile vehicles from transport and logistics to construction and mining. He discussed that special hardware is required as well as the similarities shared with plant based PLC systems.
Jannie Claasens (right) thanks Albert Louw after the presentation.
The demands on controllers and sensors used in construction machines, municipal vehicles, agricultural and forestry machinery, port facilities and cranes are extremely high. Units and machines are permanently exposed to harsh environments like heat, cold, moisture, mud, dust, shocks and vibrations, and often, even thunder and lightning.
The most important part is the mobile controller that offers free programmability, configurability of the inputs and outputs, and a CAN interface with CANopen and SAE J1939 protocol. Camera systems for mobile applications reliably monitor operating and rear areas. Camera images and process values are displayed on the user-friendly dialogue units which also support high-quality graphics. Applicable products range from mini controllers, decentralised I/O modules, sensors and components for diagnostics and service. All units have robust seals preventing the penetration of moisture. An IP69K system, including connectors and cables, ensures high ingress protection from the controller to the sensor.
Swagelok online learning
Due to the lockdown in South Africa, the branch was not be able to host Swagelok at the Sasolburg Bowling Club, but luckily, Swagelok was running a few online training sessions for their clients and they extended the invitation to the SAIMC members as well.
SAIMC member who are eligible to receive CPD points can complete a quiz on the SAIMC website for each of the courses to ensure they have completed the online learning.
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO: Understanding the Engineering Profession Act SAIMC
SAIMC
For a full and detailed explanation of whether you are doing engineering work, I recommend visiting the ECSA website and looking up the IoEW Gazette. Meanwhile, here’s a simplified breakdown to get you started and hopefully encourage you to explore further.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The local Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC recently hosted a Technology Evening at Bryanston Sports Club on 9 April 2025.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The April technology meeting for the Durban branch of the SAIMC was kindly sponsored by ProRisk, a subsidiary company of the Proconics Group of Companies. Process safety engineer, Guillaume de Swardt gave a fascinating presentation on the power of operational risk control by utilising CFD software.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council KS4I event SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council started 2025 with its first event in the ‘Knowlege Sharing 4 Industry’ event series on the 19th of March.
Read more...Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry
SAIMC
In proud partnership with Innomotics, SAIMC will be hosting the first Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry event for 2025.
Read more...Getting your OT data into the cloud – the why and the how
SAIMC
As users recognise the benefits of a digital transformation strategy for their industrial plants and systems and start to adopt it, they soon face the challenge of getting operational technology data securely and reliably to a cloud service provider of their choice.
Read more...SAIMC training at AATF 2025 empowers engineers to register, comply and advance SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Computer Engineering (SAIMC) will deliver a powerful series of training sessions and technical workshops during the Africa Automation Technology Fair (AATF) 2025, providing engineers, technologists and technicians with the tools they need to register professionally, stay compliant, and lead industrial innovation.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg March technology event was hosted by Comtest, the Fluke agent in southern Africa. The topic was Renewable Energy Resources.
printer friendly version