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.
Addressing cost, supply and disease pressures in Africa’s feed industry
Motion Control & Drives
Feed producers across Africa are operating in an increasingly complex and volatile environment. The pressures are forcing producers to rethink how they operate, balancing cost control, production efficiency and the need for greater flexibility in an unpredictable market.
Read more...Humanoid robots are moving faster
Motion Control & Drives
A humanoid robot has exceeded the world’s best human half marathon time, offering a glimpse into the industrial potential behind this spectacle.
Read more...WearCheck strengthens onsite sampling capabilities Wearcheck
Motion Control & Drives
The precise accuracy of taking an oil sample from a machine component is one of the most critically important steps in the scientific analysis of oil as part of a condition monitoring programme.
Read more...Investment in training is key for the lubrication industry
Motion Control & Drives
Lubrication management has grown more sophisticated in recent years, yet equipment failure rates linked to lubrication problems remain stubbornly high. The reason for this is that technology can only go so far without the people behind it being properly trained.
Read more...Konecranes modernises paper roll warehouse with four automated cranes
Motion Control & Drives
Konecranes received a contract from Palm to modernise an automated paper roll warehouse at its Wörth facility in Germany. The project includes the delivery of four automated cranes equipped with vacuum lifters to replace existing units, along with extensive software upgrades and new crane runways.
Read more...Oil analysis is an investment that pays a cost-savings dividend Wearcheck
Motion Control & Drives
The majority of organisations implementing oil analysis face the challenge of maximising operational cost savings against the pressure to achieve full production and enhance shareholder value. An organisation may, or may not, achieve the intended benefits for several reasons, chief among them being the failure to implement a sound corrective-action strategy.
Read more...Rollers excel where profits balance on a knife edge igus
Motion Control & Drives
Polymer component specialist manufacturer, igus has developed a range of lubrication-free long-life knife edge rollers designed to improve the transfer of products between conveyor belts in high-speed production environments.
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