Tectra Automation supplies handling systems for Iveco assembly plant
January 2016
News
Tectra Automation recently supplied two Schmalz vacuum handling systems to Iveco South Africa’s bus manufacturing facility in Rosslyn, Pretoria. The handling systems will lift and transport the roof and side panels for assembly and fitment onto the buses assembled at the plant.
Both systems consist of 150 mm silicon bellows cups, together with slide valves, tubing and a Schmalz EVE-TR40 vacuum pump. An additional safety system was implemented on each of the systems to warn operators of a loss in vacuum in the event of a power failure.
The roof panel handling system is used to transfer the parts from the storage pack to a workstation where they are prepared for assembly. Once completed, the system transports and places the finished panels onto the bus. 10 bellows cups are positioned over the entire length of the 14 m long, 2,8 m wide roof panels. These panels weigh approximately 200 kg.
Because of the rough side of the roof panel, the cups had to be capable of adapting to the uneven surface. This surface also required a vacuum pump that could provide a high airflow to compensate for the slight leakage resulting from the uneven surface.
The side panels are lifted from the storage rack in a vertical orientation, and transported to the bus for attachment. Tectra Automation designed and supplied the aluminium frame to house the vacuum components using Bosch Rexroth aluminium extrusions. The side panels are 11 m long, 1,5 m wide and weigh 180 kg, and are gripped by a system consisting of 22 bellows cups. As stipulated by Iveco, the system has been designed to accommodate a 15 m long panel in the future.
Through extensive expertise in the field of vacuum technology and system design, Tectra Automation provided a solution that is tailored to the handling requirements of the Iveco operation, which was achieved with maximum efficiency and safety.
The new system was installed and commissioned within two days.
For more information contact Malan Bosman, Tectra Automation, +27 (0)11 974 9400, [email protected], www.hytecgroup.co.za
Further reading:
Powering Africa’s industrial Leap at the 2026 Manufacturing Indaba
News
The 2026 Manufacturing Indaba is set to bring together stakeholders to explore how reliable energy can unlock Africa’s industrial future
Read more...
Siemens andDucati extend partnership to advance innovation in MotoGP
News
Siemens Digital Industries Software has renewed its technical partnership agreement with Ducati, and detailed how the Siemens Xcelerator platform has been instrumental in helping the company to create increasingly powerful, safe and sustainable motorcycles.
Read more...
Your chance to make a difference by supporting UKZN’s SMART Lab research
News
UKZN’s SMART Lab is at the forefront of tackling international challenges through innovative, multidisciplinary solutions, and focuses on research that makes a tangible difference to society. Companies affiliated with the SAIMC now have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact through sponsorships.
Read more...
Hitachi Energy named world’s leading supplier of grid automation products and services
News
Hitachi Energy has been recognised as the global market share leader in grid automation for electric power transmission and distribution utilities by ARC Advisory Group.
Read more...
Latest evolution in DesignSpark PCB design software
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa has announced the local availability of DesignSpark PCB version 13, the latest evolution of its award-winning PCB design software.
Read more...
SKF earns top CDP ratings, reinforcing climate leadership
SKF South Africa
News
SKF has been awarded an A score in the 2024 CDP Supplier Engagement Assessment, placing the company among the global leaders in supplier climate action and transparency.
Read more...
South African project to tackle e-waste
News
Every year millions of electrical and electronic devices and appliances are thrown away. This e-waste can become a threat to both health and the environment if they are not disposed of and recycled properly. Limpopo recently launched its E-Waste for Youth Employment in Limpopo Province project in order to change this narrative.
Read more...
Hans Beckhoff receives German Mechanical Engineering Award
Beckhoff Automation
News
Hans Beckhoff has received the 2025 German Mechanical Engineering Award. This prestigious award honours entrepreneurs who have set standards in machine and system engineering, driven innovation, and taken on social responsibility.
Read more...
Safe solar light for 150 000 people across Africa
RS South Africa
News
RS Group has announced a partnership with international development charity, SolarAid to deliver clean, safe solar lights to 150 000 people living in rural communities across Africa without access to electricity.
Read more...
Regalvanising is a cornerstone of the circular economy
News
Steel can be regalvanised three to four times, effectively doubling the lifespan of key infrastructure for 30% of the replacement cost. That is why the Hot Dip Galvanisers Association of South Africa sees regalvanising as a cornerstone of the circular economy.
Read more...
printer friendly version