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:
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...
Two weeks to go: AATF 2025 welcomes Africa’s industrial future
News
With less than two weeks to go, the countdown to Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 is on - and there’s never been a better time to register.
Read more...
Groundbreaking renewable energy skills platform
News
South Africa’s renewable energy sector has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of PowerUp. A South African first, this online platform is designed to equip the country’s workforce with the skills required to meet industry demands.
Read more...
Innomotics wins Platinum TITAN Brand Award for Best Corporate Rebranding
News
Innomotics has been awarded with the Platinum TITAN Brand Award for Best Corporate Rebranding. The international jury honoured Innomotics’ efforts to develop a powerful and recognisable brand after the carve-out of Innomotics from the Siemens Group in 2023.
Read more...
Unlocking Africa’s hydrogen potential
News
Africa is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the global green energy revolution, with hydrogen emerging as a critical commodity of strategic and national importance across the continent. Namibia is putting ambition into action by having already reached a number of key milestones towards final investment decision on up to five projects.
Read more...
Fuchs doubles sales volume
News
An aggressive growth strategy in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa over the last decade has resulted in Fuchs Lubricants South Africa achieving a CAGR of 6% in volume sold since 2015. The result of this is that sales volume has nearly doubled in this time.
Read more...
High-quality sensing and automation equipment
News
The Turck Banner Demo Van is showcasing the company’s latest products and solutions.Turck Banner sells directly to end users and OEMs in a broad range of industries and applications.
Read more...
SA company uses AI to break the language barrier
News
Helm has a unique approach to AI that allows it to automate customer communication in any of South Africa’s 11 official spoken languages.
Read more...
From ground to compound: the journey of crude oil
Wearcheck
News
You’re in for a ‘crude awakening’ when you download WearCheck’s latest Technical Bulletin. You will be treated to an in-depth explanation of the processes of producing oil, fuel and other petrochemical wonders that power our modern lifestyle.
Read more...
2025 – a year for growth, amid industry challenges
News
Automation is rapidly emerging as a catalyst for industrial transformation, enabling businesses to meet sustainability targets, enhance productivity and drive economic efficiency.
Read more...
printer friendly version