The new Okuma 'Space Centre' horizontal machining centre, now installed at Spirax Sarco, will be the key to increasing capacity, reducing scrap and ultimately making the organisation more competitive by delivering to customer demand. It is the only one of its kind in South Africa.
The machine bed and pallet system are capable of accommodating a number of components, including globe valve body castings and transfer cases, at one time and returning complete machined components ready for cleaning and assembly.
Sophisticated computer controlled programs allow the machine not only to perform the usual cylindrical turning, drilling, tapping and milling operations; but using the interpolation programs embedded in the machine's software, it is possible to 'turn' flats on shafts.
Now that intensive staff training is complete, programming and machine trials have begun in earnest. If a problem does occur, then the twenty-first century comes into full swing as the machine centre has its own communication system that allows intervention and remote fault analysis by the technicians in Japan.
With the programming also comes the 'tooling up', the identification and purchase of all the many and various machine tools that are an integral part of the system. The post tool magazine that is part of the automatic tool change-over system has been installed. This, together with an extensive tool inventory, will be managed by the 'Smart Drawer' machine tool system - another improvement that will contribute to the overall success of the machine.
The Space Centre, costing over R4-million, is the centrepiece in the continuing investment by Spirax Sarco South Africa in the future of the organisation.
Meeting the Western Cape’s occupational health and safety needs
News
“A-OSH EXPO Cape Town is a dedicated platform where visitors can explore the latest products, services and training to safeguard their teams, improve workplace conditions, and ensure compliance with evolving legislation.
Read more...Bühler hosts Student Career Expo
News
Bühler Southern Africa recently hosted its fourth annual Student Career Expo, reaffirming its commitment to inspiring and guiding the next generation towards diverse and rewarding career possibilities.
Read more...The unseen crisis in our taps
News
South Africa’s water crisis is no longer looming. It is already here. To move forward, water treatment must become part of a broader infrastructure renewal agenda. This includes decentralised solutions, private-sector innovation and long-term investment.
Read more...A technical partnership that lasts Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
News
Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex reflects on the longevity of the partnership with Sasol, the key technology milestones along the way, and the most recent project in South Africa.
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