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.
Read more...Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could ...
Read more...Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards 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