The weighing division is expanding rapidly thanks to advanced control automation technology.
Leading feed milling equipment provider, Techmach, has improved its machine control using state-of-the-art automation technology supplied by Beckhoff Automation’s South African office.
Techmach has been a specialist for more than 30 years in custom-built equipment and machinery for feed milling applications such as maize, flour and animal feed. In 2009, the Johannesburg based company decided to expand its footprint by establishing a dedicated automatic weighing division, however, this depended on the availability of a more accurate control platform.
Techmach’s John Barclay: “The company realised it had to think outside the box and go beyond anything it had done before, so we decided to approach Beckhoff to find out more PC-based control. We discovered that the flexibility of the Beckhoff technology would enable us to customise our application software to each client’s unique specifications and this is exactly what we were looking for.”
Barclay says that using the Beckhoff technology would also provide global connectivity to all of its machines, enabling the company to be aware of a breakdown or service requirement well before the user. “The advanced technology offered by Beckhoff has enabled Techmach to alert itself, through cellular, Internet and 3G connections, to any abuse, mismanagement or failure of a machine. Ultimately, this ensures that we can provide our clients with the highest standard of after-sales service and technical support.”
Managing director of Beckhoff Automation in South Africa, Conrad Muller, explains that Beckhoff supplied compact industrial computers and Ethernet-based bus products that connect directly to the Techmach load cells, as well as to other digital and analogue inputs and outputs. “Techmach required a new approach to automation with more functionality and visual displays. After taking their needs into consideration, we built a list of features that were customised to suit the company’s machinery. Our goal is always to increase our customer’s product design capabilities and decrease the time to market, without increasing the costs.”
Barclay says the after-sales and technical support from Beckhoff South Africa has been of the highest standards. “Beckhoff displayed great commitment and ensured that an expert was available to provide us with support regardless of the time of day. The high quality of the automation technology has given us no major headaches to date, resulting in Techmach and Beckhoff South Africa developing a strong working relationship over the past two years.”
Muller explains how Beckhoff assisted Techmach engineers with the software design and development. “Beckhoff acted as a consultant specialist thereby allowing Techmach to focus on the design work, while we assisted with the customisation and modular approach. What is more, Beckhoff offered 24-hour customer support in addition to the training required.”
“The automated weighing division at Techmach has grown at a rapid rate since we adopted the Beckhoff technology,” says Barclay. “South Africa is catching up with international trends. I believe that the online automation of processes will become standard in the industry as it eliminates the risks of human error and other problems related to manual labour.”
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