Company gives foretaste of the future

24th May 2019

Company gives  foretaste of the future

NORMAN MALEKA SEW Eurodrive’s focus is to provide its customers with a fully modular and customisable solution
Photo by: Creamer media

Automation and drive specialist SEW- Eurodrive will give visitors to the Africa Automation Fair 2019 a foretaste of its MOVI-C modular automation system, which is readymade for the requirements of Industry 4.0, says SEW-Eurodrive national sales and marketing manager Norman Maleka.

SEW-Eurodrive will be at Stand H07 at the fair from June 4 to 6 at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg.

Maleka notes that the fair acts as a platform to interact with existing and potential customers about Industry 4.0-ready technology such as its MOVI-C modular automation system.

“Our main theme at the exhibition will focus on energy efficiency.”

He explains that three segment conveyors about 1 m to 1.5 m in length will feature IE2, IE3 and IE4 motors, with the different energy consumption displayed on a screen.

He adds that this represents the next-generation of automation technology from Germany, and will be phased-in gradually by SEW-Eurodrive in South Africa.

The system consists of a MAXO-RPS-T-RRRRR0-10-1300-01, including a stand and polycarbonate guard, CMP motors, MOVI-C Modular, MOVI-C Controller, a Human Machine Interface (DOP), and MOVIKIT Robotics software.

The system provides for an end-to-end automation solution, from planning to commissioning, operation and diagnostics software, electronic control and monitoring devices, mechanical drives, and gear motors, explains Maleka.

He adds that it features an open communications topology from PROFIBUS and Industrial Ethernet to Modbus.

While the MOVIDRIVE B Drive Inverter and MOVIAXIS Multi-Axis Servo Inverter have been available for some time, the MOVI-C modular automation system sets SEW-Eurodrive on a path to embrace Industry 4.0.

“This requires products that are both open and flexible,” Maleka stresses. “Our focus is to provide our customers with a fully modular and customisable solution.”

The unit on display will be a high-speed pick-and-place solution, including a tracking function, applicable to a range of industries.

Meanwhile, apart from its motor range, the MOVIGEAR mechatronic drive system will also be showcased. This technology is making inroads into the food and beverage industry, owing to its ease of use and quick installation and the fact that it is easy to clean and meets strict hygiene standards, for which an optional smooth surface is available.

Other energy efficient products that will be on display include variable-speed drives and the LTP-B Eco HVAC drive, which is ideal for applications as diverse as large buildings, hospitals and even mills. Features include an advanced ‘sleep’ and ‘wake’ function that maximises energy efficiency by only switching on a pump, for example, when it is required.

“Our aim is not only to stay ahead of the technology curve, but to be in a position to ensure our customers always have access to the latest complete solutions that are flexible, adaptable and cost effective,” concludes Maleka.