Electricity + Control September 2018

LIGHT + CURRENT

PC-based control ensures high quality sporting goods

upon which a testing assembly can be built. ADC currently offers three standard options for their load frames: the GEN IV (Compression System), which is a table top-based solution for pressure testing of golf balls. Next, the Compression and Tension System (CTS) is a bench-top based system with higher load capacity, which is designed for testing balls, bats and ma- terials used in athletic products. Finally, the Size, Weight and Compression (SWC) System accurately reports the physical characteristics of any golf ball or core, and adapts to test balls for other sports as well. The advanced, floor-mounted SWC system consists of a variety of individual testing stations, and utilises a SCARA robot to move test products from station to station. ADC implements TwinCAT 3 as the soft- ware programming environment and runt- ime for the load frame systems, leveraging the TwinCAT 3 PLC and PLC NC/PTP pack- ages for motion control. “Since we decid- ed to use TwinCAT 3 and EtherCAT, seam- less communication is ensured among all components. Through the use of an ADS router, TwinCAT also easily connects to custom user interfaces and third-party de- vices,” notes Bitsky. PC-based control replaces traditional control architecture Increased functionality with reduced cost and time requirements As the implementation of Beckhoff prod- ucts has become widespread across

Earning long-term customer loyalty in the sporting goods industry requires products that perform at the highest level, every time. On part of the manufacturers, this necessitates a significant amount of prod- uct testing prior to market introduction and quality control in manufacturing in order to ensure the highest level of quality. This is where Automated Design Corporation (ADC), based in Romeoville, Illinois, USA, comes into play. As a custom automation solutions provider, ADC leverages PC- based control technology in its offering of specialised machines for testing applica- tions in this market. Thomas Bitsky Jr., Lead Developer at ADC, talks about the decision to develop test systems for sports equipment, includ- ing balls, shoes, bats, and other equipment for golf and baseball: “In the early 1990s, we discovered a niche we could fill in the sporting goods market for standardised, au- tomated testing systems. Until then, most of the solutions in the industry were home- grown assemblies. Often, these machines had little to no documentation, creating problems in operation and maintenance, and yielding results that were imprecise or couldn’t be replicated. As automation specialists, we knew we could provide the precise and consistent solutions customers needed, and back up new systems with high-quality service and support.” For that purpose, ADC developed a standard line of load frames based on PC- based control technology from Beckhoff. A load frame, in simple terms, is a platform

multiple product lines, ADC realised sig- nificant user benefits. Thomas Bitsky Jr. comments: “PC-based control has allowed us to expand the capabilities of our equip- ment without massive investments in building circuit boards and custom elec- tronics. We’ve achieved sizeable cost re- ductions by integrating Beckhoff solutions. Via OCT and efficient I/O systems, our ca- bling costs were cut in half. Construction of electrical cabinets is also faster and less expensive, as we use fewer terminals and have less to wire.” Enquiries: Email info@beckhoff.com

A new appointment at Bosch East Africa

Consulting Engineers Ltd a member of the Bosch Holdings group of multidisciplinaryconsulting engineering companies has appointed Walter Awinda as Managing Director. A civil/structural engineer by profession and a practicing project management professional, Walter is responsible for leading further growth of the company within the East African region. Walter has vast experience in management and delivery of construction and infrastructure projects and is currently pursuing an MBA in Project Man- agement from Kenyatta University. Additionally, he is a Certified PMP from Project Management Insti- tute. Walter, who was born and raised in Nairobi, de- scribes himself as a ‘normal’ guy who enjoys working,

reading, going to gym, spending time with family and watching football. He also has a burning passion forfarming. Bosch East Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya, offers mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) consulting services, as well as civil and structural engineering services. Bosch Holdings, with its head office in South Africa, spe- cialises in multidisciplinary consulting engineering and project management, as well as construction and operations manage- ment. The establishment of Bosch East Africa in 2013 forms part of the Bosch Holdings’ global growth strategy, which also encompasses the establishment of Bosch Engenharia in Brazil in 2007 and the acquisition of Booker Tate Limited in the UK during 2017. Enquiries:Walter Awinda. Email wawinda@boschea.co.ke

Electricity + Control

SEPTEMBER 2018

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