Electricity and Control July 2021

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Integrated technologies boost industrial performance

MAXOLUTION ® solutions from SEW-EURODRIVE are fully integrated and customised technologies developed to automate, integrate, upgrade and streamline existing production processes and allow for future technology to be incorporated. Dylan Enslin, MAXOLUTION ® Engineer with SEW‑­ EURODRIVE says, “Our strength is in our expertise and knowledgeof assessingand implementing the right solution for the customer’s system objectives. At SEW-EURODRIVE the advanced technologies behind our MAXOLUTION ® systems take into consideration that industry and its processes are constantly evolving, recognising the requirement for future upgrades and adjustments. ”Whether a customer is needing to source or enhance automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or electrified mono systems (EMS), or replace or upgrade motors and gear boxes, we can guide them from the project planning stage through to installation, ensuring that our custom- ised software meets requirements, that communications between machines are configured correctly and that the entire production process is seamlessly automated, in- tegrated and optimally calibrated for best performance, focusing on Industry 4.0 and the future,“ Enslin says. SEW-EURODRIVE believes that exchangeable mod- ules are the future of factories. MAXOLUTION ® systems enable the customer to respond swiftly to changes in market requirements, operating a ‘smart factory’ with a new, flexible and adaptable modular structure where components and machines can be added, duplicated or removed. This provides greater flexibility for produc- tion processes to be adjusted when needed and in the most efficient way possible. SEW-EURODRIVE was recently commissioned to de- velop a machine automation project with a customised MAXOLUTION ® software solution. The pre-project as- sessment included motor and motor size requirements, gear box configurations, the electronic capability need- ed to drive the specified motors and synchronised motor capability, all critical factors that needed to be taken into account in the design phase of the project.

SEW-EURODRIVE has the expertise to assess customers’ needs and implement the right solution to meet their process automation objectives. The company has also successfully implemented the MAXOLUTION ® concept for torque testing machinery in the mining sector, as well as in the automotive manufac- turing sector for an engine line where travel axis/hoist axis, gearbox sizing, variable speed drive requirements, motor positioning and electronic communications were specified for the implementation of an EMS system. According to Enslin, a number of global companies represented in South Africa, for example in the automo- tive sector, have used MAXOLUTION ® systems success- fully at their European headquarters, and have directed their local offices to implement the system due to its ef- fectiveness and superior technology. ”We assist the customer in selecting the best solution for their production requirements by ensuring that all components meet their needs and are compatible in or- der to deliver successful integration that supplies smart technology, machinery communications and a smooth, seamless and efficient system. MAXOLUTION ® offers maximum flexibility with maximum availability – in short we automate and integrate production systems reliably and efficiently,” says Enslin. ”Additionally, we work with external system integra- tors and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in a supporting role, assisting with project planning, costings, customised or standard software solutions, as well as de- sign recommendations and commissioning. “As SEW-EURODRIVE has a global presence, this enables us to tap into the expertise that has been developed across the full spectrum of the company’s technologies and applications if required. Another key benefit that SEW-EURODRIVE brings to the table is our comprehensive stock holding, which enables us to dispatch components at short notice. Nothing is out of reach when it comes to problem-solving and conceptualising a future-based integrated system solution – from planning through to design and commissioning,” says Enslin. For more information contact SEW-EURODRIVE. Tel: +27 (0)11 248 7000 Email: info@sew.co.za, visit: www.sew-eurodrive.co.za

In the automotive sector, a number of global companies represented in South Africa have directed their local offices to implement MAXOLUTION ® systems following their headquarters’ experience.

6 Electricity + Control JULY 2021