MechChem Africa January-February 2025

⎪ Products and industry news ⎪

Plastics improve machine performance and reliability

chemicals, dirt or high levels of moisture. They perform reliably under stress and, unlike traditional metal parts that can cor rode, seize or wear down in these conditions, polymers are resistant to corrosion and wear, making them ideal for use in outdoor equip ment or in areas with high exposure to the elements. “In industries such as automotive, aerospace and logistics, reducing the overall weight of components directly leads to im proved energy consumption, faster speeds and lower operational costs, while for robotic systems, using lightweight polymer bearings and gears improves the speed and precision of movement, while decreasing the energy required to drive the motors,” adds Hewat. In addition, igus is also synonymous with cable carriers designed to guide and protect cables, hoses and other conduits in constantly moving machinery. Its Echain carriers are engineered to ensure smooth, uninterrupted operation by preventing cables from twisting, tangling or wearing out due to continuous motion. www.igus.co.za position indicator for pneumatic process valves of the new product generation. It offers state-of the-art communication interfaces such as Asi-5 and IO-Link. Thanks to contactless position detection using Hall sensors, the GEMÜ 12A0 provides precise and wear-free solutions for process automation. Noteworthy is independent initialisation, which enables simple initial operation and maintenance. In addition, the integrated sensor technology enables comprehensive condition monitoring and forms the basis for predictive maintenance. Whether in the field of process automation, in sterile applications or in industrial production, these new generation GEMÜ valves provide forward-looking solutions for demanding requirements. www.gemu-group.com

ficiency, reliability and longevity. From com plex robotic systems to heavy-duty industrial machinery, the benefits of motion plastics by igus are vast and diverse and offer significant advantages in design and performance. “One of the standout features of our mo tion plastics is the tribological self-lubricating properties, which eliminate the need for external lubrication. This not only reduces maintenance costs but also prevents envi ronmental contamination caused by leaking oils or greases. In industries such food pro cessing or pharmaceuticals, where hygiene is paramount, these polymer based components offer an invaluable advantage by ensuring clean and oil-free operations,” he says. igus polymer bearings, linear guides and bushings provide smooth and frictionless motion without the need for continuous main tenance, translating to reduced downtime and extended machine lifespan. They are also designed to withstand the most demanding environments such as extreme temperatures,

Using lightweight polymer bearings and gears can improve the speed and precision of movement, while decreasing the energy required to drive the motors. The igus range of polymer bearings, spindles and energy chain cable management systems have revolutionised machines in the lifting, agricultural, manufacturing and a host of other industries. Ian Hewat, managing director of igus South Africa, says its polymer range offers lightweight, durable and lubrication-free operation, along with improved machine ef Valve specialist GEMÜ is launching significant new features geared towards the requirements of modern process automation. Under the name LEAP – Lean; Effective; Agile; Platformised – GEMÜ is presenting a series of advanced modular and flexible products designed for modern manufacturing methods. The first of this new generation include two new valves and an innovative position indicator. The GEMÜ PD40 is a new, innovative tank bottom valve for sterile applications. Based on proven plug diaphragm (PD) technology, the P40 has a radially sealed PTFE diaphragm, which ensures hermetic separation of the actuator and medium. Thanks to its optimised design, the tank Bottom valve reduces the risk of con tamination, avoids potential sediment deposits

GEMÜ sets milestone with new product generation and is easy to clean. The valve body and radi ally sealing diaphragm are perfectly matched to ensure optimum idle characteristics, both when the valve is open and closed. In addition, the dynamic pre-tensioning of the patented PD developed specifically for tank bottom valves ensures low-maintenance operation.

The GEMÜ S40 is a new globe valve char acterised by a wide range of variants and long service life. Maintenance and assembly effort and time is significantly reduced due to stan dardised construction, a central union nut, and top-mounted air connections. It is designed for use in industrial applications and allows wear parts such as the seal packing, spindle, seat seal and sealing washer to be replaced quickly. The GEMÜ 12A0 is an intelligent, electrical

CSIR and TIA accelerate technology development The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) have announced a five-year part nership to accelerate technology development and commercialisation in South Africa. grammes and projects, such as but not limited to the CSIR’s Industry Innovation Partnership Programme. It will also provide TIA with access to the pipeline of current and future CSIR developed technologies for use in the develop ment of projects and ventures.

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in Pretoria on Friday 6 December 2019. Both organisations believe that this partnership will drive and en hance research and development (R&D) outputs across all sectors, while building technology development capacities across South Africa. Through this partnership, the CSIR will be able to access TIA funding programmes that complement and support CSIR R&D pro

The move also supports the objectives of the new CSIR Strategy that aims to collaborate with public and private sector partners to de velop and localise technologies and to advance industries in South Africa. CSIR Chief Executive Officer, Thulani Dlamini, hailed the partnership as a step in the right direction for effective technology transfer and commercialisation, adding that it

CSIR CEO, Thulani Dlamini, and Interim CEO of TIA, Fuzlin Levy-Hassen, sign a MoA for a five year partnership. will advance local innovation and industrial development. www.csir.co.za

36 ¦ MechChem Africa • January-February 2025