MechChem Africa July 2019

The MOVI-C ® modular automation system represents the next-generation Industry 4.0-ready automation technology from Germany and will be phased-in gradually by SEW-EURODRIVE in South Africa. SEW-EURODRIVE’s Norman Maleka explains. The future of automation with MOVI-C ® system

and beverage to cement and mining, giving the company an established footprint in a diverse range of markets and sectors. While West Africa is not on the radar, Sicchiero points out that the company is represented by agents where it does not have offices established. In terms of current growth opportunities, the rise in the copper price has resulted in renewed growth in the Copper Belt in Zambia, for example. This has seen a recent supply of a multimillion- rand order of 42 units, including geared motors, planetaryunits, and Industrial Gear (IG) units ranging from7.5kWto250kW. q Industry 4.0. “This requires products that are open and flexible,” Maleka stresses. “Our focus is to provide our customers with a fully modular and customisable solution.” A unit, which was on display at the Africa Automation Fair 2019 as a teaser, showcases what customers can expect in the near future from SEW-EURODRIVE – which is already developing new technologies with a three- to four-year window period in response to industry trends and customer requirements. The unit, a high-speed pick-and-place solution, which includes a tracking function, is applicable to a range of industries. “Our main theme at the exhibition was to focus on energy-efficiency,” Maleka notes. Three segment conveyors about 1.0 m to 1.5m in length featured IE2, IE3, and IE4mo- tors, with the different energy consumptions displayed on a screen. “The MOVIGEAR ® mechatronic drive system was also on display. This technology ismaking inroads into the food-and-beverage industry as a result of its ease of use andquick installation, and the fact that it is easy to clean andmeets strict hygiene standards, forwhich an optional smooth surface is available.” Other energy-efficient products on dis- play included Variable Speed Drives and the LTP-BEcoHVACdrive,which is ideal for appli- cations as diverse as large buildings, hospitals andmills. Features includeanadvanced ‘sleep’ and ‘wake’ function that maximises energy efficiency by only switching on a pump, for example, when it is required. q

S EW-EURODRIVE’sIndustry4.0-ready technology consists of aMAXO-RPS- T-RRRRR0-10-1300-01, including a stand and polycarbonate guard, CMP motors, MOVI-C ® Modular; MOVI-C ® Con- troller, aHumanMachine Interface (DOP) and MOVIKIT ® Robotics software, says Maleka, who is the national sales and marketing man- ager at SEW-EURODRIVE. “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 gearmotors. “What’smore,itfeaturesanopencommunica- tions topology fromPROFIBUSand Industrial Ethernet to Modbus,” he adds. 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

The MOVI-C ® modular automation system sets SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. on a path to embrace Industry 4.0.

SEW-EURODRIVE provides on-site training and service in Africa A key differentiator for SEW-EURODRIVE in Africa is its capability to offer on-site training and service of its products. This not only familiarises clients with the drive automation specialist’s complete range, but also gives it a foot in the door for electronics and automation products such as variable speed drives.

cation to commissioning andmaintenance.” Sicchierosays,havinganon-sitepresence means the brand is always top-of-mind. “It is good to be able to show our face on site and to advise our clients wherever we can assist them. Depending on visa requirements for individual countries, an engineer or techni- cian can be dispatched within 24 hours if need be. We also assist with on-site training and commissioning,” Sicchiero highlights. The Johannesburg regional office is currently responsible for 23 countries from Southern to Eastern Africa. Tanzania also falls under the ambit of the local head office. Industries served range from food

“Our aftersales service is as critical as the initial sale, as it affirms what we can do for our clients,” says Marcio Sicchiero, head of exports, SEW-EURODRIVE. “The dis- seminationof product knowledge inAfrica is vital for clients to understand that we offer complete solutions, fromdesign and specifi-

22 ¦ MechChem Africa • July 2019