DRIVES, MOTORS + SWITCHGEAR
ROUND UP
Ten newVariolution packages - designed for use in applications such
as materials handling, lifting systems, packaging and crane systems
- can be specially modified for industry specific applications, writes
SEW-EURODRIVE electronics division manager, Norman Maleka.
AlthoughVariolution packages have been available since last year,
they will be officially launched at the Electra Mining Africa exhibi-
tion in September 2014, in order to provide guests from across the
globe with the opportunity to interact with product specialists from
SEW-EURODRIVE
, and to understand exactly how the Variolution
packages work.
Variolution is essentially packaged selling - 80% of the package is
standard and 20% can be customised.This provides local industries
with a tried and tested standard solution that offers the added benefit
of a certain degree of customisation.
Cost savings are a major advantage, as the project value of aVari-
olution package is the same as the purchase value of the individual
components. Installation and programming are standard, with the
option of adjusting the package in order to suit the desired applica-
tion, such as greater energy efficiency or hygienic design.
All components originate from one supplier, offering a 'one stop'
solution and the accompanying cost benefit of such a deal.The most
common industries in which these packages would be used are min-
ing, automotive, food processing, beverage, transport and logistics.
Through its Variolution packages, SEW-EURODRIVE provides
customers with onsite commissioning and installation, which
is invaluable to companies where engineering skills are scarce.
SEW-EURODRIVE conducts site visits in order to determine specific
needs and to assist with a Variolution package that is suited to the
application.This service is also available telephonically.
Proven field capabilities
SEW-EURODRIVE was contacted by AA Spring Makers - specialist
in the manufacture of quality tension, compression and torsion
springs. The company requested a complete, simple and cost ef-
fective solution to replace its manual spring coiling process. The
process relied on an operator to produce a spring with a consistent
number of turns and ends. A Variolution engineer proposed a solu-
tion consisting of a geared motor fitted with an absolute encoder,
MOVIDRIVE inverter and drive operator panel (DOP).
The engineer wrote a customised IPOS program which allowed
the operator to enter various physical properties of the springs to
be manufactured via the DOP. With a touch of a few buttons, the
solution performed the necessary positioning to manufacture the
required springs.
Feedback from the customer revealed that the new Variolution
package from SEW-EURODRIVE rectified a number of the previous
system's shortcomings. Among the most notable was the fact that
inaccurate start and end coiling was entirely eliminated, which
ensured consistent spring ends. The new solution also ensured
that the customer was able to coil springs in both directions, and
in excess of 9,5 mm, which is well beyond the previous capability
of just 7 mm in a single direction.The number of rejected springs
and overhead labour costs were substantially reduced and cycle
times were improved as the need for individual spring inspection
was eliminated.
On a second site visit, the customer enquired whether it would be
possible to include displaying the quantity of springs to be manu-
factured for a specific job and the number of springs completed
during the manufacturing process.The software was modified was
immediately modified to accommodate the customer's needs.The
customer has subsequently requested that a second machine be
automated.
Future outlook in the local market
Variolution packages are useful for mechanical and system engi-
neers, with solutions optimised for many applications. The perfectly
bundled scalable Variolution packages provide software modules
tailored to the application and the drive technology used. In addi-
tion to a functional guarantee, the Variolution packages contain
optimised order and delivery processes, as well as package specific
documentation and component identification.
The possibility of combining the components and technology
functions of the Variolution packages in a scalable manner allows
for a high degree of flexibility. SEW-EURODRIVE offers predefined
industry specific drive solutions. They are configured individually
to meet specific requirements, ensuring a simpler and more cost
effective design.
Variolution packages provide extensive solution for all applications
Norman Meleka,
Electronics manager
for SEW EURODRIVE.
See you at Electra Mining, Stand J20, Hall 6
Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg
15 - 19 September 2014
23
July ‘14
Electricity+Control
