The July issue of MechChem Africa features Atlas Copco and its fit-for-purpose air solutions on the cover. The related cover story features Wayne Jacobs and JC Lombard talking about solutions for all market segments, from its Automan solutions for automotive repair shops to its premium efficiency VSD and oil free offerings.

The Power transmission lead comes from SKF and talks about digitalisation, news about Bosch Rexroth SA’s latest investment in Hytec Engineering is the Hydraulics lead; Automation features Omron and its approach to implementing AI; while Multotec’s gravity separation technology is unravelled in Minerals Processing.

We also profile the new SAIChE IChemE president David Lokhat and the Innovative Engineering article summarises a visit to OMV Gypsum’s reprocessing plant in Potchefstroom.

ON THE COVER

The best-fit approach to compressed air: Long renowned for high efficiency premium compressed air solutions, Atlas Copco Compressor Technique also supplies best-in-class air solutions to suit the full range of market needs, from economy to premium. MechChem Africa talks to business line managers JC Lombard of Oil-Free Air and Wayne Jacobs of Industrial Air about the company’s fit-for-purpose solutions approach. Read more…

PETER’S COMMENT

Ramaphosa’s Vision 2030 and transformation: Peter Middleton takes a look at Cyril Ramaphosa’s SONA address and urges stakeholders to transform from within to help South Africa to realise the President’s future vision. Read more…

SAIChE IChemE

A love of research as the springboard for teaching: MechChem Africa profiles current SAIChE IChemE president, David Lokhat. Read more…

POWER TRANSMISSION, BEARINGS, BUSHES AND SEALS

Digitalisation: unlocking the door to predictive maintenance: Mattias Årstadius of SKF outlines how bearing specialist SKF applies AI technology to reduce downtime and improve machine performance. Read more…

Geared drives for applications from sewage to power: BMG’s national product specialists talk about NORD Drive Systems for sewage treatment, and Varvel worm drive solutions for the PV Solar industry. Read more…

Using quality motors and gearboxes optimises screen economy: Kenny Mayhew-Ridgers of Kwatani talks about the company’s locally designed and manufactures gearboxes for its vibrating screens. Click to read in the online magazine... 

Multi-level E-house from Shaw Controls for oil & gas sector: Bevan Richards of Shaw Controls talks about an E-house solution for one of South Africa’s major ports. Click to read in the online magazine... 

HYDRAULIC AND PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS

Hytec Engineering invests in efficiency: Bosch Rexroth South Africa Group of Companies continues to invest in its production facilities, with Hytec Engineering the latest Group company to have optimised its manufacturing and repair operations. Read more…

Class 0 oil-free versus technically oil-free air: Rand Air talks about the importance of its Class 0 oil-free industry standard for pharmaceutical or food and beverage applications. Click to read in the online magazine... 

Digital solutions showcased at Automation Expo: This article celebrates the success of the first leg of the Festo Automation Expo. Click to read in the online magazine... 

AUTOMATION, PROCESS CONTROL, INSTRUMENTATION AND CAE

Artificial intelligence in industrial manufacturing: Evert Janse van Vuuren from Omron Industrial Automation talks about the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) on production lines. Read more…

Altair releases HyperWorks 2019: The latest version of Altair’s flagship simulation platform, HyperWorks, unifies design, engineering and manufacturing communities for faster than ever development cycles. Read more…

Start planning the i4.0 transition today: At a CTC-hosted annual open day to showcase its Artisan 4.0 training initiative, Johan Venter urged industry to start preparing for Industry 4.0 now. Read more…

The future of automation with MOVI-C® system: SEW-EURODRIVE’s Norman Maleka talks about the new MOVI-C® modular automation system. Click to read in the online magazine... 

MS2N Servo Motor breaks boundaries in the electric drives industry: An article describing a ground-breaking new product from Tectra Automation for the Electric Drives and Controls industry. Click to read in the online magazine... 

MINERALS PROCESSING AND MATERIALS

Gravity concentration and SA’s spiral specialist: MechChem Africa visits the South African manufacturing facilities of Multotec’s Gravity Separation division to find out about spiral technology. Read more…

Solid support for mining entrepreneurs: Mervyn Stevens and Denver Dreyer of Worley talk about their swift, cost-effective and fit-for-purpose technological advancements. Click to read in the online magazine... 

Kwatani recognised for local manufacture: CEO of Kwatani, Kim Schoep talks about the company’s recent success in the SACEEC Exporter of the Year Awards. Read more…

Bottom line benefits from composite mill liners: FLSmidth has launched redesigned mill lining components to increase the throughput of SAG mills and substantially increase the wear life of liners. Click to read in the online magazine... 

INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING

Gypsum reprocessing for a cleaner environment: MechChem Africa visits OMV’s modernised Gypsum reprocessing plant and talks to mechanical engineer, Marinus van den Berg and the company’s MD, Oscar Goudriaan. Read more…

REGULARS

Product and industry news   Click to read in the online magazine...

Back page: Ultra-heavy-duty bulk bag filler with integral conveyor. Click to read in the online magazine...