Product category:
System integration services
News Release from: Festo | Subject: Automation systems
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 14 June 2004
Automation specialist selected for best
true value
Industrial marking and systems integration company opted to outsource the handling system design function for its latest bespoke machine contract - ultimately selecting an automation specialist.
Progressive UK industrial marking and systems integration solutions company Telesis Eagle Ltd of Devon opted to outsource the handling system design function for its latest bespoke machine contract - but shrewdly chose to look for the best true value rather than simply the lowest cost service, ultimately selecting automation specialist Festo Originally focusing on roll marking and impressions marking systems, Telesis Eagle now offers a wide range of standard and bespoke solutions that make it the UK's leading supplier of programmable permanent marking and reading systems
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 16 Jan 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Upon receiving a second order for a sophisticated marking machine from an existing high-profile customer manufacturing automotive drivetrains, Telesis Eagle looked for a business partner to develop a handling system to address the complex series of motion profiles required to mark CV joints during production.
Project Manager and Senior Design Engineer at Telesis, Neal Jones, explained that experience with the first machine had highlighted issues with holding the parts securely for marking on a moving production line conveyor.
Wise to these issues, Jones decided to enlist help for the design of the second machine.
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In assessing potential partners, he regarded overall value of the service he sought as more than the simplistic judgement of component costs.
"Attributes such as knowledge; industry track record; ability to deliver to timescale; ability to deliver within budget; quality of the design function; and the quality, robustness and longevity of the proposed solution were key to our decision," he confirms.
In developing the first machine for the customer, Jones had dealt with automation specialist Festo to discuss the merits of Pick and Place systems.
With the second order, Jones investigated the Festo concept further and ultimately selected Festo as the design partner able to deliver the best value for the handling function.
"We accepted a premium price but got not only a premium product that was essentially future proof, but an equally premium design and support service," Jones adds, pointing out that he measures the value by the flawless performance to the design brief and minimal life cycle costs.
In collaboration with the Festo consultant, Telesis Eagle developed a unique handling solution that would lift the CV joint off the line, thereby overcoming the movement issues encountered during the development of the first machine.
The specification allows 10 seconds for the entire marking process; the Telesis TMP1700 PINSTAMPs marking system requires only three seconds to engrave the readable text string, which left seven seconds for the handling process.
Festo delivered a solution that lifts parts from the conveyor, tracks in the Y-axis to a marking station, holds the part firmly kinematically (in all directions) then returns the part to the line within the seven-second time frame.
The turnkey Festo package comprised all the actuation and positional sensing along with full documentation and life-cycle costs, plus statistical analyses and maintenance schedules.
Installation and commissioning at the customer's premises in Germany was easy and straightforward.
Jones estimates the resultant cost saving to be between 15% and 20% in real terms.
"The cycle time and the handling process was fast and simple, but best of all it halved the design aspect of the project," he claims, adding: "And as I headed up the first project, I know full well the benefit of that saving.
The remaining allowable design time was spent more efficiently on the supporting framework and the metering system." The effective marking of products is a vital part of the production process in thousands of manufacturing environments every day for identification and traceability.
Telesis Eagle enjoys an industry-leading reputation and boasts an enviable list of big-name industrial customers.
Festo is now the preferred automation supplier to the company. Request a free brochure from Festo ...
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