TPT January 2007

A utomated S ystems for H andling, B undling & P ackaging

P reparing tube and pipe for transport is a science with many branches. Lightweight vacuum tubes do not call for the same logistics as water pipe – but this is not to say that in the handling they present less of a challenge to ingenuity. Whatever the weight or shape of the payload, the penalty for wasting container space or choosing the wrong protective

mechanismor mediumwill be severe. Broken or deformed products of any size or value means lost revenue: worse, a disappointed customer.

Noseasonedtubemakereverunderestimates the importance of the handling specialties, and in a well-run operation the production line will be coordinated with the plant’s collection and packaging systems. These automated systems are smoothly incorporated only because a research and development phase as extensive and rigorous as any will have perfected the techniques. Electronic operation is a marvel of efficiency and economy – but only if the function it serves repeatedly is absolutely the right one for the job. The companies profiled in this section make up a kind of quartermaster corps within the tube and pipe industry. They know that every shipment of tube and pipe must arrive at its destination in perfect condition, and that much of the responsibility for this rests with them. They are the acknowledged experts, and a review of their equipment, products, and services is highly recommended.

The management at Hydro Aluminium Alutubes decided to implement a more rational material-flow system and asked EFS-Handlingsysteme to develop, construct and install a flexible handling system for aluminium tubes with various lengths (maximum 7,000mm) and diameters (35mm to 90mm), with a maximum handling weight of 160kg. This maximum weight results from the fact that up to seven tubes are handled together in order to achieve efficient loading of the machine magazine. Following technical examination, EFS decided to use a vacuum handling system, for which it obtained support from the vacuum specialists at Schmalz. EFS was responsible for the complete handling device, the wall crane, the vacuum crossbeam and the project management, while Schmalz planned and manufactured the complete vacuum system. This vacuum system had to meet a range of requirements including handling of both long and short tubes of various diameters and weights, no bending of the tubes (even long ones), and flexible and easy adjustment of the suction pads to match all tube diameters.

Flexible handling systems for aluminium tubes

The handling of materials still offers potential for increased efficiency and logistical improvement. J Schmalz GmbH, Germany, develops and produces vacuum components and gripping systems, vacuum handling systems and vacuum clamping systems.

The company has provided one such vacuum system for use at Hydro Aluminium Alutubes GmbH. Hydro Aluminium Alutubes, which produces aluminium tubes used mainly in the manufacture of axle supports and other

structural elements in the automobile industry, was keen to make improvements at its factory. Depending on the job, aluminium tubes had to be taken from a storage rack and placed in the magazine of a power saw. Once the required length had been cut off, the remainder was returned to stock, which meant it was quite possible that these short tubes would have to be handled again. Until recently, the rods and tubes were handled manually by two people – an unproductive task.

fi The vacuum-gripper system’s vacuum crossbeams and suction pads, which can be adjusted in rows to match varying tube diameters

64

J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007