Feature Machine building, frameworks & safety
lthough mk Profile Systems has had a presence in the UK since 2000, Maschinenbau Kitz itself has been providing profile technology for over 40 years. This has therefore formed the basis of a wide range of machinery and equipment for many years.
Profiling machine construction A
Robust and strong yet lightweight, mk Profile Systems’ technology has, for many years, formed the basis of machinery and equipment that streamlines manufacturing processes while being aesthetically pleasing. Rachael Morling finds out more
The company offers compatible modules for factory automation by utilising its four product groups: Profile tech- nology; Conveyor technology; Factory equipment; and Linear motion. The profiles it manufactures are available in four sizes – the 25 series, 40 series, 50 series and 60 series. The profile range, in fact, forms the basis of all its products; and ‘endless applications’ are the result, claims the company.
Profiles in use
The mk 25 range is often used for electrical engineering, equipment construction and exhibition stands, with the very lightweight frames meaning intricate test set-ups, measure- ment and testing devices, switch cabinets and electronic housings, can be easily constructed.
As it contains the widest range of products in the profile group, the mk 40 series forms the basis for lightweight machine frames, protective devices, workplace equipment and the mk GTP program of railings, stairs and platforms. Construction profiles in the mk 50 series, meanwhile, are suitable for high static loads in mechanical engineering; and are ideal for heavy-duty machine frames or other load-bearing structures.
The mk 60 series has been specially designed for applica- tions that, up until now, have been reserved for conventional structural steel engineering. Here, the full load-bearing capacity of the profiles can be exploited thanks to the use of connection technology based on M12 screwed connections. According to the company, mk profiles can be as strong as steel beams, with mk 50 and 60 profiles being a stronger alloy than those normally used within the industry. In fact, not only does aluminium alloy give the best stiffness values for profiles but it also weighs less than steel, a bene- fit for many applications.
Of additional benefit to designers, machines constructed from aluminium rather than steel offer a combination of stability, functionality and aesthetic design.
Streamlining manufacturing processes In one example, a machine was built for handling, orientating and collating half shell bearings as part of a Quality Control Improvement Plan implemented by a major UK automotive supplier. For this, the machine was constructed using 40 series profile for the base frame and guard, with 50 series profile utilised for the conveyor system.
The success of this machine resulted in mk supplying a number of the machines, which have helped to streamline the customer’s productivity and assisted with quality control.
Design Solutions OCTOBER 2013 11
One of the latest developments, however, is the mk Lift System, the result of standard modules enhanced to create a bespoke pallet handling system. The requirement was for a solution to link a manufacturing process. But, the machine operating downstream functioned at a slower speed and operated for a longer length of time. A transfer system was required using a buffer zone for 40 pallets arranged in five levels and capable of transporting a total of ten tons. Furthermore, the lifting system had to be capable of trans- ferring products weighing 250kg per pallet measuring 600 x 800mm; and the pallet needed to be rotated 90˚ and discharged into the respective buffer level. The resulting Lift System has a base frame made from 50 series profile. The lift unit, with slewing ring and timing belt conveyor SRF-P 2010, has a capacity of 300kg. A counter weight and brake motor can secure a load up to 600kg, and additional stops are incorporated at the transfer stations. The feed-in and storage area, with reinforced SRF-P 2012, cater for a load of 300kg/m and up to 1200kg total capacity at a velocity of 3m/min.
mk provided the entire system, and worked closely with the customer during the consultation, planning and imple- mentation stage. The resulting concept not only offered space and cost savings to the manufacturing process, but the lift can be easily disas- sembled for transportation purposes. Although this was a bespoke solution, the company plans to pro- vide it as part of its standard product range, along with other pallet handling modules, by the end of the year.
mk Profile Systems
www.mkprofiles.co.uk
Enter 204
Before and after: A machine
constructed from steel was replaced with a new machine built using mk profile technology
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60