MACHINE BUILDING, FRAMEWORKS & SAFETY FEATURE
Used worldwide for structures including machine guards, work stations, shelving and racking, MayTec has enhanced its range to extend the use of the profile system into areas such as soundproofing. David Rowe, managing director from UK
distributor Applied Automation Industrial Systems, explains the versatility of the profile and looks into the new developments
PROFILING THE BENEFITS: from machine frames to safety guards
E
verywhere you look in the Applied Automation factory you will see
MayTec’s versatile aluminium profile. On the shop floor, for instance, we have a variety of work benches for activities ranging from intricate electrical work to heavy duty assembly; and there are height adjustable work stations to accommodate different workers who share the same bench. We also use the profile system to build a wide range of structures for our customers. In fact when Applied Automation (UK) recently relocated to a factory twice the size of the previous site, we created extra work stations, new room partitions, spray booths, shelves and tables, including one for the boardroom. Being able to quickly and easily process the MayTec profile and assemble the structures helped minimise disruption for the teams during the moving process. There are a number of reasons for
this. Not only is the Maytec profile strong but it is versatile, giving great flexibility. In addition, all of the profile sizes can be combined with each other and supplied as a complete solution – a self-assembly kit or parts. The connectors are also incredibly strong and stable, there are different styles of joints available (mitre, angled and compound angled), and the position of cross members is fully adjustable.
MODELLING FRAMES AND GUARDS The profile system is used extensively to build machine frames and enclosures, including the bespoke automation machinery manufactured by our Engineering Solutions division. A benefit for such applications is the MayTec profile’s universal connector system, which is extremely robust and stable with a central connection point. To help designers and OEMs, the
company offers MayCAD, a powerful, free, 3D software tool which allows frames and
guards to be very quickly modelled using the MayTec range. Intuitive and easy to use, this generates automated dimensioned drawings, an automated bill of materials and exploded ballooned drawings as a PDF file. Designers can then export these as 3D CAD models in SolidWorks, ProEngineer and generic 3D formats. Some of our machine build customers are now using MayCAD and exporting the models into their own design software. Alternatively, they can choose to download part models from an online library as models in all common 3D CAD formats. Furthermore,
profile is also widely used for machine safety guards, to keep workers away from moving machinery, and fence style perimeter guarding for robot assembly lines.
CLEAN ROOM SOLUTIONS MayTec has a clean room system that is used extensively in electronic, semi-conductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. This uses a profile without T-slots combined with special accessories, making it ideal for clean room applications such as machine frames, guarding and work benches or shelving. The MayTec dust protection system, originally developed for a German automotive client, has also been developed. Using this in combination with the new modular wall system enables clean room structures to be built complete with filtration units and integrated controls for monitoring the filter system.
Another recent technical innovation
is Noise Resist, a patented sound absorber which reduces noise emissions from machinery. It is a self-supporting aluminium sheet which is micro- perforated by a patented process to generate the optimum airflow resistance for absorbing sound. The Noise Resist panel is framed with profile for a robust structure. For a designer creating a sound- proof machine enclosure, this offers the flexibility of the MayTec profile
along with quick and easy assembly
of the modular wall elements of Noise Resist. The profile is also used in the
The profile system is used extensively to build machine frames and enclosures
MayTec flat belt conveyors – with
these it is possible to combine belt material, drive type and profile to suit the application. We tend to use them for moving parts to and from machines, helped by the fact that there is a huge range of sizes and designs. The conveyors are flush on the outside and can be easily incorporated into machinery.
The Maytec profile is strong, versatile and flexible
Applied Automation Industrial Systems
www.appliedindustrialsystems.co.uk
DESIGN SOLUTIONS | DEC/JAN 2016
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