Case integration on a remote handling system as an example

The subject integration has developed into a powerful trend within the enclosures market. Like telerob, a specialist in remote handling technique, more and more companies are convinced that the concentration of core competences is a sensible and productive strategy to ensure growth and success. For their Diecast Cleaning System IRONMAN telerob are using the extensive electronic packing integration service of Pentair Technical Products - i. e. their leading brand Schroff.

The telerob Gesellschaft für Fernhantierungstechnik mbH, Ostfildern, develops and manufacturs electrical master-slave-manipulators for use in industry, nuclear and military technology. For the Diecast Cleaning System IRONMAN the company required a case solution which would house the complex machine guidance directly in the user cabin. "In the past telerob obtained the various components like cabinets, subracks, backplanes, power supplies, fans, fuses, relays, protection and SPS as individual parts. These were then worked on internally, modified, assembled and the cabling was carried out. These procedures were, however, very laborious", explains Bernd Schott, responsible sales staff at telerob. "In order to speed up our production processes and to guarantee continuous high quality, we looked for a professional partner, who would deliver the enclosure technique as a complete system and we only plug-in our electronics."

Balance between standard products and integration

Schroff components had already been widely incorporated into the IRONMAN and telerob decided on a collaboration with Pentair Technical Products Group Europe, of which the leading brand Schroff is a part. Pentair Technical Products had recognised the changing market conditions leaning towards integrated electronic packaging solutions at an early stage and had adapted their organisation accordingly. As only manufacturer worldwide Pentair Technical Products have at their disposal the optimal balance between standard products on one hand and integration on the other hand. The extensive catalogue programme forms the ideal platform for versatile systems solutions, whilst from the system business in turn new innovative ideas for new standard products arise. Both areas compliment each other. Customers benefit directly from reasonable prices and fast availability of an extensive programme of standard products that grows continually and corresponds to the current market requirements.

One single order number for the complete enclosure system

The control cabinet of the remote handling system is situated at the rear of the mobile cabin. The control system is based on a VMEbus system assembled according to industry standards. Rpm-adjusted servo-motors drive each of the six axles of the master and slave arms. These are steered by three digital signal processors (DPSs). These DSPs ensure the synchronisation of the individual axle. Additionally the forces resulting from friction and inactivity will be electronically adjusted.

During the progress of such an integration project Pentair Technical Products look after their customers from the stage of specification-making via purchasing, prototype manufacture, tests and exams up to the stage of the actual manufacture of the product. The customer gets involved with only one supplier and one order for the complete enclosure technology. Furthermore he does not require an interim warehouse, as the complete system will be geered to his production cycle. "For us this means we only have one order number for the complete electronic packaging system," Bernd Schott is pleased to say. "The sale of fully integrated solutions is surely the right way for manufacturers of cabinets and cases, as here new and versatile business opportunities arise. The most important advantages for the customer, however, are: concentration on core competences, shortening of development periods and reduction of total costs for the finished enclosure."