Improved accuracy at Techmach with Beckhoff automation technology

The Johannesburg-based Techmach specialises in custom-built equipment and machinery for feed milling applications such as maize, flour and animal feed. Its automatic weighing division depends on accurate control platform. "The company realised it had to think outside the box and go beyond anything it had done before," said Techmach's John Barclay. "We discovered that the flexibility of the Beckhoff technology would enable us to customise our application software to each client's unique specifications and this is exactly what we were looking for."

Beckhoff's advanced technology has enabled Techmach to alert itself, through cellular, Internet and 3G connections, to any abuse, mismanagement or failure of a machine. "Ultimately," said Barclay, "this ensures that we can provide our clients with [superior] after-sales service and technical support." Barclay says that the online automation of processes will become standard in the industry because it eliminates the risks of human error and other problems related to manual labour.
"The automated weighing division at Techmach has grown at a rapid rate since we adopted the Beckhoff technology," says Barclay. "South Africa is catching up with international trends."

Read the full article on www.instrumentation.co.za.