Our Engineering Project Experience

Truss Hydrapress and Electrical Systems Upgrades

Written by Taya Griffiths | 2023

 

Project Scope

TEW was engaged by Australian Timber & Trusses (ATT) to undertake the electrical re-design, decommissioning, re-construction and commissioning of their Hydrapress Jig 1. This included an initial investigation and design in conjunction with ATT to produce a safer and more productive machine utilising modern communication networks, servo drives and safety systems. 

TEW was later engaged by ATT to undertake a complete refurbishment of their second Hydrapress. This incorporated a complete redesign of the electrical system, communication network and instruments allowing for a safer and more productive system while providing critical production information. 

 

  • Electrical design of Hydrapress
  • Electrical design of new switchboard and control cabinet
  • Electrical & Instrumentation Installation
  • Electrical, Instrumentation & Control upgrades

 

 

Challenges

  • Upgrading existing package machine with new technology while maintaining the same footprint.
  • Complex movement of machine items. 13 Heads each with slightly different Y and X axis movement.
  • Standard power, control and communications cables were not fit for purpose, the machine required special high flex and oil resistant cables.
  • Multiple moving components and cable containment clashes.
  • Alignment of overall functional safety system.
  • Unique commissioning requirements and fault finding during proof of performance testing.

 

Outcomes

  • Decrease in overall downtime, increased productivity, visibility and system performance.
  • Built in redundancy of communications system which allows machine to continue to function while parts are procured ready for installation.
  • Documented electrical infrastructure.