Mechanical Technology September 2016

⎪ Modern transport and vehicle solutions ⎪

viable option

Above: This unit, one of only 11 operating worldwide, provides consistent accuracy levels and has the capacity to handle 6.5 m blocks. Left: Metric Automotive Engineering’s facility in Johannesburg, Gauteng, also features a three-axis computer numerical controlled machining centre.

controlled machining centre. This unit, one of only 11 operating worldwide, provides consistent accuracy levels and has the capacity to handle 6.5 m long blocks with ease. The company’s facility is also home to several specialised machines that are able to remanufacture surfaces and bores of large blocks; this complements its dedicated comprehensive block re- manufacturing operations. Metric Automotive Engineering also owns several dedicated crankshaft-grind- ing machines, of which the most recently acquired offers the newest technology to be introduced to the local remanufactur- ing industry in many years. It is seated on an isolated foundation, eliminating any

exposure to vibrations from inside the fac- tory ensuring a quality remanufactured end product. The machine can handle crankshafts of up to 4.8 m in length and weighing as much as 5.0 t. Yorke says that it is operated together with process critical compensators. These compensate for the rotational deflection found when grinding large crankshafts, resulting in improved sur- face finishes and dimensional tolerances. The South African government has placed increased emphasis on growing South Africa’s oceans economy, and Yorke believes that Metric Automotive Engineering’s local diesel engine and remanufacturing capabilities will add value. q

life at a fraction of the cost of new items,” says Yorke. A sound example of this is the company’s line bore remanufacturing process that negates the need for any welding on the engine block’s main bearing housings, thereby removing the additional stresses introduced into the block through the conventional welding process. All line bore remanufacturing work is certified with laser alignment certificates. Metric Automotive Engineering’s facility in Johannesburg, Gauteng, also features a three-axis computer numerical

Left: Metric Automotive Engineering operates a crankshaft-grinding machine capable of grinding shafts of up to 4.7 m long and with weights of up to 5.0 t. Centre: The company operates the only CNC machining centre of its kind in Africa, capable of line boring, surfacing and blue-printing blocks up to 6.0 m in length. Right: A major differentiator for Metric Automotive Engineering is its ongoing investment in the dedicated equipment that is needed to provide a thorough and quality remanufacturing service.

Mechanical Technology — September 2016

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