Components used in Industrial Automation
Industrial automation is a process that uses specialized machinery and control systems along with a network of information technology to perform a specialized or repetitive task.
The industrial automation sector has seen a significant increase during the global impact of COVID-19. The rise in the market demands paves way for more automation solutions to continue to develop, allowing companies to step into industry 4.0 and to advance a multitude of manufacturing processes.
Both discrete automation and process automation solutions can be developed using high quality standard parts from WDS Components. As one of the largest distributors in Europe, WDS can supply the right parts to suit automation solutions for general engineering, farming machinery, material handling, and more. Our range of essential parts for automation include; conveyor parts, universal joints and couplings, end fittings, industrial shock absorbers and ball transfer units.
Conveyor Components
Automated materials handling is one automation process that requires strong building elements to establish applications like conveyor systems, ecommerce fulfilment solutions and warehouse sorting. Designing these necessary systems depend on high quality parts where safety and security are incorporated, that’s why WDS have created a range of components ideal for conveyor systems. The range includes parts such as;
- Clamping Rails and Rods
- Guide Rails and Brackets
- Mounting Brackets
- Connecting Joints
- Support Heads
- Support Bases
- Skate Wheels and Omni Wheels
- Tubes and Tubing
From building belt conveyors, gravity conveyors, vibrating conveyors, to automated cross belt sorters and flat sorters, the entire installation process depends on tough and durable parts. Using WDS Components, conveyor systems can be engineered to meet specific needs of businesses, ensuring the system can handle the expected loads and handle materials at an efficient speed.
Guide Rail Mounting Brackets are available in either fixed or adjustable options allowing users to customise and build their own configurations to meet varying demands. If you want to read more about how our skate wheels and omni wheels are applied in logistics and warehousing, read our informative guide.
Guide Rail Mounting Brackets are available in either fixed or adjustable options allowing users to customise and build their own configurations to meet varying demands. If you want to read more about how our skate wheels and omni wheels are applied in logistics and warehousing, read our informative guide.
Universal Joints & Couplings
Universal joints can act as shaft power couplings between two rotary elements that enable motion to be transmitted smoothly over non-linear applications like drive shafts. These steel joints are designed with two yoke end fittings, with a connecting cross shaft allowing them to transmit torque and rotatory motion between two unaligned shafts.
Universal joints are particularly efficient when used in industrial automation machinery, such as industrial robots, drilling tools, vertical pumps and rolling mills. Widely applied in automated factory machinery, WDS can supply a range of joints and couplings, perfect for engineers who service robots or larger standardised automation solutions.
Available as standard single joints or double-jointed versions, our plain bearing couplings offer a max RPM of 1500. To prevent premature wear and corrosion, our plain bearing U-joints are constructed from 530M40 Alloy steel which is locally hardened and tempered around the bearings to improve their torque handling capability.
Industrial Shock Absorbers
Industrial shock absorbers are designed to help improve automated material handling to reduce momentum of moving loads and minimise their impact force. These maintenance free shock absorbers are also suited for use in production line equipment handling, where smooth deceleration of moving parts is vital.
WDS’ industrial shock absorbers are built to reduce wear, lower noise, and extend equipment life, whilst increasing productivity. For large, high volume production lines, our adjustable or self-compensating shock absorbers can significantly reduce noise in the warehouse which eases burdens for shopfloor employees who are constantly exposed to damaging noise levels.
