RML Automation
This case study was written by Matthew Baird, a Year 13 student at St John’s College in Hamilton. Matthew presented the case study as part of the evidence required for assessment against the Level 3 Technology achievement standard AS 90686 – 'Explain knowledge that underpins a materials technology outcome'.
Matthew’s final project portfolio is presented as part of a full case study of the Year 13 Technology programme at St John’s College, to be published mid July.
Also see St John’s College/RML Link profile with comments from teacher Steve Andrew and RML Director Peter Botting
Introduction
The final product - the s540 Collator
Technologists: RML Automation
Client: Nestlé Ice Cream, Australia
Product: s540 Collator
RML automation is a New Zealand firm based in Hamilton. This engineering firm has its focus within the automation of production lines. While they do have set machines which they market independently on a global basis, they also specialise in developing one-off solutions for companies on a by-demand basis. This particular project began when Nestlé Ice Cream, a confectionary company based in Melbourne Australia, approached RML with an issue they were experiencing. The supermarkets to which the ice cream was being supplied had requested that the cartons be delivered in a new format. Nestlé’s production line machines could not support this new format, thus the need for a new machine arose, from, this market demand.
Nestlé approached RML with a set of specifications they wanted for the new machine. RML considered these over a six week period while liaising with the potential client. They formulated an initial concept with a set of finalized specifications and an estimated cost, which were then sent to Nestlé for them to review. The plans were accepted and the contract for RML was secured. Following this, another six weeks were assigned to design work which towards the end was analysed for safety. Once the safety was deemed compliant all the drawings were detailed and organized for construction. Following this stage 10 weeks were assigned for the manufacture and assembly, after which a secondary safety check was done. Once this was concluded the completed machine was disassembled and shipped to Nestlé in Australia where a team of two RML engineers reassembled the collator and trained the Nestlé engineers in the running and maintenance of it. Once the s540 had been fully installed and commissioned the job was complete.