One of Australia’s leading manufacturers R & R Robotics who are based in Midland, Western Australia, are making transformational change after significant investment in large precision milling equipment to reach the highest level of tolerance on conveyor frames built for the iron ore mining giants.
With this latest addition to their manufacturing facility, R & R now has the inhouse engineering expertise and industry-defining production capacity to respond quickly to high and medium volume precision fabrication demands that require both accuracy and cost efficiency.
“R & R prides itself on – we are local, efficient, we produce excellent quality products and can produce highly accurate components at scale”, says Robert Darrington, Managing Director and Founder of R & R Robotics.
Low overseas labor costs are a major barrier for Australian manufacturers to overcome and at R & R’s manufacturing facility, there is currently 8 state of the art robots capable of working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if need be, pipe benders, laser machines, brake press and several milling machines, which means they can cut, bend and weld with precision accuracy all completed in-house. These high-tech robots increase productivity while reducing the number of skilled operators required while still being able to deliver high capacity with exceptional precision. Sourcing from overseas is undoubtedly cheaper and there are many downsides including non-specified materials, poor quality product and logistical delays and these can far outweigh the short term cost benefit
Milling cutter machining idler frame roller slot in a vertical position.
R & R services a wide range of commercial and industrial sectors offering high volume precision fabrication. Most recently, the Company’s main focus has been on the manufacture of mine site conveyor idler frames for most of Australia’s leading industrial and mining corporations.
“For the likes of BHP, Rio Tinto and FMG, high volume and high accuracy is pivotal to their operations which means they have to be done right. These big plants have a 10 to 30 year life expectancy, R & R’s highly accurate robotically welded and machined idler frames has been proven to enhance belt tracking, roller and belt life and reduced energy consumption. This provides ongoing savings for the life of the conveyor.
R & R is currently working on a major project for one of Western Australia’s largest iron ore companies. Approximately 11,500 idler frames for an 18 km conveyor belt all manufactured in Midland using Australian Iron and Steel.
It’s perceived to be the way of the future, but we have been using robots for over 20 years in our facility. Being locally manufactured means that Company representatives can see real-time quality control, and ensure all items meet specifications prior to going to site. “When a client has installed plant manufactured elsewhere, the challenges associated with any unexpected rectification work are huge; often resulting in expensive project delays,” Rob says. Working collaboratively ensures a smooth pathway to practical completion.
Why use R & R? With engineering expertise that spans over four decades, an organization that thrives on technical challenge and producing a first class product, problem-solving for our clients is the most rewarding aspect of our business. Rob says “My vision was to always deliver more than expected and be the best.”
Milling cutter machining roller slot at 45°
