Manatec, a pioneer in automotive garage equipment design & production, has just launched its first-ever indigenous vision-based 3D wheel aligner branded ‘FOX 3D’ in India.
According to the company Joint Managing Director, Mr. M. Kalaiichelvan, FOX 3D is a sustainable alternative to the imported brands of 3D aligners in the market. This new generation aligner increases productivity by double compared to conventional CCD aligners. For example, if an alignment on a car takes 10 minutes with a CCD aligner, it only takes five minutes with FOX 3D.
FOX 3D uses image processing technology to detect the alignment angles using customized high definition cameras and target plates. These cameras detect any movement on the target plates fitted on to the wheels and process the results as wheel alignment angles. These angles can then be corrected to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification by the technician live on screen.
FOX 3D comes in three different models suitable for pits, lifts and with an automatic height adjustment model. The software is designed by Manatec’s R&D engineers, keeping in mind the requirements of technicians using the machine.
Mr. Kalaiichelvan says: “We have brought in our 25 years of expertise in alignment technology to design the software that is user-friendly even for a semi-skilled technician. Simple, easy-to-understand visual icons break language barriers and guide the technicians step by step on an alignment program. The data manager facility will help the workshop owner to analyze his alignment history for any period, date-wise and year-wise, and vehicle registration number-wise. Even videos on the vehicle adjustment points have been included to assist the alignment technician”.
For saving substantial time and to increase productivity, Manatec has designed a Push and Pull run out compensation software that involves a 30 degrees movement of the vehicle from its centre. Further, time is saved through its customized Quick wheel alignment program through which the technician can pre-set vehicles to be aligned (OE program), skip regular screens and select RUNOUT / Caster swing programs.
Explaining the benefits FOX 3D brings to a customer, Mr. Kalaiichelvan says: “Being an indigenous product, the unique advantages for a customer with FOX 3D is the immediate spare parts availability, economical cost for spares and total control on service issues. This gives customers enormous confidence since compared to imported makes, with FOX 3D they save on the cost of equipment, cost of spares and cost of machine downtime, yet they get a world class product. These savings are critical for any workshop”.
The target plates in a 3D aligner are virtually maintenance-free, whereas in a CCD aligner the sensor arms are service prone. This offers further cost savings to a customer.
Manatec’s FOX 3D is already recognized and approved by Renault, Tata Motors, JK Tyres and Apollo Tyres. Further approvals are underway. Earlier the company showcased its signature product at Auto Expo in Delhi. It will display its 3D aligners at overseas expos in China, the US, South Africa, Russia, Germany, Argentina and Mexico.
FOX 3D is produced at Manatec’s new greenfield facility in Pondicherry. The company has invested around Rs. 12 crores in this plant, with the idea of increasing the export business. Manatec currently exports to over 40 countries.