UKM-SUM23-PG14+15_Layout 1 02/05/2023 10:04 Page 15
MACHINERY
either studs or SPRs of varying lengths or both. This process used to take around eight seconds per stud adding on time for loading, unloading, re- positioning the part and waiting for the machine. With the new cell, the operator can spend 20 seconds loading the station and then move to another task while the cell processes the parts. This reduces time and labour massively.”
RELIABLE AND CONSISTENT The second and smaller cell incorporates a manual load and unload station for two-part variants, as well as rivet bowl feeders with two different stud sizes. The FANUC M-20iA/35M robot transfers the assemblies from the manual load and TOX pressing station to the dual feed TOX pressing station while also selecting the suitable stud for the respective part. “The FANUC M-20iA/35M robot is perfect for this cell as it’s compact with a maximum payload of 35kg. This is ideal for this assembly as the gripper is 28kg and the assembly weighs just 2kg,” explains Hill. “With space at a premium, the high inertia robot with its reach of 1,813mm has a footprint of just 383x343mm.” This smaller robot has a repeatability of +/-0.03mm and can identify the different hole positions and rivet sizes and positions before
UKManufacturing Summer 2023
GUARANTEED TO DELIVER
With space at a premium, the FANUC M- 20iA/35M robot with a maximum payload of 35kg is perfect for the second cell, with a reach of 1,813mm and a footprint of just 383x343mm.
pressing the 10 rivets through the holes for processing. “This cell requires four studs at the start position and another six throughout the process – all done automatically with precision, repeatability, consistency and speed,” adds Hill. “The cycle time for this cell is just 76 seconds, which once again allows the operator to load the station and do other tasks.”
Both cells provide quality assurance and consistency. Manual riveting is susceptible to human error, but the automated cells provide 100 per cent consistent performance eliminating any potential operator error, as it monitors every step of the process. “We’re really pleased this project has run on schedule; FANUC has been outstanding,” concludes Hill. “The robots have delivered everything we have required with precision, speed and repeatability, and FANUC’s ROBOGUIDE compressed the timescale of the project immensely. In this instance, our customer is using a different PLC system on PROFINET and the FANUC platform is Ethernet. However, FANUC engineers supported us at every stage of the process and this further streamlined the project.” “DForce were able to utilise ROBOGUIDE to afford their employees more time for value-added tasks,” adds Selby. “With recruitment and retention a concern for so many manufacturers, automation represents a cost-effective and productivity-boosting alternative. This project is a classic example of how utilisation of the correct tools can deliver real-world benefits to UK manufacturers.”
FANUC
www.fanuc.eu/uk/en
15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
