Integrated industrial automation system for product quality assurance
This technological project encompassed all engineering areas at Selmatron, in order to conceive, develop and commission an integrated automation system for component testing, conceived for automotive industry applications.
The engineering teams briefing resulted in the technological project that advocated a system segregated by 4 operation stations, with distinct tasks, interconnected by a handling system that collects the product from a conveyor and places it in a JIG. A distinct and indispensable feature is the possibility to segregate, to a rejection belt, the non-conforming product, giving the equipment the necessary characteristics for production quality assurance.
Due to the cycle time requirement demanded by the process, the choice of the handling system was conditioned to guarantee a fast and flexible response in loading and unloading the product.
The indexing table ensures precise positioning and enables the equipment to use quick-change JIG’s to cover new references.
Technological Solution
- Conveyor Belt
Screen belt with a pass/no pass system and controlled stop, in order to guarantee the correct product feeding to the system.
- Handling System
In order to guarantee the demanding cycle time requirements, obtaining efficiencies in loading and unloading times, a compact and flexible robot was recommended for handling the components, through a vacuum system. The indexing table ensures precise positioning and the ability to use quick-change JIGs, which can be interchanged whenever another reference needs to be produced.
- Station 1
High voltage system with quick change test tool.The technological project defined foresaw the segmentation of the equipment in differentiated operation stations, which are composed of quick change tools.
- Station 2
Electrical testing system with a quick-change testing tool. The defined technological project foresaw the segmentation of the equipment into differentiated operation stations, which were composed of quick-change tools. Allied to the speed of change, it was also designed and conceived the potential to increase the number of test stations, if required in new industrialization projects for the same equipment.
- Station 3
Laser marking system with laser protection cabin and fume extraction. Laser engraving requires a protection cabin in accordance with the normative references in force, ensuring the safety of operation for all those involved in the process. The same engraving produces residues which are sucked up by means of an industrial vacuum cleaner with an appropriate filter.
- Station 4
Verification system for laser marking by vision camera. A vision camera with the technical capacity to operate in dark environments has been integrated, in order to guarantee a correct reading of the engraving, without interference from external lighting.
- Rejection Mat
Screen mat divided in three channels for separation by defect type.
Conclusion
Equipment built with cutting edge technology, adapted to the most recent needs triggered by the technological evolution of Industry 4.0.
The modularity given to the Selmatron projects offers efficiency, not only for the current solution, but also foresees future needs.
The solution successfully met the proposed objectives, increasing the value of the process by optimizing the cycle time by 50%.
Due to the automation of processes, it was possible to reduce 2 workstations, previously assigned to the automated process.
One of the highlights of this project is the ability to include a new reference without promoting mechanical changes to the equipment.