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TASK
To automatically rack stamped body panels of both Class “A” and Class “B” surfaces. The panels are produced at speeds up to 14 SPM and must be loaded into shipping racks for movement to assembly plants. This presented ergonomic and production challenges with manual operation as the size and weight of the parts makes it difficult for operators handling and racking them. Some of the parts get rotated during the racking process. To keep within production requirements, there needed to be 8 separate load/unload stations so while some are being loaded, others can be unloaded with a fork truck.
SOLUTION
A GUDEL Overhead Gantry System to support vision-guided 6 axis robots with an auxiliary drive for the gantry. Used to locate and pick the parts from a conveyor and be capable of traversing between both load/unload stations was the best solution available. The 8 rack load stations enable continuous production as racks can be unloaded as others are being filled. Vision identifies racks and obtains key features on parts for identification. Controls were PLC based.
SCOPE OF SUPPLY
In order to accomplish this task an overhead style Trackmotion, type TM-90, was chosen. A customized support structure was reinforced to span the width of the conveyor without obstruction.
RESULT
The GUDEL Gantry components enable system integrators to create systems that are high production capable, but also cost effective with a long service life. The efficient design and high cycle reliability exceeded customer production requirements and drastically reduced labor in the press area.
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