Automation

We understand automation to be all measures that facilitate human activities in industrial value creation.

Of course, the measures are particularly targeted at people – and we therefore pay special attention to aspects such as ergonomics.

As far as project scope is concerned, we are able to offer you a particularly broad spectrum – from deliberately small devices through to interlinking of multiple systems that fill halls, for complex manufacturing and production processes.

Example project: Rotary indexing table

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A rotary indexing machine is a traditional solution for assembly and test processes – the process times are precisely aligned with one another, and the movements run like clockwork.

The basic structure is realized using the stable MiniTec profile system – reliable, flexible, and quick. A mechanical rotary table is used as the drive, for optimum precision in repeat accuracy.

The task is to connect and carry out the high-voltage flashover test on a plastic housing with built-in conductor paths.

The device is connected directly to the injection-molding machine, thereby forming a QA station which only places parts that have been checked and found to be 100% in order on the output conveyor belt.

Example project: Robot cell for labelling complete automobile wheels

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Think this project looks unspectacular? It is anything but!

The task initially sounds simple – gluing a label to a wheel rim. However, when you consider the task in more detail, many questions and requirements come to light:

The dimensions and type diversity of the wheels – The label must not be attached over the valve – Is it possible to detect the wheel rim automatically? – Can the wheel rim type be compared and checked using the information on the label? – Is the cycle time fast enough? – Can the label contents (important for sequencing) be read again in a check after adhesion, for safety?

These were the questions at the start of the project – as you will see, we found the right answers to everything.

The system was developed and assembled as an addition to a picking and conveyor system that was ordered separately (via another supplier).

Economa clarified all interfaces with the manufacturer of the conveyor technology, with the various sections brought together on the construction site.

The installation time until operation was only 3 days!

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The key function of the system is the image processing, which provides reliable wheel rim identification regardless of the shape and surface.

Special surface lighting over 1 m² delivers the necessary diffuse light, so that the wheel rim types can be detected irrespective of their color and shine.

This information is compared with the planning data in customer'spicking system and checked jointly with the label data for plausibility and/or accuracy.
Moreover, the evaluation of the image processing determines the position at which the robot attaches/applies the label in thefully automatic process.

Example project: INSERTION GRIPPER

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Accurate gripping and insertion – a task with the very greatest precision.
The gripper is used to remove the stamped, bent components directly from a cutting tool (with suspended cutting plate). During the transfer, the presence of each individual conductor path is monitored.

In order for the stamped, bent components to be inserted precisely into the injection molding tool, the gripper, which has a ball-bearing mount/floating design, centersitself on the tool. The stamped parts are carefully transferred to their position within the tool by means of a separate insertion movement.

The development of an insertion gripper of this type takes place in close collaboration with the tool manufacturer.

Quality, precision, and durability of the functions are the requirements that are of particular importance when constructing grippers.

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CONTACT US!

Do you have questions about one of these projects or would you like to contact us for another reason? Call us, or simply send us a message!

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