Case study: Gluing (dispensing) with cobots incl. small batch production
At automatica, the focus was on palletizing due to the new product launches. In one conversation, I was asked whether everyone wanted to palletize. What came to mind here was that 1-2 years ago "everyone" wanted to weld. Hence the question, what could come next? On the one hand robot cells, on the other hand gluing stations, would be my tip. Gluing by means of robotics has long been easy to handle. This also applies to small batch sizes.
SME glues complex parts
The case study shows a US manufacturer of door fittings. It has a wide variety of products, which would have previously argued against the use of a robot. The respective adaptation of the programming would have been too time-consuming. However, almost all cobot manufacturers (Universal Robots in this case) offer simple user interfaces, so that even non-programmers can cope after training.
Here, the cobot feeds the adhesive into the indentation ("pocket"?). The operator inserts a pane. The cobot comes back and adds some glue Then it's the operator's turn again and positions a glass knob. Apart from the short payback time (1 year - overtime is now avoided), the quality has improved. Previously, the operator had a glue gun and its output was never as accurately metered as the Cobot now manages.
Due to the wide range of products, different glass knobs must always be used. This is easily possible by simply changing the program. A program is only used for 1-3 hours in a row.
Interesting are the closing words of the entrepreneur: Since his company had not used robots before, he was surprised how easy everyone goes. This applies to both the programming and the interaction operator with Cobot. He started with a simple cobot workplace and now, based on the positive experience, wants to partially automate another, but more difficult workplace.
How well and quickly webs can be wetted is shown in this short video with another Cobot:
Bonding LED lights
In the following video, a Kassow Robot with its 7 axes is used. Adhesive and sealant are applied during 8 steps:
- Initial programming and integration by the integrator.
- The operator logs in with a PIN code on the tablet and activates the cobot program from Kassow Robots - the "Kassow App".
- The operator presses STart. The KR1205 (model designation of the cobot) is now ready for operation.
- The operator positions each individual LED profile at a previously precisely defined point of the special working area.
- The operator presses the corresponding button on the pushbutton station.
- The adhesive/sealant is applied to the LED profiles by the cobot.
- Once the process is complete, the Cobot KR 1205 returns to its starting position.
- The operator then places a glass plate on each LED profile.
Franka Emika allows favorable solution
The use of a Franka Emika cobot should be particularly favorable - and thanks to the dispensing tool, also simple. In addition, it is also easy to program, but its range is shorter. Complex geometries are no problem.
Program" CAD data
For complex parts or non-repetitive jobs, using the CAD data makes particular sense. They can be imported and then the glue points and paths can be set on the screen while the robot is working in the previous process. FASTSUITE, a simulation provider, was recently pointed out. Another provider is ArtiMinds from Karlsruhe:
Are we networking? LinkedIn
-> To the Cobot group on LinkedIn (Link) .
In my own account/advertisement
The author of this blog is significantly involved in the AI/robotics project Opdra. He advises on almost all issues related to robotics incl funding/subsidies, but does not go in-depth into the technology. More about him can be found here.