Press releasePM 1112-EU
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Complete assembly line for 27,000 euros
Low-cost automation with favourably priced polymer components
For many years "lean production" methods have been used increasingly in automation in order to avoid waste and increase productivity. More straightforward and flexible systems help to keep production profitable in high-wage countries. Means used to implement this include "soft robotics", the clever interlinking of man and machine, the "simple automation" of handling and the assembly of lightweight components as well as the semi-automation of complex processes. At the Hanover Fair 2012, igus demonstrated how economic polymer components for low-cost automation can provide new lean impulses.
Modules for machine and plant constructors
Over the past two years, igus has presented modular solutions for low-cost automation which have been developed according to a common principle: economical, durable and made of tribo-optimised polymers. These include the continual revolving pick&place chain "pikchain" (up to 5 kg load per chain link), the multi-axis joint "robolink" (up to 1 kg load per joint) and driven, lubricant-free linear units of the "drylin E" family (loads of up to 50 kg depending on the configuration). Now, the Cologne-based company is demonstrating for the first time at a trade fair how these simple, low-cost systems can be combined to master complex automation tasks.
Gripping - Detecting - Transporting - Testing - Sorting
The combined systems assemble a pop art picture comprising of four parts. "Even if such products will hardly be found in factories, the line still illustrates the capacity of the components," Frank Blase, Managing Director at igus GmbH, explains. The parts of the picture are put together like a jigsaw puzzle to form the finished work of art. For this purpose, the non-sorted parts are supplied to the "pikchain" from a magazine by the driven linear unit "drylin E". The continually revolving "pikchain" picks the individual parts up by means of a suction gripper. A camera is integrated for visual monitoring, detects the pieces and moves them to within reach of the "robolink" jointed arm. The jointed arm picks up the individual parts in the prescribed sequence and positions them in such a way that the finished picture emerges. As soon as the picture has been completed, the process takes place in reverse order.
The line could be extended by further actuators, tools or testing sensors to process or test components during movement of the "pikchain". Frank Blase sums up as follows, "The line demonstrates that our low-cost components can be easily combined into harmonious automation solutions." The manufacturer igus estimates the overall cost of building this individual line, including programming, at 27,000 euros, with their own components making up a share of about one third.
Photo PM1112-01: igus GmbH, Cologne
Gripping - Detecting - Transporting - Testing - Sorting - Combination for low-cost and efficient automation using "drylin E" linear units, the continually revolving transport chain "pikchain" and the versatile multi-axis joint "robolink".
CONTACT:igus® GmbH
Spicher Str. 1a
D-51147 Köln
Phone+49-22 03 / 96 49-0
Fax+49-22 03 / 96 49-222
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PRESS CONTACT:
Jörg Landgraf
Corporate Communication
igus GmbH
Spicher Str. 1a
D-51147 Köln
Phone +49 (0) 22 03 / 96 49 - 459
Fax+49 (0) 22 03 / 96 49 - 631
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