May 2022 Volume 4

AUTOMATION

Image 3: Adjustable modules allow handling a variety of different weight and material billets

Image 5: Pickit 3D Vision - a complete robotic billet handling solution As you have read, the answer to some of the challenges faced in modern forging plants is automation. Reliability, robustness, and low cost are principal elements many forges consider when looking at automation. Modern solutions such as the Pickit 3D Billet Picker allow enlarging the scope of the benefits and mitigating risks. Flexibility and reduced costs related to maintenance are great investments that cope with long-term demand. During our visits and conversations with production engineers and managers from various plants in the United States, we had the opportunity to exchange valuable insights comparing conventional to new innovative solutions. Hopefully, this article helps you evaluate the advantages of robot automation.

Change Batch of Parts Without Stopping Production The modularity of the tool has numerous benefits. The main advantages include saving time and money on adapting production to new parts. Automation of production processes of billets that are coming in small batches, like one or two thousand pieces, does not pose any problem. The modular tool can be tuned to handle a new type of SKU within 15 minutes. Now, you can change the end-of arm-tool module as fast as changing the press die. Or furthermore, use an automatic tool-changer for instant changeovers. Therefore, modifying the module does not cause production downtime and the high costs associated with this. Even if production runs do not require changeovers to the batch often, a modular end-of-arm-tool is a great investment for the future.

Image.4: Sample parts of different batch series that you can grasp with one modular tool - the billet picker

Rob Mertens Technical Sales PICKIT 3D Email: rob@pickit3d.com Phone: 734-929-8730

Kinga Slonina SDR PICKIT 3D Email: kinga.slonina@pickit3d.com

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2022 36