November 2023 Volume 5

AUTOMATION

Addressing Key Challenges in the Forging Industry Implementing 3D robot vision billet picking solutions like Pickit 3D's can bring transformative benefits to forging companies. The first and most important one is that a 3D robot vision solution can be shifted rapidly and without additional programming to handle different types of billets. Moreover, a 3D vision-guided robot is more consistent than a conventional feeding system. This consistency is facilitated by the dexterity of the Billet Picker EOAT. Marcellus Spinks, Robotic Vision Systems Application Engineer at Pickit USA: “We easily reach over 95% first-pick success rates at several customer deployments.” By eliminating harsh and straining manual labor, 3D robot vision improves safety and ergonomics, creating a safer environment for operators. It also frees up operators from repetitive jobs, allowing them to engage in more challenging tasks and processes. In addition, by adding robotics and cutting-edge vision technology onto the shop floor, manufacturers create an exciting environment for their operators to work and learn. This will allow employees to grow their abilities and advance in their careers. For forging companies, it will make it easier to retain staff and attract new talent. Finally, 3D robot vision can be integrated seamlessly and quickly with existing machinery and systems in a forging setup. "Typically, for a 3D vision solution, when all hardware has been installed, getting the cell operational only takes about 2 to 3 weeks," says Spinks.

Versatility in Various Forging Environments Since its inception, Pickit 3D’s solution for billet picking has evolved to accommodate a variety of payloads and sizes. Today, Pickit 3D offers six different billet pickers for small and large payloads. These pickers can handle billets of various sizes and materials, including steel, aluminum, titanium, and copper, using magnetic or suction modules.

A 3D robot vision solution can be shifted rapidly and without additional programming to handle different types of billets. "Today, our solution can handle billets with lengths starting from 150 mm, diameters ranging from 30 to 170 mm, and weights of up to 60kg," says Rob Mertens, Regional Sales Manager at Pickit USA. “Our Billet Picker has proven to be the best and only solution for flexible billet handling. It maximizes the likelihood of finding a pickable part, minimizes the cell footprint, simplifies the robot motions, and helps to extract blocked billets. The Billet Picker has demonstrated itself to be groundbreaking.” With over 1000 systems deployed worldwide, Pickit 3D has proven its effectiveness in many industries and applications. In the forging industry, the Pickit 3D Vision Solution has been gaining a lot of traction. In North America, Pickit 3D’s customer base includes both SMEs and larger forging companies. The adoption rate for robotic part handling is rising significantly, and this goes beyond forging. Billet Picker equipped robots are now being used for machine tending of shafts and axles in the automotive industry.

Thanks to the dexterity of the Billet Picker EOAT, a 3D vision-guided robot is more consistent than a conventional feeding system.

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2023 20