The Customer:
Weidmann Plastic Technology AG, Switzerland, is an international technology developer for the automotive industry and for medical, sensor and sanitary technology. The company has built a reputation for expertise in highly specialized manufacturing technology and in teaming plastics with other materials.
The Task:
Production of ready-to-install side panels including inserting airbag nets and clips assembly
The Problem:
As safety-critical components, the side panels must meet tough criteria; only precise feed and insertion of the airbag net, which is a non-shape-retaining fabric, will ensure compliance. A vision system supplies data on the presence and exact position of the fabric. For assembly in the vehicle, delicate clips must be attached at specific points on the component.
The Solution:
To optimize cycle times, this automatic system uses two industrial robots. The airbag fabric is fed in such a way as to ensure continuous production. The clips are mounted using a standardized KraussMaffei clip-assembly head, which performs a complicated rotation/swivel movement.
The Outcome:
The technically mature, turnkey solution comprises a KM 650-2700-390-CL injection moulding machine, a shelf-type KR 60 L30 K S industrial robot, a KR 15 floor-mounted industrial robot and extensive peripheral equipment. The shelf-type robot picks an airbag net out of the magazine, using its inserting/demolding gripper, and positions it precisely in the mould of the injection moulding machine. After back injection, the part is demolded and handed to the assembly station. Here, the clips are attached with the floor-mounted assembly robot. The weight and correct position of the airbag are the key quality criteria and they are checked by weighing and by a camera system respectively. Rejects are destroyed in a guillotine. Only OK parts leave the system. The process produces ready-to-install, 100%-checked components. Bundling and automating post-mould processes sharply reduces cycle time. The high productivity means the system pays for itself within a very short time.
Link to press article
