The Customer:

DURA Automotive Body & Glass Systems is focused on the production of door modules, glass systems, cover flaps, decor panels and high-spec technical assemblies. The DURA plant in Blatná, Czech Republic, produces bodywork parts, mainly side windows, for the automotive industry.

The Task:

Cleaning and priming of side windows

The Problem:

Automating a process that involves handling of breakable panes of glass and delicate profiles is a tough task. In this case, the problem is compounded because the cleaning and priming fluids must be applied precisely to avoid high post-processing costs. In addition, the parts are heated to a precise, process-specific temperature prior to processing in order to achieve high product quality.

The Solution:

KraussMaffei Automation scored here by using a frame concept already tried and tested in other applications. Two IR-Series industrial robots operate independently of each other in a duplex processing cell. Both cleaner and primer are applied with extreme precision to freely programmable areas. The primer acts as a bonding agent for the material applied in the subsequent overmoulding process.

The Outcome:

The basis for the successful application is the frame concept, a welded steel construction that is produced and factory-tested at KraussMaffei and that is easy to transport, eg, in a shipping container. Because it is factory tested, the unit can be installed, commissioned and is therefore ready to go very quick. The side windows are fed to the system manually. Operating independently, one robot picks up the left window section while the other picks up the right section. Each window section is moved past a cleaner head where it is treated by a sponge soaked in cleaner fluid. The panes are dried and then primer is applied in the same way, followed by a second drying step. The panes are then placed on a conveyor system. The robot also places the outer profiles on the belt and together the components move through a heating station before being transferred to the overmoulding process. Automating and bundling the process steps ahead of overmoulding exploits potential cost savings and efficiency gains.