PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Robotic Flame Treater System

Project summary

MWES reprogrammed and switched out a number of components from the old robot rivet cell, and converted it into a flame-treating system for the base frame and glove box. 

The Challenge

Designing and building a robotic automation system from scratch is a very expensive investment for any size business.  However, in some circumstances, simply reconfiguring an existing robot automation cell to perform a different operation can be the most economical solution. Recently, a parts provider for a leading automaker contracted Midwest Engineered Systems to reintegrate an existing robot work cell, that performed riveting operations, into a robotic flame-treating system for a sports car base frame and glove box.  The flame-treating cycle time for the entire process had to be less than one minute.

The Solution

MWES reprogrammed and switched out a number of components from the old robot rivet cell, and converted it into a flame-treating system for the base frame and glove box.  The entire flame-treating system can be performed by a single operator with minimal training and physical labor.  The system uses an ABB IRB-175/2.55 robot with an Enercon Dyne-A-Flame DF400 Flame Treater System EOAT and is controlled by an Allen Bradley SLC 5/04 PLC.

The flame-treating system begins when the operator manually places the base frame and glove box assemblies into the mounting fixtures in the robot work cell.  Before leaving the cell, the operator scans the barcode on the parts being flame treated, to identify that the correct part is being treated.  At the Allen Bradley PanelView Plus HMI interface outside the robot cell, the worker can set up and run the machine.

The flame system automatically ignites and the robot flame treats the base frame and the glove box while circling the fixture.  Once the flame treatment is complete, the system allows the worker back into the robot cell to manually remove the parts from the fixtures and place them in an inspection station.

Impact to the Customer

The robotic work cell that MWES reconfigured for this firm, saved them a substantial amount of money by reusing their existing components.  The flame-treating system ultimately gave them a cycle time of 42 seconds, to flame-treat the base frame and glove box together.

Midwest Engineered Systems has a wide range of experience in building robotically automated work cells. If you’re looking to improve your manufacturing throughput, we have the knowledge and experience to make the project a success.

Contact us to learn how Midwest Engineered Systems can automate even your most complex and challenging operations today!

Innovation Through Automation

Related Projects

Automatic Stock Coat Robotic Cell

MWES provided this firm with a robotic system that...

Die Cast Robot Tending Automation

MWES provided a die-cast robot tending automation machine...

Flexibility and Production Speed with Robotic Vision

A leading manufacturer of picture frames was in need...

Random Bin & Dynamic Conveyor Picking System

MWES provided an industrial equipment manufacturer...

Robotic Adhesive Dispensing System

MWES built an automation system that would robotically...

Robotic Flame Treater System

MWES reprogrammed and switched out a number of components...

Robotic Furnace Tending Cell

This steel foundry came to MWES looking to robotically...

Robotic Layer Picking System

We provided this customer with an automated layer picking...

Robotic Paint Line Tending Cell

MWES designed and built this firm six robot machine...

Robotic Painting System Retrofit

A consistent manual painting operation can be a strain...

Robotic Palletizing & Automated Guided Vehicle

MWES built an automated manufacturing process for material...

Robotic Press Brake Automated Metal Bending

MWES provided a Robotic Brake Press Tending System...

Robotic Press Brake Tending

MWES designed a system that replaces manual labor with...

Robotic Press Brake Tending System

A firm came to MWES looking to robotically automate...

Robotic Roll Former Tending Cell

MWES integrated a fully automated robot roll former...