| Starting point / Task definition |
| In order to close a gap in its production, which is otherwise fully automated, thus stabilizing its coating quality at a high level, a French manufacturer of bathroom fixtures was looking for a robot which could apply an even coating of enamel to 150 shower trays per shift. Moreover, the manufacturer required a variety of control programs and constant availability. Additionally, the computer system of the robotic cell had to be integrated into the production management system of the plant, which meant that functional interfaces and simple programming of the controller were essential. |
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| Implementation / Solution |
 | | Enameling of shower trays |  |
In order to ensure an even coating, the IR 364/6 applies the material in one or more layers, depending on the shape of the component. Since over 80% of the trays produced are white, and because the application of other colors would require time-consuming cleaning operations, changing colors would not be cost-effective. The robotic cell is therefore used to apply enamel in one color only. This has two consistencies, though, each of which is assigned to a particular side of the trays. Each consistency demonstrates, however, separate flow characteristics, and thus requires its own spraying pressure. For this reason, the IR 364/6 is equipped with two spray guns. |
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| System components / Scope of supply |
- KUKA IR 364/6 robot
- KUKA robot controller with control panel
- Robot programming
- Studies of the path motions and the material flow to validate process efficiency before the awarding of the contact
- Two spray guns
- Commissioning
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| Results / Success |
- Higher productivity
The integration of the robotic cell into the production flow enabled the company to achieve higher output, while at the same time optimizing the coating quality. One of the reasons for this increased productivity was the efficient communication between the robotic cell and the production management system. |
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