Automated Primer Application System with FANUC Robots — Courtesy of Flexible Automation

Primer application – http://www.fanucrobotics.com/Products/Robots/part-transfer-robots.aspx

The following video features an automated primer application system from FANUC Robotics Authorized Integrator, Flexible Automation. This system was designed for an end user to apply a primer compound to automotive RH and LH glass segments. The system utilizes two FANUC M-10iA/6L six-axis robots, which have proven to be a perfect fit.

Both robots are set-up identically with each robot having an end of arm tool consisting of a large vacuum cup. During development, Flexible Automation looked very closely at all tasks required by the robots in addition to the actual application of the primer. They had to ensure a proper timing balance was achieved between both robots.

First, a full complement of glass segments is indexed into the robotic work area. The first FANUC M-10iA/6L robot picks a glass segment from the dial nest, positions it, and then releases it into a datuming fixture. This datum fixture is biased to a three-point locating datum scheme. The robot then re-acquires the glass and swiftly transfers it to a primer dispense head. The robot articulates the part in a programmed mapping pattern, working toward a 50% coverage goal. Note the smooth, harmonic motions the robot is able to achieve during this part of the process. Once this process is complete, the first robot quickly transfers the partially primed glass segment to a hand-off fixture and places it partially primed glass segment in its correct position, where the second robot acquires it.

The second robot then takes the part and moves to a second fixed-position primer head and articulates the glass on its opposite side, completing the coverage. The robot then places the glass segment onto an outgoing conveyor and oven to cure the primer under heat and complete the process. The conveyor oven used in this system was custom-built by Jensen Industries, and includes a patterned set of silicon-tipped standoff posts. The silicon is heat resistant and provides a non-slip grip for the glass segment. The finished parts will be heated at 400-degrees Fahrenheit for three minutes.

With carefully detailed planning and engineering, Flexible Automation was able to reach their target cycle time of 20 seconds, while providing a system that has a compact footprint and is compliant to all standard safety regulations.

To learn more about Flexible Automation and their custom automation solutions, please visit http://www.flexautoinc.com.

Duration : 0:3:11