OEM&Lieferant Ausgabe 1/2018

parts are delivered and whether they are the desired components. Unwanted parts can already be eliminated at this point. If it is a required component, the camera inspects it for major defects and communicates the exact orientation and position to the robot. The robot now has all the information need- ed to pick it up. Once it has completed this step, it scans the part for casting defects, and in the case of doubt deposits it in a crate. If the part is free of defects, the handling robot moves to the next camera and rotates it three to four times, so that it can check all six to eight sides. At this point the camera checks whether sprue remains on the component. Here again, the robot has an opportunity to reject it. In addition, the camera recognises the orientation of the parts, enabling the ro- bot to deposit them either in a subsequent turning station or directly on a belt conveying them to the next robot. Correct parts which are flawless and lie in the right position are conveyed to the next robot. The third camera checks the position and an- gle of rotation. Finally, the second robot picks up the part from the outside and transfers it to the turning centre. Each of the two ma- chines at the turning centre is two-spindle. This enables each of the two cutting machines to work two parts simultaneously and eject four finished parts, i.e. parts with the shortest cycle time, every 20 seconds. The machine runs 690 shifts per year. In this time it must produce a predetermined number of cast iron fittings. If a different component is to be worked, a fitter may need to replace the robot jaws or adjust the delivery system. The different programs were taught, i.e. programmed, by HK-CON. The fitter only needs to select them. Every second counts in mass production. The system can be retooled in only one hour per side. Only half an operator is needed to oper- ate the system. Despite its complex design, the system achieves outstanding cycle times.