How can robotic automation improve efficiency in manufacturing processes?

Our robotic automation solutions dramatically boost efficiency in manufacturing by enhancing speed, precision, and consistency. We focus on minimizing manual errors, accelerating production rates, and ensuring safety by handling repetitive and hazardous tasks.

What are the different types of robotic automation systems available for manufacturing applications?

We offer a range of robotic automation systems for manufacturing, including SCARA and Delta robots. SCARA robots are ideal for precision tasks requiring speed and compact design, while Delta robots excel in fast, repetitive actions like picking and placing.

What types of defects or issues can vision inspection systems detect in manufacturing?

Our vision inspection systems are adept at detecting dimensional inaccuracies, surface defects like scratches or dents, misalignments, and incorrect or missing components. They are also capable of verifying label accuracy, barcode readability, and color consistency.

What types of manufacturing tasks can be performed using a rotary indexing machine?Rotary indexing machines at Big Sky Engineering are highly versatile, designed to perform a range of precise manufacturing tasks. They are ideal for assembly, drilling, precision machining, and quality inspection. These machines excel in high-volume production environments, offering accuracy and repeatability.

Rotary indexing machines at Big Sky Engineering are highly versatile, designed to perform a range of precise manufacturing tasks. They are ideal for assembly, drilling, precision machining, and quality inspection. These machines excel in high-volume production environments, offering accuracy and repeatability.

Thermal Spray Cell Machine - Big Sky Engineering, Inc

SITUATION

The purchasing customer expressed the desire to expand its assembly thermal spray cell operations. The machine requirements included a completely autonomous system outside of loading the parts onto the carriage. The carriages will need to be designed to have a variable speed range for various thermal spray applications. Safety systems will be designed to shield the machine operators from all safety hazards.

OPPORTUNITY & IMPLEMENTATION

The proposed and final stations include:
Carriage Infeed- The carriage in-feed holds 2 rows of stacked parts. The machine operator places the stacked parts on each carriage and selects the carriage pushbuttons to start the machine in producing mode.
Micrometer Robot-The micrometer is mounted on the EOAT (End of Arm Tool) on the first robot cell. The micrometer measurement station is located between the entry and exit doors. The entry and exit doors shield the micrometer components from overspray, dirt, and debris.
Spray Application- The thermal spray is applied via an EOAT (End of Arm Tool) mounted on the second robot cell. Cooling towers assist in cooling the carriage parts during the spray application process.
Control Station- The machine’s control station features an HMI (Human Machine Interface), Micrometer Display, and Hard wired system control pushbuttons. The interactive display allows complete control over the functions of the machine.

DESIGN FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

Spindle drives utilize servo motors for variable speed control.
Automated entry and exit doors shield the operator and components from thermal spray material.
Optical micrometers are attached to the robot’s end of arm tooling.
Safety laser scanners prevent the operator from accessing the machine cell & carriage punch points while the machine is in operation.
Class 3 guard enclosure.
Stack Light Indicators and audible alarms display the current machine state.
Allen-Bradley 10” PanelView HMI
The machine HMI uses customary pictures & buttons for control overrides. All machine sequences can be
operated in manual mode on the HMI. Current cycle rates and station information are displayed on the main
screen display.

Power Requirements: 480VAC, 3 Phase, 60A

Pneumatic Requirements: 80PSI – 10 SCFM