Sustainable and efficient production is vital for the automotive industry. Two crucial aspects of this in an automotive assembly line are gluing and sealing technologies, as they bond various materials during the bodywork manufacturing process.
KUKA’s sensitive automation solution provides important corrosion protection and ensures a slick vehicle body, such as at Mercedes-Benz.
KUKA’s Sealant and Adhesive Application Robots
KUKA provides a sensitive automation solution for sealing and adhesion using two highly efficient robots—a fusion of a lightweight KUKA LBR iiwa robot and the six-axis KR 60 robot. This combo unites the positive characteristics of both robots for maximum reach and accessibility.
How does it work?
The lightweight KUKA LBR iiwa robot guides the brushes installed in the quick-change device. Its sensitive characteristics allow you to detect and reduce speed and force accordingly, and determine the correct application location.
It starts the operation by applying a layer of ultra-thin PVC material at important points. This makes the vehicle completely waterproof. The brush can also be changed quickly, according to the task’s precision. However, only in combination with the KUKA KR 60 six-axis industrial robot can it maximize seam accessibility.
Gasket Sealing
To prevent premature bodywear, the sealing gasket is a necessary step in the process. The systems also make it possible to reach seams in the vehicle body that are not easily accessible.
Kuka explains, “Installing the sensitive lightweight robot on the mobile industrial robot extends the workspace not only in the X direction, like a linear axis, but also in the Y and Z directions.”
Brush Cleaning
The brush also cleans itself automatically by wiping off excess PVC material and then reshaping with rollers.
Applying the Seam
The process of applying seams is a difficult task for human labor. With the help of robotic equipment such as the LBR iiwa and the KR 60, you can guarantee constant orders and quality. Likewise, difficult-to-reach sealing processes can also be optimized with automation. The app is a space-saving ergonomic solution that’s ideal for integration in existing manual workstations, and reduction of workload to the operator.
This new solution provides great agility and accessibility in the sealing process with the combination and teamwork of two flexible, precise and reliable robotic models.
Are You Interested In Using Robots At Your Facility?
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