Product category:
Robotics, Handling and Storage
News Release from: PIAB | Subject: Coax and Vacustat
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 28 December 2005
Vacuum tooling cuts air consumption
DaimlerChrysler Corp found that air consumption could be reduced by 98% when equipping a robot's end-of-arm-tooling with a Piab Coax and Vacustat.
DaimlerChrysler Corp was interested in reducing the cost of its sheet metal handling processes used in stamping applications at one of its manufacturing facilities in Michigan, USA The company was searching for a compact vacuum solution that consumed less energy, operated at lower noise levels and was easier to maintain
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 24 Jan 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Cartridge-based systems raise vacuum flow
Coax vacuum technology is easily integrated into the body of manufacturing machinery with multistage cartridges.
Vacuum pump is smaller and more efficient option
Requests from plastics manufacturers challenged Animex, an ABB strategic partner, to design a new vacuum solution for its Xflex integrated work cell.
A recent comparative vacuum technology study performed by Dr Kingman E Yee, as part of a DaimlerChrysler Summer Intern Professors Programme, found that air consumption could be reduced by 98% when equipping a robot's end-of-arm-tooling with a Piab Coax and Vacustat.
Additionally, if DaimlerChrysler were to replace its older, outdated vacuum systems, the study estimated annual savings of $418,300 per stamping plant (based on the use of 2000 suction cups).
The multistage design of the Coax ejectors enhances material handling performance by producing superior vacuum flow and responding almost immediately when compressed air is applied.
The Coax ejectors can achieve an evacuation flow rate and holding force that is more than 25% higher than the competitive solutions.
"The quicker response and better vacuum flow means the suction cups grab quicker and hold stronger, resulting in a faster process cycle time, and higher productivity", said Yee.
As a result of the study, DaimlerChrysler has installed several vacuum systems using Piab Coax technology and operators are extremely impressed with the performance, especially the shorter downtime for repairs.
Because of the numerous advantages and significant cost savings in air consumption offered by the Piab vacuum system, Yee has recommended that Piab Coax technology be incorporated into the company's metal stamping plants.
DaimlerChrysler is considering additional usage, based on further evaluation of the above systems.
• PIAB: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
