Product category:
Adhesives and adhesive bonding equipment
News Release from: Two Stage Innovation | Subject: Robotic Tape Applicator
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 21 February 2002
Robots apply tape to complex trim
Traditionally, side body trim was the only part of the car to be applied by tape, but accent mouldings change the 'look' of a car, but how does one apply the tape? Read on.
Traditionally, side body trim was the only part of the car to be applied by tape Most car companies have adopted a strategy where the exterior molding are redesigned to change the basic look of the vehicle
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 3 Dec 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Accent moldings can give a car a completely different look to the "Basic" model.
With more complex shapes comes the labour-intensive process of application.
Tape application has traditionally been divided in two processes; linear application to extruded straight-line parts and manual application.
Linear application machines are designed as 'hard automation' solutions.
They have limited flexibility and cannot be used for complex shapes.
Re-use of the machine is limited to changing the basic width of the guides.
Complex shapes have been done manually due to the shapes and curves involved in these parts.
Hard automation solutions have been avoided due to the relatively short life cycles of parts.
Payback on a fixed automation solution cannot be realized if the product life is short.
The Robotic Tape Applicator changes the normal process of tape application.
The robotic cell was designed to automate the application of activator, tape and pull-tabs.
The robot picks from a selection of tools via a tool changer.
UV detectors on the activator head monitor activator application.
The tape tools are designed to accommodate a selection of standard tape width and thickness.
The system can be adapted to any part from straight to curved paths.
Tape placement repeatability is +/-0.5mm.
A built in tape cut-off knife allows for cutting on the part to reduce tape scrap.
The pull-tab head is designed to pay out a variable length of tab material and heat stake to the tape liner.
Temperature control is used to verify weld consistency and it is able to run multiple programs.
This has met with much interest among end users and distributors of tape because of its accuracy and repeatable process and increased throughput abilities.
This results in lower scrap rates, lessens repetitive worker injuries and labour costs.
TSI, founded in 1998, and ISO9001, QS9000, QS9000TE accredited, puts a major emphasis on system engineering to reduce manufacturing and assembly costs.
Automation and robotic systems help to reduce manufacturing costs as well as improving process repeatability.
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