Issue link: https://onenorgren.uberflip.com/i/522750
Location: Michigan, USA Customer: Automotive manufacturer Key benefit: Manufacturing flexibility Case study Requirement To set the three-dimensional geometry of automobile sections like doors and trunk lids, all the parts need to be spot welded in place to tolerances of plus or minus 0.25 millimeters. This establishes the part's geometry so it can move on for final welding. With traditional tooling, if the welded steel end effector on the robot arm needs to be moved during set-up or design changeover, it must be cut and rewelded in place. A leading car manufacturer wanted a modular system that could allow incremental adjustments, increase manufacturing flexibility and reduce floor space requirements. Solution The Geo-Flex™ Modular Precision Tooling System from IMI Precision Engineering is built on a spine that attaches to the robot wrist. A moveable saddle mount holds multiple arms that can be repositioned in increments of 125 millimeters. Clamps, grippers and locating pins on end effectors can be adjusted in 10 millimeter increments. Custom shims and grind spacers complete smaller adjustments. This modular system means components can be added and moved for product changeovers or repositioned without cutting and rewelding. Different auto parts can be produced within the same work cell, eliminating the need for multiple floor standing systems. Sector image used under license from Shutterstock.com © Norgren, Inc. 2015 Geo-Flex ™ Tooling allows incremental component adjustment Engineering GREAT Solutions