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Boosting Manufacturing Efficiency with Robot Cells and Custom Automation Machines

 

Industrial robotic arms from ABB in a factory setting, mounted on platforms and equipped with cables and grippers, performing tasks in a production line environment. Background features additional machinery, safety barriers, and trays with components.

In manufacturing, staying competitive means adopting innovative solutions to enhance productivity. One such solution is the integration of robot cells and custom automation machines. These technologies improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure consistent quality, making them essential for modern production.

What is a Robot Cell?

A robot cell or robotic cell is a configurable workspace designed to automate specific manufacturing tasks. These cells are typically equipped with industrial robots, safety barriers, controllers, and peripherals that work together to perform tasks such as assembly, welding, material handling, or quality inspection.

The modularity and flexibility of robotic cells make them suitable for a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods. Whether it’s a standalone unit or part of a larger production line, a well-designed robot cell can significantly enhance operational efficiency.

A Fanuc robotic arm enclosed in a safety cage, operating in an industrial environment. The setup includes conveyors and automated equipment for material handling and assembly, showcasing advanced manufacturing automation in a modern facility.

Custom Automation Machines: Tailored Solutions for Unique Needs

Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, custom automation machines are designed to meet the specific needs of your production process, seamlessly integrating with existing systems. For example, custom welding machines deliver exceptional accuracy and consistency, helping manufacturers reduce defects and improve cycle times, all while maintaining high-quality standards.

Benefits of Robotic Cells and Custom Automation Machines

  • Increased Productivity: Automating repetitive tasks allows your workforce to focus on value-added activities, leading to higher overall productivity.
  • Enhanced Quality: Robot cells ensure consistent output with minimal variation, reducing defects and rework.
  • Flexibility: Custom automation machines can be reconfigured or upgraded to meet changing production demands.
  • Cost Savings: Automation minimizes downtime, waste, and labor costs while maximizing resource utilization.
  • Safety: Robot cells create safer work environments by handling dangerous tasks and reducing human exposure to hazardous conditions.

Essential Components of a Robot CellRobotic Screwing Station

Building a high-performing robotic cell requires careful consideration of the components involved. Here are some key elements to consider:

  1. Robots: Choose robots with appropriate payload, reach, and speed for your application. Brands like FANUC, ABB, and KUKA offer reliable options.
  2. Controllers: These act as the brain of your robotic cell, ensuring seamless communication and coordination. Siemens and Allen-Bradley are excellent choices for controllers.
  3. End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT): From grippers to welding torches, the tooling must match your specific task. Consider brands like SCHUNK, OnRobot, or ATI Industrial Automation.
  4. Safety Systems: Safety barriers, light curtains, and emergency stop mechanisms from companies like Sick or Keyence ensure compliance with safety standards.
  5. Conveyors and Feeders: Flexible feeding solutions like those offered by Asyril or Flexfactory improve material flow and reduce downtime.

Recommendations for Components and Brands

To ensure optimal performance of your robotic cell or custom automation machine,Industrial robotic cell featuring an ABB robotic arm performing automated tasks in a structured production environment with safety enclosures. it’s crucial to select high-quality components. Here are some top brands to consider:

  • Industrial Robots:

    • FANUC: Known for their durability and precision.
    • ABB: Offers a wide range of robots with innovative features.
    • KUKA: Specializes in collaborative and industrial robots.

  • Welding Equipment:

  • Controllers:

    • Siemens: Provides versatile and user-friendly controllers.
    • Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation): Trusted for robust and scalable solutions.
    • Many other brands offer amazing functionality: For example: Beckhoff offers incredibly powerfull and cost effective PC based PLCs.

  • Safety Systems:

    • Sick: Offers advanced sensors and safety systems.
    • Keyence: Known for high-precision safety equipment.

  • End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT):

Conclusion:

The integration of robot cells and custom automation machines is transforming the manufacturing industry, driving efficiency and enabling businesses to scale operations. Whether you’re looking to automate welding processes or enhance material handling, investing in high-quality components from trusted brands is key to achieving long-term success.

Take your manufacturing to the next level with tailored robotic cells and custom automation machines. Contact us to get started today! Contact us today to learn how we can help you build smarter, faster, and safer production systems.

Talk to AMD about your proyect.

Industries We Help Automate

At Advanced Manufacturing Development (AMD), we design and build custom automated manufacturing systems for various industries and applications, including, but not limited to, the following:

Learn More About Our Solutions
appliance

Building Materials

body-shop

Automotive

shopping-bag

Consumer

Helium Leak Testing Capabilities

Testers employ helium leak testing in a variety of configurations, including:

Helium Hard Vacuum

There are two primary methods for helium hard vacuum leak testing:

  • Inside-out. Inside-out leak testing requires securing the in a sealed chamber. A vacuum pump removes all atmosphere from the chamber, after which the leak testing cycle begins.
  • Outside-in. This method tests the part without a chamber. During the vacuum test, technicians evacuate the component and spray helium gas around its exterior. If there are any leaks, the helium flows into the part’s interior, where a mass spectrometer will detect it — the presence of helium in the interior results in a failed test.

Helium Accumulation

Helium accumulation is less sensitive detection than the helium hard vacuum method. The part gets placed in an accumulation test chamber where testers can monitor helium leakage. The part may be pre-filled with helium tracer gas and sealed before placing it in the chamber, or filling may occur once inside. For larger objects that can’t fit into the test chamber and only have a few locations where leaks would appear, small clamshell accumulation chambers facilitate site-specific leak testing.

Helium Sniffing

As a non-quantitative leak testing method, helium sniffing uses a helium tracer gas and detection instruments to identify an environment’s helium concentration. An increase in helium determines that the part is leaking. Helium sniffing is typically employed to locate leaks in existing systems for repair. This method depends on operator skill, making it essential to use a well-qualified and experienced operator to get accurate results.

Helium Leak Testing Equipment from AMD

At AMD, we carefully analyze the customer application and offer custom-tailored solutions to address specific customer needs. We will identify the best methods for detecting leaks and provide solutions ranging from fully-automated and semi-automated systems to manual/batch testing equipment. Regardless of your industry, we have helium leak testing solutions to meet your requirements.

Contact us today to see how our innovative helium leak testing equipment will benefit your application.

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