Durr's swing-arm robots and double gun technology at LDV

Citation

(2000), "Durr's swing-arm robots and double gun technology at LDV", Industrial Robot, Vol. 27 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2000.04927faf.004

Durr's swing-arm robots and double gun technology at LDV

Keywords: Robots

Durr Limited UK, leading paint shop systems specialists, have just completed a multimillion pound paint machine contract for LDV's Van Plant, in Birmingham, UK.

The contract included the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of a complete paint application system for LDV's new generation of vans. The installation included automation for a new colour line consisting of one Durr interior base coat eight-axis swing arm robot, nine bell base coat esta zone, two external base coat seven-axis robots, interior clear coat swing arm eight-axis robot and nine bell clear coat esta zone. A complete paint circulation and mix system for the topcoat booth, was also supplied by INLAC UK. There were a number of new Durr developments required to meet the project specification.

Swing arm robot

Durr's swing arm robot (see Plate 4) has been designed using standard components and modules from existing robots and machines, thus keeping spares and maintenance to a minimum. The need for a swing arm robot arose following LDV's request to paint the inside of their range of vans automatically. The criteria that Durr had to meet were: restricted access; and of the long reach required to paint all interior surfaces of all van derivatives.

Plate 4 The Durr swing arm robots

Eco Gun S2 (double gun)

With the combination of line speed, surface area to be painted and required film builds, an additional challenge arose of how to apply the paint to specification within the allotted cycle time. The solution was to use a unique double gun arrangement. These two interacting guns give an increased fan spray pattern of approximately 700mm whereas a single gun is around 360mm. This solution enabled all specified criteria to be met and in some cases provided additional spare cycle time.

The exterior painting robots were fitted with the Eco Gun S2. This Eco Gun has been designed with maintenance in mind. It has fully integrated paint and air passages with flange mounting back plate for easy replacement and cleanability.

DBM roof machine

This new generation roof machine dispenses with the need for dirt generating synchronisation cross shafts within the booth. Developments on both the machine and control system have enabled the synchronisation of the roof machine, between the towers, to be done electronically.

LDV is the only specialist van maker producing the widest range of panel vans and their derivatives in Europe as well as automotive pressings. The company markets three van product ranges – the Cub, the Pilot and the Convoy.

Durr Limited is part of the Durr Group, which specialises in the design, engineering and manufacture of plant, painting and supply equipment, and in providing manufacturing support services for the automotive and general industry.

For further information contact: Darcy Miller, Sales and Marketing, Durr Limited, Broxell Close Warwick CV34 5QF, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1926 418856; Fax: +44 (0) 926 400679.