Citation
(2002), "Wittmann UK gets SPS off to a flyer", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929eaf.005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Wittmann UK gets SPS off to a flyer
Wittmann UK gets SPS off to a flyer
Keywords: Handling, Robots, Aerospace
Automation and ancillary supplier Wittmann UK has just completed an automated production cell for Leicester-based TJ Brooks which is set to double the output of a process making a variety of bolts for the aerospace industry.
Another advantage of the new automated cell is that it can be run for an hour after the final shift has finished, immediately raising daily output by a factor of some 6 per cent.
The automation cell features a Kawasaki six-axis robot (see Plate 2), a bowl feeder and an array of custom-built control and handling equipment designed and built by Wittmann UK and TJ Brooks. The TJ Brooks factory expects to consider extending its automation programme later this year.
To date, Wittmann UK's automation expertise has been most in demand from the fast-moving plastics processing sector in the UK and abroad. The company typically supplies a variety of custom-made automation cells, principally to technical and injection moulders, many of whom are part of demanding automotive, telectronics or packaging supply chains.
However, Wittmann UK has increasingly been providing automation cells to companies in metal production and machining. A sophisticated robot and vision installation which recognises, sorts and tests a variety of metal parts from a conveyor was successfully installed by Wittmann UK at IMI Yorkshire Fittings, Leeds. This job has led to a second and third installation at the same company, and Wittmann UK has attracted interest from many other areas of metals processing.
Plate 2
The Kawasaki six-axis robot
Wittmann is one of the world's leading producers of robots, automation, ancillary and mould heating and chilling equipment for plastics and other manufacturing industries, with production plants in the USA as well as Austria, Hungary and the UK. The Wittmann Group currently employs 580 employees and enjoys a revenue of some 120 million euros.
Further details from Gary Fountain at Wittmann UK. Tel: +44 (0) 01933 275 777; e-mail: gfountain@wittmann.co.uk