Sažetak
In the research work, an automated aluminium die casting process is presented that was realized by an example of accelerating of the production cycle, by installing a dedicated effector (gripper) with the consequent possibility of computer programming of the optimal trajectory of an industrial robot. With an introduction to die casting method, a basic technical description of the primary working machines which forms the basis of an automated cell, and the applied model of an industrial robot for manipulating castings that were manufactured by “ABB,” as a key element of automation in the company LTH Alucast Ltd. have also been made. Furthermore, it is explained the upgrade of the automated process by implementing an engraving device manufactured by “Borries,” regarding engraving of the “DataMatrix-Code” (DMC) needle code and depositing castings on an automated conveyor belt. Consequently, an increase in the production cycle time was identified as a problem, and as solution has been found the installation of a dedicated gripper, regarding double manipulation of castings, and optimization of the robot trajectory in “key” operational routines, resulting in a more efficient and faster production cycle. The interdisciplinary approach shows the analysis and monitoring of the production cycle time, before and after the technological optimization, as well as the achieved stability of the process.
Ključne riječi
industrial robot, process automation, die casting, production cycle, optimization