Assembly Planbook - April 2008 - (Page 38) ASSEMBLY Dispensing Ensuring Effective Robotic Dispensing A strong team and clear expectations are critical to implementing a system that will provide a good return on investment. W In this application, three vision cameras mounted on the robot tooling find the part’s position in space and then direct the dispensing nozzle to apply a bead of sealant on the backside of the part. By Thomas R. Tudor Engineering Manager Sealant Equipment & Engineering Inc. Plymouth, MI hether a manufacturer is considering the purchase of a new robotic dispensing system or simply considering converting or upgrading an existing line, there are a number of factors that will determine the project’s ultimate success. Selecting the wrong dispensing equipment, robots or even materials can lead to problems down the road. These problems can include long delays, cost overruns and even misapplied equipment that will cause the project to fall short of the desired return on investment, thereby necessitating substantial follow-up work or even a complete overhaul. The key to avoiding these situations is to assemble a trained and experienced team that includes the manufacturer, the systems integrator, the dispensing equipment manufacturer, the robot supplier, the material supplier, the fixture builder and the parts supplier. Equally important, every team member should be provided with a complete process specification. This specification needs to include details of the part, or parts, that will be processed (including drawings), and the requirements of the material being dispensed, including placement, profile and volume. The specification should also detail the processing times for things like loading, unloading, dispensing, and the indexing of parts from station to station. Ideally, all team members will have experience with systems that are similar to the application in question. There is nothing wrong with performing minor modifications to an existing product for a given process. However, it is important that a supplier not substitute an inferior component because of a lack of product offering. With this in mind, manufacturers need to be sure and look at the details when comparing multiple proposals. Manufacturers should also be sure to question and understand any differences between them. Finally, each team member should be familiar with the products supplied by the various team members to ensure compatibility. Dividing Up the Work Throughout the team building and component-selection process, the manufacturer needs to remain involved to ensure the final product provides the desired results. In terms of particular responsibilities, the material supplier will generally select or custom-formulate a one- or two-part material formulation based on the specific needs of the application. Dispensing system engineers will then select the appropriate supply, meter and dispensing components. Some dispensing engineers will also be capable of engineering end-of-arm tooling, material headers, robot dress-out, 38 ASSEMBLY / April 2008 www.assemblymag.com http://www.assemblymag.com
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