Auburn Hills, Michigan-US supplier of complex robotic dispensing systems Encore Automation has selected Delmia Robotics as its simulation tool used in developing sophisticated robotic systems for the automotive industry. These systems include a paint quality inspection system and system for applying polyurethane foam, according to an 18 Dec statement from Delmia developer Dassault Systemes.
"Without simulation, it would be nearly impossible to verify that the robots can perform so many functions within the target cycle times and physical parameters," commented Encore Automation proposal manager, Curt White, in the statement.
DelmiaV5 Robotics allowed Encore to show its customers clearly, via 3D animations, that the cells will perform as intended, he added.
Encore Automation has automated the inspection system for paint quality, using robots and vision technology to measure paint thickness as well as examine general paint uniformity and overall appearance.
Each robot has up to three inspection tools on its end-of-arm device, for thickness measurement and paint appearance. Encore is in the process of adding determination of colour matching to this list.
To fill automotive body and pillar cavities with polyurethane foam material to meet noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) targets, Encore Automation's design helps achieve lower costs and increase throughput in the foam application process.
In this case, the end-of-arm tooling includes both a laser and a dispensing gun. The laser accurately locates the body position and transmit this to the robots. The gun then automatically positions the 12 mm spray nozzle within the 13 mm body panel hole to spray the PU foam.
Auburn Hills-based Encore Automation was formed from the AEG Automation Systems (Alstom) group and Haden Automation Group. Between them, those units have installed and integrated over 700 robots and 30 bell stations in various paint, powder, sealing, and material handling applications for customers DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM, PSA, and others.PIC: Encore's robotic system for applying PU foam in car bodies for NVH treatment."
