21007 - Machine for fitting deflectors

A robotic machine performing operations on the moulding line for cast iron components. At the heart of the machine is a Comau robot, which retrieves moulds from magazines periodically replenished by the operator—supervised by a Siemens Safety Integrated PLC—and a tool for compacting the moulding sand from a dedicated magazine. The orientation of the mould is controlled using an IFM laser profilometer, whilst the positions within the casting mould are corrected by measurements taken by a Keyence vision system.

Purpose of the machine

The core and sand mixture machine has been designed as a component of a component casting line. The purpose of the core and sand mixture machine is to perform the operations of spreading and compacting the sand mixture (an additive to the cast iron) and inserting the core into the casting mould. These operations are carried out in an automatic cycle.

Description of operation

• The machine is integrated into the casting line;
• The robot retrieves a sieve from the magazine and moves it to the inspection position using a laser profilometer;
• Once the casting mould conveyor has stopped, the vision system measures its position;
• The robot places the sieve into the mould;
• The robot retrieves a mortar tamping tool from the magazine and performs the mortar spreading and tamping trajectory appropriate for the selected reference;
• The machine sends a signal authorising the transport of the moulds.

Machine design

ROBOT

A Comau robot fitted with a tool featuring a compensation mechanism, designed and manufactured by us.

SIEVE MAGAZINES

Two magazines moving independently between the loading zone and the zone where the robot picks up the sieves, secured with lockable guards, enable uninterrupted machine operation whilst the sieves are being replenished.

OPERATOR PANEL

Control elements and a 7-inch display allow the selection of the appropriate reference, process preview and control of individual machine movements. The control system also allows for data archiving.

STRUCTURE

The welded steel structure is designed for the installation of all modules as well as electrical and pneumatic equipment.

Benefits for the customer / user

• Elimination of human error when inserting the screens;
• Increased precision and repeatability when spreading and compacting the mortar;
• Elimination of downtime caused by human error when performing the above-mentioned tasks.