A fully automated cleaning system with pick and place system increases productivity and efficiency. Loading and unloading the system no longer has to be done manually and high positioning accuracy is achieved with fewer processing errors.
A Dutch manufacturer of molded parts for the automotive and electronics industries, the medical sector and general industrial technology has opted for the BvL Yukon cleaning system to thoroughly clean its stamped parts in a fully automated process.
Important requirements had to be met so that the cleaning system could be integrated smoothly into the fully automated process chain. In this application, it was not only the high cleanliness requirements that played a decisive role. The short cycle time of the cleaning system was also crucial in order to guarantee the speed of the production flow. Specific quantity and time specifications had to be taken into account when planning the cleaning system. The initial quality of the workpieces and the requirements for further processing called for optimum interface communication. This is the only way that upstream and downstream production processes can now be optimally served.
Cleaning in a fully automated process
The stamped parts come directly from the forming process, pass through the cleaning system and are then packaged. The entire process is supported by a pick and place system. The cleaning system must therefore have a particularly short cycle time and high throughput so that it can be optimally integrated into the fully automated process. Due to the subsequent packaging of the punched parts, cleaning must be absolutely spotless and the workpieces must be one hundred percent dry. The manufacturer opted for the high-performance Yukon continuous system from BvL Oberflächentechnik in Emsbüren (Germany). The Dutch manufacturer of molded parts already has several BvL cleaning systems in operation and appreciates the competent and personal advice.
"Our customer knows that we keep an eye on their entire production process and that our systems are tailor-made," reports owner and Managing Director Bernhard Sievering. "Frankly, I'm also proud of our team, which works hand in hand from project planning, design and production through to service and always works closely with the customer. We ensure customer proximity on the international market through our international sales and service network. This means that we always have a native speaker on site. In the Netherlands, we work together with De Ploeg Techniek B.V. in Helmond. The owner, Mr. Cock de Jonge, was in close contact with our Dutch customer."
High throughput and efficient material flow, even with different components
The BvL Yukon cleaning system is an optimal inline solution for an efficient material flow at high speed in the production line. The cleaning system achieves a particularly short cycle time of just 1 second per component. The conveyor belt of this machine is equipped with six tracks so that the pick and place systems can load and unload six parts simultaneously while the conveyor belt is running. The overall system is designed to ensure optimum positioning accuracy, even for different components. The adjustable throughput speed enables economical operation. This means that the degree of cleaning of the components can be influenced and different cleanliness requirements can be met for varying components. This is an important aspect for the Dutch molded parts manufacturer. Initially, this system will be used to clean parts from stamping processes for coffee machines. Subsequently, other stamped parts will also be cleaned.
Customized cleaning and drying process
The stamped parts pass through the Yukon cleaning system's successive treatment zones in a continuous and synchronized process. From the infeed zone, they are transported via the conveyor belt to the cleaning zone, where they are cleaned evenly and on all sides. Here, the goods are guided past a permanently installed nozzle system. The cleaning nozzles are individually and specifically aligned to the workpieces. This means that even hard-to-reach areas are thoroughly cleaned and meet the manufacturer's high cleanliness requirements. In the subsequent rinsing zone, the parts are thoroughly rinsed and in the subsequent blow-off zone, the parts are blown off with warm air. The stain-free and thoroughly cleaned punched parts can then be fed directly into the subsequent packaging process.
Smart Cleaning functions for energy savings, process reliability and predictive maintenance
The BvL cleaning systems can be equipped with intelligent Smart Cleaning functions. For example, the blow-off zone can be designed to save energy at the customer's request. Controlling the exhaust air depending on the air humidity saves energy and ensures stable drying results.
The filter technology makes it possible to predict the consumption of the bag filter. Predictive maintenance and stocking of spare parts is safe and easy. The operator can plan the filter change efficiently into the production process, as the filter change time is displayed on the control panel.
The BvL Libelle Fluid Control measures the degree of contamination of the cleaning bath reliably and with high precision. Detailed knowledge of the bath condition is essential to guarantee safe processes and optimum use of materials. This is why BvL uses the Libelle Fluid Control as standard in BvL cleaning systems.
BvL systems can also be supplemented with Libelle Cleaner Control. It ensures that the cleaner concentration is always kept at the correct target percentage. Not only is the cleaner concentration measured unmanned, precisely and continuously, but the cleaner is also dosed automatically.
Remote maintenance protects against production downtime and provides support when operating or adjusting the system.
