Einleitung
Customised automation and robotics solutions for the automotive industryItalian engineering skills meet Line XMS
Vensys: Automation made easy
Vensys is a young company from Italy that produces customised automation and robotics solutions for a whole host of different sectors. Its service portfolio includes:
- Requirements analysis and troubleshooting
- Machine design and testing
- Commissioning and maintenance
- Software development
Two customised solutions, one flexible basis
Vensys
was looking for a suitable base construction to implement both a robotic soldering station and a machine for assembling and testing electronic flasher units. “Aluminium was without doubt the best material for our applications,” says Mauro Zecchin, Software Manager at Vensys.
When he discovered Line XMS from item, it was love at first sight. He was particularly impressed by its lightness, stability and attractive appearance, among other characteristics.
When he discovered Line XMS from item, it was love at first sight. He was particularly impressed by its lightness, stability and attractive appearance, among other characteristics.
Customised robotic soldering station
A specific solution for a specific problemTip soldering robot at Vensys
The first project concerns a customised soldering station for car components.
It uses a machine cabin based on Line XMS from item. A four-axis SCARA robot is installed inside the machine cabin.
It uses a machine cabin based on Line XMS from item. A four-axis SCARA robot is installed inside the machine cabin.
The challengeAutomating the process of connecting plugs and printed circuit boards
As is so often the case, it was a practical problem that kicked off the development of the soldering station. Automotive suppliers who produce clock relays for the car industry found themselves facing a challenge – how to automate the connection of plugs and printed circuit boards.
“One of our customers initially tried to solve the problem using a standard solution from its supply chain, but without success,” reveals Zecchin.
A customised solution was therefore needed for the problem – and the idea for the tip soldering robot was born.
“One of our customers initially tried to solve the problem using a standard solution from its supply chain, but without success,” reveals Zecchin.
A customised solution was therefore needed for the problem – and the idea for the tip soldering robot was born.
The soldering station in practiceHow the Vensys solution works
Before the robot starts soldering, the machine operator selects the relevant work process on a touch panel.
Soldering robots – offering benefits you can rely on
An automated soldering station ensures particularly profitable production. The fact the robot performs the soldering task not only reduces the cycle times between the soldering processes – it also increases output. And, best of all, the process can be reliably reproduced.
Further benefits:
Further benefits:
- Errors reduced to a minimum
- Greater speed
- Optimised use of solder
Blinkermontage- und Prüfmaschine
Machine for assembling and testing electronic flasher unitsAssemble, test, label
The second project implemented by Vensys using item components from Line XMS is also connected with the automotive industry – an application for assembling and testing flasher units for vehicle indicators.
At the heart of the solution is a rotary table with four positions. This table takes the constituent parts of a flasher unit to the processing stations.
At the heart of the solution is a rotary table with four positions. This table takes the constituent parts of a flasher unit to the processing stations.
A complex challengeA successful outcome within a year
The second project was even more challenging than the first – everything had to be designed from scratch. The mechanical and automation aspects were especially demanding.
All in all, it took around a year to design, build, test and deliver the application. “The end user is now enjoying all the benefits,” reports Zecchin with satisfaction.
All in all, it took around a year to design, build, test and deliver the application. “The end user is now enjoying all the benefits,” reports Zecchin with satisfaction.
Flasher unit gaining momentumHow the assembly and test machine works
This is the first station. The machine operator inserts the flasher unit into the plastic cover. Using two image processing sensors, the machine checks that the alignment is correct.
Second station
A press driven by a servomotor is used to press the flasher unit onto the cover – with a level of precision down to a tenth of a millimetre. A current-carrying probe, which makes contact with the terminals of the flasher unit, performs the test cycle. If everything is working properly, the light comes on.
An image sensor records the light output. Flash frequency is governed by legal requirements, so this is tested, too. If the parameters fail to comply with the legal requirements, the flasher unit is reported as faulty. It is then returned to the loading station, where it is rejected by the machine operator.
An image sensor records the light output. Flash frequency is governed by legal requirements, so this is tested, too. If the parameters fail to comply with the legal requirements, the flasher unit is reported as faulty. It is then returned to the loading station, where it is rejected by the machine operator.
Third and fourth stations
The process is coming to an end. At the third station, a laser is used to label the flasher unit with the designation “flasher”, its batch number and the date of manufacture. At the fourth station, the finished product then drops into a collection container underneath the machine.
On the next page, a video shows the complete process in action (video length: 1:22).
On the next page, a video shows the complete process in action (video length: 1:22).
item Baureihe XMS
Why XMS from item was the perfect solution.“Line XMS from item gave us everything we were looking for.” – Mauro Zecchin.
The stability of its machine bases was of key importance to Vensys – which is why the company wanted a frame consisting of four load-bearing columns. “We looked at a lot of suppliers and carried out a lot of research, but only item could offer us suitable profiles with the size of cross-section we needed,” explains Zecchin.
Vensys particularly appreciates the large range of accessories for Line XMS, which ensures projects can be tailored to highly specific requirements and delivered in full. This brings a great deal of flexibility to machine cabin design. Fast, precise assembly with a minimum of effort is another key benefit.
Vensys particularly appreciates the large range of accessories for Line XMS, which ensures projects can be tailored to highly specific requirements and delivered in full. This brings a great deal of flexibility to machine cabin design. Fast, precise assembly with a minimum of effort is another key benefit.
All-round satisfaction“The products from item are extremely robust and well thought out.”
As Zecchin reports, customers are also very happy with the results: “Our customers are very appreciative. item products are widely considered to be extremely robust and well thought out, and we can certainly confirm that.”
Vensys is keen to embark on further projects with item in the future.
Further information:
Vensys
Line XMS from item
Epson T3-B401S
Vensys is keen to embark on further projects with item in the future.
Further information:
Vensys
Line XMS from item
Epson T3-B401S
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Customised automation and robotics solutions for the automotive industry
Vensys: Automation made easy
Two customised solutions, one flexible basis
Tip soldering robot at Vensys
The challenge
The soldering station in practice
Automated cleaning
Maximum efficiency
Loading the soldering station
Information about the soldering robot
The soldering process in detail
Extraction of soldering fumes
Sealed machine cabin
Soldering robots – offering benefits you can rely on
Video showing the entire process
Machine for assembling and testing electronic flasher units
A complex challenge
Flasher unit gaining momentum
Second station
Third and fourth stations
Video of the entire process
Why XMS from item was the perfect solution.
All-round satisfaction