These parts required 2 pieces of double sided tape to be applied. Accuracy, repeatability, scrap and process cost were all factors to be considered. The usual way of applying the tape was to build a machine dedicated to that variant. However, in this case, the low volumes and 6 different variants costed this option out of the equation.

A new solution was designed, implemented and programmed by Robotic Systems Integration Ltd. The new solution was a flexible assembly cell utilising a single robot to apply the tape with the different variants presented in pairs on a rotary table. Each part nest has a unique binary identification code which is communicated to the robot in order for the correct tape path program to be run.

This solution delivered the required cost savings and flexibility.

A fuel tank finisher was designed to weld 2 variants of fuel tank. However, the maintenance department was spending more than 4 hours after a tool change adjusting all the weld points to suit the new variant. Robotic Systems Integration Ltd. advised the company to concentrate their efforts on ensuring the part nest positions were correct for each variant. This led to smoother tool changes without the need to adjust any weld positions.