New robots take to the floor at Hepworth

Citation

(2001), "New robots take to the floor at Hepworth", Industrial Robot, Vol. 28 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2001.04928eab.002

New robots take to the floor at Hepworth

New robots take to the floor at Hepworth

Keywords: Hepworth Drainage, Kawasaki, Robots, Pottery

Hepworth Drainage has invested some £250,000 in new robots (see Plate 1) for its Donington factory, near Swadlincote, Derbyshire. Installation and commissioning of the five Kawasaki robots has just been completed and they are set to play a key role in maintaining output and quality. The equipment is used in the production of the bends and fittings which form part of the company's clay pipe systems.

Plate 1 One of the new Kawasaki robots at Hepworth Drainage

The electric robots are primarily used for transferring products from extrusion machines to trimmers and setting stations and to trim fittings. Four of the robots are six-axis machines, whilst the fifth, used to trim the insides of fittings, is a seven-axis model.

This new installation replaces robots previously used at the factory for these tasks since 1985 and forms part of a continuing programme of capital investment.

The Kawasaki robots were chosen following a review of systems available from three major robotics specialists. Selection criteria included payload capacity, long reach capability, the ability to fit within the existing robot footprint and low maintenance characteristics, as well as technical support services. Installation and commissioning have been undertaken jointly by Kawasaki and Hepworth maintenance staff.

The new systems are expected to play a major part in the future development of the Hepworth Donington site.