Encore automation develops unique robotic cells for auto applications with Dassault Systèmes' DELMIA

Citation

(2007), "Encore automation develops unique robotic cells for auto applications with Dassault Systèmes' DELMIA", Industrial Robot, Vol. 34 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2007.04934eaf.003

Encore automation develops unique robotic cells for auto applications with Dassault Systèmes' DELMIA

Encore automation develops unique robotic cells for auto applications with Dassault Systèmes' DELMIA

Robotics used to simulate and optimize processes

Dassault Systèmes a leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, has announced that Encore Automation has selected DELMIA Robotics as its simulation tool used in the development of sophisticated robotic systems for the automotive industry including a paint quality inspection system and a polyurethane (PUR) foam application system.

“Without simulation, it would be nearly impossible to verify that the robots can perform so many functions within the target cycle times and physical parameters,” said Encore Automation Proposal Manager, Curt White. “With DELMIA V5 Robotics, we can clearly illustrate to our customers via 3D animations that the cells will, indeed, perform exactly or even better than intended” (Figure 3). White added that many of Encore Automation's engineers had previously worked with the DELMIA IGRIP UltraPaint solution and as their robotic lines continue to become more multi-task oriented, found that DELMIA Robotics solution would be the best way to address their future needs.

Figure 3 A 3D robotic cell simulation created by Encore Automation using DELMIA V5 robotics

Encore Automation's paint quality inspection system automates what has historically been a manual process by using robots and vision technology to measure paint thickness as well as examine general paint uniformity and overall appearance. Each robot is equipped with up to three inspection tools on its end-of-arm device. There is a tool for implementing film build thickness measurement using PELT^® (pulse echo layer thickness) technology and a separate tool for paint appearance that relies upon wave scan technology. Encore is currently in the process of adding color match determination with X-Rite's Car Flash unit. A laser- positioning sensor will determine where the robot needs to locate in order to gather the various measurements.

The Encore Automation PUR foam system, which is used to fill automotive body and pillar cavities with polyurethane material to meet Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) targets, has been designed to help achieve lower costs and increase throughput in the foam application process. The end-of-arm tooling includes both a laser and a dispense gun. The laser is used to accurately locate the body position and then transmit the position offsets to the robots. The dispense gun then automatically positions the 12mm spray nozzle within the 13mm body panel hole to spray the PUR foam.

DELMIA Robotics is an integrated solution that will enable Encore Automation to design, simulate, optimize, and program robotic workcells in a 3D digital factory environment. Additionally, V5 Robotics can capture and reuse best practices, leverage programming knowledge and automate the repetitive work of robot programming, helping to reduce cost, design and manufacturing time, and accelerating time-to-market.