When CME Ltd received a request to develop a fully automated solution for a pneumatic valve assembly, a six-axis robot was at the heart of its innovative system. The robot performs a series of different pick and place, orientation, transfer and assembly operations in combination with several dedicated workstations and peripheral technologies, increasing output and productivity.

In simple terms, the application requires the assembly of a pneumatic valve body that comprises of several individual parts, including a coil, circlip, label and adhesive. The robot collects parts from a series of magazine drawer systems that both present the individual components and store the fully assembled items. The system can automatically assemble 600 parts in an eight-hour shift.

Historically, the assembly of these valve bodies took place manually, with an operator requiring 90 seconds to complete the various tasks for a single valve assembly. There were several objectives targeted as part of the transition from manual to fully automated assembly, such as eliminating repetitive manual tasks, reducing the time needed for assembly and subsequently increasing productivity while reducing manufacturing costs. The automation of the different assembly operations also makes it possible to introduce additional quality checks that improve quality and yield.

Cell capacity is 300 assemblies before the system requires re-priming with fresh components. The total run-time to empty, without stoppages, is approximately 4 hours with an average cycle time of 48 seconds. This represents a saving of over 45% on the original manual cycle time of 90 seconds. The system achieves all of the initial objectives, while a further benefit is its potential for re-tooling to produce other part variants in future.
For further information www.cme-ltd.com

RPI, a provider of rotary measurement and angular positioning devices, has promoted Jim Palmer to sales and marketing director. Palmer is an RPI stalwart with over 20 years’ experience in the business. He joined the company as an engineer before becoming sales manager, where he increased sales by over 60% in the past five years, thanks in large part to his extensive network of contacts. More recently he secured orders within a fortnight of Control 2022, the international trade fair for quality assurance, the fastest this feat has ever been achieved.
For further information www.rpiuk.com

Kleos Space Ltd, the UK subsidiary of Kleos Space SA, is to set up operations at Space Park Leicester, a leading hub for innovative research, enterprise and education in space and earth observation. Kleos is a ‘space-powered’ radio frequency reconnaissance data-as-a-service (DaaS) and mission-as-a-service (MaaS) provider. The new UK facility will provide access to a buoyant technology-centred community and state-of-the-art facilities for research, development and manufacturing. Notably, the move is part of a long-term strategy for Kleos’ growth and investment to support the UK market.
For further information https://kleos.space/

The recent installation of a Lang RoboTrex robotic system at the production facility of motorcycle and automotive brake aftermarket specialist, HEL Performance, is enabling one of the company’s Brother VMCs to run unattended 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Director Simon Lane says: “Over the past few years, rising global demand for our products has inspired us to invest in a range of cutting-edge machine tools and associated equipment. Our highly-efficient Lang RoboTrex system has been a great success in this area. The system’s installation and integration was trouble-free, and as it’s so easy to use that operator training was also very straightforward.

“Now, by ensuring that we can produce master cylinders and calipers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without stopping, our Lang RoboTrex system has enabled us to realise the full productive potential of the Brother M140X2 VMC it serves,” continues Lane. “In fact, the combination of our Brother VMC and our Lang RoboTrex system has allowed us to break all of our previous efficiency records for the production of cylinders and calipers, and enabled us to keep-pace with ever-increasing customer demand.”

Lang Technik UK director Gareth Barnet adds: “Given the nature and cycle times of HEL Performance’s parts we were confident that the RoboTrex 52 system was the ideal solution to the company’s needs, as dependant on workpiece size, each of the system’s trolleys is able to hold between 30/42 vices, each loaded with workpieces. As the RoboTrex 52 system is able to accommodate four trolleys with a total storage capacity of 120/168 vices, the automated system is able to undertake lights-out production every night.”
For further information www.lang-technik.co.uk

Protolabs is now offering engineers a critical ‘missing link’ that will help them find the best manufacturing solution for their parts. The company has launched a new injection moulding consultative design service that will tap into the thinking and problem solving of its 200-strong team of engineers. Samuel Guest, product manager for injection moulding, says: “Our quoting platform is well-known in industry and allows you to upload your CAD model and check its suitability for injection moulding. It even suggests changes that would make it better and save money. You’ll receive your report and quote back within a couple of hours.”
For further information www.protolabs.co.uk