A higher work load was needed for this robot cell
Recently, Emform Limited, who supply busbar systems, took advantage of the Joining Forces programme of Product & Process Reviews and Feasibility Studies.
The busbars, manufactured for the heavy power generation, distribution and user industries are made from aluminium and/or copper conductors. The company, based in Kirkby, Liverpool, bought an arc welding robot to meet productionrequirements in specific products. The robot system performed so well they wished to expand its use into new areas.
Emform took up a Review which looked at general issues while the Feasibility Study concentrated on the robot cell and the work it might undertake.
It was found that Emform would benefit from additional staff resources to develop an off-line program editing facility to specify and construct jigs and develop new robot programs. Use of local students on work experience placementswas one recommendation. Other issues addressed included component work flow and assembly techniques to reduce operational waste.
Since the study, Ken Houghton, Emform's Manufacturing Director, reported that they had started implementing the recommendations. As a result of a recently-won contract, Emform were looking forward to increasing the robot'sworkload.
