Solution for Stamping Industry Reduces Downtime 95%.
Problem defined.
In an automotive stamping plant, engineers and technicians were having difficulties with the integrity of the electrical I/O interface on their feed bar rail systems.
The original I/O modules supplied by the press manufacturer had smooth-surface contacts which regularly became contaminated with oil and dirt, resulting in intermittent signal connections. Lacking a consistent electrical connection created significant downtime, necessitating - at best - daily maintenance.
At worst, broken pins or wires in the plug translated into at least four hours of extensive repairs - taking the plug apart and struggling to get all twenty-eight pins back together again - a process that had to be completed at the press and not on the bench.
The problem grew worse as the equipment aged.
Solution in reach.
Applied Robotics engineered a total system solution to address the plant's needs and successfully reduced downtime by 95%.
Working with stamping plant experts, Applied Robotics developed a replaceable plug known as a stamping module - a design that utilizes a spring-loaded, pogo-style, serrated-surface contact.
The serrated surface creates a clean connection each time docking occurs, thus eliminating the intermittent signal connections that result in downtime.
Replacing rail plug blocks takes only ten minutes, thanks to an available spare block, preassembled right on the bench.
A male connector is built into the back of the block making disconnecting and replacing both quick and easy. The bar also incorporates more flexible, long-life cables with matching female connectors to make the application even more robust.
