Press Machine Tending for Thin Plate Sheets using Yaskawa Robots

Industry > ElectronicsApplication > Machine TendingSector > Manufacturing

This automation solution utilizes YASKAWA robots equipped with vacuum grippers to handle thin plates, automating the workpiece feeding process and significantly enhancing the safety of press operations.

Due to the nature of press processes—characterized by extremely short cycle times and high-risk environments—industrial accidents involving human operators are frequent.

By employing robot automation, particularly with vacuum grippers which are far more effective at handling thin plates than manual labor, this solution simultaneously improves production throughput and workplace safety.

Components

Robot	Robot: YASKAWA MH180 High-payload 6-axis articulated industrial robot. Payload: 180kg Reach: 2,702mm Weight: 1,020kg Repeatability: ±0.2mm End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT): High-performance vacuum gripper designed for thin sheet handling.

Workflow

STEP 1.	Infeed: The workpiece moves to the designated pick-up position via the infeed conveyor.
STEP 2.	Picking: The robot secures the thin plate using its vacuum gripper.
STEP 3.	Loading: The robot loads the workpiece into the press machine.
STEP 4.	Pressing: The press operation is performed.

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Features

Simultaneous Improvement of Work Environment and Productivity

Continuous Operation: Ensures high productivity through non-stop, seamless cycles without idle time.

Safety First: Prevents industrial accidents by removing workers from high-risk press zones.

Optimized Design and Pre-Verification

Custom Tooling: Expert design and manufacturing of specialized end-of-arm tools (EOAT) tailored to specific work conditions and performance requirements.

Precision Vacuum Handling: Utilizes advanced vacuum grippers to accurately pick and unload thin products that are difficult to handle manually.

Single-Sheet Picking Logic: Implements specialized picking logic and mechanical structures to ensure only one sheet is picked at a time, preventing double-feeding errors.

Simulation-Based Validation: Conducts 3D simulations to perform interference checks and verify cycle time performance before on-site installation.

Results

ROI Period	24 months
Key Benefits	Increased productivity through reduced cycle times. Enhanced workplace safety by eliminating the risk of press-related accidents.
Client Feedback	Through G-TEC’s solution, we successfully shortened our cycle times and achieved a significant boost in overall productivity.