💡 Learn these in 5 minutes!

1. What is a SCARA robot?

2. Case study: Assembly automation using EPSON SCARA robots

3. EV console assembly automation process

4. What makes this assembly automation unique

5. How to succeed 100% in assembly automation using SCARA robots

Assembly Automation Using SCARA Robots

What happens when you leave product assembly to a robot? 🤔 Can a robot pick up a tiny screw invisible to the naked eye and tighten it precisely into a hole the size of a needle's eye? The answer is YES. In fact, the quality improves. When robots are used in the screw-driving process, they are more delicate than humans and tighten screws with consistent torque.

Assembly automation using robots is widely used in various industries, especially for efficiently performing repetitive and precise screw-driving tasks. Introducing assembly automation is extremely useful for maintaining consistent quality, reducing cycle time, and saving labor costs in the manufacturing process.

For tasks requiring such delicate work, like screw-driving or Pick and Place (picking up parts and placing them accurately in specific locations), there is a specific type of industrial robot: the SCARA robot.

What is a SCARA Robot?

A SCARA robot is a 4-axis industrial robot particularly suited for high-speed, high-precision assembly. SCARA robots are specialized for horizontal movement and are designed to move flexibly in specific axial directions, enabling fast and precise operations.

Manufacturers of SCARA robots include EPSON, FANUC, and YAMAHA, all of whom possess high-level precision control technologies.

Today, we interviewed Ji-seop, a robot expert at Marosol, regarding a case study of assembly automation using EPSON SCARA robots.

Q1. Hello, Ji-seop! What kind of company introduced assembly automation this time? The company is a manufacturer of consoles for electric vehicles (EVs). The console, located next to the driver and passenger seats, is a core component housing cup holders, storage spaces, and gear levers. The goal of this automation was to build an automated line for assembling and producing console parts.

Q2. What motivated the company to decide on automation? Previously, the console part production line required an average of 40 to 60 workers. Securing space for so many people and managing recruitment was difficult. Moreover, since the entire process was manual, the high work intensity led to high turnover rates. To solve these issues, they decided to introduce automated screw-driving.

Q3. Which robots were introduced for this assembly automation? We used the LS-b series and C series SCARA robots from Seiko EPSON. We used two types because we needed both vertical and lateral (side) tightening. The LS-b series handles vertical screw-driving, while the C series (utilizing its 6-axis flexibility) was designed to handle side screw-driving.

Q4. Why did you choose EPSON SCARA robots? Seiko EPSON is a global leader in robot technology and precision engineering. Their LS-b series is a proven product that has held the No. 1 global market share in the SCARA robot sector for 12 consecutive years.

1. High Precision and Reliability: The LS-b and C series offer high consistency and stability even in repetitive assembly. The LS-b series maintains a repeatability of ±0.02mm, which is crucial for reducing defect rates. The C series is specialized for side tightening and can operate flexibly even in cramped spaces.

2. Space and Cost Efficiency: The LS-b series provides powerful performance despite its compact size, maximizing productivity in limited spaces. The C series is designed for easy integration, reducing initial installation and maintenance costs.

3. Flexible Applicability: The LS-b series has a flexible working range for various product sizes, and the C series is optimized for complex assembly lines where side tightening is difficult.

Q5. Please explain the step-by-step flow of this assembly automation process.

STEP 1. Assigning numbers to each product via the LOT system The new EV console parts are divided into three main types, and lines are operated separately for each part. We input the production model and quantity into the LOT system to assign a number to each product for production.

STEP 2. Setting up parts for each product Workers set up the screws and bolts. By linking part information to the LOT system via barcodes, we can manage cross-part inspection and missing parts. Once all parts are verified as "normal," the robot begins the assembly.

STEP 3. Flow production line using conveyors The first line uses a conveyor for parts like wireless chargers and cup holders. Due to their large size and rear-side tightening positions, we built a conveyor-type line.

STEP 4. Standalone module-type line The second line is a standalone module type for the largest part (the main body). Despite the size, the assembly area is very narrow, so it is operated by one small industrial robot.

STEP 5. Assembly line for the console's "pillar" parts The third line involves the most parts, combining three parts into one. Since products vary by vehicle option, we implemented module-type equipment rather than a conveyor. This section uses the most robots, including the 6-axis C series for side tightening.

Q6. What are the points that differentiate this project from other similar ones?

1. Maximizing Efficiency: By proposing a small-sized robot and a modular scenario, we built a system that can produce three products in the same space where other companies would produce only one. This also reduced the required personnel from 60 to under 30.

2. Maximizing Utility: Unlike typical conveyor-based automation, we used a modular concept to allow immediate response to changes in assembly order or product size based on vehicle options.

Q7. How are system maintenance and management planned?

• STEP 1. Primary check via SOLlink: If an issue occurs, we check the status and cause through SOLlink, our integrated control system. Unlike traditional systems, SOLlink allows you to check robots from various manufacturers intuitively on one screen.

• STEP 2. On-site service nationwide: If a problem cannot be solved remotely, Marosol experts or our SI partners visit the site to resolve the issue.

Q8. How can I introduce assembly automation through Marosol? Click the banner below to receive a free consultation and an instant quote. Our experts are available 24/7 to help you from consultation to issuance of quotes.

Marosol has recently been recognized for its expertise, conducting automation for large corporations like Samsung C&T and Incheon International Airport. We will take responsibility from free consulting to design and after-sales management. Thank you! 🤗

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