Aluminum Dross Processing using Yaskawa Robots

This automation solution utilizes YASKAWA robots to automate the hazardous manual process of handling high-temperature aluminum dross (a byproduct of molten aluminum).

By deploying a robot with high heat resistance, this system replaces human operators in extreme thermal environments, ensuring workplace safety and enabling continuous, non-stop operation. The primary goal of this project was to enhance operational safety and improve the work environment by automating the byproduct treatment following high-heat aluminum processing.

Components

Robot	Robot: YASKAWA MH180 High-payload 6-axis articulated industrial robot. Payload: 180kg (Ideal for heavy dross and robust heat-shielding) Reach: 2,702mm (Ensures safe distance from the furnace) Weight: 970kg Repeatability: ±0.2mm

Workflow

STEP 1.	Skimming: The robot scrapes and collects dross from the surface of the molten metal.
STEP 2.	Loading: The collected dross is picked up or scooped by the robot's specialized tooling.
STEP 3.	Unloading: The dross is transferred and unloaded into a dedicated discharge bin.
STEP 4.	Measurement: The system measures the fill level of the discharge bin.
STEP 5.	Discharge: Once the bin reaches full capacity, it is automatically transported to the external outfeed area.

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Key Features

Maximized Efficiency and Productivity

Human-Mimetic Handling: Optimizes work efficiency by replicating the precise dross loading and unloading motions of a human operator.

Autonomous Bin Management: Minimizes management touchpoints by automatically measuring dross accumulation and automating the discharge process.

Custom Tooling Design: Capability to design and manufacture optimized end-of-arm tools (EOAT) tailored to specific furnace conditions.

Minimized Failure Risk

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

Extreme Thermal Protection: Utilizes high-performance heat-resistant robots equipped with specialized thermal/fireproof jackets to minimize malfunctions and breakdown rates in molten metal environments.

Reliable Post-Management

Peace of Mind: Includes a 1-year comprehensive warranty for secure and reliable after-sales maintenance.

Implementation Results

ROI Period	18 months
Key Metrics	Workplace Improvement: Enhancement of the work environment through the complete unmanned operation of high-risk tasks. Quality Assurance: Improved aluminum production quality due to the consistent and continuous removal of byproducts (dross).
Client Feedback	By automating this high-risk task, we were able to reassign our workers to other areas, significantly improving the safety and overall work environment for our employees.

※ The content provided by Marosol is protected under U.S. and Canadian copyright and intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this content is strictly prohibited.

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The content provided by Marosol is protected under U.S. and Canadian copyright and intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this content is strictly prohibited.

※ The content provided by Marosol is protected under U.S. and Canadian copyright and intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this content is strictly prohibited.

Components

Workflow

Key Features

Implementation Results

Aluminum Dross Processing using Yaskawa Robots

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