MPS on new dishwasher production line

The challenge: The successful cooperation between Stäubli and Miele in Unicov has continued for several years. Last year, Miele expanded its production facility for other Stäubli products. In addition to the existing standard couplings, multi-connections, clamping systems, and approximately forty robots used in production, Miele also expanded its portfolio with MPS130 tool change systems. These tool changers are part of two new robotic units on the dishwasher assembly lines.

The solution: Due to the project circumstances, it was not possible to develop a robotic unit to be equipped with a single universal tool suitable for gripping both types of pumps. The only possible solution was to use a tool changer system that allows two different tools to be interchanged. Today, MPS130 systems are used in the Miele production site in Unicov on two dishwasher assembly lines. A robotic unit with three Stäubli robots (2x TX200 and 1x TX200L) equipped with tool changers was already installed on one assembly line last year, while another unit was added to the second assembly line at the beginning of this year.

The result: In synergy with the three six-axis Stäubli robots, these tool changers allow for a quick and fully automatic gripper changeover for gripping another tool intended for assembly of different pump types. The production lines are designed for more than one type of dishwasher, meaning the machines are producing both the new generation G7000 and the original G6000. Depending on the series, dishwashers are equipped with the respective pump type whose shapes may vary. “As part of a project to launch the production of new generation G7000 dishwashers, we decided to combine the work sites for both generations of dishwashers to make a unit with robots for two applications. And this is why there is a need to change tools,” explains David Cerný, Project Manager at Miele.  “After considering all the circumstances, we decided to take advantage of the cooperation offer with Stäubli, whose solution seemed the best for us."

THE PARTNER

Established in 2002, the Miele technical manufacturing plant based in Unicov is the only Miele Group plant in the Czech Republic. It is also the largest plant in terms of the amount of equipment produced of the 14 Miele plants. The company focuses on the manufacture and assembly of appliances in the area of cleaning of laundry and dishes. The Unicov plant is the exclusive manufacturer of Miele household dryers. All Miele dryers that reach customers worldwide are manufactured here. Stäubli’s robots and tool change systems newly contribute to assembly of the dishwashers that are also manufactured at this plant. 

TESTIMONY

“As part of a project to launch the production of new generation G7000 dishwashers, we decided to combine the work sites for both generations of dishwashers to make a unit with robots for two applications. And this is why there is a need to change tools,” explains David Cerný, Project Manager at Miele.  “After considering all the circumstances, we decided to take advantage of the cooperation offer with Stäubli, whose solution seemed the best for us."

PRODUCT RANGE

• MPS 130