Case Studies
Member Since 1999
Shape Process Automation has been providing robotic solutions since the mid 1980’s and is a globally recognized integrator of robotic systems. We design & build flexible solutions from material handling and assembly applications to advanced materials cutting with robotic laser, router, knife and waterjet processes. We proudly serve leading industrial manufacturers within the automotive, food & beverage, marine, appliance & consumer goods, aerospace, and other general industries around the globe. We are committed to improving their quality, productivity and competitiveness. With over 6,000 installations, in more than 70 countries, we use our expertise to help you choose the right process for your application. Whether your needs are met with one of our standard solutions or one that is custom-engineered to order, our dedicated team of industry experts bring innovation and state-of-the-art technology to every challenge.
Content Filed Under:
Industry:
Automotive
Automotive
Application:
Material Removal / Cutting / Deburring / Grinding / Non-Visible Inspection
Material Removal / Cutting / Deburring / Grinding / Non-Visible Inspection
Routing system reduces race kit car cost and improves quality
POSTED 08/28/2008 | By: KMT Robotic Solutions
Challenge
Factory Five Racing, Inc., was faced with the challenge of trimming fiberglass and plastic reinforced kit car panels by hand using routers and trim fixtures. The hand trimming process and accidental fixture movement created inconsistencies in quality and contributed to a high reject rate.
Solution
KMT Robotic Solutions responded to Factory Five’s needs by developing a fully-enclosed robotic router system with the flexibility to trim each of Factory Five’s seven unique parts – all while improving quality and reducing production time.
The system features an M-710iB FANUC robot mounted on an 18-foot overhead rail. Parts are presented to the robot on a fixture cart equipped with a uniquely-encoded ID tag that identifies the trimming program. The interchangeable router bits are powered by a 10 hp electric spindle.
Results
With the help of KMT Robotic Solutions, the process of trimming four sets of panels (eight doors, four hoods and four trunks) that used to take 7.5 hours to complete now takes 24 minutes. This success has allowed Factory Five’s molding department to increase quality and productivity without backfilling positions vacated due to normal employee attrition.
“This robotic trimming system is an extension of the trend we began when we started Factory Five Racing, Inc.,” said Factory Five Racing, Inc. Owner Mark Smith. “We are on the leading edge of engineering and technology and will continue to make improvements that lead to higher quality, world-class parts and innovative designs.”
Factory Five Racing, Inc., competes in the hot rod/component kit car automotive niche and has been a leader in the industry since its inception in 1995. The company uses first-rate technology to deliver world-class parts at a price that ordinary people can afford. Factory Five Racing, Inc. can be found online at www.factoryfive.com.