Swing arm robots and double gun technology at LDV
Swing arm robots and double gun technology at LDV
Keywords Durr, Paints, Paint application, Robots, Plant and machinery
Durr also reports they they have just completed a multimillion pound paint machine contract for LDV's Van Plant in Birmingham.
The contract included the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of a complete paint application system for LDV's new generation of vans. The installation included automation for a new Colour Line consisting of Durr Interior Base Coat 8 axis Swing Arm Robot, 9 bell Base Coat Esta zone, two external Base Coat 7 axis Robots, interior Clear Coat Swing Arm 8 axis Robot and 9 bell Clear Coat Esta zone. A complete Paint Circulation and Mix System for the Topcoat Booth, was also supplied by INLAC UK. There were a number of new Durr developments required to meet the project specification.
Durr's Swing Arm Robot has been designed using standard components and modules from existing robots and machines, thus keeping spares and maintenance to a minimum. The need for a swing arm robot arose following LDV's request to paint the inside of their range of vans automatically. The criteria that Durr had to meet were of restricted access and one of the long reach required to paint all interior surfaces of all van derivatives.
With the combination of line speed, surface area to be painted and required film builds, an additional challenge arose of how to apply the paint to specification within the allotted cycle time. The solution was to use a novel double gun arrangement. These two interacting guns give an increased fan spray pattern of approx. 700mm whereas a single gun is around 360mm. This solution is said to have enabled all specified criteria to be met and in some cases provided additional spare cycle time.
The exterior painting robots were fitted with the Eco Gun 2. This Eco Gun is described as having been designed with maintenance in mind. It is said to have fully integrated paint and air passages with flange mounting back plate for easy replacement and cleanability.
Details available from: Durr Limited. Tel:+44 (0) 1926 418856; Fax: +44 (0)1926 400679.
