UK adhesive and coatings equipment firm Intertronics has launched a robotic integration solution to automate multiple adhesive processes in one machine.
According to Intertronics, the Archytas series can be built to customers’ individual needs, but typically includes a robot within a cell designed to provide accurate and repeatable processes.
The solution is suitable for dispensing, surface preparation, metering and mixing, as well as other processes.
It can be used in applications including fuel-cell and battery manufacturing, sealing LED lights and applying and curing UV masks to aerospace components.
Operating systems are combined into one control panel to simplify operations, while custom interlocked enclosures and guarding provide safeguarding for users from moving parts, UV irradiation or other hazards.
The systems have been designed and built in such a way that they can be easily adapted, adding different equipment or capabilities in future.
The cells include equipment from different manufacturers, selected from Intertronics’ partners.
Designed with customers, the cells take into consideration part size, jigging, material feed, vision-based programming and fiducial auto-adjustment.
Kevin Cook, technical manager at Intertronics, said: “An archytas series system can cover everything from a simple dispensing application to automate a manual process, all the way up to a sophisticated camera-led system that combines several actions and abilities.
“However, it does not have to be a revolution – together with our customers we can devise a step-by-step plan, taking a modular approach with little redundancy, so manufacturers can gradually improve their processes.
“This can help provide a more straightforward return on investment calculation and future-proof the approach.”
The systems are built in-house by Intertronics, enabling the company to supply a completed system, as well as provide installation and training.
Peter Swanson, managing director of Intertronics, added: “The barrier to entry is often the cost, but our Archytas series offering lowers the bar considerably.
“The Archytas series is already popular with our customers – we hope to support more businesses with our automation experience, integration skills and technology as the uptake of robots grows.”
