Process improvement
Mercedes Benz, as a car manufacturer, has highly automated assembly plants. This high number of robots means that the arms and mechanisms associated with these are extensive, and they require personalisation. Additionally, when the collective weight of the parts that need to be assembled is particularly high, the robot suffers a lot when turning its arm, resulting in tooling breakages, downtimes, and increased consumption.
The basis of the problem
1. Problem:
The conventional design of the door handle mechanism on a van broke due to the excessive weight of the van itself and the robotic arm.
2. Improvements:
- 54% lighter
- Reduced torque by up to 60%
- Energy savings of 60%
3. Benefits:
- Less breakages of the robotic wrist
- Short delivery time
- Reduced costs
4. Process:
The process engineers at the Vitoria Mercedes plant worked together with Addimen to redesign and optimise the new tool. The requirement concept for these kinds of collaborations is key for the success of the tool once implemented.
Conclusion
The use of 3D metal printing with robotic arms and mechanisms is highly beneficial for the lightening of the weight that the robot has to move, the personalisation of the robotic arm, and the reduction of the overall costs.
