Automation

Automation

Equipment is available to automate the loading and unloading processes through the use of manipulators that can be mounted on robots, loading gantries, and unloading parts on machine tools. The manipulators are designed for handling polygonal pieces and are chosen based on the weight and dimensions of the piece to be loaded and unloaded. Also available are self-centering manipulators with three-point clamping for round pieces. The three-point clamping allows for precise centering of the piece during both loading and unloading phases from gantries or robots. In addition to manipulators, we have loading cells with various functions, capacities, and sensitivities. They are highly useful in agriculture, chemical, mechanical, and food sectors. There are different types that we will illustrate. Mechanical cells can measure and transmit the value of a load subjected to bending detected mechanically through a spiral spring. Hydraulic cells function by measuring the displacement of a piston placed in a cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid. Strain gauge load cells utilize the elastic deformation of the metallic wires they are composed of, sending a signal that measures their resistance to tension. Piezoelectric load cells contain crystals within the load cell separated by a foil electrode, capable of generating an electrical charge proportional to the applied force. This measurement method is excellent for conducting tests on materials, testing machines, impact measurement machines, clamping screws, punching, and force measurement in robotic systems. In the mechanical sector, they are very useful for monitoring presses, punching machines, and joining processes. Airbrushes can be placed on robotic systems to perform painting of primers, double-layer metallic paints, water-based paints, which find application in painting ferrous materials, wood, and plastic. They are typically used with low-pressure compressed air. Airbrushes for automatic and robotic systems are used in the paper and packaging industry.