Robots to the rescue, speeding up the painting process

The course of action at the rear of portray vehicles is frequently a laborious job consuming lots of hrs, at times times, in between coats with masking usually remaining involved for additional elaborate styles. With this in intellect, leading electronic technologies organization, ABB Robotics, has made a robotic to aid with this task.

Geared up with 1,000 nozzles in the printed head the robotic sees artwork and structure duties completed in considerably less than 30 minutes. Named ‘PixelPaint’, this technology can be used in a solitary coat and is opening the doorway to the personalised style and design sector for the automotive marketplace.  

We spoke to Joerg Reger, running Director, ABB Business Line Automotive, Robotics & Discrete Automation to come across out extra.

Just Auto (JA): Could you offer me with some qualifications on your purpose and what it consists of?

Joerg Reger (JR): I have all round obligation for top a group who assistance the two primary automotive brands and a huge selection of important Tier 1 companies.

We have a sturdy presence in all the major automotive producing marketplaces and whilst ABB is renowned for our line-facet automation, our products portfolio and the assortment of methods we offer has greatly expanded and will go on to do so.

This features PixelPaint, our RobotStudio digital commissioning software program and with ASTI Mobile Robotics now getting portion of the ABB family members, Autonomous Cell Robots (AMRs) which are crucial for improved intralogistics in automotive production. ABB also has pioneered the use of co-bots.

How does the PixelPaint technological innovation work, what is the procedure for this?

Relying on shopper demands, ABB can supply PixelPaint with its IRB 5500 painting robotic or with a high precision handling robotic. Apart from the robotic, the a few fundamental features of the PixelPaint system are the inkjet head, a dosing command bundle, and the programming software. 

Of these, it is the revolutionary inkjet nozzle layout that would make it so capable. This incorporates 1,000 nozzles in just 100mm and droplets and can be used in a wide range of sizes ranging at a charge of over 1,000 droplets for each second.

This enables exact management of paint film thickness and overlapping, ensures extremely-sharp definition of paint edges even though eliminating paint wastage. The software program deal incorporates a user-friendly programming device to enable offline programming for quick established-up and screening of two-tone and other complicated paint applications.

How did the notion for this engineering appear about?

We had a series of in-depth conversations with a primary European manufacturer about the complexities they confronted when applying paint designs to specific types.

The time required, availability of labour, logistical challenges, significant use of vitality and the related expenditures as nicely as the paint squandered in current processes were being fears. So, the concern was raised as to no matter if a robotic solution from ABB could enhance the course of action. That acted as the cue to begin a investigate and advancement programme and find the correct alternatives.

What are the key gains of this technological know-how when on the lookout at customer satisfaction as well as the automotive sector?

For the automotive business, PixelPaint is intended to be deployed promptly and with no requiring the stages of funds expenditure typically involved with introducing new paint procedures.

Furthermore, it acts as a time-saver for shoppers since even sophisticated, bespoke styles can be concluded a lot quicker and devoid of needing to move a car back again and forth to the paint shop.

Multi-colored car portray has typically been a laborious, costly procedure involving several phases of masking and unmasking, but this technological know-how makes it possible for for a detailed, colourful, and correct replication of any layout.  

For the finish buyer, we believe it is all about extending selection and incorporating creativity. Ian Callum kindly contributed his have ideas to a current marketing campaign we manufactured and underlined how the demand from customers for even extra personalization from consumers is there and continues to be a crucial driver paying for selections. We ought to also incorporate that there is an enjoyable and expressive aspect!

The option promises to be environmentally welcoming, how has it accomplished this position?

The technology enhances production sustainability, eliminating the need for masking resources and extra air flow, which lowers emissions even though preserving drinking water and strength.

Coordinated by our RobotStudio computer software, the paint head tracks pretty carefully to the vehicle body to guarantee 100% of the paint is applied to the car with no airborne misting.

Distinct paint colours are applied rapidly, with the products only functioning via the paint shop after. For car manufacturers, this can halve the manufacturing time and minimize expenses by up to 60%.

Are there options for future improvement with this style of know-how for the automotive sector?

The potential for the product or service to develop even even further is without doubt there and we will be closely listening to clients and comprehension their requirements.

In certain, we are examining ways in which we can paint the total human body which would be groundbreaking in conditions of pace, charge-saving and sustainability.