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Agile Industrial Robot Grippers with Topology Optimization & Metal 3D Printing
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
- Analytics & Modeling - Generative AI
- Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Applicable Industries
- Automotive
Applicable Functions
- Process Manufacturing
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Predictive Maintenance
- Manufacturing System Automation
- Factory Operations Visibility & Intelligence
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
Preziosa Francesco SRL faced a significant bottleneck in their automated press brake bending machine due to the long lead times of CNC machining new sets of custom robot grippers. This bottleneck threatened the efficiency and reliability of their robotic cell, which was a substantial investment. The challenge was to find a way to produce these grippers more quickly and reliably to ensure the smooth operation of their manufacturing process.
About The Customer
Preziosa Francesco SRL is a manufacturer of sheet metal cabinets based in Bergamo, Italy. The company has established itself as a leader in its field by investing in advanced manufacturing technologies, including a robotic cell and an automated press brake bending machine. These investments are crucial for maintaining their competitive edge and ensuring high-quality production. However, the company faced challenges with the long lead times associated with CNC machining custom robot grippers, which are essential for their automated processes. By partnering with Add-it and leveraging metal 3D printing, Preziosa Francesco SRL aimed to overcome these challenges and enhance their manufacturing capabilities.
The Solution
To address the bottleneck, Preziosa Francesco SRL partnered with Add-it to move part production in-house using metal 3D printing. They utilized nTopology's software to create reusable design workflows, which allowed them to quickly generate custom grippers with optimized geometry. The engineers applied a honeycomb-like perforation pattern to the grippers to increase traction and reliability. Additionally, they used topology optimization to design more agile grippers with a smaller footprint, enhancing the robot's safe zone and process repeatability. This approach not only improved the reliability of the bending process but also enabled lights-out manufacturing and full utilization of their robotic system.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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