One of the world’s leading mountain bike component manufacturers – Hope Technology of Barnoldswick, Yorkshire – has a constant need to gain productivity from their existing machines. And that is where System 3R stepped in by providing an easy and effective solution with the WorkPal Compact pallet changing robot.
Even though their Fanuc Robodrill 3-axis vertical machining centre came with a single pallet, the inefficiency of manual loading small bike components such as brake levers and brake cylinder caps was a problem.
“We were already using efficient pallet changing on our Matsuura MAM machining centre so automation was the obvious solution,” explained Simon Sharp, Director of Hope Technology. “What we were concerned about was the retro-fit of a robot to an existing machine, but after looking at the major players we selected the WorkPal Compact and have been totally satisfied with its performance.”
90% of components are aluminium and small so it was important that the maximum number of parts could be loaded at any one time. System 3R GPS 240 pallets (size 240 x 240 mm) therefore ensured that machine capacity was optimised with 6 pallets, which are lightweight yet robust, further aiding the loading of the machine. The 0.002 mm accuracy of the system is also an added benefit which enhances the ISO9002 Quality Control Accreditation of which the company is proud.
The WorkPal Compact is what it says – with its small footprint a boon in the converted cotton mill that is Hope Technology’s busy plant. Installing the robot alongside the Robodrill was easily achieved. The rotary indexing magazine makes it easy for the robot arm to select a pallet and load it effortlessly through the automated sliding door onto the machine table.
Brake levers are machined 8 parts to a pallet and cylinder caps 20 parts per pallet, with different cycle times per part, so the WorkPal Compact allows for these variations and production is seamless. The clamping of parts to the pallets is also easy and robust.
Simon Sharp is impressed with the WorkPal’s performance
“We have achieved what we set out to do with the WorkPal Compact. We have gained extra hours and extra production. It delivers unmanned running during shift breaks, after hours and, especially, while loading, without stopping the machine,” continued Simon Sharp. “We are very pleased with its performance and the significant increased in machine utilisation and productivity!”
Established in 1987, Hope Technology is a leading name in the world of mountain biking, working at the cutting edge of engineering technology. The company currently employs over 60 people in manufacturing and design, exporting to over 30 countries. They are innovators in braking technology, including the introduction of disc brakes on bikes, as well as providing a wide range of other quality components – hubs, headsets, fork guides, seat clamps, skewers, stems and lights.
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WorkPal Compact Servo
Automation in general
GPS 240