Keeping Trim with TELSONIC Ultrasonics
Quality and consistency are essential within the automotive
industry, particularly when it comes to cutting and trimming the highly aesthetic
components used within the vehicle cabin. There are a number of techniques and
processes capable of performing this task, however machine builder and system
integrator TEC Systems Limited chose TELSONICs’ ultrasonic technology to
provide a clean, cost effective and environmentally friendly solution, within a
multi-robot cell used to produce door cap components for Jaguar cars.
The production cell comprises of four ABB robots, and each
has a TELSONIC ultrasonic knife mounted to the robot wrist. The robots work in
combination with a rotary indexing system, which incorporates precision
fixturing, and presents the component parts for processing.
The system produces the front, rear, left and right hand
parts for the new Jaguar XE model. TELSONICs’ ultrasonic technology was chosen
for this application for a number of reasons including the high quality edge
finish achieved from the process and the cutting speed achievable. The slim
profile of the ultrasonic knife also enables easy access to the areas of the
component that would be difficult to reach with alternative cutting
technologies.
The ultrasonic process is also much quieter and cleaner than
a Water Jet system and there are no issues with fume extraction, which is a
requirement when using lasers to cut materials of this type. The compact nature
of the ultrasonic knife compliments the dexterity of the robot allowing maximum
flexibility within the system parameters.
Each of the robots uses a 35kHz SG3510V TELSONIC generator
with a SE3512 converter and hardened steel knife. Chilled air-cooling aids
optimum cutting speeds and also allows the system to maintain the high duty
cycles required within the automotive sector.
TELSONIC ultrasonic modules and systems offer unprecedented
levels of choice for end users, machine builders and system integrators. The
company’s range of ultrasonic modules are also designed to be “automation
friendly” allowing easy integration within stand alone systems and
sophisticated production lines.
TELSONIC UK offer a comprehensive range of
ultrasonic modules and systems for a variety of plastic and metal welding,
cutting, sealing, cut’n’seal, food cutting and cleaning applications
within a wide range of industries.