Automation Platform

MEDICAL SCREW SURFACE TREATMENT LINE

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Modular Design
  • Line automation system
  • Fully automated abrasive cutting and slide finishing
  • Part bunkers ensure batch clearance
  • 100% length & diameter measurement; repeatability down to 5µm
  • 100% laser marking with included verification
  • Part separation & counting
  • Weight controlled foil packaging & labelling
  • Cycle time = 3 sec per part
  • Intuitive HMI design

 

 

IMSTec’s fully automated component manufacturing line represents a high-end solution for metal processing and surface finishing. Ingots are cut out of bars made of different alloys. Polishing is done in a vibration conveyor. A separations mechanism separates the ingots for counting. Two laser micrometers measure length and diameter of every Ingot; parts whose dimensions are out of specification are sorted out. A marking laser applies a DMC or plain writing mark on the cross-sectional or the plain area of each part. The marks are verified with a camera system. Finally all “good” parts are filled into foil pouches that are sealed and labelled.

For ease of use, with minimal user interaction, the process runs fully autonomic. The operator is only responsible for loading and unloading bars, parts and consumables. Many components of the ingot manufacturing line are purchased by external vendors to be integrated to the process. The separating and counting process as well as the laser marking and measurement station have been developed and built by IMSTec.

An overall control software with included recipe management ensures correct parameter sets for all materials on every station. Separation of the cut ingots works with two conveyors and a distributor comb. Parts are separated in the comb and delivered by conveyor 1 to conveyor 2. This runs with increased speed so the space between the parts gets large enough that they can be counted by four light barriers at the end of the distributor.

The dimensions of the ingots are measured with two high-precision laser micrometres. Length and diameter are measured in parallel in order to provide maximum throughput. Recipes define whether the laser mark is applied on the cross-section area of the parts or on the curved surface. According fixtures hold the parts in place during laser marking. The verification camera is sitting directly beside the laser so that the mark verification can take place immediately after marking.