Successful commissioning ─ with increased productivity and more work satisfaction as a result

HydraSpecma is a specialised trading and engineering company with core competencies in amongst others hydraulic components, electrification, turnkey systems, and connectors for the renewables industry. Headquartered in Skjern, Denmark, HydraSpecma employs over 1,500 people across eleven countries worldwide.

Challenge

At the Våxtorp production unit in Sweden, a wide range of parts are produced. The production process compromises precision turning in 35 machines both CNC and multi-spindle lathes, fully automated assembly cells also heat treatment/brazing furnaces.

HydraSpecma wanted to increase overall productivity, improve quality, and reduce the number of scraps. They also wanted to manage a variety of parts with as little changeover as possible while considering workplace safety and ergonomics. But equally important; HydraSpecma were looking for a robot supplier that could support an automation journey in which they would perform the commissioning themselves.

Solution

Production technicians and YASKAWA sales team discussed the applications, workable solutions and what support and training they might need moving forward. HydraSpecma then involved their operators in the design of the robot system to ensure that the loading and unloading area ended up in the right place.

Two MOTOMAN-HC robots well adapted for collaborative applications are now working side by side with the operators, without the need of safety fencing. In addition, there is a simple and intuitive user interface with the ability to customize picking programs according to item group. Robot picking jobs are automatically selected based on a shape in sign plate, which is identified by cameras above the conveyor belts.

System components

2x MOTOMAN-HC10
YRC1000
Smart Pendant
Safety scanners
Vision system
Box change unit

Results

Improved ergonomics
Better productivity
Less waste – more value

The two robots pick parts roughly 3500 daily (2-3 shift, five days per week) and the productivity for assembly increased with 17%. More stable temperatures were also achieved in the heating zone due to the robots’ consistent flow of components on the conveyor to the oven. Improved worker ergonomics and job satisfaction, along with a keen desire to develop the robot system further.

For the future

HydraSpecma Sweden are now looking ahead and considering robotic automation for other areas of their manufacture process, while building on their own experience and the support from YASKAWA.