trends in automation

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which the various layers of the composite
material are laid, and a nozzle gantry that
moves over it to apply the adhesive and
water evenly. The nozzles are actuated by
26 ball valve actuator units VZBA and the
valve terminal CPX-MPA, both from Festo.
Technicon uses a laser-assisted application
technique based on CAD data that applies
adhesive with pinpoint accuracy using
individually 3D printed nozzles to ensure
both an economical and perfect gluing
result. This eliminates overspray, which is
harmful to health and causes soiling. The
system can apply up to a tonne of adhe-
sive per day.
Integration speeds up commissioning
The predecessor model of the 1C PUR ad-
hesive application system featured a solid
steel frame installed around the coating
conveyor of the application system. During
assembly at the customer’s site, the adhe-
sive nozzle gantry had to be moved over
the coating table using a motorised car-
riage in a cumbersome and time-intensive
process. Just measuring the steel beams
and aligning them with existing machines
took up to two days, depending on how
much space was available on the caravan
manufacturer’s shop floor. With the new
generation of 1C PUR adhesive applica-
tion systems, this is now much easier and
faster. In these systems, the coating table
and gantry have been integrated through
the use of two 8500 mm long axes EGC
from Festo. The system can now be sup-
plied and installed as a compact unit. This
means no more time-consuming assembly
and measuring. The new system is there-
fore not only extremely efficient and relia-
ble thanks to Festo automation know-how
and products, but also reduces transport
and assembly costs in the long term.
On the move: Technicon’s systems are used
by Swift in England. The British company
manufactures caravans, campervans and
mobile holiday homes.
Technicon – Technik
mit System GmbH
Eichkoppel 14
24214 Gettorf
Germany
Area of business:
Development, consulting, design
and manufacture of production
plants for process automation
Photo: © Swift Group
“For us, the integration of a coating table
and gantry using 8.5 m axes EGC from
Festo means greater efficiency in logistics
and during commissioning. We want to go
a step further with the next project with a
15 m long axis system.”
Robert Vedder, Managing Director of Technicon
2.2015 trends in automation
Synergies 32 – 33