In addition to the all-important value-adding machining and assembly processes, EOAT solutions such as integrated robot grippers or even vacuum lifters can also have an impact on overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and optimise production processes. This article explains how EOAT can contribute to achieving a high OEE and highlights the most important tools in terms of availability, performance and quality.
In industrial production, OEE is a key metric for visualising the productivity of an entire system. It is made up of three factors:
1. Availability: The time needed for the systems to be ready for use.
2. Performance: The speed of production.
3. Quality: The proportion of flawless products.
End effectors that handle sheet metal parts in production have an impact on all three factors. They offer project planners and designers numerous starting points, from quick changeovers to safe handling, for increasing production efficiency.
EOAT systems with components from Festo are not only powerful, but also energy-efficient. Vacuum lifters with optimised air consumption reduce energy requirements without compromising on performance. This not only reduces production costs, but also contributes to the energy efficiency of the production processes, thusminimising resource consumption per workpiece. This approach turns the increase in production efficiency into a measurable competitive advantage.
Another important aspect of automated production is flexibility. Integrated robot grippers, which can handle different gripping points or clamping points, enable different workpiece sizes or geometries to be continuously transported without any loss of performance. It is thanks to this versatility that a flexible EOAT solution becomes a performance-enhancing tool in versatile automotive production.
Example: In the automated assembly of car body parts, adjustable gripper configurations can be programmed for different component geometries, eliminating changeover times. Parts with different formats can be picked up and passed on immediately. These automatically adjustable end effectors improve flexibility, support smooth production and ensure maximum production planning.
In addition to the classic OEE factors, the topic of sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry. Modern EOAT solutions such as energy-optimised vacuum lifters reduce the consumption of resources and contribute to more environmentally friendly production. This not only meets legal requirements but is also in line with expectations of customers and investors, who are increasingly placing more value on sustainable processes.
Combining digital technologies with EOAT solutions offers new opportunities for optimisingproduction processes. IoT-enabled robot grippers can be used to efficiently carry out condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. With real-time data, the maintenance measures of production lines can be proactively controlled, resulting inminimised downtime.
A practical example: an integrated end effector with electric axes, which uses digital support to detect irregularities in the axis movement and alerts the maintenance team at an early stage, prevents unplanned production stops and ensures maximum availability.