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.
Frequent product changes and a wide range of models are the norm in the automotive industry. A flexible EOAT solution such as an adjustable pneumatic or mechanical robot gripper enables quick and easy changeovers. Instead of time-consuming installations, the gripping range of a vacuum lifter, for example, can be automatically adjusted using integrated adjustment components.
The result: minimised set-up times optimise system availability and increase productivity in the long term.
Unplanned failures are a productivity killer. Components for modern EOAT solutions are sturdy and durable, thus contributing to trouble-free operation. In addition, by monitoring status data such as pressure, vacuum level or component presence in real time, potentially dangerous situations can be identified at an early stage and prevented. Digital monitoring systems not only enable increased availability, but also ensure greater transparency and predictability in production processes.
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.