What is Automation, Material Handling, & Robotic Integration in Parts Cleaning Systems?

What is Automation, Material Handling, & Robotic Integration in Parts Cleaning Systems?

Robotic Arm picking up and moving a metal part from a conveyor belt

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Recently, significant progress has been made in industrial parts cleaning systems, enabling numerous manufacturers to enhance their operational efficiency and overall quality. These advancements involve the integration of robotic and tailored automation into parts washing processes, leading to reduced labor requirements, increased production, and ultimately, improved profitability.

A robotic automated part washer introduces a new level of savings in terms of time, labor, and related expenses. By integrating precision cleaning equipment and automated technologies, these systems can effectively clean even the most intricate parts, meeting the strictest standards of cleanliness.

What is Robotic integration for Parts Cleaning?

Better Engineering is a certified integrator for Fanuc and uses robots in multiple ways to bring automation to the highest level. Our Robotic automated part washer offers distinct benefits and are designed to meet diverse cleaning needs. Advantages of robotic handling in component cleaning includes:

  • Ensuring consistent product quality and production rates with reliability and efficiency.
  • Optimizing the washing and drying process based on the specific application requirements. A robot will move spray and dry nozzles around a part to hit critical areas. Or the robot will pick up and manipulate a component to empty pooled water or move dry nozzles around the part to remove standing water.
  • Offering flexibility in robot positioning allows virtually limitless cleaning and drying positions.
  • Achieving higher levels of contaminant removal to minimize the risk of part failure or quality rejection.
  • Reducing water, electricity, air, and cleaning chemical consumption costs.

Easily Adaptable for Part Variance

Integrating robotics into automated parts cleaning systems brings surprising adaptability to parts processing. Robots can be easily reprogrammed and repurposed for an infinite range of applications. These systems can be tailored and automated for complex aerospace parts or intricate semiconductor components to meet virtually any requirement.

In cases where human labor is necessary for specific processes, collaborative robots offer an ideal solution by combining human capability with automation advantages. A highly flexible and adaptive parts washing system can be developed using collaborative robots while ensuring the safety of operators. Collaborative robots allow operators to work alongside robots without additional safety guarding.

Repeatability & Reliability

As components decrease in size and increase in complexity, finding flexible and effective solutions for parts cleaning becomes more challenging. Additionally, the heightened scrutiny of products and processes to ensure compliance with regulations makes finding the best solution more complicated. In this context, a robotic automated part washer offers an excellent opportunity to ensure consistency, repeatability, eliminate human error, and enhance operational efficiency.

What Are the Capabilities of Robotically Integrated Loading & Unloading for Parts Cleaning Systems?

Better Engineering’s robotic automated part washers can be integrated with robotic loading and unloading systems to enhance efficiency and productivity in manufacturing processes. The use of robots in these applications brings several benefits:

  • Automation and Efficiency: Robotic loading and unloading eliminate the need for manual labor, reducing human intervention and increasing the overall efficiency of the cleaning process. Robots can work continuously and tirelessly, significantly speeding up the production line.
  • Consistency and Precision: Robots can consistently and precisely load and unload parts with precision, ensuring uniform cleaning quality across all components, which reduces variations in the cleaning process and enhances the overall product quality.
  • Safety: Removing human operators from potentially hazardous environments minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries. Robots can handle heavy or toxic parts, making the workplace safer for human workers.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Industrial robots can be programmed to handle various part sizes and shapes, accommodating a wide range of cleaning applications. This flexibility allows manufacturers to easily switch between different products and adapt to changing production requirements.
  • 24/7 Operation: Robots can work around the clock, enabling continuous production and reducing downtime. This constant operation translates into higher productivity and faster turnaround times.
  • Data Collection and Analysis: Robotic systems can be equipped with sensors and data collection capabilities, providing real-time monitoring and analysis of the cleaning process. This data can be used for quality control and process optimization, improving production efficiency.
  • Cost Savings: While initial setup costs for robotic systems can be costly, the long-term cost savings from reduced labor, improved productivity, and lower error rates significantly outweigh the investment.
  • Scalability: As production demands increase, manufacturers can scale their robotic systems quickly to meet growing needs, ensuring smooth and efficient operations during periods of high demand.

what is Material Handling for A Robotic automated part Washer?

Better Engineering offers various methods and equipment used to transport, manipulate, and position parts, components, and containers during cleaning. Different material handling systems offer unique benefits for industrial parts washers, enhancing efficiency, safety, and overall productivity. Here are some common types of material handling we provide and their advantages:

Conveyor Systems

Conveyor Types: We offer various conveyance types, including pallet, roller, belt, and chain.

Automated Loading and Unloading: Integrating with robotic systems, conveyor systems reduce manual labor and increase efficiency.

  • Flexibility: Can handle various part sizes and configurations, making them versatile for different cleaning applications.

Precision and Consistency: Robots handle parts accurately and uniformly, ensuring consistent cleaning results.

  • Flexibility: Programmable to handle different part types and adapt to changing production requirements.

Reduced Human Intervention: Robotic automation lowers reliance on manual labor, improving workplace safety and reducing labor costs.

Pallet Handling Systems

Batch Processing: Pallets allow parts to be processed in batches, optimizing cleaning capacity and throughput.

  • Streamlined Workflow: Integrates well with parts washers, creating a seamless and organized cleaning workflow.

Space Efficiency: Automated stacking and de-stacking pallets optimize storage space and inventory management.

Bin Flipping Systems

Thorough Cleaning: Bin flipping ensures cleaning agents reach all surfaces inside the containers, resulting in effective cleaning.

Labor Savings: Automated bin flipping reduces manual handling and labor requirements, leading to cost savings and increased worker safety.

Process Optimization: Properly cleaned bins contribute to consistent cleaning results and reduce the risk of contamination in subsequent processes.

By selecting the appropriate material handling systems for industrial parts washers, manufacturers can significantly impact the efficiency and performance of the cleaning process. Each type of material handling offers unique advantages, contributing to streamlined workflows, improved cleaning outcomes, and a more productive and competitive manufacturing environment.

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