Caring for Care

Still, he points out the advantages he sees in the G4: “Loading a new program is easier, the teach pendant with touch screen function is full intuitive to use, and the gap between input and movement is much faster. The whole system is obviously much faster.” Last but not least has the welding quality -already coming from a high standard and always a plus on Panasonic’s side as Bogdan mentioned- been further improved.

The G4 is part of a new production line. As Mr. Pienaru says: "Our aim was to develop a flexible jig system that can dynamically fix parts of different dimensions and automatically recognize them, so that the right program is called up directly." Grovinvest heard of the new technology, the advantages of the new controller, especially with respect to the automated parts recognition.

Currently the production line is still testing samples, but the go live is planned for November. “Key element are the pneumatic clamps with the parts detection”, stresses László Kovács, managing director at SYN-TIG, a long-term development and installation partner from Panasonic. Once an operator connects the plug, the robot will recognize the part and automatically start the correct program. With the aim to manufacture several variations, 6 widths and 2 lengths, of the same product and each product consisting of more than 30 parts, the automated recognition is important – but the human factor needs also to be factored in. “During that process an image of the part shows at the HMI monitor of the PLC, not only the product but also the correct closing of the clams is recognized”, so Bogdan Pienaru from Grovinvest.

The engineer from in Brasov studied Aerospace Technology and started as first employee of Grovinvest, 18 years ago in the company. He speaks in high terms of Panasonic and SYN-TIG: “The solution and the service provided by Panasonic and its partner was excellent. For such a project we needed a partner who is open for our ideas, reachable and comes immediately to discuss open questions or solve any problems.”

Alexander Thomas, Senior Account Manager Panasonic Connect, summarizes the project: “Be the best among the good guys – with the help of robot technology from Panasonic and the project development expertise of our resourceful and experienced partner SYN-TIG.”