– System for fully-automated terminal block assembly – Simple and reliable assembly – Direct and consistent use of planning data from eCAD systems – Digitalised and automated process chain for panel building
Faster, more precise and more cost-effective: This motto is becoming increasingly relevant in everyday business and a continuous value-added process is essential. Weidmüller shows what part of the process chain can look like with the Klippon® Automated RailAssembler for the fully-automated assembly of terminal blocks. The consistent use of planning data from eCAD systems by the Weidmüller Configurator (WMC) forms the basis for a digitalised and automated process chain. The WMC generates the terminal block's digital twin, which is sent directly to the Klippon® Automated RailAssembler and controls the assembly process. Thanks to the automated system, individual terminals are no longer picked, assigned and positioned. This results in time savings of up to 60% in assembly.
Especially during times of fluctuating economic utilisation, value-added processes need to be designed to be manageable as well as flexible and scalable – especially in panel building. New digitalisation and automation approaches can play a major part in this. Weidmüller considers panel building to be an integrated process – from the planning stage through to installation and operation. The most recent example is the integration of the Klippon® Automated RailAssembler for the fully-automated assembly of terminal rails.
Continuous process
The Weidmüller Configurator (WMC) is responsible for continuity in the process. The software generates the terminal block's digital twin. By means of corresponding interfaces, planning data from eCAD programmes can be used consistently. The Klippon® Automated RailAssembler uses the data it receives to control the production process for complete terminal blocks. Manual picking, assigning, positioning, mounting and checking of individual terminal blocks are a thing of the past. By eliminating the manual production steps, not only are potential errors minimised, but the automated process enables time savings of up to 60% compared with manual terminal block assembly. The continuous support of the software during all work steps helps the user and provides transparency of the order status.
Maximum flexibility and optimised handling
Equipped with a flexible gripper, the Klippon® Automated RailAssembler can also robustly handle more complex component geometries. This guarantees the precise gripping of terminal blocks and maximises the automated system's area of application. Different terminal shapes are precisely gripped and mounted on the terminal rail. Universal magazines provide maximum flexibility, enabling a magazine to be assembled with different components. The automated system has a total of 40 magazine locations for components as well as 18 locations for diverted terminal rails. Due to the generous holding capacity of the magazines, filling processes are minimised and partial quantities avoided. This saves the user time and costs through lower setup costs and reduced warehousing. Furthermore, thanks to their design, the magazines offer a secure hold for the individual components during filling. This prevents the individual parts from slipping or falling, even if they are accidentally knocked.
Coordinated range
By looking at panel building as an integrated process, Weidmüller considers this important aspect in all of its developments, such as the Klippon® Connect A-Series. To further improve and speed up the assembly and marking process, for a long time Weidmüller has been focusing on robot-friendly component design – a decision that gave great impetus to further automation. To design processes to be more effective, on the basis of the standard product range, Weidmüller has added preassembled markers to an appropriate Klippon® Connect A-Series portfolio.
Customer benefits
Based on many years of practical experience in panel building, Weidmüller offers a comprehensive portfolio with products, services and machines that are optimally coordinated, speed up processes effectively and increase quality. The Klippon® Automated RailAssembler maximises the automation potential when used in combination with the Klippon® Automated RailLaser for fully-automated marking.
