Did you know that automated solutions are revolutionizing traditional industrial processes, making them safer and more efficient? Plarad is at the forefront of this transformation, redefining bolting automation with cutting-edge technology. In collaboration with RWTH-WZL Aachen and Broetje-Automation, Plarad introduces an innovative automation solution designed to set a new standard in industrial bolting.
Revolutionising Bolting with Automation
Bolting, a critical yet often labor-intensive task, has long relied on manual processes. Plarad’s latest automation system changes that by integrating an advanced Comau NJ-165-3.0 robotic arm with a payload capacity of up to 165 kg. Mounted on a mobile platform offering up to 10 degrees of freedom, this system enables efficient bolt fastening and loosening across various industrial settings. With speeds reaching 1.4 m/s and internal safety features like laser scanners for obstacle detection, Plarad’s solution promises safe and precise operations in demanding environments.
Project Snowflake: The Evolution of Bolting
Unveiled at WindEnergy Hamburg 2024, Project Snowflake attracted significant attention for its groundbreaking approach to bolting automation. Combining a bolt tensioning end-effector with a mobile robot arm, it turns a traditionally manual task into a fully autonomous process. This modular system’s ability to navigate autonomously using Lidar and ROS2-based navigation enhances both productivity and safety, especially in large-scale applications like wind turbine production.
Key Features and Benefits
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Efficiency and Precision:
Plarad’s automation solution integrates hydraulic tensioners and nutrunners, ensuring accurate and consistent bolt tensioning. This minimises human error and reduces downtime.
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Versatility in Applications:
From wind energy to heavy machinery manufacturing, the system handles various bolting tasks, such as securing the slewing rings of excavators or assembling large gearbox components.
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Enhanced Safety:
Equipped with advanced safety mechanisms, including laser scanners and internal safeguards, the platform supports autonomous driving with real-time obstacle recognition.
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Minimal Human Involvement:
Automation significantly reduces manual labor, boosting safety and productivity in confined spaces or challenging bolting applications.
Collaborating for the Future of Automation
Plarad’s work with RWTH-WZL Aachen and Broetje-Automation has been instrumental in developing this flexible assembly system. The collaborative effort demonstrates the potential for automated solutions to increase production rates while ensuring high-quality, reliable outcomes. With automation at the heart of Plarad’s strategy, the company is paving the way for more sustainable and efficient industrial processes.
Transforming the Bolting Industry
Plarad’s commitment to automation doesn’t just stop at bolting; it extends across various industries, delivering modular, adaptable, and future-proof solutions. By integrating advanced robotics and real-time control systems, Plarad is setting new benchmarks in industrial automation.
As industries continue to embrace automation, the question isn’t whether automation will take over, but how soon. Plarad’s innovations ensure that the future of bolting is here, and it’s automated.
Explore Plarad’s solutions today and see how automation can revolutionise your industrial bolting processes. For more information, contact us at +49 2245 6219.
