FANUC Robots Automate Precise Automotive Process
AGFRA
AGFRA specialises in the design, development, manufacture and commissioning of production lines and robotic cells for clients in a wide variety of sectors, including automotive, consumer electronics, life sciences, heavy industry, renewable energy and food. With decades of experience in industrial automation, the company has implemented projects on five continents, many involving complete robotic assembly lines. Located at Silla, just south of Valencia, Spain, AGFRA’s state-of-the-art 2,500 m2 facilities are home to a multidisciplinary team of highly skilled mechanical, electrical and software engineers.
FANUC and AGFRA: Brothers in (Robot) Arm
Although formed in 1968, it was in 2002 that a new phase began in the evolution of AGFRA. The company used its engineering and industrial experience to move into the design and manufacture of complete robotic cells for processes such as welding and the application of adhesives. Today, one of the mantras at AGFRA is a desire to keep pushing the limits of innovation.
“Due to the growing importance of robotics in the early 2000s, we decided to apply our expertise in this field,” says José Vicente Aguilar, CEO at AGFRA.
José Vicente Aguilar
CEO AGFRA
“In the future, we think many dedicated machines that currently exist across industry will be replaced by robotic cells.”
A recent case in point involves the design and configuration of four robotic cells for a client of AGFRA in the automotive sector.
“This four cell project divided into two typologies: two with three robots; and two cells featuring two robots,” explains AGFRA Project Co-ordinator Guillermo Piqueras. “We opted for FANUC M-20𝑖D/25 industrial robots in all four cells. These advanced robots feed, insert and weld plastic clips for an automotive product. Operations take place autonomously, with the robots performing precise dimensional and geometric positioning throughout the cycle.”
Offering high performance in a small footprint, the FANUC M-20𝑖D/25 (25 kg maximum payload) is ideal for component handling and positioning in crowded factory environments. It features a compact arm and wrist that offers high axis speeds and motion performance. With an active stroke of 1,831 mm, the six-axis M-20𝑖D/25 industrial robot provides a generous working envelope, with its rigid design translating into repeatability of ±0.02 mm. To prevent snagging and improve reliability, cable routing is internal.
By combining performance with reliability, the FANUC M-20𝑖D/25 maximises throughput, leading to higher profitability, particularly with support and advice from FANUC.
“One of the main reasons we work with FANUC is the level of technical support available,” says Aguilar. “In addition, FANUC robots are capable of achieving high work dynamics that support shorter lead times, thus adapting very well to the needs of our customers.
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