FANUC Robot Stamps Out Crate Washing Inefficiency

When Heinz Hänggi Stanztechnik wanted to automate its previously manual crate washing process, this respected and industry leading stamping specialist approached its local machine building partner, TwinAutomation.

Michael Studer, Founder and Managing Director of TwinAutomation, provided sales and management support throughout the project: “The main challenge was that crates are placed on pallets manually by the operators after the pressing process, so we had to detect their position with the robot using a vision system. The vision system is essential so that the robot can de-palletise the crates efficiently without collisions.”

FANUC offered the optimal solution: its M-710𝑖C/70 industrial robot in combination with the company’s 3DV/600 3D vision sensor, which connects directly to the robot. At Hänggi, the 3DV/600 recognises the position of boxes and pallets independently, helping the robot to perform up to 8 tonnes of problem-free lifting per shift.

Marc Schmid, responsible for precision stamping and finishing at Hänggi, says: “We also have a linear traversing rail for the M-710𝑖C/70, thus providing a seventh axis so that the robot can address 10 pallets side by side simultaneously.”

Offering the best payload and inertia in its category, the powerful six-axis M-710𝑖C/70 is suitable for various applications and combines a 70 kg payload with extremely high axis speeds. Part of the FANUC 𝑖RVision suite, the 3DV/600 3D vision sensor integrates fully with FANUC robots, eliminating any wiring, complex interfaces or external devices.

“We made the easy decision to partner with FANUC many years ago,” says Studer. “FANUC supplies every type of robot we need, as well as corresponding peripherals like vision systems. For us, using everything from a single source provides better compatibility.”

He adds: “We very much appreciate the co-operation with FANUC because if we have a challenge or a problem on a new project, they help us very quickly. Our experience has been the same in aftersales support.”