Challenge
The operator would manually feed the stainless steel orthopedic pins into the centerless grinder then manually clean and gauge each pin. Manual input and adjustment were required during the process to ensure quality.
Increase process throughput and quality production by integrating automation. Produce a part every 13 seconds in an automated “lights out” system. Reduce the opportunity for damaging critical features in material handling.
Solution
GT-610 Infeed/Thrufeed Centerless Grinder
The GT-610 Infeed/Thrufeed Centerless Grinder was integrated with an Automated Step Feeder, 6 axis robot, cleaning and drying station, multi-point gauging, part separation, and data collection. Glebar leveraged our propriety software and our engineers were able to deliver an automated solution that meets all performance criteria.
Pins can be ground, washed, dried, gauged, and segregated in process reducing queue time.
Automated step feeder provides a constant supply of pins reducing load and unload time.
6 axis robot handles the pins between operations in a safe, enclosed environment.
High precision closed loop automatic size compensation control insures a stable process and high quality.
Automatic data collection and laser barcode reader reduces set up time and provides real time data.
