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High-Volume Auto Parts Foundry Gets a Robotic Revamp
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When GF Automotive made the decision to rebuild its ductile iron foundry in Mettman, Germany, about five years ago, robotics were a critical element of its vision for increased efficiency. The plant was already more than a century old at the time, so the estimated $46.5-million project centering on a robotic pouring and handling was a that much more novel.
Two Kuka Robotics KR 1000 Titan robots are able to maximize the task of filling sand molds with ductile iron, with minimal waste and optimal efficiency.
The Mettmann foundry produces up to 200,000 metric tons/year of ductile iron automotive and commercial vehicle parts, including longitudinal bearings, steering knuckles, suspension arms, camshafts, rear-axle casings, and wheel hubs. Ductile iron melting is done in a 90-mt channel induction furnace, which supplies what GF Automotive labeled the Aeration Molding Robotpouring (AMR) production line that yields up to 60,000 metric tons/year of “exceptionally fine-featured, and thus lightweight,” according to the operator.
Source: Foundry Magazine
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