Collaborative Screw Feeding System by Solara Automation

Recently, a customer approached Solara Automation with a request for a custom robotic solution, aiming for precision part assembly, specifically, screw driving two separate parts together. Although this is a very common automation application, achieving reliable performance from a robot with the chosen workpiece and type of fastener presented a unique automation challenge.

Process

Solara Automation started by fabricating a precision fixture utilizing their in-house machine shop. This piece was used to securely justify and accurately hold the workpiece. Solara then programmed the UR3e Universal Collaborative Robot. We integrated an automatic screw presenting system utilizing a vacuum to pick each individual screw reliably. Then with an electric screw driving unit accurately and reliably attached multiple fasteners across a control panel driving them in with the cobot. This was a challenge since normally torx bits are very difficult to feed and pickup reliably with most common feeding/presenting systems. This process was development heavy and required multiple revisions of the end-effectors.

The problem was that the existing off the shelf hex heads were loose and created vibration preventing reliable fixturing. Utilizing their expertise in custom automation, Solara engineered a specialized 3D printed screw driving end-effector, ensuring secure fastener placement. This allowed the drive unit to accurately torque the screws to the specified specifications. This allowed for more repeatable fixturing and a significant reduction in scrap for misplaced or incorrectly fastened screws.

Demonstration

View the video below to see the system described above utilizing the precision fixturing justification and the automatic screw presenter paired with the UR3e Collaborative Robot. This system is ideal for many different robotic manufacturing applications. This simple machine operates in combination with automation & robotic screw driving systems. The compact size allows easy installation. The cost saving device makes the assembly process more efficient by mechanically presenting a screw to a fixed pick-up point. Solara Automation creates custom automation systems that optimize resources, cut labor costs and increase production capacity.

This system allowed the customer to produce haptic appliance panels with more repeatable fixturing while achieving a significant reduction in scrap for misplaced or incorrectly fastened screws. The system was completely designed, built, programmed, and tested in-house by our expert engineers and technicians.

To learn more about what we can do for your application, please visit: https://solaraautomation.com

Or reach us at (919) 534-1500 or info@solaraautomation.com