L’unità lineare DLE è una soluzione ottimale non solo per l’elevata capacità di carico, ma anche per la precisione e la velocità di funzionamento. In questa applicazione vengono movimentate più di 8 carrozzerie all’ora dal reparto interno di verniciatura al magazzino di spedizione.

Easy transfer of complete bodyworks

Winkel has equipped a well-known automotive supplier with a multiaxis linear system. The DLE dynamic linear unit is well suited for use in precision applications and for transfering loads up to 1,250 kg – in this case, automotive body works. This linear system was a winning choice thanks to its high levels of accuracy and flexibility.

Multiaxis linear systems are used in a wide variety of applications, both in production as well as in logistics. Different gripping, lifting, rotating, positioning and placing solutions are required, depending on the industry. The automotive industry, for example, has strict requirements in terms of precision, load capacity and speed of movement. This was also the case with a well-known Austrian development and manufacturing partner for automotive manufacturers. The company’s range of services extends across all of the processes of the automotive industry – from development through to production, from design through to the completed vehicle.

 The Winkel dynamic linear unit can reach speeds of 0.5 m/s2, and accelerate up to 0.5 m/s2.
The Winkel dynamic linear unit can reach speeds of 0.5 m/s2, and accelerate up to 0.5 m/s2.

High positioning accuracy even with heavy loads

The company had been looking for a new portal system to transfer painted vehicle bodies from the internal transport frames used in the painting process to the frames used for shipping. They had stringent requirements in terms of positioning accuracy, as well as in terms of high levels of stability and low levels of maintenance. The automotive supplier soon got in touch with Winkel. The specialist in linear and handling technologies has an extensive portfolio of multiaxis linear systems for a varied range of applications. The DLE dynamic linear unit, in particular, is the ideal solution for applications which require optimal precision. Beside Winkel’s experience with personnel-secure portals for the automotive industry, a further factor which swung the decision was the company’s short delivery times: just three months from order to delivery and just three months from delivery to commissioning. The entire process took less than half a year.

Throughput can be increased at any time

The Winkel solution has a load capacity of 1250 kilograms. The linear system comprises a steel profile structure with a high-accuracy ball-bearing guide system. The DLE features a high precise positioning, with a repeatability of as low as 0.1 mm. 16 drive motors are incorporated into the portal. These drive the 12 individually adjustable axes. In this way, the automotive supplier’s employees can very easily move up to 8 vehicle bodies per hour from the internal transport frame on which they are painted – also known as a painting skid – onto the transport frame. The bodies are then transported by truck or ship to another plant for final assembly. Any subsequent change to internal processes can lead to significant increases in output per hour and the multiaxis portal is well prepared for any increase in output requirements. Personal safety, for example when working under a swinging load to remove components using manipulators, is ensured at all times with the DLE.

The DLE dynamic linear unit is suitable for high precision applications such as automotive production.
The DLE dynamic linear unit is suitable for high precision applications such as automotive production.

Easy adjustment and low maintenance

Another advantage: In the event of a change in vehicle body model, very few changes are required to the portal. This reduces expense as well as costly downtimes – and hence operating costs. The solution is a surefire winner, not only due to its high load capacity, but also its precision and dynamics. It can reach speeds of 0.5 meters per second, and accelerate up to 0.5 meters per second squared. But the DLE has yet another decisive advantage, says Goldfuss: “The heavy-duty linear system is torsion-resistant, stable and very low-maintenance. This increases availability, reduces maintenance costs and ensures a smooth flow of goods during production.”