Automation IG's expertise with robotic integration led to the development of a robotically assisted tube processing system.  Replacing unreliable and expensive transfer systems with an off the shelf robot resulted in the ability to eliminate considerable cost in the manufacture and maintenance of tube processing systems.  Our controls team developed a system that allows operation and adjustment without the need to access the robot teach pendent.

When a major automotive seat manufacturer needed an affordable, low volume tube bending system, Automation IG designed a cost effective, time saving, multi-task bender. Automation IG incorporated a tube hopper, seam finder, programmable bending head and forming station into one unit that could produce a tube with multiple bends and two different bend radii. Using the same seam finder and tube-bending head that were already in use in other machines allowed for a faster turn around on an already familiar system, and using readily available components kept costs to a minimum. Utilizing components that could be redeployed on future projects eliminated the need to spend time and money retooling for different jobs. By keeping the operator interface familiar and easy to use, Automation IG was able to keep training time to a minimum and reduce the chances of mistakes and accidents. The operator oversees the entire process from start to finish without having to stop to make adjustments to the robot pendant. Eliminating redundant sections of a typical tube-bending system and replacing them with a robotic arm, Automation IG reduced the initial costs as well as maintenance expenses. This fully automated, robust system allowed for higher production and lower costs.