In addition to the all-important value-adding machining and assembly processes, EOAT solutions such as integrated robot grippers or even vacuum lifters can also have an impact on overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and optimise production processes. This article explains how EOAT can contribute to achieving a high OEE and highlights the most important tools in terms of availability, performance and quality.
In industrial production, OEE is a key metric for visualising the productivity of an entire system. It is made up of three factors:
1. Availability: The time needed for the systems to be ready for use.
2. Performance: The speed of production.
3. Quality: The proportion of flawless products.
End effectors that handle sheet metal parts in production have an impact on all three factors. They offer project planners and designers numerous starting points, from quick changeovers to safe handling, for increasing production efficiency.
Frequent product changes and a wide range of models are the norm in the automotive industry. A flexible EOAT solution such as an adjustable pneumatic or mechanical robot gripper enables quick and easy changeovers. Instead of time-consuming installations, the gripping range of a vacuum lifter, for example, can be automatically adjusted using integrated adjustment components.
The result: minimised set-up times optimise system availability and increase productivity in the long term.
Unplanned failures are a productivity killer. Components for modern EOAT solutions are sturdy and durable, thus contributing to trouble-free operation. In addition, by monitoring status data such as pressure, vacuum level or component presence in real time, potentially dangerous situations can be identified at an early stage and prevented. Digital monitoring systems not only enable increased availability, but also ensure greater transparency and predictability in production processes.
EOAT systems with components from Festo are not only powerful, but also energy-efficient. Vacuum lifters with optimised air consumption reduce energy requirements without compromising on performance. This not only reduces production costs, but also contributes to the energy efficiency of the production processes, thusminimising resource consumption per workpiece. This approach turns the increase in production efficiency into a measurable competitive advantage.
Another important aspect of automated production is flexibility. Integrated robot grippers, which can handle different gripping points or clamping points, enable different workpiece sizes or geometries to be continuously transported without any loss of performance. It is thanks to this versatility that a flexible EOAT solution becomes a performance-enhancing tool in versatile automotive production.
Example: In the automated assembly of car body parts, adjustable gripper configurations can be programmed for different component geometries, eliminating changeover times. Parts with different formats can be picked up and passed on immediately. These automatically adjustable end effectors improve flexibility, support smooth production and ensure maximum production planning.
EOAT makes a significant contribution to ensuring product quality, whether by ejecting defective parts or ensuring repeatable positioning during the transfer of workpieces. Damage can be prevented and the quality of the results can be maintained when workpieces are handled securely and precisely. This is particularly important in the automotive industry, where high demands are placed on dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
Contamination from paint-wetting impairment substances (PWIS) in automation components is a known problem when handling car body parts that will be painted. Seals and plastic parts with PWIS-free materials as well as special coatings on gripper components ensure perfect paint results and prevent unnecessary rejects. This not only saves costs, but also increases the value of production thanks to a higher proportion of saleable products.
By using sensors in EOAT systems, production data can be recorded and analysed in real time. This data helps to detect errors at an early stage and ensure the quality of the products. This technology offers a reliable method of avoiding quality problems and reducing rejects at the same time, particularly in automotive production where tolerance chains are demanding and quality requirements are high.
In addition to the classic OEE factors, the topic of sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry. Modern EOAT solutions such as energy-optimised vacuum lifters reduce the consumption of resources and contribute to more environmentally friendly production. This not only meets legal requirements but is also in line with expectations of customers and investors, who are increasingly placing more value on sustainable processes.
Combining digital technologies with EOAT solutions offers new opportunities for optimisingproduction processes. IoT-enabled robot grippers can be used to efficiently carry out condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. With real-time data, the maintenance measures of production lines can be proactively controlled, resulting inminimised downtime.
A practical example: an integrated end effector with electric axes, which uses digital support to detect irregularities in the axis movement and alerts the maintenance team at an early stage, prevents unplanned production stops and ensures maximum availability.