Design and Integration of Robotic End Forming Workcell for the Tube Forming Industry

Case Study

The workcell pictured was made by Wauseon Machine and Manufacturing for the tube fabrication industry.  We integrated a Fanuc M6iB robot into the system for the loading and unloading of end formers. Before manufacturing the workcell, we used Roboguide Simulation software to create a cell layout. In addition, we generated a series of plans and elevation views to ensure the unit would be manufactured to exact customer specifications.

Wauseon Machine’s top engineering team manufactured all of the various workcell components, including the central control panel, which housed an Allen Bradley Panel View 600 HMI. We also made all end of arm tooling and perimeter guarding. Once the necessary workcell parts were fabricated, we transported the components to our customer’s facility, where the final equipment was set-up and installed. This project was completed within a short, 12- to 16-week lead time.

The finished workcell measures 15’ x 20’, and can run tubing of various diameters from 3/8” to ¾”. The FANUC robot performs the following functions:

• Transfers tube from the loader to the end former
• Unloads end formed tube, and conveys this tube into the loader
• Transfers end formed tube into the end finisher
• Unloads tube from the end finisher, and loads the tube into the end former
• Transfers grooved tube into the end former
• Unload tubes from the end former, and transfers tube into the end finisher
• Transfers tube from the end finisher into the unload tray

The robot can complete this cycle within 12 seconds. Wauseon Machine designed, manufactured, and integrated a robotic end forming workcell that fulfilled all of our client’s requirements for high performance and quality.