Safety technology is a very important component for semi-automatic systems. In order to guarantee personal protection, safety-related measures such as two-hand operation, dead man's buttons (3 position buttons), safety light curtains or safety laser scanners are required to provide the correct level of safety.
Quality inspections for manually-guided processes are implemented by utilising various testing and inspection techniques such as force-displacement measurements, optical image processing systems or tactile inspection systems. In combination with a system for tracking the results as well as traceability, all results of the test procedures can be saved in a special database.
Marking systems assume a wide variety of tasks in the field of signage, labelling and marking. For example, marking systems can be utilised to apply QR codes, DataMatrix codes, 1D codes (barcode) or alphanumeric signage and lettering. Common applications for these processes include the application of production data or component-specific data.
There are various systems available to choose from for manual loading of systems. For example, products can be inserted directly into the respective mounting positions or fixtures within the system or pushed in via a drawer system. Depending on the selection which is implemented, different safety concepts have to be utilised. For example, an open loading area can be safeguarded with a safety light curtain, while drawer systems can be locked with commercially available locking devices (safety switches). This selection always depends on the product which is involved and will be designed according to customer requirements.
Vacuum systems are normally utilised when components cannot be picked up with pneumatic gripping systems. Utilising vacuum technology enables large components with different geometries to be picked up, secured and fixed. By using different vacuum systems, different holding forces can also be implemented. In addition, the status of the vacuum gripper can be monitored by pressure sensors.
The control technology is implemented by our BeWa Control GmbH subsidiary. In close cooperation with this company, state-of-the-art control systems are created which can offer simple and intuitive operation for the system. App-based visualisation enables quick access for all activities around the plant.
Semi-automatic systems combine manually-guided processes for manual workstations with the advantages/benefits of fully-automatic systems. For example, products can therefore be manually fed into a process, whereby all the other steps take place automatically. Semi-automatic systems are usually equipped with safety equipment and devices in order to ensure safe operation of the systems.