Automotive

Automotive

In the automotive industry, which is continuously driving toward lean manufacturing processes, energy-efficient production machinery is the order of the day. Flexible vacuum handling technology that can be reset quickly to accommodate multiple vehicle models, while also saving energy, is vital in achieving this goal. Piab’s solutions for the automotive industry feature precise, reliable handling at high speeds with minimum energy usage.

The automotive industry uses Piab vacuum products in a number of applications. The products are included, for example, in robots, lifting devices and high-speed stamping.

Metal stamping and press transfer

Sheet metal is moved through a series of presses and formed into a panel. Slippery panels due to oil, narrow areas to grip and high speed in the press makes the selection of cups crucial. Vacuum tooling for handling the panel changes each time a new part shall be pressed. Tandem press-lines feature multiple presses with press-to-press ...

Powder/granules transfer

Piab has over 30 years of experience of powder and granules transfer through vacuum conveying. We handle particle sizes from 0.5 micron. The conveying capacity reaches up to 10 tons/hour and the conveying distance up to 30 meters. However, capacity and distance is very dependent on the properties of the conveyed material. In some cases ...

Robot pick-and-place

The use of robots for placing products in cartons and transfer of cartons and products between different stations in the packaging lines is very common in all industries. High speed pick-and-place robots for placing small items like candy and cookies in packages are often combined with a visual observation system for identifying products ...

Palletizing and depalletizing

Palletizing is the process of placing packages on a pallet alternatively removing them from a pallet (depalletizing). Palletizing machines use vacuum pumps, suction cups and other pneumatic components. These machines typically pick up multiple boxes at a time and place them on a stack (or remove them from a stack). Today, because of the ...

Vacuum forming

During vacuum forming (thermo-forming), the ambient atmospheric pressure is used to form/press pre-heated plastic sheets over a mold. Air is rapidly evacuated from the mold by a vacuum pump and a vacuum tank will give extra initial power/flow. A deep end-vacuum is also needed to get the right "definition" on the finished ...

Metal stamping/parts assembly

Assembly process for stamped parts. Robots are used for welding parts together and for material handling. In a robot cell at least a few robots use vacuum in handling operations. The metal sheets are still oily but the speeds and cycle times are much slower than in stamping. Safety and energy-saving devices are important for efficient ...

Metal body assembly

In the body assembly robots are used for welding and also for material handling. In a robot assembly cell, where for instance car doors are produced, at least a few robots use vacuum in handling operations. The sheets are still oily but the speeds and cycle times are much slower than in metal stamping. Safety and energy-saving devices ...

Destacking layers of sheets

Blank Destacker has been developed specifically for feeding sheet blanks into fully automatic lines. Blanks of metal (magnetic or non-magnetic), plastic, wood or cardboard are separated from a stack and fed into the line. Vacuum pumps and cups are used to “pick-up/separate” and feed. It is important to choose the right type of suction ...

Ergonomic lifter

Reducing injury and increasing productivity are often accomplished with the aid of ergonomic lifting devices. This type of equipment allows one or two operators to lift, move and manipulate large and small objects with vacuum. Unlike a robot, the lifting device requires an operator to position the part being handled. Reliable safety ...

Vacuum assembly fixture - clamping

In several industries there are clamping fixtures where suction cups are used to hold parts during assembly, forming, cutting or other machining operations. In many cases the cycle times are long and an energy-saving system is therefore recommended. Advantages with Piab Reduced energy consumption with COAX® technology and ...

Glass/solar panel handling

Solar glass and modules are handled and fixed by vacuum during the entire manufacturing process. The thin, fragile and surface sensitive object is handled under high accelerations and short cycle times. Suction cups which leave no marks, have a good inner support structure and good sealing capability (over seams) shall be used.  ...

Metal forming - bending, hemming, drilling and cutting

Vacuum is mainly used for loading and unloading in metal forming processes and sometimes holding and sorting of the workpiece within the machine. Punching machine, a machine for punching holes in metal. Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to cut materials. The bending machine is a metalworking machine that allows the bending ...

Injection molding - remove parts from mold

After plastic parts have been formed in injection molding machines, they are typically removed from the mold with the help of suction cups and vacuum pumps that are usually attached to a robot arm. The temperature of the molded plastic parts can be quite high. Advantages with Piab Reduced energy consumption with COAX® technology and ...

Painting/paint coating

Automotive manufacturing facilities designate an enclosed booth area for painting vehicles and vehicle parts. Vacuum conveyors are used to convey the powdered paint primer into large mixing tanks. From the tanks the powder is conveyed to the paint spray guns where it is then applied to the vehicle. Conveyors are also used to collect any ...

Degassing

To achieve an effective degassing of oils and other liquids, vacuum is used. The largest possible surface area is exposed to vacuum. Advantages with Piab No service required on Piab vacuum pumps Easy adjustable vacuum level Easy to install

Diecasting

Diecasting is a process that is used to manufacture many automotive systems and components. Engine manifolds are one example. During the diecasting process vacuum can be used to convey particulate into the diecasting molds and also to evacuate the die. Once a part is formed from particulate (usually sand) the particulate is then ...

Injection molding/pellet transfer

The primary method of molding plastic vehicle components is injection molding. Vacuum is used first to convey plastic pellets into a hopper. The plastic pellets are then heated and forced under high pressure into a mold cavity. The parts are formed in the mold cavity and in some cases vacuum is drawn in the cavity to aid the process and ...

Auto racking

To automatically rack stamped metal panels or other large parts. The panels are loaded into shipping racks for movement to next process in the line. The size and weight of the panels make it difficult for operators to manually handle and racking them. Robots are used and typically equipped with a vision system. A retracting level ...

Working environment

Vacuum conveying is an excellent alternative to manual operations such as carrying or lifting or mechanical operations such as belt conveyors, when it comes to working environment. Piab’s systems eliminate manual operation steps and at the same time reduce the amount of maintenance and dust contamination with positive results for the ...

Customized applications

For special projects where customized design is required, Piab uses a global network of engineers. Piab has 30 years of experience in customized designs with several hundred projects worldwide. We have designed and tested solutions for all industries using powders, granules or small products. Our focus when designing vacuum conveying ...

Vacuum belt conveyors

Vacuum belt conveyors consist of a perforated conveyor belt that is connected to a vacuum through grooves in the bed of the belt. It holds flat parts of almost any material to the belt by vacuum. Vacuum belt conveyors can also be used "upside down" in some applications. Advantages with Piab Reduced energy consumption, vacuum COAX® ...

Leak testing

Many parts and systems must be airtight to operate correctly. Vacuum is a fairly common method of conducting leak tests. When vacuum is applied, any leaks are detected by small changes in pressure. Leak testing is typically performed both in the assembly of systems as well as in the manufacturing of parts/sub-components. Advantages with ...

Tailored blanks of sheet

Joining metal materials of different thickness, strength or coating type produce a 'tailored blank' ready for stamping. Tailored blanks are of prime importance when reducing weight and raw material costs but also a key structural component when optimizing crash/strength in automotive body design. Lasers are ideal for this application as ...

Vacuum holding for testing/measuring

Vacuum is used in test equipment for printed circuit boards to press the board against the electrical test points. The vacuum creates an even pressure/force over the entire board. Vacuum and suction cups are also used to clamp/hold parts in several industries during quality control by measuring the critical dimensions of ...

Vacuum packaging

Many food products including meats, poultry, coffee and produce are often packaged under vacuum in order to extend their shelf life. In Modified Atmosphere Packaging, MAP, a gas is introduced into a package to further modify the internal condition of the atmosphere and ensure even longer lasting, high quality food products. Also other ...

Evacuation of molds

Vacuum is applied on mold cavities to give molded products a better definition. Advantages with Piab No service required on Piab vacuum pumps Low noise level Easy to install

Evacuation and filling of liquids

In final assembly of certain machines/products like cars and refrigerators, fluid systems are filled before the machine/product leaves the manufacturing facility. To speed up the process of filling fluids the air is evacuated from the volume that is to be filled. A second vacuum is required that is applied at the end of the filling ...

Vacuum lamination/bagging (vacuum infusion)

During the manufacturing of laminated products like veneer sheets and plastic hull of a a boat, vacuum is used to eliminate bubbles and thereby increase the material strength. Advantages with Piab No service required on Piab vacuum pumps Energy-saving function can easily be incorporated Easy adjustable vacuum level Easy to ...

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