The Mklll Flexible Automatic Assembly System: A Stepwise Upgradeable Solution for Multiple Products and Unpredictable Order Schemes

摘要

Mklll represents a new concept in Flexible Automatic Assembly (FAA) systems. The Mklll FAA system is stepwise upgradeable and greatly reduces the cost of feeders and programming. It can realistically combine automatic and manual assembly and works according to the sub-batch principle. It has been designed for the assembly of a vast range of products and product variants. By integrating free-coupled manual assembly stations, the stepwise automatisation of manual operations is supported, therefore permitting the assembly of products with an annual volume normally too low to justify automation. Likewise, Mklll offers excellent opportunities for gradual capacity increase. The Mklll FAA system uses a new programming and control system (FACE) which enables a drastic reduction in programming costs, and can account for unpredictable order schemes such as express orders. The paper describes the evolution of this FAA system from research to industrial launch. Officially demonstrated to a panel of 200 industrialists last autumn, the Mklll FAA system at our premises is currently being used for the assembly of 7 products in 36 variants for ABB CEWE. The assembled products are delivered to customers.