Massive cylinder blocks require a heavy-duty robot
Weighing up to 700 kg, the need to rotate the cylinder block of a 6DM diesel engine (for example, for the assembly of a cylinder bank, crankshaft and oil pan) presents particular challenges on the assembly line. Conventional handling with rotary and lifting devices as well as adequate manpower was not possible due to space requirements and a lack of efficiency. The combination of a workpiece weighing between 500 and 700 kg and a 200 kg gripper means only a heavy-duty robot with a 1000 kg payload capacity can be considered for this task.
Titan from KUKA handles the cylinder block with ease
As soon as the cylinder block, weighing 500 kg before assembly, reaches the work island, the KUKA KR 1000 titan picks it up under sensor control and sets it down on a workpiece carrier. From here, the cylinder block passes through several work steps, including the installation of connecting rods, cylinders, oil pans, etc. During this assembly work, the robot must rotate the cylinder block exactly 90 degrees at a defined point. Upon completion, the cylinder block - now weighing 700 kg - is brought back to the island station where the KR 1000 picks it up and performs a 180-degree rotation to set it down on the workpiece carrier. The assembled block then continues its journey through the assembly line.
