REPORTAGE - SUNSPRING METAL CORPORATION
Various technologies, one solution In Taiwan’s Sunspring Metal Corporation, two new production lines with different machining technologies were equipped with EROWA Robots. Added to this, there are EROWA workpiece tooling systems, measuring machines, wash stations, as well as the JMS 4.0 process control system.
The lines One of the lines runs Makino machining centers, one of them for graphite, as well as several WEDM centers. This set-up is served by an EROWA Robot Dynamic 250 XT on a rail. In addition, there is an EROWA CMM Qi measuring machine and an EROWA Lift.
The aim was to improve our overall plant effectiveness by reducing machine down-time,” says Jeff Yang, Senior Director of Engineering at Sunspring. “But at the same time, we had to ensure that the produced parts would be of the highest quality and available on time.” Stable production processes are indispensable in tool- and mold-making and have to be guaranteed even in an operator’s absence. Sunspring chose EROWA for the automation of the two production lines.
The second line also consists of several machining centers; some of them work on five axes. These are joined by a group of EDM centers. This line-up is served by an EROWA Robot Dynamic 500 on a rail. Here, too, a CMM Qi is in operation as well as an EROWA RoboSpa wash station. While the mold inserts are being pre-machined, the relevant electrodes can already be produced. The interface between machines and workpieces is guaranteed by EROWA tooling systems; they ensure the necessary repeatability.
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REPORTAGE - SUNSPRING METAL CORPORATION
Also, the workpieces are fitted with RFID chips, which relays all the data about every available individual workpiece in the system at any time: presetting, current magazine position, scheduled machining processes, etc. This provides process reliability with a considerable boost. Finally, EROWA’s JMS 4.0 MoldLine process control system is used for the overall control of the production lines. Communication with peripheral software is also guaranteed. Processes, data, communication “The process control system is very important for us,” says Jeff Yang. “We wanted the production processes to be mapped in the control system: when an order is created in the JMS 4.0, the individual steps are defined far ahead of the actual machining date. In this way, the availability of machines, electrodes and workpieces, as well as queries for CAM data, are part of the plan right from the start.” In the production process itself, the RFID technology turns out to be extremely useful again: “We are in full control of everything that’s going on at all times,” explains Yang. The RFID chip identification of electrodes and workpieces is the nucleus of the solution. “Since the system has all the data of all the workpieces and is aware of their precise position in the process, there is always clarity about the state and correct execution of the work. This provides the operator with certainties. And this means less stress and more comfort.”
A clear-sighted investment People at Sunspring are convinced that they have set the right course into the future with this automation measure. “This is about the fourth industrial revolution,” explains Yang. “We want to be ready for Industry 4.0. Therefore all the investments that are made at this point in time must be geared to this development. We’re convinced that with EROWA, we’ve got the right partner on board.”
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REPORTAGE - SUNSPRING METAL CORPORATION
Copyright © 2019 - EROWA AG SUNSPRING METAL CORPORATION No. 11, Keya Road Daya District Taichung City Taiwan 428 www.sunspring.com.tw
SUNSPRING METAL CORPORATION The company was set up by Jonny Yang in 1978 and has its headquarters in Taichung, Taiwan. Sunspring is one of the world’s leading producers of cast metal goods and serves reputable brands. It primarily produces and distributes zinc and brass parts, particularly bathroom and door fittings. Besides a plant in Taiwan, Sunspring operates two large production plants in China and two distribution centers in the US. All in all the company, which is now run by Scott Yang, the founder’s son, employs more than 6,000 people.
EROWA AG CH-6233 Büron Switzerland Tel: ++41 (0)41 935 11 11 info@erowa.com www.erowa.com
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