ABB’s Robots Perform Gravity Casting Work for Wanfeng Group

ABB’s robots will be used for performing automatic casting in the Zhejiang Wanfeng Technology Development. Wanfeng has opted to use ABB’s robots instead of humans for two major reasons.

The production process involves heating aluminum to very high temperatures in the order of 700° Celsius that makes it dangerous for humans and the quality of the products are high when Wanfeng replaced humans with robots.

With the implementation of ABB’s robots, the Wanfeng group produces over 25 million wheels a year thereby delivering high quality and providing improved working conditions. The Wanfeng group exports more than 80% of its total products.

Wu Jun, head of the Wanfeng Robot Engineering Center, has set up the automated casting system after more than two years of research. The casting system includes the ABB robot that comes equipped with a scoop shaped container. Four to eight moulds are placed in the vicinity of the robot. The robot scoops out the liquid aluminum and pours it into the mold with precise control. The amount of liquid in each scoop is controlled using sensors installed on the robot. Currently, more than 15 automatic casting units are functioning with ABB robots.

Source: http://www.abb.com/robotics