Fully automated cleaning system with pick and place system

This BvL cleaning system was seamlessly integrated on-site at the customer's location into an automated production process with a pick and place system.

An fully automated cleaning system with Pick and Place system increases productivity and efficiency. Loading and unloading of the system no longer need to be done manually, and a high positioning accuracy with fewer processing errors is achieved.

A Dutch manufacturer of molded parts for the automotive and electronics industries, the medical sector, and general industrial technology has chosen the thorough cleaning of its stamped parts in a fully automated process with the BvL Yukon cleaning system.

To ensure the cleaning system could be seamlessly integrated into the fully automated process chain, important prerequisites had to be met. In this application, not only the high cleanliness requirements played a decisive role. The short cycle time of the cleaning system was also crucial to maintaining the speed of the production flow. Therefore, specific quantity and time specifications had to be considered in the planning of the cleaning system. The initial quality of the workpieces and the requirements for further processing demanded optimal interface communication. Only in this way can upstream and downstream production processes be optimally served.

Cleaning in a fully automated process

The stamped parts come directly from the forming process, pass through the cleaning system, and are then packaged. The entire process is supported by a Pick and Place system. Therefore, the cleaning system must have a particularly short cycle time and high throughput to be optimally integrated into the fully automated process. Due to the subsequent packaging of the stamped parts, the cleaning must be absolutely spot-free, and a 100% drying of the workpieces is necessary. The producer chose the powerful Yukon throughput system from BvL Oberflächentechnik in Emsbüren (Germany). The Dutch manufacturer of molded parts already operates several BvL cleaning systems and appreciates the competent and personal consultation.

“Our customer knows that we have his entire production process in view and that our systems are tailored accordingly,” reports the owner and managing director Bernhard Sievering. “Honestly, I am also proud of our team, which works hand in hand from project planning, design, and manufacturing to service, always close to the customer. We ensure customer proximity on the international market through our global sales and service network. This way, we always have a native speaker on site. In the Netherlands, we work with De Ploeg Techniek B.V. in Helmond. The owner, Mr. Cock de Jonge, was in close contact with our Dutch customer.”

High throughput and efficient material flow even with different components

The BvL Yukon cleaning system is an optimal inline solution for efficient material flow at high speeds in the production line. The cleaning system achieves a particularly short cycle time of only 1 second per component. The conveyor belt of this machine is equipped with six tracks so that the Pick and Place systems can load and unload six parts simultaneously while the conveyor is running. The entire system is designed to ensure optimal positioning accuracy even for different components. The adjustable throughput speed allows economical operation. This enables the degree of cleanliness of the parts to be influenced, and it is possible to respond to varying cleanliness requirements for different components. This is an important aspect for the Dutch manufacturer of molded parts. Initially, this system is intended for cleaning parts from stamping processes for coffee machines. Afterwards, other stamped parts will also be cleaned.

Customized cleaning and drying process

The stamped parts continuously and in a timed sequence pass through the successive treatment zones of the Yukon cleaning system. From the inlet zone, they are transported via the conveyor belt into the cleaning zone, where uniform and all-around cleaning takes place. The parts are guided past a fixed spray system. The cleaning nozzles are individually and precisely aligned with the workpieces. This ensures thorough cleaning even of hard-to-reach areas and meets the high cleanliness standards of the manufacturer. In the subsequent rinsing zone, the parts are rinsed thoroughly, and in the following blow-off zone, the parts are blown dry with warm air. This allows the now spot-free and thoroughly cleaned stamped parts to be directly fed into the subsequent packaging process.

Smart cleaning functions for energy savings, process security, and predictive maintenance

The BvL cleaning systems can be equipped with intelligent Smart Cleaning functions. For example, the blow-off zone can be designed to save energy according to customer requirements. Controlling the exhaust air depending on humidity enables energy savings and ensures stable drying results.

The filter technology allows for consumption prediction of the bag filter. Predictive maintenance and spare parts stocking are safe and straightforward. The operator can plan filter changes efficiently within the production process, as the interval for filter replacement is displayed on the control panel.

The BvL Libelle Fluid Control reliably and precisely measures the contamination level of the cleaning bath. Detailed knowledge of the bath condition is essential to guarantee safe processes and optimal material use. Therefore, BvL routinely uses the Libelle Fluid Control in its cleaning systems.

BvL systems can also be supplemented with the Libelle Cleaner Control. It ensures that the cleaner concentration is always maintained at the correct target percentage. Not only is the cleaner concentration measured accurately and continuously without manual intervention, but the cleaner is also automatically re-dosed.

The remote maintenance feature protects against production downtime and assists with operation or system adjustments.

Consultation opportunities at AMB and Parts2Clean in Stuttgart

BvL Oberflächentechnik will exhibit at the AMB (September 13-17, 2022) and Parts2Clean (October 11-13, 2022) trade fairs in Stuttgart and will advise on cleaning solutions and innovative concepts for various industries and needs. At the in-house technology center in Emsbüren, BvL also conducts cleaning tests with original components. This helps determine the most economical and ecologically sensible combination of system technology, cleaning media, and program sequences for the customer.