Robots in energy saving push

14 May 2008

MBK Industrie, European production and marketing subsidiary of Yamaha Motor, has cut emissions and improved energy savings at its Saint Quentin, France factory. The scooter, motorbike and outboard motor manufacturer called in ABB to provide robotic technology for the painting of outboard motors.

Automated technology was implemented to prepare the surface of the parts for painting. This allowed drying temperatures to be decreased from 150°C to 90°C and drying cycle times down by 40 per cent.

ABB has implemented three paint booths, complete with three ABB IRB580 compact paint robots. By implementing anti-dust protection in the overhead conveyor, ABB says it has ensured consistent quality for painting operations. The company claims using robots has increased the paint transfer efficiency from 17 to 40 per cent.

Once the part has been painted, it is placed in a convection oven for drying and then moved onto the cleaning zone where the part is checked for marks and dust. This is designed to ensure low dust pollution on parts and create a high-quality finish.

ABB says its paint booths can help traditional manufacturing plants where up to 60 per cent of the paint used is wasted.

Laurent Frayssinet, manager for ABB’s lead centre paint process automation in France, said the solution had increased productivity and saved energy.

He said ABB had experience from involvement in paint applications, around the world, that it could pass onto its customers.

‘By helping manufacturers to enhance their own production lines we can ensure great productivity, business success and reduced environmental impact,’ he added.

Combining air recirculation, solvent disposal and energy savings with full compliance with all environmental regulations, ABB claims it is helping MBK deliver energy savings of up to 30 per cent.


Contact Details and Archive...

Related Articles...

Additional Information...

Print this page | E-mail this page