The new Primon Automazioni line produces one piece every 2.5 seconds

Primon Automazioni has built a new line for assembling hydraulic connectors for automotive applications. Festo’s electric axes and brushless motors have made the solution even more flexible and remotely controllable while meeting Industry 4.0 criteria.

With over 30 years of experience in the design and construction of automatic assembly and testing systems, Primon Automazioni is introducing its new line for assembling hydraulic connectors for automotive applications. The system comprises several assembly stations and is able to produce one piece every 2.5 seconds. The machine can be entirely remotely controlled and is capable of producing about thirty different connector configurations. Starting from the first loading station for the main body of the connector, an anthropomorphic robot with an automatic optical control system picks up the piece from a bulk container and positions it on the line with a high level of precision.

All subsequent stations are equipped with Festo brand electric axes and brushless motors, resulting in a modern and easily reconfigurable solution that fully meets customers’ requirements.

The machine stores the programs of all connector configurations in its memory. Depending on the piece being loaded, the line is set automatically and all the manipulator strokes adjusted. To achieve this flexibility, Primon Automazioni has adapted the software to ensure ease of use for the operator. Moreover, in the event of technical upgrades as part of normal component development, the machine’s operation can be rapidly updated via software to keep it fully operational at all times.

From traditional pneumatics to electric axes: the partnership with Festo

Primon Automazioni has for some time now been using electric axes instead of traditional pneumatic actuators, a choice that has brought significant improvements in terms of reliability, flexibility and modularity. Festo proved to be the perfect partner for implementing this technological upgrade thanks to the combination of its new ELGC/EGSC compact axes and the characteristics of the new CMMT drive, which integrates seamlessly with host systems to collect, monitor and analyse data in accordance with Industry 4.0 criteria. The Festo Automation Suite platform has also long been used to allow for remote management and support, a now well-established part of the operations and service offered by Primon Automazioni.

Collaboration with Festo aims to achieve high productivity, low production costs and maximum customisation, as well as size change flexibility and simple on-site and remote maintenance.