Collaborative robots, a versatile and flexible solution
The Qprint Osona company turned to itsme ELEKTRES with the idea of introducing a robot to their teams that would help to ease the loading process and adapt to the company’s characteristics
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are called this way because they are designed to work with people. They are characterised by their flexibility and allow small and medium-size companies to automate a lot of manual tasks. They easily adapt to any format, small batches, limited spaces, and they can be reallocated. The company Qprint Osona recognised their potential to improve their productivity and, despite not having previous experience, have been able to implement one in a very short time thanks to the help of itsme ELEKTRES.
itsme ELEKTRES, key in the decision
Most of Qprint Osona’s machinery is made up of a platen and a printing system. They had some loading systems to automatically place the supports on the platen, but these vibrated and not all machines allowed for it, meaning that in some cases it had to be done manually. This is how the need for a new tool arose. “We had always wanted to use robotics for automatic loading systems”, explains Jordi Soler, the company’s manager.
“We were already following developments in the sector but, because we had limited space, we needed a robot that didn’t require protection around it (such as surrounding barriers) and that was also lightweight”, says Soler. So when they found out about collaborative robots, known for their limited size and because they can share workspace with people, they thought this could be the solution. “At first we had some doubts, but they all disappeared when we saw the demonstration provided by itsme ELEKTRES”, comments Soler, highlighting “the treatment, advice and facilities that we were given to view the robot’s potential”.
“itsme ELEKTRES offered a demonstration at Qprint Osona so that they could see the performance of this collaborative robot and be sure that it was what they needed”
Collaborative robot with clamp and camera
The equipment chosen consists of a UR5e collaborative robot from Universal Robots (world leader in collaborative robotics) with a loading capacity of up to 5 kg, an adjustable Hand-e high-precision clamp by Robotiq and a camera that lets the robot conduct vision options.
Apart from top-quality components, Qprint Osona also wanted it to be easy to programme. “We wanted to do it ourselves despite not having previous experience”, Soler comments. That’s why itsme ELEKTRES gave them some basic tips and recommended a specialised course to them. “With this training, we can now programme the robot depending on specific requirements”, adds the company’s manager. Furthermore, he highlights the great response provided by itsme ELEKTRES whenever they’ve had any queries.
Satisfactory results
“So far we’ve tried out the robot on one of the machines, but given its good performance we can now see lots of other applications”, explains Soler. In fact, the robot can automate the loading of virtually any workpiece on to the platen. This means that the person who used to have to load and unload can spend more time with this final process which also includes quality control. “At present, we only have one but we’d like to have more”, adds Soler, highlighting “the versatility and flexibility of this robot”.
The tool that is attached to the robot can be changed, which provides a lot of possibilities. It is also easy to install and handle. That means that, in the event of a machine not working where it is installed for whatever reason, the robot can be installed on another. Furthermore, Soler has also emphasises that, thanks to this equipment, they have managed to increase loading speed by 30%.
“The UR5e is very easy to install and handle, as it can be started quickly, and moved according the company’s requirements”
“What has surprised us the most is how quickly we’ve been able to implement the machine; within a week of receiving the robot, it was in production and hasn’t given us any problems”, concludes the manager of Qprint Osona.
About Qprint
Qprint Osona is company that has been specialising in graphic art for over 30 years. They offer various services, and are well known for their screen printing and pad printing. Their main clients belong to the cosmetics and perfumery sector, which is why many of their tasks require great precision and delicacy in the decoration of containers of various shapes, sizes and materials. Their main concern is printing quality and they strive to achieve the best result for each piece.