AYLESBURY AUTOMATION CEMENTS THE FUTURE WITH 2K POLYMER SYSTEMS

Automation and robotics specialists at Aylesbury Automation have increased productivity and improved the quality in the assembly of CIC cartridges of two component chemical anchors for 2K Polymer Systems Limited (2KPS). The installation of the new equipment has given 2KPS the capacity required to meet the increasing demand for its products whilst eliminating the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) and with the added bonus that valuable production floor space has been saved. 

“We’ve been able to make significant reductions in the number of manual operations on this line whilst producing more product, at consistently high quality levels,” says Stewart Riley, Operations Manager.

2K Polymer Systems, based in Derbyshire, has an on-going programme of automating its manufacturing processes to remain competitive in world markets from North America to Asia. This leading supplier of two-part chemical anchors and grouts for the private label products market requires extremely high quality manufacturing processes and controls.

Its production of polyester and epoxy, two part chemical anchors in the 2K CIC packaging format, involves filling “capsules” containing the two chemical components in separate compartments which are then inserted into rigid cartridges. Each assembly consists of the cartridge, a capsule of chemicals, a piston, a label and usually with one or two detachable mixing nozzles and a cap.  This line caters for two sizes of cartridge, 300ml and 150ml.

Previously production of the product was extremely labour-intensive and repetitive. Aylesbury Automation was tasked with designing an automated process to assemble the cartridges which would reduce significantly the number of manual operations.  The final solution is two autonomous machines linked together and incorporating three DENSO robots supplied by Aylesbury Automation’s robot division, AA Robotics. 

Using a walking beam transfer system the assembly operation is carried out in pairs. The cartridges are automatically fed from a storage hopper and loaded onto the walking beam for transfer to the capsule assembly station.  Here an operator loads a pair of capsules into the station where they are pulled through the cartridge.  Subsequently a piston is positioned into the cartridge and set so that it will not drop during transport to the end user. The first Denso Robot picks up and rotates the cartridges, loading them onto the transfer conveyor.

The cartridges are then labelled and transferred to an assembly station where the Denso Robots fit one or two mixing nozzles dependent on the customer’s requirements and finally the cap is screwed on, set to a required torque. The completed assembly is then conveyed to an operator for packing into cartons. 

“By understanding what we do, Aylesbury Automation has been able to devise an automation solution for us which not only increases our output per man hour, maintaining our competitive position in World markets, but also raises our quality standards and enables us to keep up with demand.” says Stewart Riley.

For more information Contact:

Colin Scutt Sales Director This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it T. +44 1296 314300 D. +44 1296 314303 F. +44 1296 421625	Aylesbury Automation Limited Unit 2 Farmbrough Close Stocklake Park Aylesbury HP20 1DQ UK

Aylesbury Automation is the UK`s leading supplier of productivity solutions to the manufacturing sector with over 49 years experience gained throughout almost every type of industry. The company’s core products include a full range of tooled vibration parts feeders, associated handling equipment, robots and rivet setting machines enabling the Company to offer a complete and often turnkey service to customers. The business runs a full IT capability, using networked computers and sophisticated 3D CAD systems and is ISO 9001 and Investors in People accredited. Aylesbury Automation employs approximately 25 people at its UK headquarters and manufacturing plant located in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

AA Robotics distributes DENSO robots in the UK and Ireland. Their range is from 3Kg up to 20Kg payload in 4-axis or 6-axis arm configurations with a reach from 400mm to 1300mm. Denso robots have a fast 0.3 seconds pick and place operation which is repeatable to 0.015mm.