Auto Oxy Work Cell
Project Description
Raytheon Ktech contracted with a commercial client to design, fabricate, install, and commission the Auto-Oxy Work Cell. This system integration project resulted in Raytheon Ktech delivering a production tool that offers enhanced process coating uniformity and consistency to the customer’s end product. It also removes the worker from industrial hazards associated with this process.
Figure 1.
Auto-Oxy Workcell
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Figure 2.
Panjeris turn table integrated
with the motion of the robot.
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The Auto-Oxy system is a multi-station, fully autonomous workcell (
Figure 1) utilizing a large Motoman pedestal robot managed by a custom supervisory control system architecture (SCADA). The SCADA uses Siemens S-7 PLCs. Raytheon Ktech implemented the SCADA system into the program to manage the processes required to precisely deliver coatings to high-value parts. A six degree-of-freedom articulated arm robot (
Figure 2) moved parts through the process workcell in random inventory runs (over 20 parts of various configuration arrived at the workcell randomly). Identification subroutines distinguished the parts as they were introduced into the workcell and monitored/tracked their location throughout all processing. The robot moved the parts though various processes prior to the coating process, and then moved them to a final stacking location where they were inventoried. Raytheon Ktech wrote a state machine to track all functions, process variable data, identify location of parts in the workcell and check the condition of all equipment. This state machine interfaced with the PLC (which handled process information) and the robot controller via ProfiBus. The state machine was developed in Visual C++. The system was qualified for production of military aircraft braking systems and has been producing parts for four years. The period of performance was 21 months, and the total cost to design, build, and install the Auto-Oxy system was $1.5M.
