Piab and Kenos tools enable safe street lighting manufacture

Italian system integrator MVQuadro has recently completed a successful project for a manufacturer  of exterior lighting products. The project was complex as the customer wanted increased handling efficiency during the assembly, and later packing, of components such as housings, electronics, and glass without adding any risks of damage to the products.

To meet these needs, MVQuadro integrated Piab's solutions to adapt perfectly at every stage of the production cycle. The new assembly and packaging line uses different recipes depending on the type of lighting being produced. 

The vacuum-driven solution consists of anthropomorphic arms serving a ring conveyor system, moving components from beginning to end - from the housing provided by customers, to LEDs, electronic boards, up to the assembly of glass and packaging, and finally, palletizing done with a cobot.

Kenos® KFG foam grippers are employed for handling delicate electronic components, such as LEDs and boards. These elements can vary significantly in terms of shape and size, depending on the type of spotlight. The flexibility of the Kenos® KFG gripping systems allows the assembly of these components without the need for tool changes, thus avoiding production interruptions, a crucial advantage for the efficiency of the production line.

In the process, the following Piab suction cups are also used:

• piGRIP® suction cups with FXI 18 shore lip for picking up the spotlight housings
• B suction cups, in silicone and anti-static polyurethane, used respectively for handling LED body components and glass
• piGRIP® suction cups with FXI 30 shore lip for palletising boxes.

"The adoption of Piab's handling solutions in our assembly line has brought numerous benefits. Although speed was not a priority, the efficiency in maintaining the vacuum and safety in gripping allowed for continuous handling, optimising cycle times and operational efficiency. Piab's solutions demonstrated great adaptability to the limited dimensions of the available space, highlighting the company's ability to offer flexible solutions", says Eng. Vassallo, Mechanical Engineer at MVQuadro, project manager.

"Another reason why we chose Piab is the excellent technical support and thorough analysis of the application. The customer is continuously supported until the optimal solution is identified. Our reconfirmed trust in Piab's technologies underscores the importance of working with a reliable partner in the industrial automation sector", concludes Eng. Vassallo.

Piab's Kenos® vacuum gripping systems are developed to simplify handling processes in various industrial sectors. They are grippers made of technical foam or suction cups, designed for handling a wide variety of objects with different shapes, sizes, and materials. They can be equipped with integrated vacuum generation through Piab's COAX® multi-stage ejectors, as in the case of the grippers installed by MVQuadro, or prepared for external vacuum generation.

Kenos® KFG series gripping systems can be used as single grippers or combined into an end-of-arm tool (EOAT). These medium-sized grippers offer various advantages in handling products with irregular, rough, structured surfaces, completing the Kenos® range of large surface grippers.

MVQuadro s.r.l.

MVQuadro designs and implements automated plants and turnkey technological infrastructures for various customers and sectors. Acting as a strategic and operational partner, the company is dedicated to optimising production processes and increasing clients' business volume. Around 70-80% of the solutions are customised prototypes, developed to meet unique requirements. 

MVQuadro offers consulting services from feasibility studies to mechanical and electrical design, software programming, and final assembly. Each phase is managed internally by a team of qualified engineers and technicians, ensuring rapid execution and high customisation. The solutions incorporate cutting-edge technologies with a strong focus on energy efficiency. 

MVQuadro operates not only in Italy but also across Europe and the United States, serving clients in various industrial sectors.

For more information

Paolo Santi, Senior Marketing Specialist
+39 011 2263666
Piab Italia, Via Cuniberti 58, Turin, Italy
www.piab.com