Hilton Manufacturing Boosts Efficiency with Kassow Robots for Lean Sanding

In short

Established in 1976, Hilton Manufacturing from Melbourne, Australia, specializes in precision sheet metal production and is dedicated to advancing lean manufacturing practices to stay globally competitive. Kassow Robots Partner Delahenty Machinery recently teamed up with Hilton to introduce a robotic sanding solution, further supporting their lean manufacturing culture. This strategic investment focuses on optimizing production, reducing labor costs, minimizing physical footprint and running expenses, and improving supplier response times to maintain cost competitiveness.

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Challenge 

Hilton Manufacturing wanted to mitigate workplace risks associated with traditional hand tools, including injuries caused by high vibration and health hazards from prolonged exposure to fine dust particles. By implementing collaborative automation, the project seeks to enhance employee safety and create a healthier working environment.

Solution

‍The KR1410 7-axis collaborative robot by Kassow Robots, known for its extended range of motion and exceptional task accuracy, has been chosen as the ideal solution for industrial sanding applications. Delahenty Machinery’s cobot sanding system features the versatile OnRobot electric orbital sander, designed to handle diverse part geometries and deliver consistent, high-quality finishes. With the integration of OnRobot’s automated grit changer, the solution streamlines operations by enabling seamless switching between sanding discs, reducing downtime and minimizing dependence on manual labor.

The OnRobot Sander addresses key challenges in surface finishing with a fast and simple setup that tackles the complexity of material removal tasks. By eliminating the need for compressed air, it significantly reduces running and maintenance costs—a common concern for manufacturers. The inclusion of a cost-effective Grit Changer allows automatic switching between sanding grits, solving the issue of inefficiencies tied to manual intervention.

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Benefits 

Sander’s adaptability to various part geometries and materials, along with advanced sensing capabilities, ensures precise handling of surface variations or misaligned parts, tackling challenges like scrap reduction and quality inconsistencies. Furthermore, the sander reduces operator fatigue and safety risks, helping manufacturers meet strict local health and safety regulations with ease.

The intuitive user interface is a standout feature of all Kassow Robots cobots, designed to simplify and enhance the user experience. Built on the powerful Android system, the modern tablet-based interface offers numerous benefits to help users easily create their applications, including sanding:

• Split-Screen Functionality: Streamlines workflow by enabling multitasking and simultaneous monitoring.
• Block-Based Programming: Simplifies coding, making it accessible even for users with limited programming experience.
• Optimized for Robotics: Tailored specifically for robot applications to ensure seamless operation.
• Responsive and User-Friendly Design: Provides an intuitive environment that adapts to user needs.

Dynamic Content and 3D Support: Enhances visualization and interaction with native 3D engines for real-time feedback.

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