WINKEL supplied robot axis for Russian power plant specialists

Ten tons of robot linear axis in a very confined space

For the production changeover for its customer Power Machines Russia (PMR), the special systems manufacturer cts from Burgkirchen in Bavaria relied on the support of Winkel: the linear technology specialist from Illingen in Württemberg supplied a heavy-duty linear guide for a new robot. A special design was used for the tricky task in St. Petersburg.

The world's fourth largest manufacturer of power plant turbines, Power Machines Russia, was literally facing major changes: The new turbine blades that PMR added to its product range were significantly heavier than those previously produced, with a gross weight of 490 kilograms per piece. To be able to handle this higher weight, the traditional company, whose roots go back to the 19th century, had to upgrade its production line. Therefore PMR engaged cts GmbH from Burgkirchen as general contractor. cts is an internationally operating system and manufacturer independent specialist for turnkey special plants and machines in the manufacturing and process industry. To enable the production of the new and heavier turbine blades, cts replaced the previous Fanuc M-900iA/600 robot with the Fanuc M-2000iA/1200, which handles the turbine blades in the production process. This robot is not only stronger, but with its 8.6 tons also significantly heavier than the previous model. The previous linear guide system, which moves the robot along the production line, was not designed for this weight - a more robust axis with higher load capacity was required. And to make the task even trickier, the high weight was accompanied by limited space and a harsh production environment. In short: Specialist knowledge was required.

• WINKEL supplied robot axis for Fanuc Roboter at PMR (Power Machines Russia)
• PMR (Power Machines Russia) world's fourth largest manufacturer of power plant turbines in St. Petersburg
• The Fanuc Roboter Type M-2000iA/1200 handles the turbine blades with a weight of 8.6 tons
• Project duration of only 24 weeks

Already good experience with angle

"Due to the requirements and the tight space conditions it was important to have a partner at our side who is a specialist in the special design of such travelling axes", says Stefan Schmiedlechner, head of production automation at cts GmbH. Not least on recommendation of Power Machines Russia the cts responsible persons turned to the market leader for heavy duty linear guides from Illingen. PMR has been using solutions from Winkel for some of its robots since 2011 and has made very good experiences with the robust steel profile construction and the high repeatability of the linear guides. The requirement profile and Winkel's good name in the industry also played a role. The Illinger did not hesitate to deliver a custom-fit solution which enables production in three shifts. The modified RLE 10,000 linear guide is slim, has little play and is torsionally rigid. It has a repeat accuracy of ± 0.2 millimetres and a maximum load capacity of ten tonnes. This is also necessary to carry the heavier robot and to move the larger components.

In only 24 weeks to success

"Due to the requirements and the tight space conditions it was important to have a partner at our side who is a specialist in the special design of such travelling axes", says Stefan Schmiedlechner, head of production automation at cts GmbH. Not least on recommendation of Power Machines Russia the cts responsible persons turned to the market leader for heavy duty linear guides from Illingen. PMR has been using solutions from Winkel for some of its robots since 2011 and has made very good experiences with the robust steel profile construction and the high repeatability of the linear guides. The requirement profile and Winkel's good name in the industry also played a role. The Illinger did not hesitate to deliver a custom-fit solution which enables production in three shifts. The modified RLE 10,000 linear guide is slim, has little play and is torsionally rigid. It has a repeat accuracy of ± 0.2 millimetres and a maximum load capacity of ten tonnes. This is also necessary to carry the heavier robot and to move the larger components.

Further cooperation planned

cts is highly satisfied with the cooperation with WINKEL. "The whole project went extremely well", Stefan Schmiedlechner enthuses. "All expectations were fully met." And the customer is also satisfied with his WINKEL robot axis. "So far, one year after the completion of the work, there has been only positive feedback," says Schmiedlechner. "The robot is functioning perfectly and production is running as planned." Further joint projects between cts and Winkel are "already being implemented", he reveals.