VRC in Almelo produces roll containers in competition with both China and other low-wage countries. This is made possible by smart, fully automated production. This includes the use of a Yaskawa MA 2010 welding robot, which is mounted on an underlying RWV2M1 rotary table. VRC recently ordered a second copy of this combination from Yaskawa.
"Unique to this combination is the fact that the robot stands on the turntable, as it were, and the table rotates around the robot. This is in contrast to standard concepts, where the robot is placed behind the table. As a result, this standard combination requires more floor space than our combination," explains Kor Blijeneberg, Account Manager Robotics Benelux at Yaskawa Benelux.
Increase productivity
"The table itself rotates, while the robot is placed in a fixed position in the middle of this table. This allows the robot to weld on one side of the table, while the operator on the other side of the table can take the finished product off the table and clamp in a new product to be welded." This allows the welding robot to weld continuously, increasing productivity.
VRC has been using such a combination of welding robot and rotary table for some time. The company has now ordered a second one from Yaskawa, which is expected to be delivered by the end of May. VRC expects to purchase a third copy in the future to further increase production and accommodate the company's growth.
30,000 to 40,000 roll containers per year
Robots are used to produce roll containers fully automatically. VRC's 16 permanent employees, together with some temporary workers, produce 30,000 to 40,000 roll containers a year.
The tube parts and components that make up these roll containers are produced in a bending line. "The Yaskawa MH180 is used by VRC as a handling robot to take the bent product parts out of the bending line and place them on pallets or hang them on chutes. The parts are then transported to the Yaskawa MA 2010 welding robot, where the parts are welded together into a roll container," explains Blijeneberg. The Yaskawa MH180 has a reach of more than 2.7 metres and can handle a payload of up to 180 kg.
Production partner in the Czech Republic
VRC opted for Yaskawa given the positive experiences of its production partner in the Czech Republic with the brand. This production partner has been using two robots of the Motoman Yaskawa brand for some time.
More information can be found at www.vrc-bv.com and www.yaskawa.eu.com.
Photo: VRC director Sander van der Veen (right) and Kor Blijenberg of Yaskawa Benelux at the new Yaskawa MA2010 welding robot application
