Multi-purpose robotic cells developed faster, better with simulation technologies

The company builds robotic systems including, most recently, a paint quality inspection system and a polyurethane foam application system. The former uses robots and vision technology to measure paint thickness, uniformity and appearance. The latter fills body and pillar cavities with polyurethane material to meet noise, vibration and harshness targets, and has been designed to help cut costs and increase throughput in foam application for automotive OEMs. Encore is using Delmia Robotics to design, simulate, optimise and program its robotic work cells in a 3D digital factory environment. Meanwhile V5 Robotics is being used to capture and re-use best practice, harness programming knowledge and automate much of robot programming, helping to cut costs, design and manufacturing times. “Without simulation, it would be nearly impossible to verify that the robots can perform so many functions within the target cycle times and physical parameters,” says Encore automation proposal manager Curt White. “With Delmia V5 Robotics, we can clearly illustrate to our customers via 3D animations that the cells will perform exactly or even better than intended,” he adds. White says that many of Encore’s engineers had already worked with Delmia Igrip UltraPaint – so as the robotic lines became more multi-task orientated, Delmia Robotics was an obvious choice.