Workstation optimisation - less is more!
Versatility is key in today’s production environment, as manufacturers respond to the need for a greater product mix on the assembly line. This has made manufacturing more complex and human intervention increasingly important, resulting in the need for assembly workstations to be as user-friendly as possible. Sustainability is also under the spotlight, placing demands on manufacturers in areas such as carbon emissions, environmental standards and energy-efficiency.
March 21, 2024
Having the right tools at each workstation for specific fastening tasks is crucial for achieving optimum assembly results. Up until now, each power tool has required an individual controller, with each one needing a fixed installation, power and network connection. As the interface to the production system, controllers provide a range of functions, which include powering corded tools, monitoring performance and collecting tightening and cycle data.
Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions has developed its Power Focus controller platform with workstation optimisation in mind, providing a flexible solution that enables manufacturers to equip the factory of the future. Central to Atlas Copco’s smart solution is the Power Focus 6000 controller, which enables all tool types needed in a workstation to be run via a single controller. This means there’s just a single point of contact to the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software that controls the assembly process
A single Power Focus 6000 controller provides power and communication for up to six tools from 12 different tool families, via a common controller platform. In addition, every tool reports error-proof fastening data from the workstation and can be locked when not in use. This helps manufacturers reduce cost and complexity by requiring just one power drop cable, ethernet connection and a single IP address for each controller and workstation. In turn , this delivers the additional benefits of lower power consumption and better floor space utilisation.
Atlas Copco strives to be the assembly manufacturing partner of choice, working with customers to solve existing and future production challenges. Through its Smart Connected Ecosystem and Power Focus controller platform, the company can help meet these demands with data collection, line management and quality assurance.