Smart robotics makes magnet placement 60 times faster
Sheffield-based magnetic gear technology company Magnomatics wanted to explore how robotic technologies can optimise manufacturing processes and drive big productivity improvements for its wind turbine generators.
A labour-intensive process to position powerful permanent magnets onto large generators for offshore wind has been made 60 times faster by automation experts at the AMRC, cutting down the cycle time from one hour to just 55 seconds for each magnet.
Sheffield-based magnetic gear technology company Magnomatics wanted to explore how robotic technologies can optimise manufacturing processes and drive big productivity improvements for its wind turbine generators.
It worked with the AMRC to automate a manual process of placing 204, 18kg magnets using jigs and lead screws which took up to an hour per magnet. The AMRC used cutting edge robotics to speed up the process . It now takes less than a minute to place a magnet.
“This project places Magnomatics on the right track to develop bigger generators and attract big offshore wind OEMs to Sheffield and the UK.”
Dave Latimer, Chief Executive, Magnomatics
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