AT BMW in Spartanburg, South Carolina, around 4,700 employees manufacture the X5 and Z4 models for the world market.
In order to optimise the traceability of bodywork components, the quality department went in search of an identification system that would replace hand labeling and eliminate the potential for errors.
After testing various labeling methods, the team selected the process of identifying components using a pin-stamped or laser-marked Data Matrix Code (DMC) and the part number in plain characters.
To enable automatic recognition of the codes and numbers, a total of 26 Siemens Simatic VS130-2 code-reading systems were installed.
Users in Spartanburg can select the distance from the object and the width of field by changing the system’s lens.
The system also includes a ring light to provide optimum lighting conditions, and image evaluation is performed separately from the camera in an evaluation unit.
The link to the control panel for starting, stopping and switching modes is realised using an I/O coupling.
The data from the evaluation unit is transmitted via Industrial Ethernet to the controller, and from there to a PC for display.
The whole system is connected to the host control system that allocates a consecutive eight-digit number for each component.
This number is applied as a DMC with 20 by 20 dots and plain characters in the stamping station.
The quality of the stamp is then checked by a code-reading system and communicated to the control system.
The worker can report any faults in the stamping by referencing the number.
The system then sorts out all the parts that were stamped during the same test cycle and connects the appropriate numbers with the same fault.
To check the DMC, a robot holds the stamped part in front of the code-reading system, which reads out the code in 0.5 to 0.7 seconds.
In the area of the rear body, certain parts of the DMC are used for type control in addition to the part numbers.
The system reads the stored numbers of the order-related individual parts up to 18 times during the course of assembly.
After assembly, they are “married” into a common number for all the integrated parts.
Key contact:
www.siemens.com/simatic-sensors/mv
Add a comment