ATM supplies robots for new production line for new Ford Focus

ATM supplies robots for new production line for new Ford Focus

ATM supplies robots for new production line for new Ford Focus

Keywords ATM, Robots

ATM Automation Limited has completed the installation of four ES 1000 robots on a new production line at Efta Plastics Limited, Stockton-on-Tees. The ATM machines are an integral part of the production process for gas-injected grab handles that are components to be built into Ford's new "Focus" car, recently awarded the accolade of "Car of the Year 1999".

Elta Plastics Limited is a Tier 1 and 2 supplier of moulded plastic components to the automotive industry and is part of the international NIFCO Group, based in Japan. The Stockton-on-Tees facility is NIFCO's only manufacturing facility in Europe and was commissioned to design and build the new Ford components.

The grab handle components are produced by injection moulding and are then de-moulded, entirely automatically, by the standard ATM robots. These are fitted with specially designed grippers to demould the components and hold them while the surplus material of the "runners" is removed, again automatically. The trimmed units are placed on conveyors for transport to assembly points along the production line. Elta opted for the ATM automated system to prevent damage to the units during the demoulding process and to ensure consistency of quality control. Efficiency and throughput are also enhanced as production at this stage is unmanned, allowing personnel to be redeployed elsewhere.

Elta has previous experience with two other ATM machines and Engineering Manager, Alan Bailey, said, "Our decision to appoint ATM as the preferred supplier was based on the confidence in their technology that we have gained from the earlier installation and ATM's excellent after sales service. Their reasonable proximity to our factory allowed for close liaison and rapid response to develop the system that we needed for this new line".

ATM is one of the largest privately owned companies in the UK to design and manufacture robotic and automated systems.

For further information please contact: Robert Hopper, ATM Automation. Tel: +44 (0) 116 277 9800. Clare Moody, Clare Communications PR. Tel: +44 (0) 161 839 0226; E-mail: clare@clarecomms.demon.co.uk