Transport of large, heavy components

Efficient material handling is a key factor for productivity and competitiveness in modern manufacturing companies. System integrator MWES therefore relies on the RTU (Robot Transfer Unit) from Rollon for heavy-duty handling – and implements high-performance solutions for precise pick-and-place processes.

Founded in 1991, MWES (Midwest Engineered Systems) specializes as a system integrator in highly complex projects. With a strong focus on innovation and a practical approach, the company develops customized, high-end solutions for the manufacturing industry. A leading industrial manufacturer approached MWES with a particular challenge: the automation of the precise handling of large, heavy sheet metal parts.

Precise Handling of Large and Heavy Components

The process involved lifting, positioning, and transporting massive components with high precision and reliability. The Fanuc M-2000iA/900L was used. Its own weight of 9.6 tons and maximum payload of 900 kg required a particularly robust robot transfer unit capable of handling these loads permanently without compromising dynamics and precision. At the same time, the system had to guarantee high process reliability and short cycle times – two crucial factors in material handling.

Rollon's steel RTU: Robust, low-maintenance, efficient

The automation specialists at MWES found the perfect solution at Rollon, one of the world's leading full-service providers of linear drive technology: a 10-meter-long steel RTUn 2000 system that safely supports both the weight of the Fanuc robot and the components being moved. Rollon's RTU significantly extends the robot's operating range and enables it to handle multiple stations without repositioning. Thanks to its modular design, the Robot Transfer Unit can be precisely adapted to the layout and process, while low-maintenance components reduce downtime and operating costs.

Optimized Pick-and-Place Processes

Thanks to MWES' automation expertise and Rollon's high-quality linear technology, the customer's pick-and-place processes were fully automated, resulting in significant and measurable improvements in productivity, accuracy, and safety. The RTU (Rapid Transducer Unit) meets current requirements while also offering flexibility for future upgrades and expansions. For MWES, the collaboration with Rollon strengthens its ability to implement customized automation solutions and offer high-performance, scalable systems for the long term.