FANUC Cobots Save Production Space and Costs at Flex-N-Gate
Flex‑N‑Gate improved inspection efficiency and reduced costs by using FANUC cobots to replace complex, space‑consuming camera systems.
Challenges
- Ensure products meet quality standards requires monitoring by expensive equipment
- Work around the use of traditional robots that require substantial space and fencing to safeguard equipment and workers
- Create an environment where employees are comfortable working with robots
Results
Story
Before integrating FANUC collaborative robots into their facility, Flex-N-Gate needed to install costly camera systems to monitor product consistency. Instead of installing upwards of 10 cameras at each station (with cameras costing up to $10,000 a piece), they can use a single camera with a FANUC Cobot, which moves the camera where it needs to be to inspect the process.
With FANUC Cobots, Flex-N-Gate has improved the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality of their production processes. Because Cobots are collaborative and safe to use, they don’t need to be caged off, unlike other larger robots, and they take up minimal floor space, leaving more room for clear pathways and other equipment.
My dealings with the FANUC robots thus far have been nothing but great because we have very, very little downtime. They’re compact, they’re small, but they’re mighty.
Jeremy Ferris Assembly Supervisor – Flex-N-GateWhat I’ve noticed about the collaborative robots is that they’re really easy for the operators to work around and with.
Mike Lambert Controls Technician – Flex-N-GateFANUC Products Used
CR-7iA
The CR‑7iA is a compact collaborative robot handling up to 7 kg, with 911 mm reach, ideal for assembly, machine tending and palletizing in fence‑free setups.
- Max Payload:
- 7 kg
- Reach:
- 717 mm
About Flex-N-Gate
Flex-N-Gate began in 1956 with aftermarket parts and transitioned to O.E. in 1968, focusing on providing the highest quality systems and parts to the automotive industry. Today, they primarily manufacture car bumpers with the same quality standard around the world.
As innovators who strive to provide defect-free products, Flex-N-Gate offers comprehensive solutions to their customers with resources and services, including product engineering, project management, testing, stamping, welding, molding, painting, plating, assembly, and shipping.
