Application cases · Automotive interior handling
Automotive Headliner Turning and Assembly Application
A column-mounted pneumatic industrial manipulator with large-area vacuum tooling supports automotive headliners at multiple suction points for lifting, horizontal movement, turning and assembly alignment, reducing the burden of manually supporting large parts.
- Tooling
- Large-area vacuum turning tooling
Automotive interior handlingApplication overview
Automotive headliners have a large surface area and relatively low rigidity, so assembly requires both support and orientation control. This system combines a column-mounted pneumatic industrial manipulator with large-area vacuum turning tooling. Multiple suction points distribute the load, the manipulator assists with carrying the weight, and the operator guides pickup, turning and assembly alignment, reducing repeated manual support and changes of hand position.
System configuration
| Workpiece | Automotive headliners and large interior trim parts |
|---|---|
| Workpiece characteristics | Lightweight and large-area, with surfaces and shape requiring protection |
| Equipment arrangement | Column-mounted pneumatic industrial manipulator |
| Tooling | Large-area vacuum turning tooling |
| Main motions | Vacuum gripping, lifting, horizontal movement, turning and assembly alignment |
| Workstations | Automotive interior assembly, final-assembly pick-and-place and turning stations |
Configuration features
- Multiple suction points are distributed across the workpiece surface to spread local loads and reduce the concentrated pressure associated with manually supporting large interior parts.
- The manipulator assists with supporting the workpiece weight while the operator guides its position using a handle, reducing repetitive lifting and prolonged manual support.
- The turning mechanism works with the vacuum tooling to change the workpiece orientation while maintaining the vacuum grip, connecting pickup, turning and assembly alignment.
Operating sequence
- Guide the vacuum tooling above the headliner, align the suction points with the contact areas, and seat the cups against the workpiece surface.
- Activate the vacuum grip. Once it is stable, slowly lift the workpiece until the entire headliner is clear of its original supports.
- Guide the manipulator horizontally toward the assembly area, adjust the headliner orientation using the turning mechanism, then align it with the assembly position.
- Slowly place the headliner onto the assembly supports. Release the vacuum after the workpiece is supported, then withdraw the tooling.
Selection and configuration
- Cup material, quantity and distribution can be selected for the headliner surface and area, accounting for cup contact and the distribution of loads on the workpiece.
- Adjustable vacuum tooling or quick-change tooling can be selected for multiple models, covering the corresponding headliner sizes and contact positions.
- Manipulator coverage and the turning mechanism can be configured for the pick-and-place heights, target orientation and assembly space to suit the workstation layout.
Frequently asked questions
How does large-area vacuum tooling support a headliner?
Several suction points contact the headliner surface and distribute support across the relevant areas. The manipulator assists with lifting and the turning mechanism adjusts the orientation, reducing concentrated manual pressure on the workpiece.
How is the equipment used with a different headliner model?
Adjustable vacuum tooling or quick-change tooling can be selected. During changeover, use the tooling layout for the corresponding size and adjust the contact positions before gripping, lifting and turning.
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Share the workpiece name, weight per workpiece, dimensions and pick-and-place motions, and an engineer will recommend a manipulator arrangement, working range and end tooling. Drawings and site photographs can be sent by email or WeChat.
