Two market leaders in their respective fields, S+P Samson and BM Group Polytec, have combined their individual strengths in a cooperation that will enable them to supply robotic systems together for identification in industrial processes. The fully automated robotic tagging system is based on the extremely robust and heat-resistant labels and tags supplied by S+P Samson and has been specially designed for the demanding ambient conditions of the steel industry, while the tried and tested robot systems are provided by Polytec robotics, world leader in smart robotics for steel industry.
The benefits of intelligent identification in production and processing
Industrial identification systems with printed barcodes, Data Matrix codes or integrated RFID inlays enable full and continuous material traceability, from the receipt of the raw materials to manufacturing in the production area and, finally, despatch. The efficiency potentials of RFID technology are of particular interest here, as it enables contactless and automated identification and locating of components, products and materials, even from a distance and without any manual scanning processes. The continuous monitoring provided by the identification not only improves process reliability in production by reducing potential sources of error. A quicker and more reliable identification of the individual products also speeds up sub-processes, which in turn increases efficiency and productivity overall in the company. This also enables digital documentation, which facilitates traceability and opens up further potentials for optimisation with regard to smart technology initiatives such as Industry 4.0.
Special requirements for identification systems in the steel industry
The steel industry is characterised by particularly difficult environment conditions. Raw materials and components often have rough surfaces which affects the adhesion of the labels. Other factors are extreme heat and heavy soiling which means additional stress for the data carriers. In addition, time pressure in production processes is often so great that the entire identification process, i.e. applying the labels, must not take more than a few seconds.
Automated steel products’ identification and tagging robot supplied by BM Group Polytec and S+P Samson.
The basis of the innovative automated identification system for the steel industry are the highly robust special GRAPHIPLAST®labels and tags supplied by S+P Samson. These plastic labels and tags for the identification of products and materials are extremely resilient, oil repellent, tear-resistant, weather-resistant and can resist temperatures up to 580°C. As an added benefit, the high-tech labels and tags can be printed easily using conventional IT printing systems. The labels and tags are then attached by Polytec Robotics’ tried and tested smart robots which have been specially adapted for identification applications.
Identification sequence:
- To ensure that the sensitive printer technology does not get too close to the hot and dirty environment, the label or tag moves on an adjustable rail to the robotic arm in a fully automated process. Controlled by software and a laser, the arm then takes over the exact positioning on the product part.
- Depending on the temperature of the part, the labels are then either directly attached to the part using an adhesive, or the robot arm first welds a small pin to the part which is then used to attach the tag.
- It therefore only takes a few seconds to complete one fully automated identification operation.
- The new, robot-based identification solution is not just suitable for the steel industry, but can easily be transferred to other sectors and areas with equally demanding requirements. A range of different and customised identification solutions can be implemented for these applications.
About S+P Samson: Market leader for robust industrial identification systems
Based in Kissing in Southern Germany, S+P Samson are specialists and leaders in the global market for industrial identification technologies in difficult ambient conditions. The company has been developing new, innovative solutions for the permanent identification of products and materials in industrial processes for over 40 years. S+P Samson’s GRAPHIPLAST®, STRUCTOBOND®, and FORTOBOND® brands are known all over the world for their outstanding quality. A particular strength of the company is its strong innovative capacity for the development of individual, customised solutions and complete identification concepts.