Beslag & Metall was among the first in Sweden to use SMC’s wireless communication system in 2016, driven by curiosity and a strong relationship with SMC. The success of the system has led to several implementations, thanks to its reliability and the advantages of wireless communication in the company’s mobile and demanding applications.
Comprehensive signal handling and mobile applications in constant change
As a subcontractor to the automotive industry, Beslag & Metall is constantly ready to adapt its production cells to customer needs. The adaptation is done either by rebuilding existing cells or by using completely new, turnkey cells. Often, there are many sensor signals that need to be handled in combination with large industrial robots in constant motion, continuous tool change and rotating welding fixtures. ”You know for sure that the communication cable will break sooner or later,” says Simon Rosenqvist, automation engineer at Beslag & Metall.
SMC’s wireless system is trouble-free and easy to expand
The first wireless system from SMC was put into operation in 2016, and since then several more have been added. Curiosity and the desire to try something new were important driving forces that in the beginning and with 8 years of experience, you can state that the benefits are obvious. The wireless EX system from SMC is a direct response to the requirements of mobile applications and welding environments.
”SMC’s wireless system allows us to use simpler and more cost-effective tool changers, where the only entries are one for air and one for 24V voltage supply. The system works completely trouble-free and can easily be expanded with more units along the way, which means we don’t need to have additional wiring.” says Simon. ”We have previously replaced existing systems with SMC’s wireless to avoid cable and connector breakage, and now wireless is the first choice for us in mobile applications”.
”We actually use wireless even in fixed installations, although it may not be necessary as the system is so simple and robust that we prefer it over cable.” says Simon.
Future-proof with compact, wireless devices in upcoming robot cells
For the latest, turnkey robot cells, Beslag & Metall has chosen SMC’s compact, wireless devices because there were no signals on the grippers. ”The compact units can be placed almost anywhere and are exactly what we’ve been lacking but now have.” says Simon, concluding with ”We have future-proofed the cells by making sure we can easily add more wireless modules when we rebuild or expand them”.
Beslag & Metall is a family business in Ekenässjön in Sweden, which produces and supplies components primarily for the automotive industry. Production is built up in departments such as pressing, welding, surface treatment and assembly. The company was founded in 1938 and has extensive experience in manufacturing large quantities of complex items in materials such as steel, aluminium, stainless steel and brass.
