USIMINAS, a prominent player in Brazil's flat-rolled steel market, has upgraded its coil marking system by integrating collaborative robotics. The previous system, which relied on rollers and servomotors, was costly to maintain and inefficient, resulting in prolonged marking times.
To address these issues, USIMINAS explored collaborative robotics as a solution to enhance speed and precision in their marking processes. After conducting thorough market research, the company carried out proof-of-concept and pilot tests, all yielding positive results, leading to the implementation of the collaborative robot within their manufacturing facility.
One of the main challenges was the complexity of the marking process, which required operators to manage the machines easily. The new system needed to be faster and simpler while automatically identifying coil sizes during marking. Additionally, integrating QR codes was essential for improving traceability in subsequent stages.
To meet these challenges, USIMINAS selected the UR10e collaborative robot from Universal Robots, now upgraded to the UR12e. This robot has effectively applied paint to metal coils, resulting in significant outcomes. The factory has saved R$130,000 annually on paint costs and has marked over 100,000 coils to date. Moreover, workplace safety has improved, as workers are no longer required to manually mark heavy and sharp coils weighing up to 45 tons.
The UR10e's compact design occupies less than one square meter, including the paint reservoir, and operates with minimal energy consumption—less than that of a standard coffee maker. This efficient use of space and resources has made it a valuable asset in the factory.
According to Geraldo Maia, Cold Rolling Manager at USIMINAS, this project has opened new possibilities for the steel industry, demonstrating that innovative solutions can lead to substantial operational improvements. Fernanda Ferreira, an Innovation Specialist at USIMINAS, emphasized the transformative potential of the technology.
This strategic shift towards automation not only enhances productivity but also improves employee well-being and retention, addressing labor shortages in the industry.
For more information, visit Universal Robots.