A second ADS machine equipped with robot is started up for the production of modern shower trays with reduced thickness.
A further step towards total automation of casting and handling operations to increase productivity and logistical efficiency.
Teramo-based company Hatria, leader in the sanitaryware and bathroom design sector and renowned for innovation and its Made in Italy production, has doubled output on the shower tray casting line. A second SACMI ADS machine has recently been successfully tested and started up. This new equipment is dedicated to the manufacture of modern thin shower trays in various sizes including up to 140x90 cm,the most popular format on the market.
Hatria has been implementing SACMI technology for all stages of the production cycle for more than twenty years. This latest expansion not only increases productivity but is also a decisive move in the direction of complete automation of all casting and handling operations.
Served by a robot, the cell can work with up to 9 moulds of various models and can be run without an operator on board the machine thanks to the integration of the robot operations with handling movements controlled by LGVs. The robot itself deposits the pieces on the car after demoulding. The pieces are then transferred on to the next stages of production and, in particular, to the cell for inspection of white pieces before glazing.
All pick-up movements and deposit onto the car are carried out by fork handling devices to simplify operations – reducing the number of movements required – and completely eliminating the need for supports. Two product lines are planned; one traditional (classic gloss glazed plates) and one imitating the effects of natural stone. From this point of view, for the production of moulds, Hatria turned to SACMI digital modelling and the new “by tooling” techniques i.e. the direct milling of blocks of porous resin inside a CNC machining cell.
At full capacity, the increase in productivity will reach 350 pieces per year in the varied production mix, with a significant improvement in logistics (fewer transfers and handling operations during the loading and unloading stages, total automation).