Robot installation at Väderstad
Eksar AB, in collaboration with ABB Robotics, completed the largest robot installation for surface treatment in the Nordics outside of the automotive sector, expanding the automation capabilities at Väderstad AB.
Väderstad AB is a Swedish company that develops and manufactures innovative agricultural machinery. Known for its high-quality equipment, Väderstad helps farmers worldwide enhance productivity and sustainability through advanced solutions for soil preparation and planting. The company focuses on combining innovation with reliability to meet the evolving needs of modern agriculture.
Before this installation, surface treatment processes at Väderstad AB were largely manual and time-consuming, requiring significant labor and leading to variable results. The new robotic system was implemented to increase efficiency, improve consistency, and reduce the physical strain on employees.
Installation details
The newly installed robotic system at Väderstad AB consists of eight advanced robots mounted on rails, strategically positioned across four separate cells. Each cell is designed to handle a specific part of the surface treatment process, ensuring precision and efficiency throughout.
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Cell 4 is responsible for the topcoat finishing, applying a smooth, protective layer that meets high-quality standards.
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Cell 2 focuses on blow-off after blasting, ensuring that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and free of debris before proceeding to the next stage
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Cell 1 is dedicated to laser cleaning, where the robots use high-powered lasers to remove contaminants and prepare surfaces for coating.
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Cell 3 manages the application of primer, providing a uniform base layer that enhances adhesion and durability of the topcoat.
This system allows for seamless transitions between each stage of the surface treatment process, significantly improving overall production efficiency and consistency.
Results and Benefits
Since implementing the robotic system, Väderstad AB has seen several measurable improvements:
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Increased Efficiency: The automated process has reduced the time required for surface treatment by 40%, significantly speeding up production.
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Improved Quality: The robots provide consistent and uniform application of coatings, reducing rework and material waste by 20%.
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Enhanced Safety: By automating the more strenuous and hazardous tasks, employee exposure to potentially harmful environments has been minimized, contributing to a safer workplace.
"The robotic system has significantly boosted our productivity and enhanced the quality of our surface treatments. We've been able to streamline our processes and reduce waste, which has been a major improvement for us," says Maria Svensson, Production Manager at Väderstad AB.
Successful Partnership
The partnership between Eksar AB, ABB Robotics, Wåhlins Svets AB, and Väderstad AB was crucial to the successful implementation of the new robotic system. Eksar AB's automation expertise, combined with ABB's advanced robotics technology and Wåhlins Svets AB's skill in constructing robust frameworks, ensured that the project was completed efficiently and to a high standard. This collaboration has enabled Väderstad AB to enhance its production capabilities and set a new benchmark in surface treatment processes.
"Working with Väderstad AB, ABB Robotics, and Wåhlins Svets AB has been a great experience, and I am proud of the efficiency and quality improvements the new robotic system has brought to their operations. This project showcases our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet our clients' needs," says Pelle Andersson, CEO of Eksar AB.
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