Raw material processing in manufacturing plants, particularly those dealing with complex procedures and diverse materials, demands efficient material management and tracking. The intricacies of transporting materials between processing nodes require precision and timeliness to avoid disruptions in the production process. Traditional manual methods not only incur high costs but also struggle to ensure precise control over processing progress, leading to uneven workload distribution and managerial challenges. In this context, implementing a sustainable workflow becomes crucial for raw material processing plants.
In a recent case within the machinery manufacturing industry, VisionNav played a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. Our client, dedicated to researching and producing a range of industrial products, including special alloy pipes, rods, wires, bimetallic composite pipes, and pipe fittings, faced the complexity of a large factory area with multiple processing procedures and varying raw material specifications.
To enhance the efficiency of material transportation and reduce manual operation costs, the client opted for VisionNav's intralogistics automation solution. The goal was to facilitate the automatic transportation of raw materials between different workshops.
VisionNav Solution
The project involved diverse processes such as laser cutting, adhesive coating, hydraulic pressing, and heat treatment. VisionNav introduced the VNT30 Pallet Jack AGV along with the Robot Control System (RCS) 2.0, connecting multiple processing procedures for point-to-point automatic material transportation.
A single-channel main passage was strategically equipped with avoidance points, allowing seamless maneuvering when two Pallet Jacks crossed paths.
Integration for Seamless Workflow
VisionNav's RCS 2.0 seamlessly integrated with the client's Warehouse Management System (WMS). This integration collected material transportation requirements, issued tasks, and synchronously updated material data. The VNT30, with a rated load capacity of 3000kg, proved suitable for long-distance transportation of heavy loads, ensuring timely material delivery.
Stages of Material Transportation
Laser Cutting - Adhesive Coating
After laser cutting, the AGV dispatched by RCS 2.0 picked up materials from the temporary storage area and transported them to the adhesive coating area..
Adhesive Coating - Hydraulic Pressing
Coated materials were picked up by VNT30 and transported to the hydraulic pressing temporary storage area.
Hydraulic Pressing - Heat Treatment - Hydraulic Pressing
Throughout multiple processes, the AGV responded promptly to system dispatch, picking up raw materials during each stage of processing.
Hydraulic Pressing - Temporary Storage Area
Once raw materials transformed into semi-finished products, VNT30 transported them to the factory's temporary storage area, completing the semi-finished product storage process.
Logistics Better
VisionNav's intralogistics automation solution not only overcame transportation challenges but also provided real-time monitoring of raw material consumption and processing progress. The VNT30 facilitated the automatic transportation of materials between different processes, enhancing internal workflow efficiency, reducing labor costs, and supporting sustainable manufacturing logistics operations.