How to Achieve Both Speed and Precision for Automated Loading & Unloading of Ultra-Thin Automotive Sheet Metal Parts

Recently, Transfer Technology helped a major automotive component enterprise realize automated loading and unloading of multi-size ultra-thin sheet metal parts for welding. The vision system achieves a cycle time within 5 seconds, greatly boosting handling efficiency and cutting labor input.

01 Customer Project Background

Automotive sheet metal parts feature complex shapes, multiple dimensions and stringent precision requirements. Conventional loading and unloading still heavily relies on manual operation, which suffers from low efficiency and tends to cause positioning errors and workpiece damage. The customer’s production line handles 8 specifications of sheet metal parts, all thinner than 2 mm. These thin workpieces are prone to deformation and tight adhesion, and their reflective surfaces bring great challenges to 3D vision recognition.

02 Transfer Technology Solution

Tailored to on-site production conditions and customer demands, Transfer Technology, together with partners, deployed an integrated solution: Epic Eye S-M Air 3D Camera + Vision Software + Robotic Arm with Suction Cups. The 3D vision system identifies sheet metal components and guides the robot to complete loading and unloading.

Camera Advantages

• Medium field of view with high precision

• Suitable for recognition, positioning and 3D reconstruction of small and medium-sized objects

• Proprietary phase compensation algorithm reduces point cloud fluctuation by 50%

• Working distance range: 600 mm – 1600 mm

03 Project Highlights

Epic Eye S-M Air delivers high precision and generates high-quality point clouds for reflective sheet metal parts under 2 mm thick, supporting reliable recognition of 8 types of ultra-thin sheet metal parts.

Furthermore, the on-site vision system maintains a repeatability accuracy of ±0.8 mm. The 3D vision-guided robot realizes stable picking, minimizing repeated adjustment and correction work and lifting overall line efficiency.

For automated production lines, loading & unloading cycle time is a decisive factor for productivity. After automation upgrading, the vision cycle time is controlled within 5 seconds. The solution substantially improves handling efficiency and strengthens the flexibility and agility of the production line.