Atlas Copco innovates in joining technologies and connected manufacturing
The critical importance of maintaining a constant temperature of battery packs for electric vehicles is one example where innovations from Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions are helping manufacturers to overcome complex challenges, which will be showcased by the Atlas Copco team at MACH
In regard to the tightening process for securing the cells into the battery pack, Atlas Copco’s Smart Integrated Assembly approach features operator guidance and error-proofing solutions to improve ‘right first time’ throughput and drive down the cost of rework and lost downtime. With operator safety a priority, the company has also mitigated the risk of high voltages running through its tooling with the development of isolated sockets, insulated tool covers, quick change adapters and other accessories to protect operators and equipment.
To help companies extract value from their data, reduce costs, improve efficiency and productivity, Atlas Copco has also launched a pioneering application, which harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to identify risks in production before they occur. The ALTURE app (ALTernate FutURE) analyses raw data captured from smart tooling and integrated controllers (only tool data, result data and tightening traces are collected), to predict error trends which may disrupt production or affect product quality. ALTURE underpins Atlas Copco’s Smart Integrated Assembly philosophy with the objective of error-proofing the production line, in order to avoid costly product rework or downtime.
The ALTURE app delivers real-time line performance notifications, as well as any ‘Not OK’ (NOK) tightening trends and recommendations for process improvement. Feedback from over fifty of Atlas Copco’s global customers during a 12-month trial confirmed that the smartphone app was the simplest and fastest means of delivering real-time information, enabling personnel on the shop floor to counterstrike any emerging issues. One of Atlas Copco’s US-based customers achieved cost savings of more than $300,000 in avoidable downtime and maintenance after just three months of using ALTURE.
Just because you’re doing something one way, it doesn’t mean that the data won’t show you a better way of doing it. ALTURE looks for opportunities for manufacturers to improve quality and processes that may not be so obvious. There is so much data that is being collected for the sake of it, and we want to use that to unlock more efficient ways of doing things, which provide a host of benefits, including reduced energy and material wastage.
Commenting on the value of predicting trends using data
Atlas Copco is at the forefront of innovating assembly solutions which deliver quicker, safer, smarter and more cost-efficient productivity. Through the use of data-led connected tooling solutions, we help manufacturers to speed up the dispensing, tightening and joining processes, as well as improving quality and performance. This integrated approach results in a ‘right time first time’ throughput, reduced re-work and ultimately, reduced costs.
Commenting on its latest innovations in support of more efficient and sustainable manufacturing, which will be showcased at MACH
