Close collaboration on projects with extra high demands.
Nomo Automation has a close, long-standing collaboration with Ecmec and has delivered linear solutions and automation components to several of Ecmec’s projects for over 15 years.
The collaboration is built on trust, presence and a close technical exchange. Over the years, Joakim Lövgren, Product Manager for linear technology at Nomo Automation, has been a natural part of many projects at Ecmec – often on site to discuss solutions, test ideas and solve technical challenges together with designers and automation engineers.
The latest collaboration between Nomo Automation and Ecmec is a custom electromechanical rivet press, developed for a customer with very high demands on precision, flexibility and safety.
Rivet press with an electromechanical solution gave greater flexibility.
Photo: Ecmec
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The rivet press is used to join plates where both press force and positioning must be controlled with high accuracy. The end customer’s specification included several different rivet sizes, varying material hardness and different combinations of plate thicknesses. Another requirement was that the machine operator could switch quickly between programs and recipes via the HMI. In addition, the press depth had to be adjustable very precisely, with an accuracy of 1/100 mm.
At the start, preliminary studies were carried out on an older hydraulic press. Hydraulics can deliver high force, but the ability to control and program the movement with the same precision is considerably more limited. Based on the tolerance requirements and the need for exact control, the preliminary study gave a clear result – the final solution needed to be fully electromechanical. The studies also made it possible to test complementary functions early, including laser positioning of the rivet before pressing. This helped identify and solve several potential problems at an early stage of development.
“Our strength lies in developing solutions where there is no ready-made path yet. The machine is unique of its kind,” says Daniel Eklund, CEO at Ecmec.
At the same time, Ecmec sees great potential in the solution. If the installation goes well, further orders for the machine from the end customer may follow. “Other companies should also be interested in similar solutions, with the same high demands on setting options, flexibility and safety,” Daniel continues.
“Our strength lies in developing solutions where there is no ready-made path yet. The machine is unique of its kind.”
Components and safety from one and the same supplier.
Photo: Ecmec
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Nomo Automation is a certified partner of Bosch Rexroth and has delivered several of the central components in the machine. The solution includes rails, carriages, electric cylinders, motor drive systems and cabling. The requirements on these components are high and complex. Nomo Automation meets them with fast and flexible deliveries, high safety and the right quality.
Safety is another central part of the project and is built entirely on Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX Automation platform. The machine operator works close to the riveting process itself, which places high demands on both monitoring and safe stop functions.
To meet these requirements, a safety PLC and advanced safety functions were integrated into the control system. The solution was programmed by Ecmec’s automation engineer John Karlsson.
This type of electromechanical press is also becoming a modern alternative to older eccentric presses, where it is considerably harder to reach the same level of safety. In recent years, demand for electromechanics and integrated automation solutions has increased significantly across the industry. The advantages include higher precision, better controllability and easier integration between different systems.
“In this case, many different components were delivered by us at Nomo Automation for a relatively small machine. When you build the solution from one supplier and within the same platform, you get access to all built-in functions and a considerably smoother system flow,” says Joakim Lövgren.
For companies that want to evaluate electromechanical press solutions, Nomo Automation offers the opportunity to borrow a larger electric press for tests and preliminary studies. Contact Joakim Lövgren at joakim.lovgren@nomo.se for more information.
Ecmec – Family business focused on special machines.
Ecmec in Växjö develops and builds special machines and fixtures for the manufacturing industry in several different sectors. The company is family-owned and has always focused on customised solutions where standard machines are not enough.
At the time of the interview, the press had recently been delivered to the end customer in Småland, and test runs and running-in were in full swing with very good results.
Nomo Automation – Nordic expertise in motion and industrial automation.
Nomo Automation is a business area within Nomo Group and offers solutions in linear technology, motion control and industrial automation. With a broad range and deep technical expertise, Nomo Automation delivers everything from individual components to complete automation solutions for demanding industrial applications.
