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Smart Pallet Handling for Variety of Requirements



The PHS cell control system bundles resources.

Liebherr implements flexible automation systems with a broad product portfolio.

Set-up station and control system for the pallet handling system.

Liebherr offers a variety of pallet handling solutions to suit a variety of requirements.

The PHS Pro pallet handling system is a comprehensive, freely scalable automation system with the capability for customer-specific adaptation for large and complex manufacturing lines.

A modular version of the PHS Pro is the PHS Allround. "The PHS Allround, with its standard components in an intelligent platform, makes it easier for smaller companies or automation newbies to get started without having to compromise on functionality," said Agnes Schauppel, Automation Systems Product Manager.

With its basic modular concept, the PHS Allround combines the advantages of a standard product with step-by-step expansion options for loading a wide variety of machines. The system is available in three different weights, with optional variants available facilitating front access, double loading or extra-long stroke, for example.

Pallet handling systems manipulate workpieces on uniform transport pallets. This makes them an ideal automation system for one-off and small batch manufacturing, facilitating unmanned shifts through to lights-out manufacturing and enabling unit costs to be reduced by up to 40% and machine running times increased to up to 90% percent, the company reported.

A wide range of applications and combinations are possible, as the following three applications demonstrate.

PHS Allround Automates Measuring Machines

The modular PHS Allround can be expanded in 1 m increments and links up to four machines. The ends of the system can also be used, allowing machines to be connected to any side of the system and-due to the slim telescopic fork-loaded directly. It even works in unusual applications. At a measuring system service provider in southern Germany, the PHS Allround automates a measuring machine as opposed to a machining center. Liebherr developed a control system for connecting the measuring machine and programmed the customer-specific software interface.

PHS Pro: Fully Automatic Set-Up and Machining

In 2021, Liebherr installed a PHS Pro with a high degree of automation for a manufacturing system with medium quantities and many workpiece variants at a manufacturer of components for mechanical and plant engineering. In this case, three robot cells feed workpiece blanks into the system, sort them and set them up on pallets fully automatically. The vision system used recognizes 20 different workpiece variants. The PHS then picks up the clamped parts and supplies them to the machining centers. The appropriate tools for machining are managed in a central memory and delivered to the machines by a distribution system. After machining, the workpieces are automatically clamped, cleaned and can be discharged again. An intelligent cell control system coordinates the entire material flow.

RLS: Buffer Storage with Bin Picking

At Renault's Cléon site, Liebherr implemented a special solution with a rotary loading system (RLS) on a manufacturing line for crank shafts. In this case, a buffer store for material pallets was combined with a robot system for bin picking at the line entrance. The software for this, LHRoboticsVision, also comes from Liebherr.

For more information contact:

Liebherr Gear Technology, Inc.

1465 Woodland Drive

Saline, MI 48176-1259

734-944-6334

info.lgt@liebherr.com

www.liebherr.com

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