‘Keep on truckin’… Creform low profile AGV ideal for in-plant truck frame transport
Creform has introduced an unusually long version…measuring 17′ L x 30″ W x 39″ T…of its model CA-B50100-NSI, Bi-directional AGV. The AGV is used to transport light truck frames for a repeat automotive assembly customer. It measures approximately 17 ft. long to accommodate the truck frames. It was custom designed and built by Creform with fabricated steel for strength and durability.
The model is bi-directional with Creform bolt-on drives, with each end of the AGV following a guidepath independently to ensure accurate and repeatable tracking and to provide greater flexibility of movement. It travels along an approximate 700 ft. guidepath, with frame detecting proximity sensors included for added safety. The dual drive wheels also give this AGV high load capacity and the ability to travel laterally, useful for space restrictive areas and to allow the AGV to side shift into an interface position either for an automated lift, or personnel. The unit comes with powered engage/disengage to raise/lower drive wheels. When the drive wheels are raised, the AGV can be repositioned by a couple of associates.
The AGV runs two shifts per day and is loaded by forklift and unloaded by robotic lift. The route, moving frames from the incoming receipt area to the assembly line, features eight stops. The vehicle stops automatically and starts when released by the traffic control system. It is part of a 15-vehicle system, and the traffic control system is connected to the plant’s overall production system for complete integration.
An opportunity charging system minimizes the need for the user to change batteries. With each circuit of the guidepath, batteries are automatically charged by just pulling into the charging stations positioned along the route. No human intervention is necessary. This provides production efficiencies of automation and safe handling.
The unit can travel at speeds up to 50 M/min. and has a load capacity of 750 lb. The Creform AGV provides for 50-course programming, 128 command capability using HMI screen located at one end of the AGV. This unit includes I/O monitoring, course programming, error messages, and error log and has an electro-mechanical emergency and parking braking system, and is powered by 24V batteries. It reads floor-mounted RFID tags for position feedback as well as command tapes adjacent to the magnetic tape guidepath. Onboard radio equipment to maintain contact with the traffic control system.
The unit meets safety CAT3 requirements, comes with 16-view laser scanners for obstacle detection, flashing lights, E-stops, and an audible warning.
Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency-enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing and implementing these programs.
