A flexible automation system was developed to apply an ultraviolet (UV) curable sealant to a family of thermoelectric coolers. The system uses a bar code system to identify incoming component pallets and automatically configure the system for that specific part. The system consisted of an Adept 550 SCARA robot, pre-heat station, dispensing end effector with tip compensation, and UV cure station.
The system allowed the company to change their entire manufacturing philosophy from a batch mode production environment to a more dynamic mixed mode production environment.