The number of solutions installed in Chongqing rises to 7, bringing the Chinese plant closer to its goal of doubling output capacity This project also delivers full integration with factory logistics, from LGV transfers to robotic handling
Duravit, a world-leading producer of high-quality designer sanitaryware, is installing two new SACMI robotic glazing lines in China, taking the number of solutions at its Chongqing production facility to 7.
These twin lines go into production alongside a new tunnel kiln supplied by Riedhammer. One of the key features of this project is full integration with factory logistics: articles are delivered to the glazing stations by laser-guided vehicles (LGVs), which pick them from the casting zone after completion of finishing tasks by workers.
To optimize routing, the LGV control system communicates with the casting zone. Each glazing line consists of a GA-OL robot produced by Gaiotto - the SACMI Group company that specializes in industrial automation solutions - and has a dry filter to retrieve excess glaze. Prior to glazing, the article is passed through the 4 inspection booths by two handling robots.
All operations are optimized thanks to an intermediate buffer between the inspection stations and the glazing booths. At the outfeed the glazed item is placed on a conveyor where it undergoes foot cleaning before being delivered to the worker, who loads it directly onto the kiln cars.
Start-up of these new Duravit China lines was completed quickly thanks to the tried-and-tested offline programming software that optimizes robot trajectories, thus shortening spray times and reducing overspray.
This investment in two new SACMI RobotGlaze lines is a key part of Duravit China's plan to double output capacity at the Chongqing plant, raising it to 2 million pieces per year. It should also be noted that this stage of the project is part of a wider Duravit manufacturing vision that, with the Chinese plant, is setting the standard for 4.0 automation in the sanitaryware industry.