Development of a large control unit for the operation of the VIBROBOT® treatment baths

In order to operate the process valves and cylinders for the various processing functions of the VIBROBOT® in the electroplating technology, TRI-MATIC Engineering developed a large control unit with a modular EB80 valve terminal, a maintenance unit, pneumatic hoses and fittings for STS Industrie SA. Outsourcing the assembly work to TRI-MATIC reduces the customer's workload.

STS Industrie SA plans and realises systems for surface treatment and customised customer solutions in the field of electroplating. The automated systems come from a single source, from concept to production and from programming to commissioning.

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Initial situation/Challenges for the customer

The VIBROBOT® bath transfer was developed several decades ago in the field of electroplating technology. In 2020, STS Industrie SA took over the machine division of VIBROBOT AG in order to expand its product range. With the takeover, the production of the VIBROBOT machine passed into the hands of STS Industrie SA.

As the pneumatic control system no longer met current requirements, TRI-MATIC was allowed to develop a more robust solution.

We benefit greatly from the reduction in ordering and assembly work.
Patrick Schopfer
Technical Manager at STS Industrie SA

Solution

The aim was to pneumatically control all available operating options of the VIBROBOT® machine with a single pneumatic valve terminal. The valve terminal is used to operate the process valves and cylinders for the various treatment baths.

TRI-MATIC Engineering therefore developed a large control unit with a modular EB80 valve terminal, a maintenance unit, pneumatic hoses and fittings on a PP plate. After STS Industrie SA sent us the pneumatic diagram, we were able to install the entire pneumatic plate.

The 24V power supply is sufficient, as only a few valves are switched at the same time. The EtherCAT connection can be controlled directly via the valve terminal. The EtherCAT protocol is suitable for hard and soft real-time requirements. The focus is on short cycle times.

The customer can now install the compact, pneumatic control panel directly in the VIBROBOT® machine and quickly and easily connect the machine components at the appropriate points. TRI-MATIC labels all outputs on the panel in accordance with the requirements of STS Industrie SA.

Results

With the pneumatic control panel, STS Industrie SA now has a single item on which the entire pneumatic distribution system is mounted. By outsourcing the assembly work from STS Industrie SA to TRI-MATIC, the customer is relieved on the one hand. On the other hand, this type of assembly work is one of TRI-MATIC's core competences.

For Patrick Schopfer, Technical Manager at STS Industrie SA, one thing is clear: “We benefit greatly from the reduction in ordering and assembly work.” STS Industrie SA uses the free resources to focus on its core competences and respond to the ever-increasing challenges of its customers.