Tube Transfer

Robots transfer tubes from work station to work station through a number of steps. Tubes undergo inspection, deburring, heating, bending and racking operations. At some stages in the process, the tubes are presented to operators for handling. At other points, tubes are heated or bent entirely by automation and operators are kept back at a safe distance.

Robot programmers will juggle a large number of tasks within demanding cycle times. The robot might place a tube at one station, then, transfer tubes between two other stations before returning for the first tube. Tubes may be placed in a cooling rack then picked up again after many cycles. The geometry of each tube changes as it is bent and drilled at successive stations. Rejected tubes can be dropped out of the sequence without disruption.