Dürr and Kuka, both leading manufacturers in the fields of production and automation technology, have joined forces: together they have developed an integrated solution for automated paint application in the form of a compact robot for the use in the general industry. While the robot comes from Kuka, Dürr provides the paint application technology. Pre-installed and ready-to-spray, the robot contains fully compatible, tried-and-tested components and offers a unique combination in the market. It is perfectly suited to the requirements of general industry. Areas of application include the painting of wood, plastics, glass and metal. A cooperation agreement between Dürr and Kuka has been signed on May 8, in 2017.
Dr. Hans Schumacher, Board Spokesman of Dürr Systems AG, says: “General industry has also seen a growing need for fully automated paint application of the highest quality. The new painting robot system offers a perfect complement to Dürr’s product portfolio in the form of a compact painting robot for customers in general industry. The new solution is a true innovation in this market segment.”
Stefan Lampa, CEO of Kuka Roboter GmbH, says: “Its perfectly matched and tried-and-tested components are a unique selling point. They have been merged and integrated into an automated painting solution, which is currently unique in the market.”
The painting robot system consists of a six-axis robot equipped with state-of-the-art paint application technology. This technology is available in different configurations. The system, with all its different components, is completed and pre-commissioned at Dürr. It is thus ready for use (“ready2spray”) and can be quickly installed at the customer’s site. Furthermore, the new painting system is fully Industry 4.0-ready.
“Dürr also offers a large version for general industry using its own painting robots, which have been tried-and-tested in the automotive industry. This is an automated system for painting larger workpieces. We can thus cover the entire range of customer requirements”, says Dr. Schumacher.
Dürr has been sourcing mechanical systems for industrial robots from Kuka for a number of years and equipping these with its own application and robot technology for sealing in automotive production. For paint applications in the automotive industry, Dürr will continue to exclusively offer robots developed and produced in-house. Kuka does not operate in this field.
A picture of the painting robot system is available here.
A video and further information can be found here.
Products, systems and services offered by the Group enable highly efficient manufacturing processes in different industries. Dürr supplies not only the automotive industry but also other sectors such as the mechanical engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and – since the takeover of HOMAG Group AG in October 2014 – the woodworking industry. Dürr has 86 business locations in 28 countries. With 15,200 employees, the Group generated sales of € 3.57 billion in 2016. The Group operates in the market via five divisions:
- Paint and Final Assembly Systems: paintshops and final assembly systems for the automotive industry
- Application Technology: robot technologies for the automated application of paint, sealants and adhesives
- Measuring and Process Systems: balancing equipment as well as assembly, testing and filling technology
- Clean Technology Systems: exhaust-air purification systems and energy efficiency technology
- Woodworking Machinery and Systems: machinery and equipment for the woodworking industry
