Case Study: Quality Conditions Demand Impregnation Equipment

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Schabmüller Automobiltechnik is a leading engineering, machining, and sub-assembly supplier to major automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.  Founded in 1978, the company’s headquarters is in Großmehring Germany, and employs 850 people in four locations. 

 

The Challenge

In 2015, Schabmüller received a contract to machine and pressure test cylinder head covers for Audi’s new V6 engine. With a left and right version of the cylinder head cover, the annual production requirements topped 600,000 units.

To meet Audi’s requirements for quality and cost, Schabmüller would need to install an integrated and automated production line. The line would include machining, washing, drying, leak testing, deburring, assembly and quality inspection.

Not only did the program require integration of the above operations, which had been done in the past, it required that each part be processed in a piece of in-house vacuum impregnation equipment. Schabmüller’s new impregnation equipment would need to address the following challenges:

 

1. 100% impregnation specification-Due to the complexity and critical service requirements of the cover, Audi specified 100% porosity sealing through vacuum impregnation.


2. Freight costs and handling damage-Traditionally Schabmüller outsourced their impregnation requirements to an outside impregnation source.  The freight costs associated with moving this material to and from the outside source would be high. In addition, the handling damage associated with the vendor’s batch impregnation system would pose a significant quality concern. 


3. Meet high production volume-The annual volume of highly machined parts eliminated the use of batch systems due to handling concerns. Also, the cleanliness requirements dictated the use of advanced cleaning techniques which were not available in high volume batch equipment.

As a result, Schabmüller realized that it had to implement a lean impregnation concept that would address these three challenges.

 

The Solution

Although implementation of single piece flow technology would meet all of the quality requirements and eliminate freight costs and handling damage, it was not practical for small head covers.

Godfrey & Wing adapted its Continuous Flow impregnation system (CFi) for installation at Schabmüller’s facility. The CFi uses the Dry Vacuum and Pressure (DVP) process, and Godfrey & Wing’s 95-1000AA recoverable sealant.  The DVP process pushes the sealant deep into the microporosity in order to improve sealing effectiveness. The use of 95-1000AA recoverable sealant is easy to use and remains stable and pure. This helps Schabmüller maintain the highest seal rates.   

 

vacuum impregnation equipment

 

The CFi was custom designed to address the company’s challenges.

 

1. The CFi system would be fully self-contained for quality. The robot and PLC would work together to ensure that parts would not leave the system until meeting all of the pre-determined conditions. If acceptable, then the robot will move the castings from the CFi to the next process.

 

2. Schabmüller’s CFI would use robotic handling to move between impregnation stations, and manufacturing operations. The parts come to the CFi via an inbound conveyor; the robot loads parts into the fixture, moves the fixture through the impregnation system and then unloads the parts for the next operation.

automated production

 

3. Fixtures were designed to impregnate multiple parts. This approach allows for the maximum parts per cycle, the ability to flush sealant from blind holes and taps, and protect critical machined features.

porosity sealing

 

The Results

The CFi is making a significant impact for Schabmüller by answering the following challenges:

 

1. Near 100% casting recovery–Parts continuously flow to each operation since casting recovery is nearly 100% in one cycle.

 

2. Elimination of freight costs and handling damage–The robotic automation provides repeatable in-house processing with no labor because the fixtures are designed  to be robot loaded. This eliminates freight costs and handling damage.

 

3. Achievement of production volume–The CFi can meet the demand of 600,000 parts per year by fitting 5 parts per fixture. The system can increase production to 730,000 parts per year as needed.

 

vacuum impregnation equipment

 

In Summary

Godfrey & Wing’s CFi system is the best and most economical option for Schabmüller to meet Audi’s demands. The system creates a competitive advantage by achieving 100% casting recovery that is clean and free of damage. The CFi plays an integral role in Schabmüller’s production of Audi’s cylinder head covers in one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in the world.

 


 

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