【Robot FA Connecting Machining and Heat Treatment Processes】Automation in Thailand from Lathes to Hardening and Cooling｜Designed for High-Temperature, Water, and Oil Environments

K.D. HEAT TECHNOLOGY (THAILAND) CO., LTD. designs and manufactures FA and automation systems in Thailand by combining high-frequency induction heating equipment with robots.

We connect machining processes such as lathes with workpiece transfer, high-frequency hardening, and cooling as a single production line, supporting labor-saving and automation that includes the heat treatment process.

Table of Contents

• Connecting machining processes such as lathes through hardening and cooling
• Integration of fully automatic high-frequency hardening equipment with transfer systems and robots
• Automation in heat treatment environments with high temperatures, water, and oil
• System design considering labor savings and return on equipment investment
• Frequently asked questions
• Keywords for understanding this article

■　Connecting machining processes such as lathes through hardening and cooling

When automating a heat treatment process, automating only the high-frequency hardening equipment is not sufficient.

It is necessary to consider the entire production process, including how workpieces are received from the preceding process, transferred to the hardening equipment, and handed over to the next process after heating and cooling.

K.D. HEAT supports automated lines that connect machining equipment such as lathes with high-frequency hardening equipment, allowing workpiece supply, transfer, heating, and cooling to be carried out continuously.

When connecting with upstream processes, we confirm the specifications of the equipment involved, workpiece transfer positions, process sequence, processing time, and other conditions, and configure the system so that each piece of equipment operates in coordination.

Rather than automating a standalone machine, connecting the machining process through the heat treatment process reduces manual transfer between processes and workpiece accumulation, helping improve the efficiency of the entire production line.

■　Integration of fully automatic high-frequency hardening equipment with transfer systems and robots

K.D. HEAT manufactures fully automatic high-frequency hardening equipment that continuously handles workpiece supply, high-frequency hardening, cooling, and discharge.

Depending on the workpiece shape and production process, transfer equipment and robotic handling are combined with high-frequency hardening equipment, and each process is coordinated and controlled by PLC.

In an automation system, it is important not only to transfer the workpiece accurately to the hardening position, but also to manage the heating time, cooling start timing, transfer movements, and other operations as a single continuous cycle.

By coordinating these processes, manual workpiece loading, transfer, and unloading can be reduced, while variation in production cycles and heat treatment conditions can be minimized.

For cooling, methods such as water cooling, water, oil, or water-soluble quenching fluids are considered according to the workpiece and heat treatment conditions.

※For information on selecting the output and frequency of high-frequency induction heating equipment and on equipment configurations, please refer to the article on high-frequency induction heating equipment.

■　Automation in heat treatment environments with high temperatures, water, and oil

Heat treatment sites that include high-frequency hardening involve not only high-temperature equipment and workpieces, but also cooling water, quenching fluids, oil, and other substances.

For this reason, unlike general transfer processes, the system must be designed with consideration for where robots and transfer equipment are installed and how each piece of equipment is protected.

K.D. HEAT applies experience gained from operating equipment in its own heat treatment factory to build automation systems that take into account the operating conditions specific to heat treatment processes.

We confirm the heating position, cooling position, workpiece transfer route, areas where water or oil is used, and other conditions, and consider equipment and robot layouts and configurations that allow stable operation.

For processes involving high temperatures, water, and oil that have previously been handled manually, we also examine the potential for automation and labor savings while confirming the process conditions.

■　System design considering labor savings and return on equipment investment

When considering FA and automation, it is important to identify which processes are currently performed by operators.

After confirming processes that involve manual work, such as workpiece loading, transfer between machines, and unloading after hardening, the scope of automation is determined.

Rather than automating every process, it is also possible to automate first the processes where benefits can be expected, based on production volume, takt time, operating hours, number of operators, equipment investment, and other factors.

K.D. HEAT considers not only the heat treatment equipment itself but also the machining processes before and after it and the transfer operations, and proposes an equipment configuration that takes into account the balance between labor savings, productivity improvement, and the investment payback period.

We also consider, according to the current production line, which areas can be automated while utilizing existing equipment and which areas require new equipment.

■　Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can you connect machining equipment such as lathes with high-frequency hardening equipment?
A1: Yes. After confirming the specifications of the target equipment and the method of transferring workpieces, we consider an automation system that connects transfer, high-frequency hardening, and cooling processes.

Q2: Can the entire process from workpiece supply through hardening and cooling be fully automated?
A2: Yes. Depending on the workpiece shape, production volume, process sequence, and other conditions, we can provide fully automatic high-frequency hardening equipment combined with transfer equipment and robots.

Q3: Can robots be used in heat treatment sites where water or oil is present?
A3: Yes. After confirming environmental conditions at the heat treatment site, including the heating position, cooling position, and areas where water or oil is used, we consider the layout and configuration of the equipment and robots.

Q4: Can automation be introduced while utilizing existing machining equipment?
A4: After confirming the specifications and control methods of the existing equipment as well as workpiece transfer conditions, we assess whether connection and automation are feasible.

Q5: Can we also consult you about the labor-saving effect and investment payback?
A5: Yes. Based on the current number of operators, production volume, takt time, operating hours, and the scope of processes to be automated, we consider the equipment configuration and investment effectiveness.

■　Keywords for understanding this article

• FA: A system that links production equipment, transfer devices, robots, and other machinery to automate manufacturing processes
• High-frequency hardening: A heat treatment process that uses electromagnetic induction to heat the required area and then rapidly cools it to harden the surface
• PLC: A device that controls the operating sequence of equipment, robots, transfer devices, and other machinery
• Takt time: The production cycle time required to manufacture a specified quantity of products
• Labor saving: Reducing the amount of work or number of processes performed by people through the introduction of automated equipment and similar systems

※For more details, please download the attached materials or contact us via the form below.