Chinese truck manufacturer Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive (BFDA) has announced that it will be using a production line with 100% process automation in the manufacture of its ‘Actros’ truck.
Automated manufacturing systems builder Comau has been selected to build automated welding solution to support production.
By doing so, Comau will support BFDA’s first localised heavy-duty truck for the Chinese market, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz global platform and uses Daimler’s truck technology.
The automated production line has reportedly been engineered to be completely flexible to handle complex model management and variable output management.
What’s more, with a target annual production capacity of 50,000 units, Comau says its welding solution is intended to meet both the customer’s current and future production requirements.
To develop a solutions befitting the client’s needs, Comau’s engineering team used the Daimler Integra 6 standard to create an automated, flexible, intelligent and digital welding line for both the door area and the framework of the instrument panel.
According to the automation company, the line was designed to ensure cycle efficiency and streamlined workflows, and features proprietary Comau products, such as RH-Clean, an automatic cleaning roller device.
Moreover, the automated system is reportedly also equipped with virtual commissioning technology to support the testing and optimisation of the new production line, while also shortening commissioning time, reducing labour hours and reducing potential commissioning risks.
