CSMC Breaks Ground with Taiwan's First Robotic Rust Removal System

In response to the surge in smart manufacturing, the China Steel Machinery Corporation (CSMC), a member of the China Steel Corporation (CSC) Group, has not only incorporated intelligent machine control, laser marking, and rust removal technologies in the machine factory this year but has also successfully pioneered welding automation technology in the cold welding factory. Notably, the "Gantry-type Robotic Arm Laser Targeting and Rust Removing System" employed in the machine factory stands out as Taiwan's first of its kind. This innovative system has earned the excellence award in the system integration group of the 2023 Award of Robotic System Integration (ARSI) for its precision in rust removal from ultra-large workpieces, demonstrating an ability to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact.

In 2019, CSMC took a strategic step towards ensuring welding quality and enhancing efficiency by assembling an intellectualization R&D team. Collaborating with experts from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and drawing from practical manufacturing site experiences and demands, the team meticulously constructed the "Laser Targeting and Rust Removing System" in the mechanical processing plant. Simultaneously, optimization efforts were directed toward equipment in the cold welding factory. This included enhancements such as collaborative robotic arm preheating, temperature monitoring, and the implementation of a robotic arm automatic welding workstation. These measures were implemented to address issues like the lack of traceability data and the potential for inaccuracies in welding information due to manual handwriting.

Furthermore, the digitization of welding operation parameters has introduced traceability to the workpiece manufacturing process. These initiatives have resulted in a notable efficiency boost, nearly tripling the effectiveness of the cold welding process. To optimize production and manufacturing management monitoring, CSMC's plant has also implemented a wireless communication system and central control equipment for processing machines. The integration of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) has significantly heightened the flexibility of manpower and production energy. This marks a formal entry into the realm of Industry 4.0 for CSMC, enhancing overall operational capabilities.

The award-winning "Gantry-type Robotic Arm Laser Targeting and Rust Removing System" stands out not only as an innovative solution for ultra-large workpieces but also as a response to the demands of modern AI intelligent manufacturing. It seamlessly integrates a 6-axis robotic Arm, visual recognition technology, and mechanical motion control software to execute laser marking, line drawing, and rust removal processes. This cutting-edge technology excels not only in handling ultra-large workpieces but also in simultaneously managing multiple workpieces, dynamically recognizing their positions in real-time. Beyond efficiently removing rust from workpieces before welding and enhancing weld quality, this technology effectively mitigates safety and environmental concerns such as noise, dust, and other issues associated with alternative rust removal methods.

Moving forward, CSMC remains committed to advancing a suite of innovative Smart Manufacturing Systems. The focus will be on automatically documenting product processes at each manufacturing stage, enhancing subsequent traceability and inquiry capabilities. Anticipated outcomes include a substantial improvement in overall manufacturing efficiency and quality. The introduction of digital transformation and industrial upgrading is poised to reshape the traditional perception of machinery manufacturing, making it more appealing to young talents. This strategic approach aims to attract a diverse pool of skilled individuals, fostering sustainable development within the machinery industry.