• Industry > Metal·Plastics
  • Application > Etc.
  • Sector > Manufacturing

This automation solution utilizes YASKAWA robots to automate the hazardous manual process of handling high-temperature aluminum dross (a byproduct of molten aluminum).

By deploying a robot with high heat resistance, this system replaces human operators in extreme thermal environments, ensuring workplace safety and enabling continuous, non-stop operation. The primary goal of this project was to enhance operational safety and improve the work environment by automating the byproduct treatment following high-heat aluminum processing.

Components

Robot
  • Robot: YASKAWA MH180

    • High-payload 6-axis articulated industrial robot.

    • Payload: 180kg (Ideal for heavy dross and robust heat-shielding)

    • Reach: 2,702mm (Ensures safe distance from the furnace)

    • Weight: 970kg

    • Repeatability: ±0.2mm

Workflow

STEP 1.
Skimming: The robot scrapes and collects dross from the surface of the molten metal.
STEP 2.
Loading: The collected dross is picked up or scooped by the robot's specialized tooling.
STEP 3.
Unloading: The dross is transferred and unloaded into a dedicated discharge bin.
STEP 4.
Measurement: The system measures the fill level of the discharge bin.
STEP 5.
Discharge: Once the bin reaches full capacity, it is automatically transported to the external outfeed area.

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