• The two Italian companies have developed a robotized solution for high-speed laser cladding to safely and efficiently apply layers of metal powder to raw brake discs
• By making the discs more resistant to wear, the solution reduces emissions pollution by up to 80%
• The automated solution was shown at Stellantis Factory Booster Day and will be installed at the automaker by the end of the year
• The system cost-effectively allows Automotive OEMs to comply with the Euro 7 standard requiring a significant reduction in the particle emissions from brakes
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Turin, September 19, 2024
Comau and Prima Additive, two Italian companies and global leaders in their respective sectors, have joined forces to showcase the advantages of dual-layer laser cladding having developed a high-speed, fully automated brake disc coating system for Stellantis. The first in a series of robotic-driven Rapid Coating Process cells was presented during the Stellantis Factory Booster Day, held in Turin (Italy) on September 18. By hard coating the raw brake discs with resilient steel and composite materials, the solution will enable Stellantis to significantly increase brake disc durability, reducing emissions pollution by up to 80%; all while keeping cycle times at a minimum. This in turn, will allow the automaker to fully comply with the Euro 7 standard requiring a 27% reduction in particle emissions from brake discs by the end of 2026.
With a combined commitment to innovation that spans over 50 years, Comau and Prima Additive developed the robotic cell using a combination of advanced laser systems, high-speed robotic arms, additive manufacturing processes and safe powder management. Furthermore, the full integration of Comau’s robotic arms with Siemens SINUMERIK Run MyRobot allows the industry-standard software platform to directly control the robotic arm without the need for external or embedded robot controllers. The modular system also allows maximum flexibility and productivity. Indeed, the cells are equipped with adjustable grippers that can handle different sizes of discs, from cars to trucks, to address evolving production mix scenarios. Finally, in addition to being highly versatile and energy efficient, the solution is characterized by a reduced overall footprint.
“This robotized solution represents a great example of innovation, led by two Italian companies who have developed advanced technologies to meet important sustainability targets. In working together to safely automate high-speed laser cladding, Comau and Prima Additive are helping meet a growing demand in Europe and beyond for flexible, turn-key solutions that will help reduce particle emission pollution in response to recent regulations. We are confident there is significant market potential for this type of solution”
Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau
“At Prima Additive, we believe that collaboration and innovation are the driving forces shaping the future of manufacturing. Our collaboration with Comau joins two companies with deep expertise in their respective fields to develop a truly cutting-edge industrial solution in automation and advanced laser systems for material processing. More importantly, the laser system developed for the brake disc coating application is one of the most profitable and sustainable cases of laser additive manufacturing/laser cladding technology applied in mass production for automotive. This solution not only contributes to improving the performance and the durability of automotive brake discs, but it also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability by reducing the overall environmental impact of motor vehicles.”
Paolo Calefati, CEO of Prima Additive
The jointly developed Rapid Coating system is scheduled to be deployed at the Sept-Fons plant in France by the end of 2024, making Stellantis one of the first automakers to launch a fully automated line for the hard coating of brake discs in compliance with Euro 7 policy standards.
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About Prima Additive
Prima Additive, an Italian company part of the Prima Industrie Group, is a leading innovator in the field of metal additive manufacturing and advanced laser systems. Leveraging over four decades of Prima Industrie’s expertise in laser technology, Prima Additive designs, manufactures, and distributes cutting-edge industrial systems globally, meeting the evolving demands of key sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy. With a comprehensive portfolio encompassing the two main laser-based additive manufacturing technologies — Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Direct Energy Deposition (DED) — as well as advanced laser solutions like Remote Laser Welding and Laser Hardening, Prima Additive drives innovation through strong, strategic partnerships. Collaborating with technology providers, universities, and competence centers, the company follows an open innovation strategy to develop groundbreaking applications and support its customers’ ambitions in a rapidly changing industrial landscape. www.primaadditive.com
About Comau
Comau is a worldwide leader in delivering sustainable advanced automation solutions. With 50 years of experience and a global presence, Comau is helping companies of all sizes in almost any industry leverage the benefits of automation. Backed by a continuous commitment to designing and developing innovative and easy to use technologies, its portfolio includes products and systems for vehicle manufacturing, with a strong presence in e-Mobility, as well as advanced robotics and digital solutions to address rapidly growing markets in industrial sectors. The company’s offering also extends to project management and consultancy. Through the training activities organized by its Academy, Comau is committed to advancing the technical and managerial knowledge necessary to face the challenges related to automation and leverage the opportunities of a constantly changing marketplace. Headquartered in Turin, Italy, Comau has an international network of 7 innovation centers and 12 manufacturing plants that span 12 countries and employ 3,700 people. Together with its wide network of distributors and partners, the company is able to respond quickly to the needs of its customers, no matter where they are located throughout the world.
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