LPM Increases Productivity and Safety with Kinova Link 6 Press Machine Tending

AT A GLANCE

CLIENT

LOCATION:

Boisbriand, Quebec

SECTOR:

Manufacturing

SUPPLIER:

Kinova

TECHNOLOGY / PRODUCT USED:

Kinova Link 6 Robot Arm

TARGETED APPLICATION

Automated Press Brake Tending

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Improving execution speed and increasing productivity while improving operator ergonomics and safety

20%

Improvement in

average cycle time per piece

>99%

Compliance achieved

↑↑↑

Workforce optimization

To address labor shortages and repetitive tasks, LPM automated its press brake tending using the Kinova Link 6. This solution reduced manual labor from 8 hours to 5 minutes and enabled 15 hours of continuous production through a modular drawer system. The transition improved safety, ensured 100% quality inspection, and allowed staff to move to higher-value roles.

Kinova x LPM use case - Machine Tending - Press Brake

The Challenge

Laval Poinçon & Matrice Ltée (LPM) specializes in the production of quality tools and dies by offering solutions tailored to each of their customers. They live with many labor, production and equipment challenges. The stamping tasks are very repetitive in addition to being done in a noisy and demanding environment. LPM aims to invest in new technologies with the aim of being the leaders in press production. The company had a need to improve the speed of execution and increase productivity while improving the ergonomics and safety of its operators. In a global context of labor shortage, LPM is eager to assign its employees to higher value-added tasks in order to improve job satisfaction and benefit from a better retention.

The Solution

The objective was to run the press brake without human intervention for at least an 8-hour shift while ensuring production quality by performing a visual inspection of 100% of the parts produced. The solution involved the robotization of the press with a Link 6 robot from Kinova. The project included the design of a modular drawer system allowing up to 15 hours of continuous production, with visual status for loading and unloading. This system enables the robot to operate autonomously for a maximum of two shifts, combined with continuous remote monitoring and handling.

KEY FEATURES

Kinova Link 6 and Press Brake Integration:

Automates tedious, repetitive tasks and increases productivity and parts traceability while relocating skilled workers.

Modular Drawer System:

Custom design allowing up to 15 hours of continuous production, with visual status for loading and unloading.

100% Visual Inspection:

Integrated quality control ensures production quality by performing a visual inspection of 100% of the parts produced.

Continuous Remote Monitoring:

Handling combined with top-level support to both integrators and clients.

RESULTS

Calculation of the ROI was performed with the cycle time and selected parts. The system achieved an average cycle time of 40 sec/piece, which is 20% better than the 50 sec/piece target, and a compliance rate of over 99% against a 95% minimum target. Furthermore, the modular drawer system reached 12 to 15 hours of autonomous production time, representing a 50% improvement over the 8-hour target.

Furthermore, automating tedious, repetitive tasks with the Link 6 allows for the relocation of skilled workers to higher value-added roles. This strategic shift, combined with minimal machine oversight, ensures a more efficient use of human talent. The system also supports extended, independent production for up to two full shifts. This is achieved through seamless robot integration, continuous remote monitoring, and dedicated support for both integrators and clients to ensure maximum uptime.

Improvement in average cycle time: 40 sec/piece reached vs. 50 sec target.