Flexible “à la carte” manufacturing

Can various sealing materials be applied to components with complex geometries featuring pre-treatment and/or cross-linking of the sealing material in the furnace, all in a single manufacturing cell? Yes! R.E.T. REIFF Elastomertechnik GmbH in Reutlingen operates a highly flexible plant that covers a very wide range of production tasks.

The key function of the flexible manufacturing cell is applied seal technology. A six-axis robot transports and moves the components in the space. It positions their surface areas so that they are always at the optimum angle to the nozzle from which the sealing material – typically silicone – is precisely dispensed onto the component. This technique is particularly suitable for components with complex geometries, such as for curved surfaces (free-form surfaces).

The robot has a payload of 16 kilograms. In order to leverage the system’s many functions effectively, R.E.T. deploys tailored control technology.

With this seal application technology it is possible to realise small and large series alike with minimal investment in tools.

For larger or more straightforward components the process is reversed. Then the component is fixed in place and the robot directs the seal nozzle accurately to the relevant points.

The manufacturing cell is also versatile in terms of the sealing materials which can be used. Materials comprising one or two silicone components are processed as standard as a solid or expanded. The optimum material can be selected depending on the required chemical resistance and sealing force. Once the seal is applied to the component the elastomer is temperature cross-linked either at room temperature or in an integrated furnace. Other functionality is provided by the pre-treatment station connected upstream. The robot guides the component over a plasma flame if desired. This cleaning process creates an excellent foundation for the subsequent application of sealer.

With the manufacturing cell, R.E.T. “processes” parts made of a whole range of materials, e.g. aluminium die-casting, plastic injection moulding and sheet steel. Selecting a suitable sealing material, the sealing geometry and the process for applying the seal to the component is where R.E.T.’s expertise lies. The customer is offered a solution that is optimised in terms of functionality and cost and which meets their specification, required chemical resistance, specified rigidity, required sealing force, etc. Responsibility for the important sealing process is thereby entrusted to the specialist and the customer is able to focus on their own core competence – the component (casing).

If the customer desires, applied seal technology can also be offered as contract production in the sense of an extended workbench. In this case, the customer provides the technical specifications and settings and R.E.T. produces according to them.