Below are some projects that we have completed at Padget Technologies.  This is just a small sampling of the over 3,000 projects that we have completed in our 30+ year history.  As many of our clients prefer to keep their projects confidential, many of our most interesting projects are not available for display.  We have tried to offer a broad display of abilities here with the material that we are able to show.  If you don’t see an example of what you are looking for, don’t let that fool you, we may very well have experience in exactly what you’re looking for.

Precision Machine Tending

Robotic machine tending using a Kawasaki RS007N robot. This project involved modifying the existing lathe to function automatically while parts are loaded by a robot. The fixtures holding the parts are capable of managing several different sizes as well. Prior to automation, an operator performed this task manually, sitting at the machine for an entire shift. Operators now only need to load the parts into the fixtures and let the machine run.

High Speed 3D Profiler

This customer had need to measure not only the outside diameter of the hole in their filter cap, but also the actual threads on the inside.  In essence, a near-lab-quality reading was required on parts with numerous variations at a rate of one per second.  Using a Keyence 3D profiler, PTI built and programmed a system that could measure the threads within .001″ at a rate of one per second.  The system included a kick-off for failed parts, encoder to track and relay the conveyor speed as this was a variable, and a HMI to allow for different setups, part counting, and reject tracking.

Vision-Guided Demo Robot

This robot and small demo system was designed and programmed by PTI for the Automate show in 2019.  The system is meant to simulate a vision-guided pick-and-place application with random presentation of parts.  The idea is simple: the parts start in a fixtured position.  These coordinates are firmly set and represent where the parts are actually intended to be placed at the end of the cycle.  To simulate random part presentation, the robot individually picks the parts up, places them in the tip-tray, then dumps them into the pickup area.  The position of the parts after this action is always random and unpredictable.  The Cognex vision system then locates the parts and feeds that data back to the robot.  The robot is programmed to retrieve the parts in a certain order and place them in the fixtured locations.  After each part is picked up, the Cognex vision system reacquires the parts to account for any possible movement between robot poses.

Concentric Tire Gripper

This machine was designed and built by PTI to lift tires of various sizes without difficult operation.  The fixture had to accommodate several sizes of tires while keeping a wide-open center and concentricity.  The unit is battery powered and rechargeable with remote control operation, capable of lifting 1,100 lbs.

Robotic Soldering

This system utilizes a Kawasaki duAro collaborative robot to perform soldering.  A custom clamping/fixturing device was designed to hold the pieces in position while soldering takes place.  The unit eliminated an otherwise laborious and repetitive task that involved a great deal of inactive time for the operator.

Robotic Bag Palletizing

This system was configured from an industrial robot that was previously used for welding.  The controls of the robot were re-worked to accommodate needs for material handling and palletizing, allowing for the redeployment of the asset.  The system has now effectively eliminated labor at this station, along with repetitive work injuries.

Vision Inspection Machine

At the request of the customer, this machine was designed as seen in this video to inspect journal bearings.  The parts are magnetically conveyed to the top of the gravity feed where they slide down to a stop.  At this point, a magnetic arm acquires the parts and presents them to a Cognex vision system which inspects for tolerance and defects.  If the part passes, it is sent through to the next process.  If it is rejected, it is dropped off into a secure box.

End of Line Electronic Test Stands

Several of these stands are in operation performing electronic systems testing at the end of an assembly line for off-road agricultural and construction equipment.  The stand are interfaced with a proprietary software which allows for systems checks to take place and that data to be transmitted back to the ERP.  These stands were designed and built by PTI.

Below is a look at other projects from different categories, mainly fixtures and test stands.

Fixtures – Weld, Assembly, Lifting, Etc.

Test Stands and Custom Machines

This section is being actively updated.  Stay tuned for more projects to be shown soon!