Plug-in hybrids combine the range of an internal combustion engine with a locally emission-free electric drive. ZF, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, offers solutions for the entire range of hybrid vehicles with a modular construction kit. Together with the system integrator Maschinenbau Böhmer GmbH, KUKA will in future be supporting the automation of production of the fourth generation of ZF 8-speed plug-in hybrid transmissions.
36 KR IONTEC robots will be used for the die casting of transmission housings and housings for mechatronics. The order was placed on the first of April 2022, and KUKA delivered the first nine robots to Maschinenbau Böhmer GmbH at the beginning of August. The next robot delivery will take place at the end of October. By the spring of 2023, all 36 KR IONTECs should have gone into service at ZF.
The KR IONTEC is particularly easy to commission and requires little maintenance, with a large working envelope and a small footprint. A particular advantage for foundries: the Foundry version of the KR IONTEC can withstand heat and is suitable for the temperature range 0 to 55 degrees Celsius. The robot hand of the KR IONTEC Foundry is also extremely heat-resistant: It can tolerate a temperature of 180 degrees Celsius for up to ten seconds.
A tailor-made offer, service included
In addition to the product features, the decisive factor for the award of the contract by ZF in Nuremberg was the package of offers that KUKA tailored to the needs of the plant. Christian Gernath, Global Key Account Manager ZF Group at KUKA: “ZF Gusstechnologie GmbH benefits from the complete KUKA portfolio with robots, customer support, training and digital services. We are looking forward to being able to support the employees and to the joint journey into future-proof plug-in hybrid transmission production.”
ZF is a globally active technology group and supplies systems for mobility in passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. By electrifying vehicles in a wide range of categories, the Group is helping to reduce emissions and protect the climate. In 2021, ZF generated sales of €38.3 billion with approximately 157,500 employees world-wide. ZF is represented at 188 production locations in 31 countries, and ZF Gusstechnolo-gie GmbH in Nuremberg currently has around 1,000 employees.