ATM automation launches laminating vacuum press for automotive parts

Automation and robotics specialist, ATM Automation, has developed a new laminating vacuum membrane press aimed at the automotive industry.

The new vacuum presses are suitable for any automotive component that consists of material-wrapped plastics, says ATM. The range includes purpose built systems for interior products such as head-liners, doors, seat backs and sub components, boot sides, load space boards, centre console sub components, instrument panel and sub components and posts A, B, C, and D.

Leicestershire-based ATM’s single bed, double bed and four-sided bed vaccum presses are all controlled with an Industrial PLC uploaded with its ‘BuildAssist’ control system software, making them adaptable and interchangeable, therefore suitable for industry 4.0 networking.

The range is fitted with a quick-change function to ease the changing of the bladder and increase the safety for the operator. They are said to have a quick cycle time of around 2.5 minutes per set of parts and a quick change mechanism which allows a change time of 20 minutes.

Since these machines are completely bespoke, many different aspects can be tailored to the customers’ needs, says ATM, for example, the type of heat (Infra-Red or a more conventionally sealed oven system) and the size of machine.