A recently launched system called AutoW8t for
dispensing, cutting and robotic application
of
3M’s
new adhesive wheel weights is helping
automotive manufacturers implement smoother
and more cost-effective assembly
lines.
“AutoW8t represents a leap forward in tire
and wheel assembly technology, dramatically
improving the speed, quality and cost of OEM
high-speed tire balancing processes,”
according to Chris Marcus, CEO at Esys
Automation, which created the system in
cooperation with 3M.
“It is designed specifically to apply 3M
wheel weights, a break-through advancement in
precision wheel balancing,” he says.
“Together, AutoW8t and 3M have made wheel
balancing easier and faster than ever,”
reports Marcus, “while reducing inventory and
freeing up valuable manufacturing floor
space. In addition, the 3M product, unlike
traditional industry-standard lead wheel
balances, uses lead-free material to lessen
environmental impact.”
The first machine of its kind, AutoW8t was
designed with only three moving parts –
creating a virtually maintenance-free,
extraordinarily reliable and automated
production solution, he says.
Esys and 3M collaborated over two years,
conducting multiple trials of the technology
in actual production environments with
customers. 3M utilizes AutoW8t at its factory
in Minnesota, producing more than 3 million
pieces thus far.
The weights are designed to replace
traditional systems that require large
inventories of individual parts – from 14 to
24 SKUs down to a single SKU.
“We’re dedicated to designing, developing and
deploying the most advanced automated systems
possible for the transportation-based OEM
markets,” says Marcus. “Bringing that vision
to life would not be possible without our 3M
relationship” he explains.
“AutoW8t and 3M wheel weights will set a new
standard of performance for wheel assembly
operations across the industry, and I’m very
pleased that Esys is a driving force behind
that change,” Marcus adds.
“We were impressed with the innovative
design, quality and sheer simplicity that
Esys brought to the table,” notes 3M sales
and marketing director Greg Piserchia.
“Innovation is a core value for 3M, so it’s
gratifying to work with a team that exhibits
a strong desire to innovate.”
AutoW8t has been selected for General Motors’
Level A Enhancements program; 21 of the
systems will be deployed at four plants over
the next two years.
For more information, visit www.3M.com/wheelweights
and www.esyscorp.com.
