OEMs laud new method for installing 3M's wheel weights

Jan. 1, 2020
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.
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.