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 support the automation of the 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 the 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 spring 2023, all 36 KR IONTECs should be in service at ZF.
The KR IONTEC is particularly easy to commission and requires little maintenance, with a large work envelope and a small footprint. A particular advantage for foundries: the foundry version of the KR IONTEC can withstand heat and is basically suitable for the temperature range 0 to 55 degrees Celsius. The robot hand of the KR IONTEC Foundry is also extremely heat-resistant: It tolerates a temperature of 180 degrees Celsius for up to ten seconds.
KUKA KR IONTEC Foundry
The KR IONTEC, Foundry variant
A tailor-made offer, service included
In addition to the product features, the decisive factor for ZF in Nuremberg in awarding the contract was the package of offers which 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 service, training and digital services. We are looking forward to supporting 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 the mobility of 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 around 157,500 employees worldwide. ZF is represented at 188 production locations in 31 countries, and ZF Gusstechnologie GmbH in Nuremberg currently has around 1,000 employees.
