Feature

RFID monitoring of paint curing line

A manufacturer of automotive-suspension coil springs uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to identify parts and monitor process status in an automated paint shop.

03/02/2020 10:29:23

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Parts travel on dedicated transport frames; each transport frame, suspended from an overhead conveyor, is fitted with a high-frequency, high-temperature RFID tag. During the paint-curing cycle, temperatures may rise to 250°C for more
than 30 minutes. Contrinex high-temperature transponders operate reliably in this range.

Customer application

Automotive suspension components require highly durable surface finishes. A German manufacturer of suspension coil springs operates an automated paint-processing plant that
degreases, spray-paints and heat-cures parts.

Springs travel through the plant on dedicated transport frames. RFID tags, mounted on the frames, identify individual parts. Throughout the process, read/write modules (RWMs), compatible with ISO/IEC 15693, interrogate
the tags and update a centralised control system.

During the heat-curing process, the entire transport frame, complete not only with parts but also with transponder, passes through the curing oven. Curing temperatures reach 250°C
for more than 30 minutes. Temperatures this high are beyond the capabilities of many RFID tags. In the past, complex mechanical arrangements were needed to shield devices from elevated-temperature areas.

Read the full article in the February issue of DPA.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.