Automated Loading and Unloading of Graphitization Furnaces: The Upgrade"&" Path from Manual to Robotic

Graphitized products are often very heavy (tens to hundreds of kilograms) and brittle. Manual handling is not only inefficient but also prone to damage from bumps and knocks, and poses a risk of workplace injuries. Au"&"tomated loading and unloading is an effective way to solve these problems.

Robotic Arm Solution

Utilizing a six-axis industrial robot equipped with a specialized gripper (soft contact surface to prevent damag"&"e to brittle materials), the following can be achieved:

• Automatic Gripping: Vision positioning + force control for precise gripping of materials of different sizes
• Automatic Transfer: Fully automate"&"d path planning from the material rack to the furnace and from the furnace to the cooling zone
• Automatic Stacking: Neatly stacked according to set rules for easy processing in subsequent steps

For mass prod"&"uction of standardized products, roller conveyors or AGV trolleys can be used:

The material baskets automatically rotate on the conveyor line.

Aggregate with the furnace door for automatic push-in/pull-out.

AGVs automatically "&"transfer materials between multiple furnaces and processes.

Safety Design

The automated loading and unloading system is equipped with multiple safety protections:

• Collision Detection: Real-time monitoring by torque sensors; immediate stop upon collision.
• Anti-Fall: Double protection with vacuum suction cups and mechanical grippers.
• Safety Fence: Automatic shutdown upon pers"&"onnel entry.

Results: After configuring automated loading and unloading, a customer increased their daily processing capacity from 6 heats to 10 heats (a 40% increase), and workplace injuries during loading and unloading "&"were reduced to zero. The payback period is approximately 1.5 years.