11 Aug, 24

Wollsdorf 2

Must see: Custom follow-up solution for Wollsdorf

After producing custom solution for stretching full size, finished automotive leather hides for our client Wollsdorf, we have got a request to do a follow-up custom solution for automotive steering wheels as well.

What was it all about this time?

As a following to full hide stretching machine, VIDACO provided custom solution for stretching, measuring and logging longitudinal and transversal elongation already cut parts of steering wheels sets. Machine is fully flexible and ergonomic for various sets of products. Process of stretching and measuring elongation at specific force (N) and speed (depends on parts and process), is needed to comply with standard in automotive industry production chain.

Making the life of operators much easier…

Machines replace the tedious work of operator to stretch and check every single piece by hand. Operator is still needed, though, to do tactile and visual inspection that is completely based of tactile evaluation of parts.

Custom by definition

Due to very specific requirements and the high-quality level required in automotive steering wheel leather, requirements for the machine were very specific and no market solution was adaptable for this purpose. The machine provided us with the ability to stretch the hide parts in two axis independently with fine adjustment of force/speed and travel for each axis. Minimal clamping area provides almost no defect on parts. Seamless integration with other elements of the system allowed us to develop this unique approach to leather inspection and measuring.

The development process smooth as butter

Looking in retrospect, the development process went smoothly and quickly considering complexity and size of the project. From first discussions to commissioning in only a few months VIDACO managed to exceed our expectations allowing us to gain additional insight in developing other parts of the system and thus improve and accelerate development process for the whole system.

The complexity and uniqueness of such an approach to leather inspection did not allow us to use, or even adapt, market solutions. The necessity to seamlessly integrate hardware and software, together with operator, into a single process was a key point. Also, having flexibility in controlling the process and changing requirements as we go, sometimes outside of the initial scope of the project, was key for the success.